2023 KTM 350 vs 2022 GG 350 UPDATE: GG Build

ThePizzaCobra
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ThePizzaCobra
Edited Date/Time 11/1/2022 4:12am
I was about to pull the trigger on a 23 KTM 350, but the dealer has a 22 GG 350 for about $4,000 less. I know it’s the older chassis/engine, but for that price difference, I could revalve the suspension, buy a vortex, and pick up some other aftermarket goodies like bars, wheels, and graphics. Is this a no-brainer, or is the ‘23 KTM really worth the difference?
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J-Mill
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J-Mill 10/7/2022 9:43am
10/7/2022 9:43am
Do you prefer to lug or rev? Seems like the ‘23 KTM/HUSQ motor is more like a baby 450 where the ‘22 and older motor is more like a big bore 250. With some time and money you can get the chassis on both to work for you unless you’re qualifying for National or SX speed. I’m in the same situation as you right now but I’m going to go with the ‘23 KTM based on the motor character.
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ThePizzaCobra
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ThePizzaCobra 10/7/2022 9:51am
10/7/2022 9:51am
J-Mill wrote:
Do you prefer to lug or rev? Seems like the ‘23 KTM/HUSQ motor is more like a baby 450 where the ‘22 and older motor is...
Do you prefer to lug or rev? Seems like the ‘23 KTM/HUSQ motor is more like a baby 450 where the ‘22 and older motor is more like a big bore 250. With some time and money you can get the chassis on both to work for you unless you’re qualifying for National or SX speed. I’m in the same situation as you right now but I’m going to go with the ‘23 KTM based on the motor character.
I like to lug, but I’ve had ‘18 and ‘21 350s and I’m familiar with the characteristics. A vortex definitely makes that engines snap. I haven’t ridden a ‘23, but I like what the media says about the new engine. However, they tend to cook the reports on new bikes. Next year when the ‘24s arrive, they’ll be saying how much better that bike is to the ‘23… maybe I’m just a jaded cynic.

I’m not qualifying for any nationals btw… I’m a barely-B-class vet, and if I’m honest with myself for a moment, the latest and greatest probably isn’t going to make me any faster. That probably answers my own original question hahahaha
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fourfourone
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fourfourone 10/7/2022 9:56am
10/7/2022 9:56am
I haven't ridden any of the 23 models, but it seems the general consensus is that most prefer the older chassis and motor. I bet we see some sort of refresh for 24 as the 23 is getting a ton of negative press.

For 4k cheaper I think the 22 is a no brainer.
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Hudd_421
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Hudd_421 10/7/2022 10:12am
10/7/2022 10:12am
23 isn't going to be 4k better of a bike. Sounds like 23's are getting a update in 24, so I'd wait for the 2024 or go with the 22 GasGas now.
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Luxon MX
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Luxon MX 10/7/2022 10:26am
10/7/2022 10:26am
22 without question. Reviews on the 23 are all over the place, it hasn't had much development time, and aftermarket options are still somewhat limited. Spend the $4k on some MX-Tech inserts and a proper setup for yourself and pocket the rest for various other upgrades/tires/track time.

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Brent
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Brent 10/7/2022 11:06am
10/7/2022 11:06am Edited Date/Time 10/7/2022 11:08am
Buy the 22 GasGas.

Your overall experience will be better.
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Jarrod458
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Jarrod458 10/7/2022 11:16am
10/7/2022 11:16am
I didn’t think GG had a 22 350…. Which model?
ricky racer
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ricky racer 10/7/2022 11:23am
10/7/2022 11:23am
For 4 grand less, to me that's a no brainer!!
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ThePizzaCobra
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ThePizzaCobra 10/7/2022 11:32am
10/7/2022 11:32am
Jarrod458 wrote:
I didn’t think GG had a 22 350…. Which model?
Sorry, maybe should have specified that I’m looking at the cross country bikes - XC-F and EX models (I’m 70/30 harescramble/moto)
Robbirob25
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Robbirob25 10/7/2022 11:43am
10/7/2022 11:43am
Jarrod458 wrote:
I didn’t think GG had a 22 350…. Which model?
ThePizzaCobra wrote:
Sorry, maybe should have specified that I’m looking at the cross country bikes - XC-F and EX models (I’m 70/30 harescramble/moto)
So in other words none of these replies are relevant to the original question...
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ThePizzaCobra
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ThePizzaCobra 10/7/2022 11:47am
10/7/2022 11:47am Edited Date/Time 10/7/2022 11:47am
Jarrod458 wrote:
I didn’t think GG had a 22 350…. Which model?
ThePizzaCobra wrote:
Sorry, maybe should have specified that I’m looking at the cross country bikes - XC-F and EX models (I’m 70/30 harescramble/moto)
Robbirob25 wrote:
So in other words none of these replies are relevant to the original question...
Cross country bikes are basically the same except for the 18” wheel, oversized tank, and different valving.
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soggy
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soggy 10/7/2022 12:22pm
10/7/2022 12:22pm
22 no question at that cost savings.
soggy
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soggy 10/7/2022 12:23pm
10/7/2022 12:23pm
The 22 chassis is probably better off-road too since it’s more forgiving.
Rooster#329
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Rooster#329 10/7/2022 1:25pm
10/7/2022 1:25pm
I have a 22 GasGas with vortex mapped by xpr and cone valve forks and absolutely love the way it handles. I haven’t rode a 23 but I’m waiting for hopefully a updated chassis on the 24. I like riding my 350 more than my 450 Kawasaki 450sr.

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fourfourone
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fourfourone 10/7/2022 1:29pm
10/7/2022 1:29pm
Those GG look so much better with black wheels and black clamps.
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NeedMoto
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NeedMoto 10/7/2022 2:26pm
10/7/2022 2:26pm
Holy Be-Geez... 4k is a no brainer for the 22, and I own a 23.

When I was shopping, the price difference was only about $800Shocked
R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 10/7/2022 6:30pm
10/7/2022 6:30pm
I would overwhelmingly say get the 2022. I love mine aside from the suspension which is the same on the KTM anyways.
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mx317
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mx317 10/8/2022 6:13am
10/8/2022 6:13am
Jarrod458 wrote:
I didn’t think GG had a 22 350…. Which model?
They made a 22 MC350F.
mark_sxf
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mark_sxf 10/8/2022 11:13am
10/8/2022 11:13am
fourfourone wrote:
I haven't ridden any of the 23 models, but it seems the general consensus is that most prefer the older chassis and motor. I bet we...
I haven't ridden any of the 23 models, but it seems the general consensus is that most prefer the older chassis and motor. I bet we see some sort of refresh for 24 as the 23 is getting a ton of negative press.

For 4k cheaper I think the 22 is a no brainer.
The new chassis needs more break in time.
A lot of the press rode the bike new there is the problem.

First hours I thought I had made a mistake buying the 23, stiff feeling/ initial corner feel was slow

Give the bike 10/12 hours, my opinion it feels completely different.
Way more stable less vague feeling then the old chassis
So I don’t hope they change the chassis again in 24…
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ThePizzaCobra
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ThePizzaCobra 10/8/2022 5:26pm
10/8/2022 5:26pm Edited Date/Time 10/8/2022 5:27pm
I appreciate all of the feedback, and helping me make what seems to be the unanimously correct decision. I put a deposit on the Gas Gas today. It ended up being $3,300 cheaper (OTD) than the KTM. I’m excited to make that savings temporary and turn this GG into a fun little weapon. Photos of the build to come…
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racerxx276
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racerxx276 10/8/2022 7:25pm
10/8/2022 7:25pm
I may have gotten rid of my 23 prematurely but there were other things I didn't like, even when the frame loosened up.

I love my 22 frame and motor...
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technoviolet 10/8/2022 10:21pm
10/8/2022 10:21pm
Semi-unrelated but anyone know if the 2023.5 mc450 factory edition is going to be on the new chassis?
mx4all
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mx4all 10/9/2022 1:00am
10/9/2022 1:00am
2023.5 and 24 will have an updated chassi compared to ktm 23.
A less ridgid frame will the new bikes have.

The 23 bike is stiff, harch and feels more cramped than the 22 bikes.
I did have a ktm 350 2023 and sold it with 20hs on it. Tried stock stuff and trax and conevalves but it didnt feel as good as the old chassi.

The 23 engine is Nice with the quick shift but thats all.

If u are a slow rider or only ride sandtracks you might not feel the harchness of the 23 bike.
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TheVetGuy 10/9/2022 2:28am
10/9/2022 2:28am
mx4all wrote:
2023.5 and 24 will have an updated chassi compared to ktm 23. A less ridgid frame will the new bikes have. The 23 bike is stiff...
2023.5 and 24 will have an updated chassi compared to ktm 23.
A less ridgid frame will the new bikes have.

The 23 bike is stiff, harch and feels more cramped than the 22 bikes.
I did have a ktm 350 2023 and sold it with 20hs on it. Tried stock stuff and trax and conevalves but it didnt feel as good as the old chassi.

The 23 engine is Nice with the quick shift but thats all.

If u are a slow rider or only ride sandtracks you might not feel the harchness of the 23 bike.
WOW very good input and feedback. I then suggest putting the Cylinder Works 366 big bore. Having installed it in my SXF 350 2017, you find the power at low revs !

https://motocrossactionmag.com/mxas-ktm-366-project-more-horsepower-for…
Ryan625
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Ryan625 10/9/2022 4:56pm
10/9/2022 4:56pm
I couldn't be happier with my 22 MC350. Best all around bike I have ever owned. I'd say the engine revs like a 250f with a lot more power, but doesn't give me "oh shit!" moments like a 450.


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Moto520
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Moto520 10/9/2022 5:12pm
10/9/2022 5:12pm
No brainer…..2022 and use the savings to buy cone valves and vortex ignition
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MX558
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MX558 10/9/2022 8:33pm
10/9/2022 8:33pm
Moto520 wrote:
No brainer…..2022 and use the savings to buy cone valves and vortex ignition
You need to buy vortex so I can try it 😃
MX558
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MX558 10/9/2022 8:38pm
10/9/2022 8:38pm
I rode a 23 today and while the motor was a little better it wasn't earth shattering, forks we're good I would not do the conversion again for that bike . I love my 22 and would like it better with a little more bottom but not willing to spend 3k more for it

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