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I have a 250sx 2 stroke and it and the 350 are very similar in riding style, the 350 is a tad easier to lug in my opinion but both turn and fly very well.
Also have a 450 and between 350 and 450 I prefer 350 as I’m way more comfy in the top ends of the rpm range and you can still lug it down low. Granted it doesn’t have the low end torqu me if the 450 but it’s no slouch either.
Also, get the 350, buy a 2017 air boot, a fmf muffler and send your stock ecu to twisted development for a reflash and I guarantee you dint regret buying that bike.
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Reasoning behind it: Sounds like we're very similar in pace and size (I'm +/-200lbs at 6' and slow 30A). Recently had a chance to help "break in" a 2020 350SXF after the owner heard through MXA that they work best with 6+ hours on them, and I had an absolute blast on it!
Currently riding a CR125 for fun and a trusty 2008 CRF450 with older A-Kit for Glen Helen days and Mammoth. Compared to my personal 450 tracked with LitPro, I averaged one second faster per lap on it at Cahuilla Creek MX (faster, outdoor track at elevation). Even more surprising: at a rougher Glen Helen Thursday afternoon session, I was consistently 2 seconds per lap faster on it (even with those stock AER's). It was easier to spin more laps, turned incredibly, felt amazingly light, stopped on dime, and ran stronger than expected when revved properly.
I'd highly suggest riding one before spending on a freshie, as you'll know within a few laps if it's the feel you're looking for (and remember fondly from your 250F racing days). To answer your initial questions: Yes, it will be 30+ competitive even at your size. Yes, you ride it like a 125, but one with stupid long gears; I made it a point at GH to ride in only 2nd and 3rd gears, and it handled these practice laps with ease (remember Cairoli's first moto at Glen Helen MXGP in 2010 when his bike was stuck in 3rd?). I'm 2/3/4 on my 450 and typically 2-5 on my 125! Hard to describe, but even at my size I have to show 450's respect. With the 350, I felt more in control and could toss it about more similar to my 125 than my race ready 450.
For mods as others mentioned, I'd go +1 on rear sprocket from stock 2019 setting, open up the airbox, throw a 2T filter cage in it, get the suspension dialed for you, and possibly have it mapped/throw a pipe on it if you still want more. Luckily, if you happen to be dissatisfied, the 350's seem to hold their value quite well and a 450 is always an option at a later date. Keep us updated and best of luck!
I do want to share a little about my bike to let you know you can get a 350 to run like a 450 in terms of performance, and also what you can do to aid in the comfort level.
My mods include the Cylinder Works big bore 366 kit, DCR intake cam, TLR ported head, and tuned on T4 fuel through the stock ECU. It made 61.5hp at 13,000 RPM's, and carried that all the way to 16,000 RPM's. Torque is at 27ft-lb's, peaking at 11,000 RPM's. It would make more power on a higher oxygenated fuel, and with more compression, but my goal was to have more usable power across the entire RPM range, (not just on the top end like the 250 & 350 are known for) and also not break the bank every time I wanted to ride/race. To put the power into perspective, a 2020 FC450 makes 51.5 hp at 10,000, and then it is done. Mine made 52hp at 10,000 as well, but kept pulling another 10hp for another 6,000 RPM's. This thing is a rocket.
I also went with the MX-Tech Lucky system with Huck valves inside the AER forks (this system is as light as AER forks and super plush), and I run the Neken SFS air/spring clamp for plushness in the bars and less arm pump.
i have a yz270f built by twisted that out holeshots alot of 450's... and im 210lbs
and if you are worried about it. dump race fuel and a ECU on it, and it will rip.
Right now I’m thinking - buy the 350, keep my 2015 450 for fun and tracks with elevation. Tomorrow that may change.
Good luck on your decision!
Pit Row
I’ll get a bike build thread going soon! Thanks again all!
I’m 5’10” and 210lbs and I love mine..although it is for sale due to finances, otherwise I’d keep it, i am 45yrs old and consider myself an intermediate and I get around on it just fine, it is awesome to catch guys on 450’s going into corners because the engine mass makes it feel much lighter than a 450 even though it’s only 1 or 2lbs lighter...
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