Should have got a 350 years ago...

sandman768
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Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
8/21/2020 12:11pm
FGR01 wrote:
My 2020 FC350 takes 1,000 cc with a filter change and that puts it on the high end of the range. And I take time and...
My 2020 FC350 takes 1,000 cc with a filter change and that puts it on the high end of the range. And I take time and do lots of leaning the bike to get the max out when draining.
I think that is where I will end up, just put in 1100 ml”s & it’s almost filled the site glass after running it for a minute. Thanks for input. 👍
Hammer 663s
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Forest Grove, OR, USA
8/21/2020 12:17pm
FGR01 wrote:
My 2020 FC350 takes 1,000 cc with a filter change and that puts it on the high end of the range. And I take time and...
My 2020 FC350 takes 1,000 cc with a filter change and that puts it on the high end of the range. And I take time and do lots of leaning the bike to get the max out when draining.
sandman768 wrote:
I think that is where I will end up, just put in 1100 ml”s & it’s almost filled the site glass after running it for a...
I think that is where I will end up, just put in 1100 ml”s & it’s almost filled the site glass after running it for a minute. Thanks for input. 👍
I remember reading that you don't want these full, but at 1/2 glass level. Too much crank splash at higher RPMs costs power or increases crankcase pressure. I think that's what I read. I run my 18 at 1/2.

Hammer 663s
1
DynoDan22
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Victorville, CA, USA
8/21/2020 12:44pm
The oil scavenge pump keeps the oil level way below the clutch basket when running (if the oil level was filled to the top of the window). The windage from the clutch basket sitting in oil is the main offender and will cause power loss. I run. 1,000ml regardless of an oil filter change or not (recommended oil capacity) and the oil level always sits at the very top of the window each time.

I also fill the oil filter with oil and add a little to the oil filter compartment when changing the oil. This keeps the lubrication system primed so you have adequate pressure on start up. I wouldn't want anything more than 1,000ml (cc's) as the oil level would definitely be above the sight glass window.
2
ktmdan
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Houston, TX, USA
8/21/2020 12:50pm
I’m new to the 4 stroke game... so people really change the oil without replacing filthy filter? Seems like a lot of work to not put in a 3 dollar filter.

These oil changes are getting expensive for me though. I’ve got 10 hours on my xcf and done 3 oil and filter changes with motorex.

The Shop

Hammer 663s
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Location
Forest Grove, OR, USA
8/21/2020 1:06pm
ktmdan wrote:
I’m new to the 4 stroke game... so people really change the oil without replacing filthy filter? Seems like a lot of work to not put...
I’m new to the 4 stroke game... so people really change the oil without replacing filthy filter? Seems like a lot of work to not put in a 3 dollar filter.

These oil changes are getting expensive for me though. I’ve got 10 hours on my xcf and done 3 oil and filter changes with motorex.
That's overkill on changes. I do my FC350 at 7-10 hours, with filter, and the oil is still very clean at 7, with only a little color at 10. These clutches run clean stock, and that's where most of the crap comes from as the friction plates wear. If you are not a clutch abuser, and don't ride at 12,000+ RPM a lot, 10 hours is fine. Save some time and $$$.

Hammer
3
FGR01
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USA
Fantasy
8/21/2020 1:09pm
ktmdan wrote:
I’m new to the 4 stroke game... so people really change the oil without replacing filthy filter? Seems like a lot of work to not put...
I’m new to the 4 stroke game... so people really change the oil without replacing filthy filter? Seems like a lot of work to not put in a 3 dollar filter.

These oil changes are getting expensive for me though. I’ve got 10 hours on my xcf and done 3 oil and filter changes with motorex.
I hear ya. I guess with the oil and filters being kinda pricey people try to skimp a little. I do oil and filter every 5 hrs. Not only is it peace of mind, pulling the filter also gives you an opportunity to see if it caught any metal and give you the most advance warning, maybe before something drastically lets loose.
3
Grovesy98
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246
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10/14/2019
Location
GB
8/21/2020 3:09pm
My 2017 takes 1L and I change it after around 4 - 5hrs. I do the oil filter every 2nd oil change. Still can't believe they designed the engine with the drain bolt in that location, making it impossible to get a socket and torque wrench on it. It's scary using a spanner and guessing Blink
2
2F4A
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5/17/2019
Location
NL
8/21/2020 4:13pm
Grovesy98 wrote:
My 2017 takes 1L and I change it after around 4 - 5hrs. I do the oil filter every 2nd oil change. Still can't believe they...
My 2017 takes 1L and I change it after around 4 - 5hrs. I do the oil filter every 2nd oil change. Still can't believe they designed the engine with the drain bolt in that location, making it impossible to get a socket and torque wrench on it. It's scary using a spanner and guessing Blink
I hate it as well, and don't forget to replace the copper washer, if you don't the bolt can get stuck (Saw that a lot recently)
1
ktmdan
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Location
Houston, TX, USA
8/21/2020 6:04pm
ktmdan wrote:
I’m new to the 4 stroke game... so people really change the oil without replacing filthy filter? Seems like a lot of work to not put...
I’m new to the 4 stroke game... so people really change the oil without replacing filthy filter? Seems like a lot of work to not put in a 3 dollar filter.

These oil changes are getting expensive for me though. I’ve got 10 hours on my xcf and done 3 oil and filter changes with motorex.
That's overkill on changes. I do my FC350 at 7-10 hours, with filter, and the oil is still very clean at 7, with only a little...
That's overkill on changes. I do my FC350 at 7-10 hours, with filter, and the oil is still very clean at 7, with only a little color at 10. These clutches run clean stock, and that's where most of the crap comes from as the friction plates wear. If you are not a clutch abuser, and don't ride at 12,000+ RPM a lot, 10 hours is fine. Save some time and $$$.

Hammer
Well I did the first one at an hour after breakin, the second one around 5 hours and the 3rd before my last off road race. I’m a faster A rider off road and admittedly use the clutch more than I should as I learn how to ride the 4 stroke.
On my 250xc I changed the oil every every time I blinked because I used cheap Rotella and I didn’t have to remove the skid plate every time!
1
8/22/2020 5:06am
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider who was carrying a bit too much extra lumber. I started getting frustrated at getting beat to the first corner by 16 year olds who weigh nothing on highly tuned 250fs. & then having to eat dirt the whole moto coming through the pack. At my age i want to start up front & work backwards lol

I now own a 2019 FC350 & a 2019 KTM 450 FE Herlings replica. Some tracks suit the 450 a little better & some suit the 350 better. but i think the 350 is more fun to ride & I probably feel a little more in control.

Having rode both i now think for me, a 350 with a few go faster parts on it might be the answer.

Does anyone know if the akrapovik muffer from the 450 will bolt right onto the the fc350?

Also, the new KTMs with the engine tuning app. How good is that app? Or is it still better to get a ecu remap from twisted or someone?
erik_94COBRA
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Location
Houston-ish, TX, USA
8/22/2020 5:54am
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider...
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider who was carrying a bit too much extra lumber. I started getting frustrated at getting beat to the first corner by 16 year olds who weigh nothing on highly tuned 250fs. & then having to eat dirt the whole moto coming through the pack. At my age i want to start up front & work backwards lol

I now own a 2019 FC350 & a 2019 KTM 450 FE Herlings replica. Some tracks suit the 450 a little better & some suit the 350 better. but i think the 350 is more fun to ride & I probably feel a little more in control.

Having rode both i now think for me, a 350 with a few go faster parts on it might be the answer.

Does anyone know if the akrapovik muffer from the 450 will bolt right onto the the fc350?

Also, the new KTMs with the engine tuning app. How good is that app? Or is it still better to get a ecu remap from twisted or someone?
The muffler should fit. Same dimensions.

You can also remove the baffle from your FC. I made a thread about it in Tech forum.
8/22/2020 8:08am
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider...
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider who was carrying a bit too much extra lumber. I started getting frustrated at getting beat to the first corner by 16 year olds who weigh nothing on highly tuned 250fs. & then having to eat dirt the whole moto coming through the pack. At my age i want to start up front & work backwards lol

I now own a 2019 FC350 & a 2019 KTM 450 FE Herlings replica. Some tracks suit the 450 a little better & some suit the 350 better. but i think the 350 is more fun to ride & I probably feel a little more in control.

Having rode both i now think for me, a 350 with a few go faster parts on it might be the answer.

Does anyone know if the akrapovik muffer from the 450 will bolt right onto the the fc350?

Also, the new KTMs with the engine tuning app. How good is that app? Or is it still better to get a ecu remap from twisted or someone?
The muffler should fit. Same dimensions.

You can also remove the baffle from your FC. I made a thread about it in Tech forum.
Interesting point about the baffle. A friend of mine tried to remove his. He started to doubt himself half way through so called the husky dealer. The dealer said he had tried it himself but it gained nothing & then said the bike needed it to stay there for back pressure otherwise the engine gets damaged. So that spooked me & i didnt take mine out.

Did you notice any power increase? Can you send the link to the thread?
erik_94COBRA
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Location
Houston-ish, TX, USA
8/22/2020 8:15am Edited Date/Time 8/22/2020 8:16am
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider...
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider who was carrying a bit too much extra lumber. I started getting frustrated at getting beat to the first corner by 16 year olds who weigh nothing on highly tuned 250fs. & then having to eat dirt the whole moto coming through the pack. At my age i want to start up front & work backwards lol

I now own a 2019 FC350 & a 2019 KTM 450 FE Herlings replica. Some tracks suit the 450 a little better & some suit the 350 better. but i think the 350 is more fun to ride & I probably feel a little more in control.

Having rode both i now think for me, a 350 with a few go faster parts on it might be the answer.

Does anyone know if the akrapovik muffer from the 450 will bolt right onto the the fc350?

Also, the new KTMs with the engine tuning app. How good is that app? Or is it still better to get a ecu remap from twisted or someone?
The muffler should fit. Same dimensions.

You can also remove the baffle from your FC. I made a thread about it in Tech forum.
Interesting point about the baffle. A friend of mine tried to remove his. He started to doubt himself half way through so called the husky dealer...
Interesting point about the baffle. A friend of mine tried to remove his. He started to doubt himself half way through so called the husky dealer. The dealer said he had tried it himself but it gained nothing & then said the bike needed it to stay there for back pressure otherwise the engine gets damaged. So that spooked me & i didnt take mine out.

Did you notice any power increase? Can you send the link to the thread?
Yes to power increase.

Also, the KTM which has the same engine has no baffle.

https://m.vitalmx.com/forums/Tech-Help-Race-Shop,42/Conical-restrictor-…
8/23/2020 11:49am
I removed the screen (not a baffle) in my exhaust cap as well as installing a non-screen filter cage. ('19 350SXF)
Still waiting on the 2018 intake boot.
I would be interested to hear comments on any real improvement on FMF slip-on vs. stock.
I look down the throat of the stock exhaust with no obstruction to the mid pipe and cannot see how a slip-on can significantly improve flow or performance. I have after market systems on other bikes that did benefit from weight savings and maybe better position of power in the range but that's about it.
sandman768
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Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
8/24/2020 12:51pm
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider...
Iv been a die hard 350 believer & owner since 2011. However the last few years i started having a few doubts. Im a vet rider who was carrying a bit too much extra lumber. I started getting frustrated at getting beat to the first corner by 16 year olds who weigh nothing on highly tuned 250fs. & then having to eat dirt the whole moto coming through the pack. At my age i want to start up front & work backwards lol

I now own a 2019 FC350 & a 2019 KTM 450 FE Herlings replica. Some tracks suit the 450 a little better & some suit the 350 better. but i think the 350 is more fun to ride & I probably feel a little more in control.

Having rode both i now think for me, a 350 with a few go faster parts on it might be the answer.

Does anyone know if the akrapovik muffer from the 450 will bolt right onto the the fc350?

Also, the new KTMs with the engine tuning app. How good is that app? Or is it still better to get a ecu remap from twisted or someone?
Yes... the 450 slip -on fits right on....
sandman768
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Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
8/24/2020 12:56pm
Filters get dirty fast with the optional vented air box over..! I previously modified my 450 cover by drilling large Holes on the ribbed inner flap and the filter took a lot longer to get dirty.... I will try some back to back comparisons on the 350 To see if it’s worth changing filters mid day at the races.
Pirate421
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1826
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7/26/2015
Location
USA
8/24/2020 2:41pm
sandman768 wrote:
Filters get dirty fast with the optional vented air box over..! I previously modified my 450 cover by drilling large Holes on the ribbed inner flap...
Filters get dirty fast with the optional vented air box over..! I previously modified my 450 cover by drilling large Holes on the ribbed inner flap and the filter took a lot longer to get dirty.... I will try some back to back comparisons on the 350 To see if it’s worth changing filters mid day at the races.
Any updates on what you think of the new bike?
8/24/2020 3:41pm
I have the weirdest brake issue going on with the rear brake on my 450. Took caliper apart cleaned it wasn’t dirty to begin with got...
I have the weirdest brake issue going on with the rear brake on my 450. Took caliper apart cleaned it wasn’t dirty to begin with got a master cylinder rebuild adjusted it all the way out and the brake keeps locking on after two corners up there just bought a line hopefully that’ll fix it.
sandman768 wrote:
Too much fluid? Leave some room in the reservoir... too tight adjustment on the pedal? I have never had any rear brake issues on my ktm”s...
Too much fluid? Leave some room in the reservoir... too tight adjustment on the pedal? I have never had any rear brake issues on my ktm”s... and I”m a rear brake dragger...
Yeah you need to leave more play in your rear brake. Nothing to do with the line.
Are the pads wearing flat, you could have a bent mount or the sliding pins.
sandman768
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8103
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Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
8/24/2020 4:53pm
Pirate421 wrote:
Any updates on what you think of the new bike?
Have about 4 hrs on it... raced it yesterday at Winchester ... I think the bike is great, I”m still getting used to it, have to be more aggressive & carry more corner speed than the 450. I like the throttle response & handling. I actually think I”m over revving it, using 2nd gear too much, I think it will pull 3rd In some of the turns... a few more hrs & I should be more in tune with gearbox... at this point, I would say I”m faster on my 450 but with more time I think this bike will be very effective...the motor is pretty impressive... it just keep pulling....
2
Pirate421
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1826
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Location
USA
8/24/2020 6:33pm
sandman768 wrote:
Have about 4 hrs on it... raced it yesterday at Winchester ... I think the bike is great, I”m still getting used to it, have to...
Have about 4 hrs on it... raced it yesterday at Winchester ... I think the bike is great, I”m still getting used to it, have to be more aggressive & carry more corner speed than the 450. I like the throttle response & handling. I actually think I”m over revving it, using 2nd gear too much, I think it will pull 3rd In some of the turns... a few more hrs & I should be more in tune with gearbox... at this point, I would say I”m faster on my 450 but with more time I think this bike will be very effective...the motor is pretty impressive... it just keep pulling....
Awesome, we just moved out of New England and I used to ride the same tracks you’re riding and can say I would stick the 350 in third for 90% of the track. I think if you trust 3rd and let it run you’ll be impressed. That motor has a lot of range.
Big Tex27
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141
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10/6/2011
Location
Dallas, TX, USA
8/24/2020 8:56pm
Seen this bad boy pop up over the weekend, and pulled the trigger. Let’s how round 2 of the 350 goes.
5
Motofinne
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11487
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1/4/2014
Location
FI
9/22/2020 10:09am
Attended a KTM 2021 demoday a few hours ago. Fuck, the 350 is amazing.
2
T-Fish
Posts
3247
Joined
12/14/2009
Location
Sparta, WI, USA
Fantasy
9/22/2020 10:25am
sandman768 wrote:
Too much fluid? Leave some room in the reservoir... too tight adjustment on the pedal? I have never had any rear brake issues on my ktm”s...
Too much fluid? Leave some room in the reservoir... too tight adjustment on the pedal? I have never had any rear brake issues on my ktm”s... and I”m a rear brake dragger...
Yeah you need to leave more play in your rear brake. Nothing to do with the line.
Are the pads wearing flat, you could have a bent mount or the sliding pins.
Sounds to me like it’s an adjustment issue.
yz763
Posts
790
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2/6/2009
Location
Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
10/3/2020 7:30am Edited Date/Time 10/3/2020 7:30am
Picked up a 21 350 SX-F 2 weeks ago. First ride I put about a half hour on it just breaking the motor in, Second ride was last Sunday and this bike rips! I am a Vet A rider and I have been on 450's and 250 two strokes the last 10-12 years. What an awesome bike this 350 is,
I felt like I was ripping on it until my foot caught the outside of a rut and sent me over a little step up with my feet blown off the back of the bike. I hit the ground pretty hard and ended up breaking my collarbone, 6 ribs and collapsing a lung. I have been here in the hospital all week ordering parts for her so she should be ready to rock and roll when I am cleared to ride.
7
sandman768
Posts
8103
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
10/3/2020 7:41am
yz763 wrote:
Picked up a 21 350 SX-F 2 weeks ago. First ride I put about a half hour on it just breaking the motor in, Second ride...
Picked up a 21 350 SX-F 2 weeks ago. First ride I put about a half hour on it just breaking the motor in, Second ride was last Sunday and this bike rips! I am a Vet A rider and I have been on 450's and 250 two strokes the last 10-12 years. What an awesome bike this 350 is,
I felt like I was ripping on it until my foot caught the outside of a rut and sent me over a little step up with my feet blown off the back of the bike. I hit the ground pretty hard and ended up breaking my collarbone, 6 ribs and collapsing a lung. I have been here in the hospital all week ordering parts for her so she should be ready to rock and roll when I am cleared to ride.
Dam, that’s a bummer! I have about 20 hrs on mine already... I”m liking this bike, going to try a 52 rear sprocket as I ride in deep sand sometimes... I have a akro slip on muffler & run Sunoco 260gt fuel. I may try to get the stock ecu remapped at some point but the bike is impressive... 50A rider... I like 450”s but I feel like this bike will be a little easier on my body ....
yz763
Posts
790
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2/6/2009
Location
Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
10/3/2020 8:33am Edited Date/Time 10/3/2020 8:45am
sandman768 wrote:
Dam, that’s a bummer! I have about 20 hrs on mine already... I”m liking this bike, going to try a 52 rear sprocket as I ride...
Dam, that’s a bummer! I have about 20 hrs on mine already... I”m liking this bike, going to try a 52 rear sprocket as I ride in deep sand sometimes... I have a akro slip on muffler & run Sunoco 260gt fuel. I may try to get the stock ecu remapped at some point but the bike is impressive... 50A rider... I like 450”s but I feel like this bike will be a little easier on my body ....
Yeah, it pretty much sucks. I already ordered the 52 tooth rear sprocket, air filter cage thing, Akrapovic slip on and a few of the KTM hard parts. I am in central Florida so all we have here is sand. I run a 50/50 mix of VP 110 and Wawa Ethanol free 89. I think the ECU definitely needs a remap. It feels like it surges down low at lower RPM's. It looks like I probably should let the ribs heal for at lest 2 months. I'll take this time to get the bling dialed in.
CarlinoJoeVideo
Posts
7517
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11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA, USA
10/3/2020 8:49am
yz763 wrote:
Picked up a 21 350 SX-F 2 weeks ago. First ride I put about a half hour on it just breaking the motor in, Second ride...
Picked up a 21 350 SX-F 2 weeks ago. First ride I put about a half hour on it just breaking the motor in, Second ride was last Sunday and this bike rips! I am a Vet A rider and I have been on 450's and 250 two strokes the last 10-12 years. What an awesome bike this 350 is,
I felt like I was ripping on it until my foot caught the outside of a rut and sent me over a little step up with my feet blown off the back of the bike. I hit the ground pretty hard and ended up breaking my collarbone, 6 ribs and collapsing a lung. I have been here in the hospital all week ordering parts for her so she should be ready to rock and roll when I am cleared to ride.
That’s awesome you like the bike. Bummer to hear you went down!

Respect the parts order from the hospital! Silly
flyinb501
Posts
673
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7/25/2011
Location
Lakewood Ranch, FL, USA
10/5/2020 5:30am
Did they change the air boot for 2020? I have a '20 FC 350 and wondering if I need to get an' 18 air boot...
Lynch
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728
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3/14/2015
Location
SE
10/5/2020 7:35am
Soooo are you guys able to ride these like 250s or is it more like mellow 450s? Pinch
AZRider
Posts
412
Joined
6/14/2016
Location
Rock Spring, GA, USA
10/5/2020 7:42am
Lynch wrote:
Soooo are you guys able to ride these like 250s or is it more like mellow 450s? Pinch
I think its most effective to ride it like a 250 and rev it until you're tired. Then you have the option of riding it like a weak 450. They do not have anywhere near the low end grunt a 450 does, so if you want to ride it that way, you give up the benefits of the bike and will suffer if racing it.
2

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