2023 KTM 350 SX-F

bturner26x
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Acworth, GA, USA
10/22/2022 7:57am
Saw a new '23 FC350 in the crate this past Saturday at Wheelsports in Columbus, Ohio....shipped without footpegs which are shipping separately and supposed to arrive...
Saw a new '23 FC350 in the crate this past Saturday at Wheelsports in Columbus, Ohio....shipped without footpegs which are shipping separately and supposed to arrive soon.....




That bike is pretty. I sold my 350EXC & I’m getting another 350. They are the best woods bikes IMHO. Now there are so many available I don’t know which one to get!
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DC817
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10/26/2022 9:47am
So the map switch and traction control no longer work with a vortex ECU? Am I understanding that correct? Could care less about quick shift and switching between maps on the fly but I will switch on traction control when things dry out and get slick late in the day. Kicking around ordering a vortex from twisted.

I’ve put 6 hours on my 23 in about 2.5 weeks. Chassis continues to be better every ride. Love the bike. Only complaint is the lean pop and it vibrates more than my 21 through the bars. Once I get to 10-12 hours and the chassis is completely broken in, I’ll send the suspension off to Factory Connection and let them work their magic.



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adams189
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Murrieta, CA, USA
10/26/2022 9:58am
Yes you are correct. With the current available Vortex the map switch is eliminated. I just unplugged and removed mine (plugs in right behind the front number plate). I had Twisted Development map mine and it is AMAZING! The bike continues to get better and I am so happy with my switch from a YZ450. Hopes this helps.
4
yz763
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Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
10/26/2022 10:13am
Correct on the switches. The Twisted Vortex is so good that I can’t imagine needing other maps. I raced a hare scramble a few weeks ago then went and rode Moto a few days later. The bike was phenomenal.
1

The Shop

CarlinoJoeVideo
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10/26/2022 1:51pm
yz763 wrote:
Correct on the switches. The Twisted Vortex is so good that I can’t imagine needing other maps. I raced a hare scramble a few weeks ago...
Correct on the switches. The Twisted Vortex is so good that I can’t imagine needing other maps. I raced a hare scramble a few weeks ago then went and rode Moto a few days later. The bike was phenomenal.
I’m on the 23 with Twisted Vortex. I removed the switch from the bike. If you like to go to a TC style map, You can try the map that says -3 which means -3 degree of ignition timing. This makes it less snappy, more like TC. Just take off the seat and turn the dial on the box. Also going from 4 fuel trim, to 5 or 6 can soften up the area you are looking for(Low,mid,high), but this is just adding fuel, so it’s less “Barky”.

To be honest, I’ve been riding the bike in -1 and -2 map, just to roll corners smoother and be less jerky with throttle.
3
Brent
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Temecula, CA, USA
10/26/2022 6:40pm
IMO there is really no need for a map switch on KTM's if you are using a Vortex ignition.

The Vortex makes a HUGE improvement to the power curve over the standard ECU under any circumstances, no matter what model year - it makes a bigger improvement over most any other engine or exhaust mod ever would.

It's easy enough to change the map just by removing the seat and changing the map screw on the ECU, it takes less than 3 minutes tops.

Most guys pick a map and ride with it - I dont know of anyone in race conditions who change maps mid moto.

... you won't see any map switches on a pro race bike...
2
adams189
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Murrieta, CA, USA
10/26/2022 6:44pm Edited Date/Time 10/26/2022 6:44pm
Brent wrote:
IMO there is really no need for a map switch on KTM's if you are using a Vortex ignition. The Vortex makes a HUGE improvement to...
IMO there is really no need for a map switch on KTM's if you are using a Vortex ignition.

The Vortex makes a HUGE improvement to the power curve over the standard ECU under any circumstances, no matter what model year - it makes a bigger improvement over most any other engine or exhaust mod ever would.

It's easy enough to change the map just by removing the seat and changing the map screw on the ECU, it takes less than 3 minutes tops.

Most guys pick a map and ride with it - I dont know of anyone in race conditions who change maps mid moto.

... you won't see any map switches on a pro race bike...
To your point you can’t switch KTM maps on the fly. The bike has to be stopped and in neutral if I remember correctly. Vortex with Twisted maps made a HUGE difference to not only engine charter but it changed how the chassis feels too.
wrc777
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Greenwood, IN, USA
Fantasy
10/26/2022 7:08pm
Brent wrote:
IMO there is really no need for a map switch on KTM's if you are using a Vortex ignition. The Vortex makes a HUGE improvement to...
IMO there is really no need for a map switch on KTM's if you are using a Vortex ignition.

The Vortex makes a HUGE improvement to the power curve over the standard ECU under any circumstances, no matter what model year - it makes a bigger improvement over most any other engine or exhaust mod ever would.

It's easy enough to change the map just by removing the seat and changing the map screw on the ECU, it takes less than 3 minutes tops.

Most guys pick a map and ride with it - I dont know of anyone in race conditions who change maps mid moto.

... you won't see any map switches on a pro race bike...
adams189 wrote:
To your point you can’t switch KTM maps on the fly. The bike has to be stopped and in neutral if I remember correctly. Vortex with...
To your point you can’t switch KTM maps on the fly. The bike has to be stopped and in neutral if I remember correctly. Vortex with Twisted maps made a HUGE difference to not only engine charter but it changed how the chassis feels too.
I don’t know about the ‘23 but the ‘22 can switch on the fly.
2
adams189
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Murrieta, CA, USA
10/26/2022 8:16pm
Brent wrote:
IMO there is really no need for a map switch on KTM's if you are using a Vortex ignition. The Vortex makes a HUGE improvement to...
IMO there is really no need for a map switch on KTM's if you are using a Vortex ignition.

The Vortex makes a HUGE improvement to the power curve over the standard ECU under any circumstances, no matter what model year - it makes a bigger improvement over most any other engine or exhaust mod ever would.

It's easy enough to change the map just by removing the seat and changing the map screw on the ECU, it takes less than 3 minutes tops.

Most guys pick a map and ride with it - I dont know of anyone in race conditions who change maps mid moto.

... you won't see any map switches on a pro race bike...
adams189 wrote:
To your point you can’t switch KTM maps on the fly. The bike has to be stopped and in neutral if I remember correctly. Vortex with...
To your point you can’t switch KTM maps on the fly. The bike has to be stopped and in neutral if I remember correctly. Vortex with Twisted maps made a HUGE difference to not only engine charter but it changed how the chassis feels too.
wrc777 wrote:
I don’t know about the ‘23 but the ‘22 can switch on the fly.
I tried on my 23 and it would not switch. Maybe I was doing it wrong but either way with the ECU I don’t feel a need. Thanks for clarifying. If I am wrong, sorry for the bad gouge.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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10/26/2022 8:43pm
adams189 wrote:
To your point you can’t switch KTM maps on the fly. The bike has to be stopped and in neutral if I remember correctly. Vortex with...
To your point you can’t switch KTM maps on the fly. The bike has to be stopped and in neutral if I remember correctly. Vortex with Twisted maps made a HUGE difference to not only engine charter but it changed how the chassis feels too.
wrc777 wrote:
I don’t know about the ‘23 but the ‘22 can switch on the fly.
adams189 wrote:
I tried on my 23 and it would not switch. Maybe I was doing it wrong but either way with the ECU I don’t feel a...
I tried on my 23 and it would not switch. Maybe I was doing it wrong but either way with the ECU I don’t feel a need. Thanks for clarifying. If I am wrong, sorry for the bad gouge.
I think just RPM needs to be low. I could change maps while riding slow on 2019,
CarlinoJoeVideo
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11/4/2022 7:37am
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag?

I feel like the rear ended of the bike is super high at recommended setting. The last 2 days I’ve been the most comfortable at 1 line up in the clamps and 110mm sag.

Not sure if my “feel” has changed because I’ve been mountain biking a lot, interested to hear your thoughts?
Robbirob25
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Fort Wayne, IN, USA
11/4/2022 7:53am
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag? I feel like the rear ended of...
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag?

I feel like the rear ended of the bike is super high at recommended setting. The last 2 days I’ve been the most comfortable at 1 line up in the clamps and 110mm sag.

Not sure if my “feel” has changed because I’ve been mountain biking a lot, interested to hear your thoughts?
105mm sag
9.95 Bars
I weigh 165, Vet Intermediate
ThatOneKid
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Pittsburgh, PA, USA
11/4/2022 10:18am
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag? I feel like the rear ended of...
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag?

I feel like the rear ended of the bike is super high at recommended setting. The last 2 days I’ve been the most comfortable at 1 line up in the clamps and 110mm sag.

Not sure if my “feel” has changed because I’ve been mountain biking a lot, interested to hear your thoughts?
Slightly different bike so take this with a grain of salt, but i have a 2023 250 SXF with about 12 hours on it.

I'm running 105mm sag, and I also went down to a 39 Nm spring I had laying around since I was struggling to get my race and static sag set properly. I wouldn't mind trying 107-108mm to see

Forks at the top line (first line below the cap), at 148 psi (5'10" 150lbs)

I'm also running pro taper evo sx race bend bars.

This setup does very well on the softer sandier tracks here in Michigan which is what I mostly ride. I will say when i've gotten to some choppier more medium surface tracks the bike doesn't behave how i'd like it to on braking bumps, but I have not had enough time on tracks like that to figure out my clickers and what works.
1
NeedMoto
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Penn Valley, CA, USA
11/4/2022 3:07pm
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag? I feel like the rear ended of...
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag?

I feel like the rear ended of the bike is super high at recommended setting. The last 2 days I’ve been the most comfortable at 1 line up in the clamps and 110mm sag.

Not sure if my “feel” has changed because I’ve been mountain biking a lot, interested to hear your thoughts?
My forks are at the fork cap line. I'm running the Technical Touch KYB internals, they make the forks a tad shorter.

Currently running 105 sag. Will be trying different sag settings soon, mostly because I just like experimenting.

Had mine valved by JBI, very happy! 15 hours, currently the funnest bike I've ridden in many years.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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11/4/2022 8:29pm
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag? I feel like the rear ended of...
Now that everyone has more time on their bikes, where are you settling in with fork height and sag?

I feel like the rear ended of the bike is super high at recommended setting. The last 2 days I’ve been the most comfortable at 1 line up in the clamps and 110mm sag.

Not sure if my “feel” has changed because I’ve been mountain biking a lot, interested to hear your thoughts?
ThatOneKid wrote:
Slightly different bike so take this with a grain of salt, but i have a 2023 250 SXF with about 12 hours on it. I'm running...
Slightly different bike so take this with a grain of salt, but i have a 2023 250 SXF with about 12 hours on it.

I'm running 105mm sag, and I also went down to a 39 Nm spring I had laying around since I was struggling to get my race and static sag set properly. I wouldn't mind trying 107-108mm to see

Forks at the top line (first line below the cap), at 148 psi (5'10" 150lbs)

I'm also running pro taper evo sx race bend bars.

This setup does very well on the softer sandier tracks here in Michigan which is what I mostly ride. I will say when i've gotten to some choppier more medium surface tracks the bike doesn't behave how i'd like it to on braking bumps, but I have not had enough time on tracks like that to figure out my clickers and what works.
I did the SX race Bend also. Stock bars felt super low!
1
yz763
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Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
11/4/2022 8:55pm
I’m at the first line under the cap with 102mm of sag. Bike turns on a dime and is super stable. I’m running KYB internals.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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11/7/2022 7:23am
Do you guys know what size the rear axle nut is? I don’t have a wrench or socket that fit Evil hahaha
fatcat
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Louisville, KY, USA
11/7/2022 7:34am
Do you guys know what size the rear axle nut is? I don’t have a wrench or socket that fit Evil hahaha
30mm
FGR01
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Fantasy
11/7/2022 2:10pm
Do you guys know what size the rear axle nut is? I don’t have a wrench or socket that fit Evil hahaha
KTM does this cool thing where they list the wrench size for most bolts/nuts in the part descriptions. For example the PN and description for the axle nut is A46010086000 Collar nut M22x1,5 WS=30.
4
CarlinoJoeVideo
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11/7/2022 6:50pm
Do you guys know what size the rear axle nut is? I don’t have a wrench or socket that fit Evil hahaha
FGR01 wrote:
KTM does this cool thing where they list the wrench size for most bolts/nuts in the part descriptions. For example the PN and description for the...
KTM does this cool thing where they list the wrench size for most bolts/nuts in the part descriptions. For example the PN and description for the axle nut is A46010086000 Collar nut M22x1,5 WS=30.
Very cool, didn’t know that!
mikejones202
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Wrightsville, PA, USA
11/8/2022 7:49am
I was finally able to ride one of these this past weekend. Suspension was set up for a 250 lb guy and I am about 155, so I couldn't get an exact grasp on the handling. I wanted to really test out the motor on these as compared to the 22's. My findings were pretty incredible as I felt the bottom end on the new 23's is much better then that of a 22. I also did feel that with suspension settings in the right area, this bike will turn much better then the older model. Were the changes drastic enough for me to list my 22 for sale the next day? No. As much as I felt that the 23 is a fantastic bike, I still felt my 22 Husky is just as competitive and the price difference of what I could sell mine for with 35 hours on it and the price of a 23 does not justify it. However, if you were looking to make a switch and between the 2 and the price difference is $1500 or so, spend the extra money and get a 23.

Hope this helps anyone that is looking
3
1
Boggins
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Hermosa Beach, CA, USA
11/8/2022 3:55pm
Problems with my 18.5, 20.5, 22.5 FE 450.....said goodbye to over-priced unreliable FE and said hello to Blu Cru.
2
2
Fattah34
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SG
11/8/2022 5:29pm
Boggins wrote:
Problems with my 18.5, 20.5, 22.5 FE 450.....said goodbye to over-priced unreliable FE and said hello to Blu Cru.
If I were buying a 450 I would definitely get the 23 YZ450F. But too bad the Yamaha has no 350.
2
11/8/2022 6:07pm
adams189 wrote:
Yes you are correct. With the current available Vortex the map switch is eliminated. I just unplugged and removed mine (plugs in right behind the front...
Yes you are correct. With the current available Vortex the map switch is eliminated. I just unplugged and removed mine (plugs in right behind the front number plate). I had Twisted Development map mine and it is AMAZING! The bike continues to get better and I am so happy with my switch from a YZ450. Hopes this helps.
Did you seal the plug with some silicone or something or?
CarlinoJoeVideo
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11/8/2022 6:48pm
adams189 wrote:
Yes you are correct. With the current available Vortex the map switch is eliminated. I just unplugged and removed mine (plugs in right behind the front...
Yes you are correct. With the current available Vortex the map switch is eliminated. I just unplugged and removed mine (plugs in right behind the front number plate). I had Twisted Development map mine and it is AMAZING! The bike continues to get better and I am so happy with my switch from a YZ450. Hopes this helps.
Did you seal the plug with some silicone or something or?
I wrapped my plug in a small sealed plastic bag(like something small nuts/bolts would come in, then wrapped it in electrical tape.
1
Polish Power
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Delmar, NY, USA
11/11/2022 11:40am
Im torn between a 2022 mc350 or 22 350sxf. Would the stiffer valving of ktm be better for a heavier rider? Im about 285. Im know no matter what i would need a revalve, but would the ktm be better for me until i decide to send it out for a revalve? I keep reading the gas gas has softer valving.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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11/11/2022 8:11pm
Im torn between a 2022 mc350 or 22 350sxf. Would the stiffer valving of ktm be better for a heavier rider? Im about 285. Im know...
Im torn between a 2022 mc350 or 22 350sxf. Would the stiffer valving of ktm be better for a heavier rider? Im about 285. Im know no matter what i would need a revalve, but would the ktm be better for me until i decide to send it out for a revalve? I keep reading the gas gas has softer valving.
I’d just start with the correct spring rate. The valving might be fine. The springs are what hold up most the body weight.

As far as which bike, depends on budget and what you want out of the bike. Newest technology or happy with riding the older version?
Nelson
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Bay Area, CA, USA
11/11/2022 8:53pm
I’m looking for some reviews of riders that weigh at least 210-215 that have a 23 350. It would be great for guys to chime in that have had the older generation 350 and both a 23 350 and any year 450.

I’m 50 and grew up riding and racing two strokes. I’ve had a 11 & 13 350 and the bikes to me had a close sensation of a 250 two stroke, well minus the whiskey throttle.

I’m in Nor Cal and except Hangtown the tracks are on the tighter side with jumps out of tighter corners. Not areacross but generally not big open tracks with longer turns where you can keep a lot of momentum going.

I really liked my previous 350’s and they had some simple mods (gearing and pipe ) mainly. My biggest complaint was trying to catch a tight rutted turn and seat bounce a jump that’s right out of a corner. Also it just seemed to take a bit to get to top end where it really came to life.

I always read that people say that they can ride them longer than a 450 but for some reason it seems for me that I had to put a lot of effort of effort into riding the 350 and it would make me pump up pretty quick.

If I was 180lbs or under the 350 would be a no brainer for me. For reference my current bike is a 21 KX450F.

Is the 23 350 that much better down low through the mid to pull my fat ass out of a corner noticeably better than the older generation?

Appreciate any feedback one can pass along!
1
Polish Power
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Delmar, NY, USA
11/11/2022 10:07pm
Im torn between a 2022 mc350 or 22 350sxf. Would the stiffer valving of ktm be better for a heavier rider? Im about 285. Im know...
Im torn between a 2022 mc350 or 22 350sxf. Would the stiffer valving of ktm be better for a heavier rider? Im about 285. Im know no matter what i would need a revalve, but would the ktm be better for me until i decide to send it out for a revalve? I keep reading the gas gas has softer valving.
I’d just start with the correct spring rate. The valving might be fine. The springs are what hold up most the body weight. As far as...
I’d just start with the correct spring rate. The valving might be fine. The springs are what hold up most the body weight.

As far as which bike, depends on budget and what you want out of the bike. Newest technology or happy with riding the older version?
Both the bikes im looking at are used, but super low hours. The guy selling the gas gas has already made the needed upgrades to make it like a ktm. A few of the current 23 mc350 video's mention how the valving is much softer if you are a faster or heavier rider. That kind of deter's me a little bit as i plan to ride the bike a few more times before the snow flys just so i have an idea of what i might want to change over the winter time.

The owner of the ktm has a few upgrades in the bike and a slip on exhaust. I plan to get a vortex ecu for the 350, plus this ktm already comes with the vented number plate as well
as the slip on pipe that the owner put on, will put me ahead of the game in making the bike even better. If you look it up, the resale value is also much higher for the ktm versus the gas gas version.

Is there a good source anywhere for fork settings as far as air pressures that correlate with body weights?
11/11/2022 11:19pm
Do you guys ever get a small burp of oil out of the left fork leg if bled while at the track or if the fork is still relatively warm from riding?

Also, what are you guys running for chain slack? Manual calls for 58-62mm but MXA and others report the KTM engineers suggest 70mm.

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