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Hello.
Trying to decide if I should buy the SXF or the XCF. The 2025 it will be but I think the engine will be the same as 23-24.
What is the differences between these bikes engine wise?
Different cams? Mapping?
And what about the gearbox?
I watched a video and they said they had to shift the sxf more and the xcf got longer gears?
Seems weard to me.. I got a excf 350 and it has very tight gears 1-3. And the sxf I rode seem to have longer 1-3. I believe the xcf got the same gearbox as the excf?
I’m not as familiar with the 23+ models but before that the SXF was a close ratio 5 speed and the XCF was a semi close ratio 6 speed. The EXCF’s are usually a wide ratio 6 speed. I think the SXF and XCF are very similar if not the same when it comes to cams, piston, ect. Personally I enjoy the XCF more as it works as a better all around bike for me being on the west coast.
It's probably worth looking up the camshaft and piston part numbers... Maybe even the ECU.
That would tell you if they are in the same basic state of tune if nobody pops in here who knows the answer already.
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/tech-helprace-shop/2023-ktm-250-xc-v-sx-…
This thread was comparing the gearing for the 250's but the 350's use the same internal ratios.
Sx-f will accelerate harder out of turns for sure. More lively motor for mx. Xcf is a great all around bike, I know as I have one.
Can’t go wrong. Except for models with air forks…
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Rear wheel size has to have some impact on it too
Most casual mx guys are better off on xc bikes . My 19 xcf ratios were slightly off the sxf ratios. Not sure on the new ones. I do know the xc and sx ratios are now very different since 23. They used to be identical.
Although there is the 18 to 19 inch wheel size difference, the 18" tire on the XC-F has a taller cross section so the effective diameter and circumference of the outside of the tire ends up being relatively the same. The final drive ratio may be slightly different but sprockets are easy to change.
On the engine the only diffrence is the gearbox...
Gearbox (All SX‑F models): 5-gear transmission, claw shifted
Gearbox (XC‑F US, FACTORY EDITION): 6-gear transmission, claw shifted
Transmission ratio (All SX‑F models)
first-gear 14:28
second-gear 16:26
third-gear 18:24
fourth-gear 21:24
fifth-gear 22:21
Transmission ratio (XC‑F US, FACTORY EDITION)
first-gear 13:33
second-gear 16:30
third-gear 18:26
fourth-gear 22:26
fifth-gear 23:23
sixth-gear 26:22
The rest of the the engine is identical. EFI file is also identical in regards of fuel and ignition mapping, but it has another quickshifter setting for the 6-speed gearbox, so it`s another one.
The biggest diffrence on the bike itself I would say are the closed cartridge forks on the XC-Fs from MY24 onwards... they are really great and easily tuneable for more specific use, e.g. if the bike is used mainly on MX tracks.
Other diffrences is the already mentioned 18" rear wheel, bigger fueltank and sidestand on the XC-Fs.
I have a 24 350xcf and I am curious about the gearing between the two. The 2nd and 3rd gear rations are close but the xcf runs a 14-47 and the sxf a 14-52. That's a big difference. I am ready to play with some gear as I ride both single track and moto. Any opinions?
Thanks
I have a 2024.5 KTM 350 XCF-FE and have the full FMF system with re-valved Cone Valve forks and shock by REP. Vortex ECU from XPR is on the way. It is a unbelievable great bike my 4th KTM and all of them have been 450 SXF previously. My only area I want to change, after trying out the ECU, is going to a 14-49 gearing. Anybody else tried different gearing, I race Worcs, NGPC, and Grassroots GP's with some moto. I just want the ability to roll more corners in 3 gear. If I could do that I might never have to change gears except for the start!
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