2023 Ktm 350sxf for a bigger vet???

Nelson
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Nelson
Edited Date/Time 11/26/2022 8:46pm
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!

Edit; sorry I thought I doubled posted and deleted what I thought was one post. Turned out it whipped out both.
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Dirt.Squirt
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Dirt.Squirt 11/12/2022 4:33pm
11/12/2022 4:33pm
A 250f would still be plenty at your weight so I’m sure the 350 would feel like a beast but not quite as much as a 450


Life’s short buy the dirtbike!!
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Dirt.Squirt
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Dirt.Squirt 11/12/2022 4:36pm
11/12/2022 4:36pm Edited Date/Time 11/12/2022 4:37pm
My 450 is the bees knees but I also have 50 lbs on you. I never have rode a 350 but have rode my dads yz250f (he’s 220lbs and 60 years old) and it was super surprising how much power it really had compared to my old 2012 250f.

I felt as if I would be fine with the 250f and have considered getting one off an on since riding his because of the light feeling.
LouisianaMotocross 11/12/2022 4:47pm
11/12/2022 4:47pm
I weighed more than you when I was on a 350 and it was perfectly fine. I go back and forth on which one I prefer but I do feel like I can ride longer on the 450 because I can be lazy. Everyone will tell you the opposite.
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Langhammx 11/12/2022 4:56pm
11/12/2022 4:56pm
Yes. I’m 225 and the ‘19 350 I had was a great bike and plenty of power to do all the jumps.
The ‘19 was more like a really fast 250f, than it was a 450. The ‘23 is much more like a 450 in comparison, but with a lighter feel. Two of my friends have upgraded to the ‘23, coming off of a ‘19-‘22 model bike. One of them is selling it, because of the new power it has, it’s too much for him. The other one loves it, but he’s younger and faster.
That being said, you won’t be missing anything that a 450 has, buying a 350. I had a ‘18 SX150 a few years ago and I was a solid 205-210 and I could do every jump at the track and the bike had more than enough power, as long as you kept it singing. Sold it to Bruce372, he is not a small guy either.
Guess it just depends how much effort you want to put into it.
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Brad460
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Brad460 11/12/2022 5:23pm
11/12/2022 5:23pm Edited Date/Time 11/12/2022 5:26pm
215 here (without gear)- moved from a 450 down to a 350 this year. Initially I was missing the low end torque of my 450, but after some time on the bike I have adjusted to the 350.

My 450 had too much power on the top end, more than I ever needed, but I liked the low end torque. The 350 has a bit less low end but the top end is much more manageable..

If I were to be buying a new bike (which I may do this coming season)- 60/40 leaning toward another 350.
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Chris_Buehler
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Chris_Buehler 11/12/2022 5:28pm
11/12/2022 5:28pm
210-215 isn't that big
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gristle568
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gristle568 11/12/2022 5:40pm
11/12/2022 5:40pm
im 205ish and love my 350, you wont miss the extra power of a 450. the bike feels so much more nimble i can carry my speed better.
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Nelson
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Nelson 11/12/2022 7:18pm
11/12/2022 7:18pm
Langhammx wrote:
Yes. I’m 225 and the ‘19 350 I had was a great bike and plenty of power to do all the jumps. The ‘19 was more...
Yes. I’m 225 and the ‘19 350 I had was a great bike and plenty of power to do all the jumps.
The ‘19 was more like a really fast 250f, than it was a 450. The ‘23 is much more like a 450 in comparison, but with a lighter feel. Two of my friends have upgraded to the ‘23, coming off of a ‘19-‘22 model bike. One of them is selling it, because of the new power it has, it’s too much for him. The other one loves it, but he’s younger and faster.
That being said, you won’t be missing anything that a 450 has, buying a 350. I had a ‘18 SX150 a few years ago and I was a solid 205-210 and I could do every jump at the track and the bike had more than enough power, as long as you kept it singing. Sold it to Bruce372, he is not a small guy either.
Guess it just depends how much effort you want to put into it.
I’m curious of the skill level of your buddies and the one who said it’s to much. Reason I ask is because even in a test I watched on Vital the pro said he likes it better on the mellower map. I’m not really concerned that a 23 would be to much to handle. Also, have you been able to ride a 23? If so how did it compare to your 19 350?
Langhammx 11/12/2022 7:28pm
11/12/2022 7:28pm
Langhammx wrote:
Yes. I’m 225 and the ‘19 350 I had was a great bike and plenty of power to do all the jumps. The ‘19 was more...
Yes. I’m 225 and the ‘19 350 I had was a great bike and plenty of power to do all the jumps.
The ‘19 was more like a really fast 250f, than it was a 450. The ‘23 is much more like a 450 in comparison, but with a lighter feel. Two of my friends have upgraded to the ‘23, coming off of a ‘19-‘22 model bike. One of them is selling it, because of the new power it has, it’s too much for him. The other one loves it, but he’s younger and faster.
That being said, you won’t be missing anything that a 450 has, buying a 350. I had a ‘18 SX150 a few years ago and I was a solid 205-210 and I could do every jump at the track and the bike had more than enough power, as long as you kept it singing. Sold it to Bruce372, he is not a small guy either.
Guess it just depends how much effort you want to put into it.
Nelson wrote:
I’m curious of the skill level of your buddies and the one who said it’s to much. Reason I ask is because even in a test...
I’m curious of the skill level of your buddies and the one who said it’s to much. Reason I ask is because even in a test I watched on Vital the pro said he likes it better on the mellower map. I’m not really concerned that a 23 would be to much to handle. Also, have you been able to ride a 23? If so how did it compare to your 19 350?
The one selling his is a 50+ expert. He races hare scrambles now, but a long time motocross rider/ racer.
He’s going to buy a new SX300 to race

The other is a 28 year old A level rider. He came off a 450, when he bought his ‘19 350. He liked it, but says the ‘23 hits way different, and he likes it.

I have not ridden the ‘23 350, but I trust what my friends have said to be true. There are several others who have commented on the new 350’s characteristics as well. I’d guess most would like it, coming off a 450, but those upgrading from a previous generation 350 may have mixed feelings.
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Nelson
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Nelson 11/12/2022 7:49pm
11/12/2022 7:49pm
Your buddy is going from a 350 to an sx300? Yikes, I’d be going the other direction I’d think. Last few 250 two strokes I had were a 06 cr250 and a 06 rm 250. As good as a motor as the RM was it just didn’t have much roll on with me being 230ish back then. More of just a mid range blast when it came on. I have a buddy that has a few 23 300’s and he said the power is very linear and smooth, almost no hit. He said you don’t really have that “whiskey throttle” feel like some of the other older 250’s when you get tired.
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Langhammx 11/12/2022 8:00pm
11/12/2022 8:00pm
Nelson wrote:
Your buddy is going from a 350 to an sx300? Yikes, I’d be going the other direction I’d think. Last few 250 two strokes I had...
Your buddy is going from a 350 to an sx300? Yikes, I’d be going the other direction I’d think. Last few 250 two strokes I had were a 06 cr250 and a 06 rm 250. As good as a motor as the RM was it just didn’t have much roll on with me being 230ish back then. More of just a mid range blast when it came on. I have a buddy that has a few 23 300’s and he said the power is very linear and smooth, almost no hit. He said you don’t really have that “whiskey throttle” feel like some of the other older 250’s when you get tired.
Yikes ? Why would you say that ?
The SX300 just came out last week. It’s a linear power bike, that’s why he wants it.
I’m confused, you are comparing a 17 year old 2-stroke for your reference to a ‘23 SX300… Unsure
But then your buddy that has a “few” ‘23 300’s tells you that the bike is totally different than the 17 year old 2-stroke and then you wonder why my (50+ year old) friend would go from a ‘23 350 that he doesn’t like, because of the way the power delivery is, to go to a linear power 300 with 57+ HP ?

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Nelson
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Nelson 11/12/2022 8:09pm
11/12/2022 8:09pm
Nelson wrote:
Your buddy is going from a 350 to an sx300? Yikes, I’d be going the other direction I’d think. Last few 250 two strokes I had...
Your buddy is going from a 350 to an sx300? Yikes, I’d be going the other direction I’d think. Last few 250 two strokes I had were a 06 cr250 and a 06 rm 250. As good as a motor as the RM was it just didn’t have much roll on with me being 230ish back then. More of just a mid range blast when it came on. I have a buddy that has a few 23 300’s and he said the power is very linear and smooth, almost no hit. He said you don’t really have that “whiskey throttle” feel like some of the other older 250’s when you get tired.
Langhammx wrote:
Yikes ? Why would you say that ? The SX300 just came out last week. It’s a linear power bike, that’s why he wants it. I’m...
Yikes ? Why would you say that ?
The SX300 just came out last week. It’s a linear power bike, that’s why he wants it.
I’m confused, you are comparing a 17 year old 2-stroke for your reference to a ‘23 SX300… Unsure
But then your buddy that has a “few” ‘23 300’s tells you that the bike is totally different than the 17 year old 2-stroke and then you wonder why my (50+ year old) friend would go from a ‘23 350 that he doesn’t like, because of the way the power delivery is, to go to a linear power 300 with 57+ HP ?

Just initial reaction to a 300 two stroke based off the 250’s I’ve had in the past. I’d think the four stroke would be easier to ride than a 300. Then again I haven’t ridden either so I contradicted myself on that one.
Nelson
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Nelson 11/12/2022 8:13pm
11/12/2022 8:13pm
Nelson wrote:
Your buddy is going from a 350 to an sx300? Yikes, I’d be going the other direction I’d think. Last few 250 two strokes I had...
Your buddy is going from a 350 to an sx300? Yikes, I’d be going the other direction I’d think. Last few 250 two strokes I had were a 06 cr250 and a 06 rm 250. As good as a motor as the RM was it just didn’t have much roll on with me being 230ish back then. More of just a mid range blast when it came on. I have a buddy that has a few 23 300’s and he said the power is very linear and smooth, almost no hit. He said you don’t really have that “whiskey throttle” feel like some of the other older 250’s when you get tired.
Langhammx wrote:
Yikes ? Why would you say that ? The SX300 just came out last week. It’s a linear power bike, that’s why he wants it. I’m...
Yikes ? Why would you say that ?
The SX300 just came out last week. It’s a linear power bike, that’s why he wants it.
I’m confused, you are comparing a 17 year old 2-stroke for your reference to a ‘23 SX300… Unsure
But then your buddy that has a “few” ‘23 300’s tells you that the bike is totally different than the 17 year old 2-stroke and then you wonder why my (50+ year old) friend would go from a ‘23 350 that he doesn’t like, because of the way the power delivery is, to go to a linear power 300 with 57+ HP ?

Nelson wrote:
Just initial reaction to a 300 two stroke based off the 250’s I’ve had in the past. I’d think the four stroke would be easier to...
Just initial reaction to a 300 two stroke based off the 250’s I’ve had in the past. I’d think the four stroke would be easier to ride than a 300. Then again I haven’t ridden either so I contradicted myself on that one.
His bikes are the off road version that I think are the XC’s. Same motor as the sx but with an 18 inch rear wheel and a kick stand I believe is what he said.
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crusher773
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crusher773 11/12/2022 8:13pm
11/12/2022 8:13pm
I'm right about your range and I'm still riding a 2011 350. Has plenty of guts and newer ones have got way more.
Langhammx 11/12/2022 8:14pm
11/12/2022 8:14pm
Nelson wrote:
Just initial reaction to a 300 two stroke based off the 250’s I’ve had in the past. I’d think the four stroke would be easier to...
Just initial reaction to a 300 two stroke based off the 250’s I’ve had in the past. I’d think the four stroke would be easier to ride than a 300. Then again I haven’t ridden either so I contradicted myself on that one.
From someone who has owned them all (except the ‘23 350) in the last 5 years, I can tell you that my ‘23 XC300 is an incredible machine and is smooth as silk. I haven’t ridden my ‘23 SX300 yet, but I have a good feeling what to expect. I’ve had several RM250’s and even an ‘07 with a 300 kit on it. The ‘23 300’s are a totally different bike. But what do I know… I think you should buy the ‘23 350 and give us a ride report.
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Nelson
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Nelson 11/12/2022 8:26pm
11/12/2022 8:26pm
Nelson wrote:
Just initial reaction to a 300 two stroke based off the 250’s I’ve had in the past. I’d think the four stroke would be easier to...
Just initial reaction to a 300 two stroke based off the 250’s I’ve had in the past. I’d think the four stroke would be easier to ride than a 300. Then again I haven’t ridden either so I contradicted myself on that one.
Langhammx wrote:
From someone who has owned them all (except the ‘23 350) in the last 5 years, I can tell you that my ‘23 XC300 is an...
From someone who has owned them all (except the ‘23 350) in the last 5 years, I can tell you that my ‘23 XC300 is an incredible machine and is smooth as silk. I haven’t ridden my ‘23 SX300 yet, but I have a good feeling what to expect. I’ve had several RM250’s and even an ‘07 with a 300 kit on it. The ‘23 300’s are a totally different bike. But what do I know… I think you should buy the ‘23 350 and give us a ride report.
I’ve heard from a few buddies that the new counter balanced motors are altogether different than the older Japanese two stokes. Since your an RM I’d think you could appreciate this one.

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Langhammx 11/12/2022 8:37pm
11/12/2022 8:37pm Edited Date/Time 11/12/2022 8:55pm
Nelson wrote:
I’ve heard from a few buddies that the new counter balanced motors are altogether different than the older Japanese two stokes. Since your an RM I’d...
I’ve heard from a few buddies that the new counter balanced motors are altogether different than the older Japanese two stokes. Since your an RM I’d think you could appreciate this one.

I’ve never owned an aluminum frame RM, but it’s a nice looking bike. One of my RM250’s-

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Nelson
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Nelson 11/12/2022 8:46pm
11/12/2022 8:46pm
I remember seeing that, awesome build! I’m from NorCal and I sold a 06 that had like an hour on it to a guy from down your way. He was buddies with Lee from factory Suzuki and I think he built it out for him. Damnit, I can’t remember his name. He said he was a regular at Glen Helen. You probably know him.

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Spat24 11/12/2022 9:27pm
11/12/2022 9:27pm
Langhammx wrote:
I’ve never owned an aluminum frame RM, but it’s a nice looking bike. One of my RM250’s- [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/11/12/576507/s1200_A9AAC054_8138_4ED2_A0C0_5036A658F899.jpg[/img]
I’ve never owned an aluminum frame RM, but it’s a nice looking bike. One of my RM250’s-

Damn - I get jealous every time I see that bike. Great build.
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Spat24 11/12/2022 9:29pm
11/12/2022 9:29pm
Nelson wrote:
I’ve heard from a few buddies that the new counter balanced motors are altogether different than the older Japanese two stokes. Since your an RM I’d...
I’ve heard from a few buddies that the new counter balanced motors are altogether different than the older Japanese two stokes. Since your an RM I’d think you could appreciate this one.

Tell us about this bike.
ElliotB16
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ElliotB16 11/13/2022 1:03am
11/13/2022 1:03am
Rode a ktm350 for the first time last week. Normally ride a 450 but the 350 has plenty of power.
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Richy
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Richy 11/13/2022 1:20am
11/13/2022 1:20am
Not trying to blow anyone, but if you're gonna listen to someone, Langham should be pretty high up the list 👍
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Nelson
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Nelson 11/13/2022 5:06am
11/13/2022 5:06am
Richy wrote:
Not trying to blow anyone, but if you're gonna listen to someone, Langham should be pretty high up the list 👍
I read quite a bit of content on this forum and see he posts some good stuff. Not sure who he is but I definitely think he has some pretty good insight within the industry. His explanation of his buddies was exactly what I was looking for and very much appreciated.
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Richy
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Richy 11/13/2022 5:15am
11/13/2022 5:15am
Yeah I don't know him, I'm not even in the same country so I have no horse in this race, but always seems to be a legit answer from experience with no agenda, can't knock a guy for that 👍

I like my 350, it's an old 17 however, I switched from a 19 tc250, and although I'm slow as they come now I can still appreciate it still has plenty of poke when I do let it get after it and I have friends who are much faster who've moved up or down from 250 and 450 four strokes and 250 and 300 2 strokes who agree it's pretty much right where you need it power wise while still not being a brute at all. Pottering around when it's wet or super rough it feels like a giant pit bike frankly, in a good way, but wind it up and watch it go... I'm in the UK so we don't have any big 'freeway' tracks either, probably similar-ish to your tracks.
Nelson
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Nelson 11/13/2022 5:25am
11/13/2022 5:25am
Nelson wrote:
I’ve heard from a few buddies that the new counter balanced motors are altogether different than the older Japanese two stokes. Since your an RM I’d...
I’ve heard from a few buddies that the new counter balanced motors are altogether different than the older Japanese two stokes. Since your an RM I’d think you could appreciate this one.

Spat24 wrote:
Tell us about this bike.
2012 rmz250 and a 06 rm 250 motor. Cradle was from a 02 cr250. Fit perfectly. Rm250 airboot bolted right to the RMZ air box. It did slightly touch the shock sting but was never Ilan issue.

When I finished the bike I used my son who was 15 at the time to test it. He was a fast B rider weighing 165 lbs and had plenty of 250 two stoke experience. Biggest mistake was once he rode it I never got it back.

I let a life long expert level two stroke buddy ride it. He currently still has a rm250 that he bought new in 04 so he definitely has a feel for the steel chassis. He said the AF conversion was better in every way over his bike.

Also let another fast B rider on it who was racing Ktm two stoke 250’s at the time and he said he wished his bikes handled that the AF. His bikes were 14’s so I’m not sure if they were good that year?

My son ride the piss out of that bike and still is mad is sold it.
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Gravel
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Gravel 11/13/2022 5:27am
11/13/2022 5:27am
Chris_Buehler wrote:
210-215 isn't that big
I’ll join you swimming in that pool of denial..
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bultokid
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bultokid 11/13/2022 6:39am
11/13/2022 6:39am
6'2" 250 / 59yr old vet..loved my TC250 but not going to lie the new GG 450 is so easy to ride. The FC350 test rode was blast. Buddy just got a 300SX can't wait to try it out. Try and ride as many as you can and get the one you enjoyed the most
racerx217
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racerx217 11/13/2022 7:35am
11/13/2022 7:35am
Ride what is fun, winning/doing well at vet races means absolutely nothing if you are not having fun. I am 240ish and ran a 125 in a vintage series. Most fun i have had in more than awhile on a bike.
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bvm111
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bvm111 11/13/2022 7:56am
11/13/2022 7:56am
currently 230 nekkid…. my 21 350 pulls the front end up out of a corner with my big head over the triple clamps. I was nervous buying mine, I didn’t sell my 20 FE 450 because I was “450 guy” and just wanted to try it. I didn’t like the 350 as much but my friend that i bought it from said just commit to it and don’t ride your 450, after 10 hours on the bike ride your 450 and tell me what you think. I listened to him and when i rode my 450 I was shocked after 1 lap how lethargic and slow the 450 felt under acceleration and especially at turn in while cornering. Accelerating out of corners I initiate my throttle earlier and at a more extreme lean angle. I don’t have a lit pro but I do wear a polar vantage while I ride and it’s does have a gps feature that gives MPH and comparing the speed at certain parts of the track I ride I was always 1-3mph faster. there are so many threads on here if you search, also many videos on you tube comparing lap times and ride comparisons between the 250/350/450… not one will ever say that the 350 isn’t the better bike. Also the Vortex from XPR or Twisted is a game changer …. just get it!

Buy the 350 you will not be disappointed but you have to commit to it!
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Flatliner
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Flatliner 11/13/2022 9:12am
11/13/2022 9:12am
I'm currently eyeing up an 18' husky 350, or a 2010 ktm 144... very different bikes indeed.

not to hijack, anyone remember what those 144's were like?

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