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My gf has a super clean '11 150 as a first bike, the thing is still super fun, but the modern ones are better built, have a linkage, usually less time under their belts, etc.
Not trying to get up in your business dude, but if you can afford an '18 350, but decide you'd like the prefer a two stroke, you'd probably be better off getting a more modern 150 or 250.
The right spring and valving to suit you is more critical on the PDS bikes than the later linkage models, but it can still work well and the engines are sweet and really good fun imo.
Before long it'll probably even be allowed in some vintage races so that's a pretty cool angle as well, although it sounds like the CR ticks that box.
I’ve ridden 450 well in the past, but had 8 years away from
The sport, come back ridden 2 years on a 250 sx, went pretty well but do miss the 4 stroke smooth power at some tracks. I managed to blag a go on a 350 at 2 occasions this year, both times bike felt surprisingly sluggish & gears very long. Seemed to have little urgency to get to the strong power. Think gearing was 14:50 on one of the bikes.
I appreciate up 2 teeth on rear would help, guessing the art to these bikes is not allowing rpm to go below a certain point through the corner to ensure it pulls well on exit, is that the thing to learn ? 450 pull from prettt much any rpm so we get used to that.
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My mods were a pipe, wild map switch, G2 quick turn throttle and I think a 13/52 or 13/53 gearing. Definitely helped get it to the upper rpm range quicker I thought but still was lacking bottom end/torque at my weight I thought. Especially for hitting jumps right out of corners. I’m really hoping the 23 fills that void for me especially since if probably 15 lbs lighter now than I was then.
I always remember hearing 7 lbs takes away 1 hp in my early two stroke days. Anyone know how that relates with a four stroke?
on old 2 stroke guy) and it barks to life and I can clear any jump on the tracks I ride at with out any issue. I am thinking about trying 14/50 and using 2nd gear through the corners allowing it to pull longer … or I might just leave it alone since i’m used to it. I will admit my first couple rides I thought I had made a mistake but I stuck with it and will never go back to a 450!
Do you run the black (short) throttle cam ?
Other issue we have in uk, lots of good deals on 450’s, but 350’s seem to be the one everyone wants so that can be a factor. Can get some lovely facory edition 450’s for less then a ragged 350.
In my almost worthless opinion, 350's are the way to go in the UK unless you're highly skilled or just a monster, the average track seems a lot more compact than in the US, which does stand to reason.
I think most that claim they don't like a 350 or need a 450 just jump on a friends 350 or remember trying an earlier model and spin a lap and its a totally different motorcycle now. They are probably the type to brake early, coast into a corner using the 450-engine braking (creating all the unnecessary braking bumps to the apex) come to an almost complete stop and then lazily torque out of the corner. Well yeah it's not going to work like that, with the 350 you can accelerate further to the corner, brake later, and accelerate harder exiting the corner without wasting energy. I regularly have other riders come up to me at the track and ask if my bike is a 350 or 450 or compliment me on the exhaust note,
My current set up is Vortex mapped by XPR, 14/51 gearing, black cam, two stroke air cage, vented airbox cover, and OEM exhaust. I have thought about getting an exhaust (Akro or PC) but thankfully the availability has been so bad it has kept me from dropping the 1000-1200 dollars on something that probably won't help the power in the long run. I have also thought about trying the air boot from the earlier model as it has an extended intake that is supposed to help low end a little... it's like 60-70 dollars so i might still try it but I don't think it is necessary.
I think it is funny because I always hear from dealers and other riders that the 350 is a niche bike and not popular but good luck finding one new at the dealer or clean used! I will probably be somewhere between 50-60 hours when I sell mine next year when I take the plunge on a 24 for my 50th B-day!
If your selling it this next year, I personally wouldn't bother, but of course your like the rest of us, we like trying stuff out.
If you install one, let us know what you think.
Stock gearing was 14/50 up until 2019. 2020 on is 14/51. I stick with 14/51. Guys that want more immediate response or ability to carry 3rd like 14/52. Starting in 2023 they went to 14/52 stock which likely adds to the bottom response of the new bike.
I also run the G2 quick turn tube and cam. The optional stock black one is only marginally quicker than the stock grey one.. but by no means is it "quick". It still is quite a long throw.
In addition to the other mods everyone has mentioned for bottom bark, there are also a few companies making the alternate shaped exhaust manifolds which are reported to be pretty effective. Never tried them myself.
I've ridden 450s and CR500s most of my life. I'm 6' 240 ish. I picked up an 18 YZ250F with 3 hours on it just out of curiosity. I took it out to Perris without touching anything, clickers, sag, nothing and I had so much fun on it. I was shocked at light it felt, how well it turned in without touching a thing. When I checked the sag it was 138 lol.
I set the clickers to what MXA had, got the sag down and had an epic time throwing it around. I'm still surprised at how much fun that bike is.
I don't get the fuss about 450s being too much, I took my fc450 trail riding it's nimble enough and the engine has finesse. The track, the 450 runs like a dream machine, just leave a 450 stock and, at least the husky, aren't a bear to ride.
Pit Row
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