New bike tomorrow.. 350 or 450

soggy
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soggy 4/29/2021 8:01pm
4/29/2021 8:01pm Edited Date/Time 4/29/2021 8:02pm
mxracer666 wrote:
450 dude. It's as fast as you want it to be. Just need a little throttle control. The ability to lug it around the track means...
450 dude. It's as fast as you want it to be. Just need a little throttle control. The ability to lug it around the track means the engine will last forever. Really , either way, you can't go wrong. With the 350, you need to push it a little more.
CG118 wrote:
I agree. Just wanted to add that you can get at G2 throttle cam to modify the amount of power you apply to the rewr wheel.
You guys are right to some degree but you can’t do anything about how the larger displacement makes it feel, it’s always going to feel like a 450. 350’s feel better to me, 34 yr old c/b class
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Rabbit Run 41 4/29/2021 8:20pm
4/29/2021 8:20pm
I'm 59 and I track ride a 19 350 SXF. Easy button.
1
motoarmageddon 4/29/2021 8:23pm
4/29/2021 8:23pm
450 all day long. Any of the Husky or KTM or (omg ridiculous )Gas Gas pros can ride 350s in sx but no one does
3
Langhammx
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Langhammx 4/29/2021 8:31pm
4/29/2021 8:31pm
Don’t concern yourself with weight. I’m 210 w/o gear and ride a 350. I’ve been on 450’s since they came out, but they have so much power, it really can get you in trouble...


I had a 150 last year and it lugged my 210lb ass around any track and I could still hit all the jumps. Your weight should not be a deciding factor, in my opinion.
With that said... the 350 likes to be ridden, so you can’t be as lazy on it. But, it’s got more than enough power for any weekend warrior.
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moto551
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moto551 4/29/2021 8:38pm
4/29/2021 8:38pm
mxracer666 wrote:
450 dude. It's as fast as you want it to be. Just need a little throttle control. The ability to lug it around the track means...
450 dude. It's as fast as you want it to be. Just need a little throttle control. The ability to lug it around the track means the engine will last forever. Really , either way, you can't go wrong. With the 350, you need to push it a little more.
CG118 wrote:
I agree. Just wanted to add that you can get at G2 throttle cam to modify the amount of power you apply to the rewr wheel.
350 you need throttle control also just more twisting evolved.
1
DLP600
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DLP600 4/29/2021 9:09pm
4/29/2021 9:09pm
Never rode a 350 but I’m your weight and age. I have a Gas Gas 450 with a full FMF system, Vortex ignition and a remap from Twisted Development. I don’t feel it is too fast or too much at all. In fact I like it better since the mods. I’m old and don’t clear all the jumps yet. Just rode a YZ 250f that was slightly modified and it was not for me at all. Good Luck!
2
Black Diesel Bomber 4/29/2021 9:25pm
4/29/2021 9:25pm
You never stated what type of riding but at 50 yrs old and 240lbs I doubt you are going to be hucking triples and dragging bars in berms. With that said if you plan to do a mixture of riding you might consider an enduro that can do it all. This whole 350 vs 450 thing is always a tough decision and that's why I love what Beta is doing with their 390 and 430 options in between their 350 and 500.

A 390 or 430 would suit you very well. I'm in my mid 40's and just bought a 390 and I love it for enduro and single track.


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Moto520
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Moto520 4/29/2021 9:39pm
4/29/2021 9:39pm
350......that’s the bike I’ve been eyeballing myself!
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aees
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aees 4/29/2021 11:58pm
4/29/2021 11:58pm
It depends on your riding style. I can't ride 350, need to rev it way to much. Hate the 350s.

350 for me, is like a 2-stroke with being most beneficial if you take it to the 13k instead of 8-9k 450.
1
Lightning78
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Lightning78 4/30/2021 12:20am
4/30/2021 12:20am
GrapeApe wrote:
Ride them both and buy the one you like better
Blue Groove wrote:
I am always curious on these comments. How are you guys able to do back to back demos on new bikes?? Your dealer actually let you...
I am always curious on these comments. How are you guys able to do back to back demos on new bikes??
Your dealer actually let you take them out to the track to try?
GrapeApe wrote:
Do a KTM demo day, or make friends at the track and swap bikes. Hard to do the night before you buy, though.
What if the nearest one takes place 6 months from now and or what if the op has something come up that day and can't make the demo day?

The question is asking how does one demo the bike when they're READY and wants to buy?
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chump6784
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chump6784 4/30/2021 1:15am
4/30/2021 1:15am
Blue Groove wrote:
I am always curious on these comments. How are you guys able to do back to back demos on new bikes?? Your dealer actually let you...
I am always curious on these comments. How are you guys able to do back to back demos on new bikes??
Your dealer actually let you take them out to the track to try?
GrapeApe wrote:
Do a KTM demo day, or make friends at the track and swap bikes. Hard to do the night before you buy, though.
Lightning78 wrote:
What if the nearest one takes place 6 months from now and or what if the op has something come up that day and can't make...
What if the nearest one takes place 6 months from now and or what if the op has something come up that day and can't make the demo day?

The question is asking how does one demo the bike when they're READY and wants to buy?
Before I bought my 21 yz450f I found a guy in the pits with one, walked up, introduced myself, told him I was looking at buying one and could I flick him some cash and take his for a spin. He asked what I had and I pointed to my 2019 crf and he agreed. He didn't even take my cash
1
Richy
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Richy 4/30/2021 1:27am
4/30/2021 1:27am
Mate especially for the UK and especially coming off a lay up, 350 all day long.

I asked the same a while ago and was in a similar boat, and now that I've tried them both, I realise the 450 shouldn't have even been a consideration for me personally.
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d394
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d394 4/30/2021 5:04am
4/30/2021 5:04am
Im in disbelief that a 350 is available ???
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PNWRider
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PNWRider 4/30/2021 5:18am
4/30/2021 5:18am
d394 wrote:
Im in disbelief that a 350 is available ???
There’s a few, but way fewer than even a month ago in my area.

I pick up a 450 FE next weekend, but really agonized over the 450 vs 350 decision...if KTM offered an FE 350, I might’ve swayed that direction.
ThePizzaCobra
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ThePizzaCobra 4/30/2021 5:37am
4/30/2021 5:37am
d394 wrote:
Im in disbelief that a 350 is available ???
Seriously, it must be nice to have a choice. Here in NJ, most dealers within 100 miles are out of bikes, and any that are on order are already spoken for. Crazy times.
GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 4/30/2021 5:59am
4/30/2021 5:59am
Blue Groove wrote:
I am always curious on these comments. How are you guys able to do back to back demos on new bikes?? Your dealer actually let you...
I am always curious on these comments. How are you guys able to do back to back demos on new bikes??
Your dealer actually let you take them out to the track to try?
GrapeApe wrote:
Do a KTM demo day, or make friends at the track and swap bikes. Hard to do the night before you buy, though.
Lightning78 wrote:
What if the nearest one takes place 6 months from now and or what if the op has something come up that day and can't make...
What if the nearest one takes place 6 months from now and or what if the op has something come up that day and can't make the demo day?

The question is asking how does one demo the bike when they're READY and wants to buy?
I'm not trying to be a jerk. I've bought motorcycles and most recently a MTB based on peer advice and general public perception and it hasn't worked out. We're all different. My advice is get some personal experience with the characteristics of both motors, or flip a coin.
foreman52
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foreman52 4/30/2021 7:13am
4/30/2021 7:13am
There are a few “heavier” set vets in my region that run the 350’s and love them.

My vote is for the 350. After running one for an entire year the bike has all kinds of power. It was one of the first years I’ve never got that pumped up either.

I don’t believe you will get as tired and will have more usable/comfortable power. I will probably never go back to a 450 after experiencing the 350.

My 2 cents. Let us know what you pick!
Preston412
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Preston412 4/30/2021 7:50am
4/30/2021 7:50am
I would base your decision on your skill level and the type of riding you are going to be doing. I will say that the 350 is probably enough for you if you are a beginner or getting back to it after a few years away.
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Dirtydeeds 4/30/2021 9:16am
4/30/2021 9:16am
Well, here we are, it’s tomorrow. Whats it gonna be?
Captainc
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Captainc 4/30/2021 10:39am
4/30/2021 10:39am
GrapeApe wrote:
Ride them both and buy the one you like better
Blue Groove wrote:
I am always curious on these comments. How are you guys able to do back to back demos on new bikes?? Your dealer actually let you...
I am always curious on these comments. How are you guys able to do back to back demos on new bikes??
Your dealer actually let you take them out to the track to try?
They don’t . I have the choice of both bikes but they are selling so fast I need to make a decision.
Captainc
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Captainc 4/30/2021 10:40am
4/30/2021 10:40am
Dirtydeeds wrote:
Well, here we are, it’s tomorrow. Whats it gonna be?
I have gone with the 450
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viking174
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viking174 4/30/2021 10:47am
4/30/2021 10:47am
Good choice, now go ride the hell out of it.
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walleyeguy
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walleyeguy 4/30/2021 10:49am
4/30/2021 10:49am
d394 wrote:
Im in disbelief that a 350 is available ???
ThePizzaCobra wrote:
Seriously, it must be nice to have a choice. Here in NJ, most dealers within 100 miles are out of bikes, and any that are on...
Seriously, it must be nice to have a choice. Here in NJ, most dealers within 100 miles are out of bikes, and any that are on order are already spoken for. Crazy times.
I'm thinking bikes are like the whole TP shortage of 2020. Everyone's buying one even if they didn't plan on it just because they're afraid if they don't get one now they won't be able to again.
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coastie44
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coastie44 4/30/2021 10:52am
4/30/2021 10:52am
Captainc wrote:
I have gone with the 450
Good for you. I never had a modern motocross bike and bought a YZ426 in 2001. It worked out fine and I rode the wheels off that thing. I had a 350 and didn’t feel like it suited me and I never got comfortable on it. Don’t get me wrong, people are fast on them, and they go like hell but I just like the 450s better.
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Chippy
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Chippy 4/30/2021 11:36am
4/30/2021 11:36am
d394 wrote:
Im in disbelief that a 350 is available ???
ThePizzaCobra wrote:
Seriously, it must be nice to have a choice. Here in NJ, most dealers within 100 miles are out of bikes, and any that are on...
Seriously, it must be nice to have a choice. Here in NJ, most dealers within 100 miles are out of bikes, and any that are on order are already spoken for. Crazy times.
walleyeguy wrote:
I'm thinking bikes are like the whole TP shortage of 2020. Everyone's buying one even if they didn't plan on it just because they're afraid if...
I'm thinking bikes are like the whole TP shortage of 2020. Everyone's buying one even if they didn't plan on it just because they're afraid if they don't get one now they won't be able to again.
End of March I called over 12-13 dealers in my state plus Oregon and AZ.
Found a 21 350 in the Phoenix area. Definitely was one of the last ones left.
Captainc
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Captainc 4/30/2021 12:27pm
4/30/2021 12:27pm
Thank you to everyone for their help.. I have gone for the 450 and pick it up tomorrow. Can’t wait
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byke
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byke 4/30/2021 12:40pm
4/30/2021 12:40pm
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
With your weight I would go with the 450. Everyone else under 210lbs I would suggest a 350.
This is exactly why, for years, there were always a handful of low use CR500's for sale in the paper with new bars and rear fender, and some poor fellow selling it that wanted nothing to do with dirt bikes ever again.
3
Thisusernameisavailable 4/30/2021 2:28pm
4/30/2021 2:28pm
Lots of talk in this thread about the 450 being too much, and the GG450 bring mellower... dare I mention the RMZ450?
500 Mike
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500 Mike 4/30/2021 3:57pm
4/30/2021 3:57pm
Captainc wrote:
Thank you to everyone for their help.. I have gone for the 450 and pick it up tomorrow. Can’t wait
Can we assume you chose the KTM ?
Rawly
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Rawly 4/30/2021 5:55pm
4/30/2021 5:55pm
Or the vet friendly Husky ? That’s the 450 to get if you are debating between the 350 or 450.

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