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Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
Warning: this might turn into a novel.
I bought an XC-F instead of the SX-F because I ride moto, race hare scrambles, and occasionally trails.
I've been a 2 stroke only guy for a handful of years(02 YZ250, but primarily a 03 CR125) and never meshed well with 4 strokes in the past, especially KTM chassis/ergos (2 or 4 stroke). They just always felt weird to me after being so used to Japanese bikes. A buddy bought a 22.5 RSE FC450 and I rode that and was blown away at how good it felt right away, but it still had that heavy cumbersome feel that accompanies 450s. I really liked the chassis feel, but I felt the 350 would be the perfect middle ground for me. (33yr old vet C/slow B, 6'1", 195 lbs.)
Ordered the 350XCF, along with a 250XCF for the wife. It showed up this last Friday and I brought it home. Greased up the linkage and headset, plate backgrounds, swapped the flexx bars onto it from my YZ and started the break in motos.
My backyard track is about 3/4 mile long, pretty flowy, but has some tight spots with jumps out of corners and enough obstacles to keep you on your toes. I started off in the mellow map and was able to cruise my whole track in 3rd gear, no problem pulling out of corners, but mainly was taking outside lines. It was so smooth and controllable, even in the aggressive map.
The rear shock is super plush. Waiting to break in the AER48 to form an opinion there. If it needs more, I will likely do the JBI diy revalve since I like to wrench on stuff myself.
The rider triangle/cockpit is extremely comfortable for me and I felt at home right away. The wife even noticed how quickly I adjusted to it, having ranted about not liking KTMs in the past lol. As someone that has a horrible habit of holding on with legs/knees/ankles, the shape of the rear plates helps a ton with that and you definitely feel locked in while standing.
Running all stock suspension settings, 105mm sag, 140psi in the fork, the bike drops effortlessly into corners and made me feel like a hero after being so used to the amount of work it takes to ride my CR125 aggressively and be perfect all the time. It feels so light when you're riding it. You really only notice it when lifting it on the stand. Also very little engine braking, even with only 2 hours on it.
Speaking of the CR, I hopped on that after the 2nd break in moto to allow the 350 to cool down, thinking I was going to be ripping on it after getting used to the 350 power.. All I can say is how bummed I am about how crappy that bike feels now compared to the 350. Super rigid, narrow, and just all around uncomfortable. And that has been my go to bike for the last couple years, sprung and valved for me, is in good shape mechanically, and I loved it. Im a hoarder with everything, including bikes, but I think I'm going to sell it 😆
The only dislikes I have were the stock neken bars are super rigid, the ODI Grips are pretty rough, and the grab area above the filter to help lift it onto the stand is kind of in an awkward place. Other than that, I couldn't be happier with the bike. It has exceeded all the expectations I had.
So go buy one! 🍺
Notice I said when, not if.
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Fast forward to the 23 model and it now sounds like it may finally be worth another shot given it's not a high revving bike and it could be ridden a bit lower on the range. Hoping this can this pull a 220lb rider around the track pretty well - Can any of you lucky owners confirm this??
Thanks Rob
I'm currently in the 240s and the new bike is definitely better, but I don't think it's going to change your mind. My friend, who is a die hard yamaha guy, likes it but would never give up his '22 YZ450F. I definitely recommend you pay someone to ride a few laps on one before making a decision. To me the 350 is more fun to ride in more situations. I owned a '21 YZ250F briefly this year and it's super fun under certain track conditions, and a 450 is definitely fun in certain track conditions. The 350 is just a more do it all bike given my weight and ability.
Do you still have the 150?
When I pick up a bike we should hit the gif, used to ride out there in highschool damn near every weekend till the snow would pile up.
I've been itching to get over there, it sounds pretty epic. I just need to finish my yz. Would much rather have that on the gnarlier single track.
I've got a couple close friends that are always down to ride the gif. Can ride past me on roots like I'm standing still. If you ever want to get out there shoot me a message
I've considered waiting for the TBI 125 to come out. Is your 150 a tpi bike or carb? If you ever feel like unloading it I'd be interested.
The 150 is tpi. Haven't had any issues with it like a lot of people seem to, but the wife also just putts around on it. I almost want to get one of my own. I rode it 30 miles on some pretty gnarly single track in cle elum, bone stock and was shocked at how good it did. Everyone in the group was on 300s and I kept up just fine. The weight loss helps a ton with endurance IMO.
Pit Row
I have considered getting a new 23, but think I will hold off for the 24's in hopes that more parts will become readily available and there is nothing that I don't like about the current 22. Hope this helps
Breaks my heart seeing brake lines and control wires mixed up! Even more so on awesome brand new scoots.
If that is really a thing, can something like that be adjusted at all with different engine hangers, triple clamps and bars? Could that get the chassis feeling more plush like early generations?
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