2023 KTM 350 SX-F

ThatOneKid
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207
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2/18/2016
Location
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
1/30/2023 10:36am
MX657 wrote:
Forgive me if this has been posted, I didn't go through the 14 pages of comments about this bike.  I have one in the garage but...

Forgive me if this has been posted, I didn't go through the 14 pages of comments about this bike.  I have one in the garage but haven't ridden it yet.  According to the lackeys at MXA:

"The new-generation KTM/Husky models have issues with the needle bearings walking out of the inside of the linkage’s bell crank and hindering the movement. A slow-moving linkage won’t allow the shock to work properly, and it causes the rear end to feel dead. Check to see if you’re having this issue by removing the bell crank and checking to see if it rotates smoothly or gets hung up. If your linkage is hanging up, replace the needle bearings with a new cage bearing (KTM part number 58033097000).

Has anyone had this issue or made this fix?  They are also claiming it affects all of the '23 KTM's, wanted to ask before chasing down these parts.

When I took my 23 250 SXF linkage apart and greased it I did not have any issues. All of my needle bearings were right where they should have been. It seems like the only way to tell if you have the issue from the outside is if your rear end seems to be binding or hanging up (keep in mind the chain requires extra slack on this bike, so check that this isn't your issue first).

Otherwise you have to take apart your linkage bell crank and inspect the bearings for yourself. Be careful doing this as they can very easily fall out and shoot everywhere. 

Luxon MX
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1390
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11/6/2017
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
Fantasy
1/30/2023 6:54pm

Hey Billy, any update on clamps for 23? Any testing results on the different offsets?

Thanks!

Not yet, but getting close! No issues with the 22 yet from the fast moto guys, but that doesn't mean we can't do a little better with some other options. 

Show871
Posts
127
Joined
12/31/2010
Location
Mountains, CO, USA
2/3/2023 8:19am

Hey does anyone know if the 23 front number plate fits on a 19-22 era 350???  

Appreciated, need a new front plate and figure i would update to the 23 look if possible

DC817
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55
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9/14/2022
Location
USA
2/3/2023 8:47am
Show871 wrote:
Hey does anyone know if the 23 front number plate fits on a 19-22 era 350???   Appreciated, need a new front plate and figure i would...

Hey does anyone know if the 23 front number plate fits on a 19-22 era 350???  

Appreciated, need a new front plate and figure i would update to the 23 look if possible

No, it won’t. 19-22 bolts from the front and 23 bolts from the top. 

1

The Shop

DB97
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1179
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7/28/2016
Location
Orlando, FL, USA
2/3/2023 8:56am
Show871 wrote:
Hey does anyone know if the 23 front number plate fits on a 19-22 era 350???   Appreciated, need a new front plate and figure i would...

Hey does anyone know if the 23 front number plate fits on a 19-22 era 350???  

Appreciated, need a new front plate and figure i would update to the 23 look if possible

DC817 wrote:

No, it won’t. 19-22 bolts from the front and 23 bolts from the top. 

You would just need the little plastic bracket from the newer bikes too I think. The bracket bolts to the clamps where the old plate bolted to.

4
DC817
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USA
2/3/2023 3:29pm
Show871 wrote:
Hey does anyone know if the 23 front number plate fits on a 19-22 era 350???   Appreciated, need a new front plate and figure i would...

Hey does anyone know if the 23 front number plate fits on a 19-22 era 350???  

Appreciated, need a new front plate and figure i would update to the 23 look if possible

DC817 wrote:

No, it won’t. 19-22 bolts from the front and 23 bolts from the top. 

DB97 wrote:
You would just need the little plastic bracket from the newer bikes too I think. The bracket bolts to the clamps where the old plate bolted...

You would just need the little plastic bracket from the newer bikes too I think. The bracket bolts to the clamps where the old plate bolted to.

Yeah, it looks like you’re right. A8F70D55-3897-4621-8B8E-5CC099AB2E0F.jpeg?VersionId=TfUSJfchFcZwF5r

 

1
Show871
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Location
Mountains, CO, USA
2/3/2023 3:34pm

Thanks DC & DB i guess if i want to run a 23' plate it will cost 11k OTD 

DB97
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Orlando, FL, USA
2/3/2023 6:13pm
Show871 wrote:

Thanks DC & DB i guess if i want to run a 23' plate it will cost 11k OTD 

No you just need both parts 

2
Show871
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Location
Mountains, CO, USA
2/4/2023 5:49am
Show871 wrote:

Thanks DC & DB i guess if i want to run a 23' plate it will cost 11k OTD 

DB97 wrote:

No you just need both parts 

Ah I get it now, Thx, hopefully that bracket does not cost to much

rob2489
Posts
49
Joined
7/15/2019
Location
AU
2/5/2023 4:30pm Edited Date/Time 2/5/2023 4:33pm

So over the weekend I had a chance to ride a 23 KTM350

Bike has 14hrs on it & runs a FMF slip on and has KYB Inserts in the forks with coatings and work to the rear shock.

I'm a 55yr old weekend rider - fast c grade

This bike is owned by the a guy who works for a local reputable suspension shop & he did my suspension on my CRF 450 22.I had been considering the 23 350 as my next bike but my last experiment on a 350 didn't work out . It was an 18 model with worked over air forks and rear shock and a full Pro circuit exhaust. The 23 model certainly addressed all my concerns I had with the 18 model. The 18 model engine lacked bottom end and could not find a great suspension setting. The engine really does now sit between a 250 & 450 having more than enough low down & mid range to satisfy most people. I didn't notice and frame harshness (coming off the Honda probably conditioned me anyway) and the handling ohh the handling. I can't believe how plush this thing was without me being able to bottom it. In the end after peeling myself off the bike I am sold on this bike and will be upgrading to one of these very soon.

4
2/5/2023 5:17pm
rob2489 wrote:
So over the weekend I had a chance to ride a 23 KTM350 Bike has 14hrs on it & runs a FMF slip on and has...

So over the weekend I had a chance to ride a 23 KTM350

Bike has 14hrs on it & runs a FMF slip on and has KYB Inserts in the forks with coatings and work to the rear shock.

I'm a 55yr old weekend rider - fast c grade

This bike is owned by the a guy who works for a local reputable suspension shop & he did my suspension on my CRF 450 22.I had been considering the 23 350 as my next bike but my last experiment on a 350 didn't work out . It was an 18 model with worked over air forks and rear shock and a full Pro circuit exhaust. The 23 model certainly addressed all my concerns I had with the 18 model. The 18 model engine lacked bottom end and could not find a great suspension setting. The engine really does now sit between a 250 & 450 having more than enough low down & mid range to satisfy most people. I didn't notice and frame harshness (coming off the Honda probably conditioned me anyway) and the handling ohh the handling. I can't believe how plush this thing was without me being able to bottom it. In the end after peeling myself off the bike I am sold on this bike and will be upgrading to one of these very soon.

Got 22 hours on mine, coming of a 19 YZ450. Loving every second on it. The stock suspension is good enough imho. Just need to find the right settings and spring rate for your riding and weight.

2
rob2489
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49
Joined
7/15/2019
Location
AU
2/6/2023 4:37pm

Spotted a nice used 23 model locally to me - In Australia but has 30hrs on it.

Price wise its not a steal - its $3k less than RRP without any negotiation at this stage and appears to be well maintained. 

My question now is would 30 hours be too many given the above info on a current 23 model.??

Cheers Rob

bvm111
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10121
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Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
2/6/2023 7:12pm

Can anyone confirm or deny that the clutch packs from the previous generations will work in the new ones? I purchased a Rekluse  Torque drive clutch pack awhile back for my 21 and might not get around to installing it and at this point I would prefer to carry it over than install it for a few months before i list my bike to sell. 

Spooner
Posts
2457
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1/8/2011
Location
Kansas City, MO, USA
2/7/2023 5:12am
bvm111 wrote:
Can anyone confirm or deny that the clutch packs from the previous generations will work in the new ones? I purchased a Rekluse  Torque drive clutch...

Can anyone confirm or deny that the clutch packs from the previous generations will work in the new ones? I purchased a Rekluse  Torque drive clutch pack awhile back for my 21 and might not get around to installing it and at this point I would prefer to carry it over than install it for a few months before i list my bike to sell. 

The clutch is the same on my 23 TX300 as my 2020. I am not super sure on the 350 but rekluse will definitely know. The cover and slave cylinder did change. 

Show871
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127
Joined
12/31/2010
Location
Mountains, CO, USA
2/15/2023 12:36pm

Anyone hear any good info on 24' changes?  I was waiting for a 24' to buy new being optimistic for possible updates that may help optimize the new the frame/platform etc....... but I talked to a dealer that was 99% the sxf would remain unchanged for 24.

mg311
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9/30/2016
Location
IT
2/15/2023 12:49pm

24 remain same as 23.From 24.5 factory new frame

adams189
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258
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3/29/2018
Location
Murrieta, CA, USA
2/21/2023 4:23pm

Has anyone used a 2 stroke filter cage on their bike? If so, which year model did you use and what did you notice? 

wrc777
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3204
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Greenwood, IN, USA
Fantasy
2/21/2023 6:38pm
adams189 wrote:

Has anyone used a 2 stroke filter cage on their bike? If so, which year model did you use and what did you notice? 

I haven’t used one but the 2023 125/250/300 sx/xc should fit. 

JB 19
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4341
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Location
Marion, OH, USA
4/26/2023 6:32pm Edited Date/Time 4/27/2023 11:28am

I just bought a 2023 KTM 350 and also own a 2022 350.  I recently took both riding on the same day.  The difference in low end power of the new bike is striking.  I would say that equally striking is how small and agile the old chassis feels.  The 23' almost feels like a 400. The same mid range and top end as the 22 with much more low end power. 

My plan was to sell the 22 model immediately and I feel like maybe I shouldn't have done this comparison because now I know how much more maneuverable the 22 model is.   The old 350 always felt like a 55hp 250F.  I think the new bike feels like a small 450, which I'm not completely sold on.   The old bike was so easy to ride fast that it was like a weapon in a race.   I feel like the new bike was built to make the 450 guys happy.   I'm still confident that the new bike will be very good,  but it's kind of disappointing that it got bigger and heavier.  

5
707motoman
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11/16/2018
Location
Petaluma, CA, USA
4/26/2023 7:19pm
JB 19 wrote:
I just bought a 2023 KTM 350 and also own a 2022 350.  I recently took both riding on the same day.  The difference in low...

I just bought a 2023 KTM 350 and also own a 2022 350.  I recently took both riding on the same day.  The difference in low end power of the new bike is striking.  I would say that equally striking is how small and agile the old chassis feels.  The 23' almost feels like a 400. The same mid range and top end as the 22 with much more low end power. 

My plan was to sell the 22 model immediately and I feel like maybe I shouldn't have done this comparison because now I know how much more maneuverable the 22 model is.   The old 350 always felt like a 55hp 250F.  I think the new bike feels like a small 450, which I'm not completely sold on.   The old bike was so easy to ride fast that it was like a weapon in a race.   I feel like the new bike was built to make the 450 guys happy.   I'm still confident that the new bike will be very good,  but it's kind of disappointing that it got bigger and heavier.  

Leave the 22 at home for10-12 hours and ride only the 23. It will get much better with time. Just my two cents 

2
Hcallz5
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USA
4/26/2023 7:29pm

Anyone got a 25' yet?

1
wrc777
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Greenwood, IN, USA
Fantasy
4/26/2023 8:09pm
JB 19 wrote:
I just bought a 2023 KTM 350 and also own a 2022 350.  I recently took both riding on the same day.  The difference in low...

I just bought a 2023 KTM 350 and also own a 2022 350.  I recently took both riding on the same day.  The difference in low end power of the new bike is striking.  I would say that equally striking is how small and agile the old chassis feels.  The 23' almost feels like a 400. The same mid range and top end as the 22 with much more low end power. 

My plan was to sell the 22 model immediately and I feel like maybe I shouldn't have done this comparison because now I know how much more maneuverable the 22 model is.   The old 350 always felt like a 55hp 250F.  I think the new bike feels like a small 450, which I'm not completely sold on.   The old bike was so easy to ride fast that it was like a weapon in a race.   I feel like the new bike was built to make the 450 guys happy.   I'm still confident that the new bike will be very good,  but it's kind of disappointing that it got bigger and heavier.  

They feel more maneuverable or alive as they break in. 

mxengineer1
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67
Joined
9/17/2015
Location
Dublin, OH, USA
4/27/2023 3:53am
Hcallz5 wrote:

Anyone got a 25' yet?

Wheelsports in Columbus, Ohio has a '24 450SXF and '24 350SXF 

JB 19
Posts
4341
Joined
3/8/2009
Location
Marion, OH, USA
4/27/2023 10:42am
JB 19 wrote:
I just bought a 2023 KTM 350 and also own a 2022 350.  I recently took both riding on the same day.  The difference in low...

I just bought a 2023 KTM 350 and also own a 2022 350.  I recently took both riding on the same day.  The difference in low end power of the new bike is striking.  I would say that equally striking is how small and agile the old chassis feels.  The 23' almost feels like a 400. The same mid range and top end as the 22 with much more low end power. 

My plan was to sell the 22 model immediately and I feel like maybe I shouldn't have done this comparison because now I know how much more maneuverable the 22 model is.   The old 350 always felt like a 55hp 250F.  I think the new bike feels like a small 450, which I'm not completely sold on.   The old bike was so easy to ride fast that it was like a weapon in a race.   I feel like the new bike was built to make the 450 guys happy.   I'm still confident that the new bike will be very good,  but it's kind of disappointing that it got bigger and heavier.  

wrc777 wrote:

They feel more maneuverable or alive as they break in. 

That's good.   I've heard they are stiff when new,  which wasn't really an issue with me,  but the feel of the bike was my concern.  .

5/2/2023 6:47am

D7523CB1-B3DE-4DD0-923D-8D628A47B165

 Just picked this 23 350 up. Going from a kx450. Local A/ slow pro and I love this bike. Best decision I’ve made in bike choice. Bike is super competitive so much fun to ride. Bone stock right now. Have kyb inserts on the way probably going to get a second set of rims. Truly doesn’t need a ton. Quick shift is a cool option 

9
5/2/2023 1:57pm

All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What were your regrets. I've heard the 350s vibrate a lot more than a 450, any truth to this? Also always hear it's not lighter but it feels lighter, just marketing hype? Smaller piston = less gyroscopic force making it easier to lay over in corners, makes sense on paper I suppose.

MC121
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314
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4/10/2012
Location
Menifee, CA, USA
5/2/2023 3:17pm
All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What...

All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What were your regrets. I've heard the 350s vibrate a lot more than a 450, any truth to this? Also always hear it's not lighter but it feels lighter, just marketing hype? Smaller piston = less gyroscopic force making it easier to lay over in corners, makes sense on paper I suppose.

350 is amazing, I came from a 22.5 FC450 which I liked but wanted a change. I Got a vortex and a pipe and the bike feels like a slow 450, feel nice and light and turns amazing. iv now got 15 hours on the bike and have enjoyed all 15 hours of riding the bike. 

Old 350s felt like a fast 250f

new 350 feels like a mellow 450. You can also rev it or lug it. 

Anyone seen or got any good deals on the 23 KTM SXF 350? I might buy a 2nd one I like ti that much.

1
adams189
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258
Joined
3/29/2018
Location
Murrieta, CA, USA
5/2/2023 3:33pm
All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What...

All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What were your regrets. I've heard the 350s vibrate a lot more than a 450, any truth to this? Also always hear it's not lighter but it feels lighter, just marketing hype? Smaller piston = less gyroscopic force making it easier to lay over in corners, makes sense on paper I suppose.

MC121 wrote:
350 is amazing, I came from a 22.5 FC450 which I liked but wanted a change. I Got a vortex and a pipe and the bike...

350 is amazing, I came from a 22.5 FC450 which I liked but wanted a change. I Got a vortex and a pipe and the bike feels like a slow 450, feel nice and light and turns amazing. iv now got 15 hours on the bike and have enjoyed all 15 hours of riding the bike. 

Old 350s felt like a fast 250f

new 350 feels like a mellow 450. You can also rev it or lug it. 

Anyone seen or got any good deals on the 23 KTM SXF 350? I might buy a 2nd one I like ti that much.

Where are you located? If in SoCal Poway Powersports had advertised specials on them. 

wr74
Posts
205
Joined
4/13/2015
Location
AU
5/2/2023 5:18pm
All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What...

All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What were your regrets. I've heard the 350s vibrate a lot more than a 450, any truth to this? Also always hear it's not lighter but it feels lighter, just marketing hype? Smaller piston = less gyroscopic force making it easier to lay over in corners, makes sense on paper I suppose.

My experience, with a 22, not 23.  Great bike in most respects, but the vibration was a killer for me.  Was my third Austrian 4 stroke (2 350’s, one 450) in the last 4 years and all have the same issue.  Loved the 350 engine power output.  Doesn’t tire you out like a 450, but the vibration was such my hands were numb after 5 laps and I’d have to pull in even though I’m not tired as such.  Also felt a lot of vibration through the pegs.  With pro taper bars and phds bar mounts it improved over stock but the core issue remains that these engines vibrate a lot.  Have switched back to a Honda 250 and happy with my choice.  I do miss the 350 power output, but now I can spin as many laps as my fitness allows and no issues of numb hands or feet.  

1
5/2/2023 5:39pm
All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What...

All the hype has almost convinced me to buy in, but im still a skeptic. Has anyone switched from a 450 and NOT liked it? What were your regrets. I've heard the 350s vibrate a lot more than a 450, any truth to this? Also always hear it's not lighter but it feels lighter, just marketing hype? Smaller piston = less gyroscopic force making it easier to lay over in corners, makes sense on paper I suppose.

wr74 wrote:
My experience, with a 22, not 23.  Great bike in most respects, but the vibration was a killer for me.  Was my third Austrian 4 stroke...

My experience, with a 22, not 23.  Great bike in most respects, but the vibration was a killer for me.  Was my third Austrian 4 stroke (2 350’s, one 450) in the last 4 years and all have the same issue.  Loved the 350 engine power output.  Doesn’t tire you out like a 450, but the vibration was such my hands were numb after 5 laps and I’d have to pull in even though I’m not tired as such.  Also felt a lot of vibration through the pegs.  With pro taper bars and phds bar mounts it improved over stock but the core issue remains that these engines vibrate a lot.  Have switched back to a Honda 250 and happy with my choice.  I do miss the 350 power output, but now I can spin as many laps as my fitness allows and no issues of numb hands or feet.  

Yeah thats what I was worried worried about, maybe the 23's are better. Im on a current gen KX450 which is supposed to be one of the more forgiving chassis's and I still have some issues with hand numbness.

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