2023 KTM 350 SX-F

yz763
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yz763 9/7/2022 7:07am
9/7/2022 7:07am Edited Date/Time 9/7/2022 7:19am
Picked mine up Saturday and have about 2 hours on it now (1.5 hours in the Apalachicola National Forest and .5 hours at Croom). I put the twin air filter cage on before I rode it. It feels like my 2021 (Akrapovic slip on, Vortex ignition) just a little faster and ergonomically almost perfect.
The shrader valve on the fork stuck open so as soon as I tried to get air in the forks they deflated. After screwing with it for almost an hour, we ended up jostling it loose and it held air but I didn’t want to risk it so when I got air in it, I left it alone. I rode it with 12.1 bars of air. It was a little on the stiff side. Haha! I had the KYB forks on the 21 from day one. Even though the AER forks had too much air in them, they weren’t too bad. The ass end definitely felt a little more rigid vs. the old one but it could have been the bike over all. Either way, deep sand whoops the bike tracked straight and worked really well. It was just a little stiff.
The maps seem a little closer in tuning compared to the 2021 stock KTM maps. The quick shifter is cool but not sure how much I’ll actually use it. The stock mapping on the 21 was pretty shitty and almost dangerous. It would have these random flame out stalls all the time. It would even do it in the air. The 23 is a little better but it did the same flame out stall quite a bit on the first few rides.
The seat was very comfy and the pegs worked really well. I’m pumped on this bike and once the suspension gets dialed, it will definitely be a better bike. I’m still debating on going back to the KYB conversion as I want to try the air stuff and wholly eliminate them but I will most likely be going back.




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wrc777
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wrc777 9/7/2022 8:07am
9/7/2022 8:07am
I don’t know if anyone reads MXA but they have had issues with the bearings in the knuckle coming loose. They said half of their test bikes have had the issue so keep an eye on them.
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TJMX947
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TJMX947 9/7/2022 10:08am
9/7/2022 10:08am
wrc777 wrote:
I don’t know if anyone reads MXA but they have had issues with the bearings in the knuckle coming loose. They said half of their test...
I don’t know if anyone reads MXA but they have had issues with the bearings in the knuckle coming loose. They said half of their test bikes have had the issue so keep an eye on them.
When I pulled my swingarm and greased the pivots I noticed all of the bolts seemed very loose to begin with. I went over every bolt with a torque wrench.
2
yz763
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yz763 9/7/2022 11:45am
9/7/2022 11:45am
I did have a loose hose clamp on the bottom of the right side radiator after riding it the first time. I would assume it was loose the whole time because I don't think hose clamps randomly loosen up.

The Shop

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racerxx276
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racerxx276 9/10/2022 8:52am
9/10/2022 8:52am
121x wrote:
Anyone with some hours on their bikes now have comments on the apparent increased chassis stiffness of the 23 model? If that is really a thing...
Anyone with some hours on their bikes now have comments on the apparent increased chassis stiffness of the 23 model?

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?
I have a 22 350 xcf and bought the 23 350sxf for moto. The 23 frame is so stiff compared to the 22. I disliked the 23 so much I sold it.
KTM is currently testing a new frame for the 23.5 factory edition. That tells you the 23 frame is a problem...
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mark_sxf
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mark_sxf 9/10/2022 9:00am
9/10/2022 9:00am
121x wrote:
Anyone with some hours on their bikes now have comments on the apparent increased chassis stiffness of the 23 model? If that is really a thing...
Anyone with some hours on their bikes now have comments on the apparent increased chassis stiffness of the 23 model?

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?
racerxx276 wrote:
I have a 22 350 xcf and bought the 23 350sxf for moto. The 23 frame is so stiff compared to the 22. I disliked the...
I have a 22 350 xcf and bought the 23 350sxf for moto. The 23 frame is so stiff compared to the 22. I disliked the 23 so much I sold it.
KTM is currently testing a new frame for the 23.5 factory edition. That tells you the 23 frame is a problem...
How many hours do u had on the bike?
12 hours on the 450 and in the beginning it was very stiff but now the chassis feels amazing.
2
NeedMoto
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NeedMoto 9/10/2022 9:18am
9/10/2022 9:18am
121x wrote:
Anyone with some hours on their bikes now have comments on the apparent increased chassis stiffness of the 23 model? If that is really a thing...
Anyone with some hours on their bikes now have comments on the apparent increased chassis stiffness of the 23 model?

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?
racerxx276 wrote:
I have a 22 350 xcf and bought the 23 350sxf for moto. The 23 frame is so stiff compared to the 22. I disliked the...
I have a 22 350 xcf and bought the 23 350sxf for moto. The 23 frame is so stiff compared to the 22. I disliked the 23 so much I sold it.
KTM is currently testing a new frame for the 23.5 factory edition. That tells you the 23 frame is a problem...
mark_sxf wrote:
How many hours do u had on the bike? 12 hours on the 450 and in the beginning it was very stiff but now the chassis...
How many hours do u had on the bike?
12 hours on the 450 and in the beginning it was very stiff but now the chassis feels amazing.
He had 1 hour on it.

I bought it from him, and am loving the bike. It's getting better with each hour of break in.
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wrc777
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wrc777 9/10/2022 10:17am
9/10/2022 10:17am
racerxx276 wrote:
I have a 22 350 xcf and bought the 23 350sxf for moto. The 23 frame is so stiff compared to the 22. I disliked the...
I have a 22 350 xcf and bought the 23 350sxf for moto. The 23 frame is so stiff compared to the 22. I disliked the 23 so much I sold it.
KTM is currently testing a new frame for the 23.5 factory edition. That tells you the 23 frame is a problem...
mark_sxf wrote:
How many hours do u had on the bike? 12 hours on the 450 and in the beginning it was very stiff but now the chassis...
How many hours do u had on the bike?
12 hours on the 450 and in the beginning it was very stiff but now the chassis feels amazing.
NeedMoto wrote:
He had 1 hour on it.

I bought it from him, and am loving the bike. It's getting better with each hour of break in.
MXA says 10 hours minimum to break in the frame.
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yz763
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yz763 9/10/2022 10:35am
9/10/2022 10:35am
NeedMoto wrote:
He had 1 hour on it.

I bought it from him, and am loving the bike. It's getting better with each hour of break in.
Mine is stiffer than the 21 no doubt. But it isn’t harshly stiffer or bad. I freaking love this bike with 2 hours on it.
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DC817
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DC817 9/15/2022 9:48am
9/15/2022 9:48am
Anymore ride reviews now that some of you have put some hours on the bike? My 23 should be here any day. Currently have a 21 and love it. Reading about the stiff chassis on the 23 kind of makes me want to stick with my 21. Wondering if the chassis has more comfort after it’s been broken in. Appreciate any responses.
Henry_Van
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Henry_Van 9/15/2022 4:42pm
9/15/2022 4:42pm
8 hours on mine hated it at first after aeo helped me out with set up much better bike that the previous 2022 I have also did twisted ecu bike is insanely fast would never wast money on exhaust again just my two cents
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adams189
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adams189 9/15/2022 4:47pm
9/15/2022 4:47pm
Henry_Van wrote:
8 hours on mine hated it at first after aeo helped me out with set up much better bike that the previous 2022 I have also...
8 hours on mine hated it at first after aeo helped me out with set up much better bike that the previous 2022 I have also did twisted ecu bike is insanely fast would never wast money on exhaust again just my two cents
What did you do with your map switch? Did you take it off, or just leave it will all the lights on? Just got mine. Riding it this weekend.
Henry_Van
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Henry_Van 9/15/2022 5:36pm
9/15/2022 5:36pm
Left it on
R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 9/16/2022 5:52am
9/16/2022 5:52am
121x wrote:
Those torque numbers are not what I would have expected given some of the feedback I have read so far on the stronger bottom-end motor characteristics...
Those torque numbers are not what I would have expected given some of the feedback I have read so far on the stronger bottom-end motor characteristics.

I know guys are saying the motor is stronger. But based on those results, I would assume maybe 10-15%? Or maybe the perceivable improvement is quite a bit a more than the numbers would lead one to believe?

I am still struggling with making a potential upgrade from my '18 FC350 to the '23 350 SXF. To me being 6'4 and 240-250lbs in gear, the claimed improvement in bottom-end is enticing for me. Will be interesting to hear more rider feedback as guys get more time on the bike.
TJMX947 wrote:
240 lb guy here. As I mentioned I have a lower gearing on my '17 because I wanted a little more snap and luggability in 2nd/3rd...
240 lb guy here. As I mentioned I have a lower gearing on my '17 because I wanted a little more snap and luggability in 2nd/3rd gears.

The new bike mimics that snap and luggability very closely but I can rev it further. On my '17 I was shifting to 4th some times especially when the track dried out later in the day.

I'm still riding stock spring/valving but I've had a couple of big cases and managed to ride away, my old bike has a Ktech SSF coil spring conversion and I really liked it however I'm going to stick with air on this bike and see how it goes. I think it's a worthwhile upgrade of a bike compared to the 2016 - 2018 generation.
Hey TJ, what did you think of the K-Tech kit? It seems to be the best SFF kit with a fair price. I'm up in the air (haha) about what to do next but I'm dabbling in the idea of a spring conversion. Really struggling with my front end.
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TJMX947
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TJMX947 9/16/2022 6:33am
9/16/2022 6:33am
R VanKamp77 wrote:
Hey TJ, what did you think of the K-Tech kit? It seems to be the best SFF kit with a fair price. I'm up in the...
Hey TJ, what did you think of the K-Tech kit? It seems to be the best SFF kit with a fair price. I'm up in the air (haha) about what to do next but I'm dabbling in the idea of a spring conversion. Really struggling with my front end.
I really like the KTech Kit, as you mentioned the price is good and I had no complaints about the performance. After 4 rides on my '23 I have decided to get another KTech conversion, I'm tired of pumping forks up.
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R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 9/16/2022 6:37am
9/16/2022 6:37am
R VanKamp77 wrote:
Hey TJ, what did you think of the K-Tech kit? It seems to be the best SFF kit with a fair price. I'm up in the...
Hey TJ, what did you think of the K-Tech kit? It seems to be the best SFF kit with a fair price. I'm up in the air (haha) about what to do next but I'm dabbling in the idea of a spring conversion. Really struggling with my front end.
TJMX947 wrote:
I really like the KTech Kit, as you mentioned the price is good and I had no complaints about the performance. After 4 rides on my...
I really like the KTech Kit, as you mentioned the price is good and I had no complaints about the performance. After 4 rides on my '23 I have decided to get another KTech conversion, I'm tired of pumping forks up.
Did you experience a lack of traction and vagueness in your front prior to the spring conversion? I solved the harshness through JBI kit but I'm exploring a spring conversion to match his valving for the "ultimate combo" for a realistic price. I'm going to do some clicker testing but I like to have my options in my mind so I can weigh them out over time.
TJMX947
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TJMX947 9/16/2022 7:39am
9/16/2022 7:39am
R VanKamp77 wrote:
Did you experience a lack of traction and vagueness in your front prior to the spring conversion? I solved the harshness through JBI kit but I'm...
Did you experience a lack of traction and vagueness in your front prior to the spring conversion? I solved the harshness through JBI kit but I'm exploring a spring conversion to match his valving for the "ultimate combo" for a realistic price. I'm going to do some clicker testing but I like to have my options in my mind so I can weigh them out over time.
So I weighed 290+ lbs at the time, any fork would have been harsh for me with stock springs/air pressure. I tried to increase air pressure but it made the bike handle like crap.

On the '23, the first couple of rides it's been real stiff as it breaks in but the fork felt like it wasn't as precise as the old bike with the ktech conversion/proper valving. The fork almost felt like it will wander in turns and skate across imperfections in the dirt, whereas the Ktech feels like it has more traction. I currently weigh around 245 - 250.

I did buy a mint '21 YZ250F this year and I had a tuner set the suspension up. He did the shock and got spring rates/ valving right however he left the forks stock. The bike handled like crap, I thought it was my lack of skill as well as just your standard Yamaha quirks, however I rode my buddy's '22 YZ450 a couple of weeks back and I realized that the set up on the YZ250F suspension was just WAYYY off because his bike felt wonderful.

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adams189
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adams189 9/17/2022 11:16am
9/17/2022 11:16am Edited Date/Time 9/17/2022 12:42pm
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and they dropped shipped it to me. Not a big deal but if you are looking for one they are out there. Cheers everyone!
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fatcat
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fatcat 9/17/2022 6:56pm
9/17/2022 6:56pm
adams189 wrote:
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and...
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and they dropped shipped it to me. Not a big deal but if you are looking for one they are out there. Cheers everyone!
Thanks for that info. I also discovered the skid plates will interchange from 350 to 450. I used one off a FX450
adams189
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adams189 9/17/2022 7:03pm
9/17/2022 7:03pm
adams189 wrote:
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and...
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and they dropped shipped it to me. Not a big deal but if you are looking for one they are out there. Cheers everyone!
fatcat wrote:
Thanks for that info. I also discovered the skid plates will interchange from 350 to 450. I used one off a FX450
Super tight tolerances. Took me a bit to get it fitted up but it’s solid.
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Cory128
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Cory128 9/18/2022 5:17pm
9/18/2022 5:17pm
adams189 wrote:
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and...
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and they dropped shipped it to me. Not a big deal but if you are looking for one they are out there. Cheers everyone!
fatcat wrote:
Thanks for that info. I also discovered the skid plates will interchange from 350 to 450. I used one off a FX450
adams189 wrote:
Super tight tolerances. Took me a bit to get it fitted up but it’s solid.
Fyi the collars on the skid plate shear off. I have broke two already and because of that you might want to order a few extras because I am sure You will need them. No idea why it’s happening but I pull the bolt out and only the inner collar is there. The top/ outer is sheared off clean and out on the track somewhere. Just an fyi
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 9/19/2022 6:13am
9/19/2022 6:13am
adams189 wrote:
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and...
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and they dropped shipped it to me. Not a big deal but if you are looking for one they are out there. Cheers everyone!
fatcat wrote:
Thanks for that info. I also discovered the skid plates will interchange from 350 to 450. I used one off a FX450
Which skid plate are you guys getting? The factory edition one?
sandman768
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sandman768 9/19/2022 6:13am
9/19/2022 6:13am
I watched the Keefer segment. So many variables to evaluate a bikes chassis… East coast/ west coast… suspension setup… tires… ect. No way I could come off my personal bike with 50-75hrs and feel comfortable on a new bike. Usually takes me a good 8-15 hrs of riding to get new bike feeling the way I want it to feel. It’s always good to hear what other riders such as Keefer, have to say about a bike, but ultimately you have to make your own evaluation..For the record… on the East coast vs West coast tracks… the Northeast did not have a lot of rain this summer, many of the tracks would start out watered & softer then get hard packed & choppy later in the day….I do agree, a more forgiving chassis favors the Vet guys… I have a 300Sx on order, I wonder how this stiffer frame effects the 2T engine? Time will tell…. The 1997 Honda CR250 taught me a few things….. 1. There is such a thing as too stiff… 2. If you really like last years bike… hold on to it for a while 😂
3
adams189
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adams189 9/19/2022 7:03am
9/19/2022 7:03am Edited Date/Time 9/19/2022 7:04am
adams189 wrote:
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and...
For anyone looking for a skid plate I was finally able to get an OEM one. 3 Brothers KTM found one through there dealer search and they dropped shipped it to me. Not a big deal but if you are looking for one they are out there. Cheers everyone!
fatcat wrote:
Thanks for that info. I also discovered the skid plates will interchange from 350 to 450. I used one off a FX450
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Which skid plate are you guys getting? The factory edition one?
A46003090044 Is the part number I got. It’s the one on the parts finder for the 23’. Most places I called said they were not in yet. Rocky Mountain said they pushed back production until December but I got lucky enough to find one.
TJMX947
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TJMX947 9/19/2022 7:25am
9/19/2022 7:25am
fatcat wrote:
Thanks for that info. I also discovered the skid plates will interchange from 350 to 450. I used one off a FX450
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Which skid plate are you guys getting? The factory edition one?
adams189 wrote:
A46003090044 Is the part number I got. It’s the one on the parts finder for the 23’. Most places I called said they were not in...
A46003090044 Is the part number I got. It’s the one on the parts finder for the 23’. Most places I called said they were not in yet. Rocky Mountain said they pushed back production until December but I got lucky enough to find one.
AOMC had them a few weeks back - Not sure about now. I was too lazy to jump on it at the time.
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wrc777
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wrc777 9/19/2022 8:41am
9/19/2022 8:41am
sandman768 wrote:
I watched the Keefer segment. So many variables to evaluate a bikes chassis… East coast/ west coast… suspension setup… tires… ect. No way I could come...
I watched the Keefer segment. So many variables to evaluate a bikes chassis… East coast/ west coast… suspension setup… tires… ect. No way I could come off my personal bike with 50-75hrs and feel comfortable on a new bike. Usually takes me a good 8-15 hrs of riding to get new bike feeling the way I want it to feel. It’s always good to hear what other riders such as Keefer, have to say about a bike, but ultimately you have to make your own evaluation..For the record… on the East coast vs West coast tracks… the Northeast did not have a lot of rain this summer, many of the tracks would start out watered & softer then get hard packed & choppy later in the day….I do agree, a more forgiving chassis favors the Vet guys… I have a 300Sx on order, I wonder how this stiffer frame effects the 2T engine? Time will tell…. The 1997 Honda CR250 taught me a few things….. 1. There is such a thing as too stiff… 2. If you really like last years bike… hold on to it for a while 😂
MXA Mosiman said the two strokes were way too soft for him. I don’t know how much of that is suspension vs chassis.
fatcat
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fatcat 9/19/2022 9:07am
9/19/2022 9:07am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Which skid plate are you guys getting? The factory edition one?
Yes, the one off the factory edition and the FX models.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 9/19/2022 8:28pm
9/19/2022 8:28pm
Anyone interested in trading the lowered suspension off the 23 Husky 350? I just got my Husky and looking to trade my shock, link and knuckle and forks for the KTM standard height kit. Thanks!

I’m located in So Cal.
fatcat
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fatcat 9/20/2022 9:15pm
9/20/2022 9:15pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Anyone interested in trading the lowered suspension off the 23 Husky 350? I just got my Husky and looking to trade my shock, link and knuckle...
Anyone interested in trading the lowered suspension off the 23 Husky 350? I just got my Husky and looking to trade my shock, link and knuckle and forks for the KTM standard height kit. Thanks!

I’m located in So Cal.
I would trade but mine would be off an FX450

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