Upgrade to enjoy this feature!
Vital MX fantasy is free to play, but Premium users receive great benefits. Premium benefits include:
- View and download rider stats
- Pick trends
- Create a private league
- And more!
Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
Thats why theres choices!
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
They are not noticably heavier feeling than a 250, at all. That is what makes them awesome. If they handled or felt like a 450, there would be no point.A couple guys saying otherwise, I have no idea how you can think that if you have ridden one.
I get it that some people like to lug 3rd and have that low end 450 torque or aren't into high-rpm screamers, but in the handling/lightness department, they are much better than a 450.It's all in what works best with your riding style.
It doesn't really increase horsepower, it just moves the power around to where it works for you - some people like to rev the bike, others like to lug it.
If you want more HP out of a 350 without going into the motor to do cam and piston work, do this -
(1) use VP race fuel - this will produce significant results
(2) get rid of the backfire screen in the air-box
(3) get an FMF pipe and muffler.
(4) not really HP related, but go to the quicker turning black throttle cam that comes in the spare parts kit.
All that said, I race both the 350 and 450 KTM's - im a 160 LB Vet - and in my experience the 450 is a far better motorcycle, because the power is available if you need it. 450s are actually easier to ride and race if you dont just whack the throttle open.
Having to plan on spending money right out of the box to convert air forks to spring kills the KTM for me.
Did some little things to it;
Spring cartridge from reiger in front (400 euros new)
Am on a set on conevalves now.
Hgs exhaust
2stroke filtercage
Carbon air intake
Running black throttle cam
Using vented side panel
Bike is on par with 450 power, exiting a corner it’s slightly less but it catches up quick and able to keep it longer in gears and it keeps pulling.
Where as with 350s you have to let them rev more and larger throttle use, a 350 on the mid-top to me is harder to hold onto then a 450. 350s are like top fuel dragsters on the top end.
The way 450s build power sooner actually makes them easier to ride for my style.
Seems the argument really comes down to personal riding style more than the bike differences.
Pit Row
im running 14/52, Vortex mapped by XPR with a FMF.. the bike is a rocket ship, and turns on a dime.. turns better than any 450 ive ever ridden, and it makes me a better rider in so cal with all the hard pack we have.. that initial lack of torque really helps with connection to the rear wheel.. on a 450 i feel the rear would come out on me alot, doesnt happen as much on my 350, i can feel it before it goes now.. on the 450 it was almost instant no traction for me on the slick stuff..
top end was just ridiculous, especially going up the hill, felt like I was riding a rocket. This was in the morning when it was still ripped deep, bike cut through it like butter.
Post a reply to: 350 vs. 450