Should have got a 350 years ago...

I’ve been looking at the 300 as well… I think whiskey throttle did a test of Jeff Emigs 300 recently and it sounded like the best of both worlds! 

here is the video 

https://youtu.be/Mvuz44AsvkQ?si=WCthOXugBUB7WWyn

The newer YZ250F is a fantastic bike. Suspension is far better than what comes on KTM also. If Yamaha made a 350 I’d probably own one. 
 

the drawback to the yz250f is that it just doesn’t make enough power for me. Even as a slow “never was” Vet B rider, the yz250f leaves me needing more power.  The 350 is a fantastic balance of power and weight. That, in my opinion, can’t be matched in terms of performance and durability. If you don’t mind riding the 250 hard and rebuilding it every 40 hours then it’s an option. But i have put 65 hours on my bike in 6 months so that’s just not an option for me. 

YZ250. As an old school rider/racer, it will be so much more familiar for you. Have a SoCal buddy, we’ll call him Val T., who has been in your exact same position (twice now). Lifelong two stroke rider, same age group. Bought a 350 to be “more competitive” at the Saturday GH races, only to put less than 10 hours on each before selling to fund another YZinger. His first experiment was around 2016/2017, and then he repeated the offense in 2020. #LearnFromVal

Hard to beat the fun-factor, lack of engine braking, and overall feel of a 2T. Suspension setup is much less critical, and don’t even get me started on the KYB spring fork vs. WP air debate…

My first vote would be a YZ125 for the higher value of smiles per cc (and if you plan on practicing more than you race it’s a no-brainer), but a YZ250 is almost equally as fun and that much easier to ride/race than a Fun25. Plus, the latest generation 350’s are even less similar to what you’re accustomed to: They have more engine braking (in stock trim), more torque (went from ultra-fun/fast-250F race bike engine character to mini-450 chuggers), and do not rev as free/as high as the awesome 2016-2022 versions. Best of luck and keep us updated with a ‘Spoke with the wallet’ thread if you see the light!

I have both a 300SX and a 350 sfx… love them both, awesome bikes. I ride a lot of 2 stroke bikes, I”m a 2 stroke guy, but I can hop on my 350 and feel right at home within 2 motos…Yamahas are awesome as well but the clutch & gear box issues are deal breakers for me…

I have a 350, my second one. I just got a stark varg. Much better again. Like owning a combination of PW50 simplicity to ride, full sized motocrosser handling, and power adjustability from CRF100 speed, to faster than a factory 450. Like having multiple bikes in 1.

Pulled the trigger and back to a 350.  Also got a 350 EXCF for the Misses for dual sport rides.  

Have you got to break them in yet? 😎

Initial thoughts?

still greasing and tweaking.  

I’m fully released from my hand surgeon from my left scaphoid fracture and will be picking up a 25 350, I almost decided to get the FE 450 but then I remembered I love the 350. I went a little silly and ordered a bunch of parts from the power parts catalog on AOMC and will be sending my CVs to REP for coatings and valving for the new chassis. So excited to get riding again, it’s weird when you get injured that you can kinda loose interest for awhile but … I’m jonesing to ride bad now!!! 😂

I’ve had lots of 350s and love them. But after I got my 23 300 I never rode my 350 again. 

Tell us more ... what makes the 300 an upgrade over the 350F for you / your riding application?

It’s faster, feels lighter and overall handles better, and in my opinion is more fun. Mid range power smokes the 350. Does not rev like a 350 tho, nothing does. A class moto riding.

I know every one here loves the 350s and I do to. I’m just giving my opinion and feeling after having a bunch of 350s and one new 300. 

Thought I liked my 2023 350.

Then I tried a new YZ450 at a Yamaha experience day.

So much better, feel like I’m riding motocross properly again.

Wanted to love the 350, on paper it should be perfect. Couldn’t get past the stiff frame and air forks. I never felt comfortable running the chain that slack either.

If they could put the new engine in the old frame and put some spring forks on it (not stiff cone valves), I’d buy another.

I sold my Husky 300 to go back to the 350.  I’m one of the ones who find the 350 to be magic.  

Options are amazing, for sure. I paused my 350 quest when the 2023 YZ450F came out (I have a well modded 2020 YZ450F) thinking the handling and luggability might be my perfection.

Awesome feedback here has me thinking again ... which is part of the fun after all, right? 

Recently sold my 23 KTM350. As time goes on, I'm becoming more of a lugger, and that's not where the 350 shines, although it does lug better than the previous versions.

Not the bikes fault, mostly just me changing up my riding style.

Also, just never totally jelled with the chassis.

For the time being, I'm totally digging the smoker and off-road riding.

@Whip Did you make the switch? I’m on a 23 350 as well with the wp6500 kit and still feel the frame and suspension is stiff and rigid. Been contemplating making the switch to either a yz250f or the 450 for the better suspension and aluminum frame but haven’t had a chance to ride either yet. 

I’m considering it. Going to try the new Kawasaki too.

It’s a shame as I’ve had KTMs for years and have all the spares and accessories (wheels!)

Maybe with more time on the frame and a spring conversion I’d have been fine.

Is it fair to say bikes should come ready to race out of the box? The Yamaha felt like that, even with wrong spring rates for me

Im going on year 2 of riding my 22 350sxf back to back with my 21 yz450. The 350 has TD ecu, REP 6500's, fmf slip and air box mods. The 450 is bone stock aside from springs for my weight. For me im riding the 350 much harder than the 450 and this tires me out just as much as trying to ride my 450 hard. Obviously the 350 doesnt have the big hit down low of  a 450 which tires you out as well as heavier inertia feeling, but its the more aggressive nature of how you ride the 350 and having to ride it high in the rpm range which can tire you. The 450 i can short shift and stay low in the rpms and always be pulling. I have a tendency to grab another gear when riding the 350, instead of staying in the gear longer as it just doesn't feel right to stay in the gear longer lol. 
 

I still cant say I would keep the 350 as my only bike as there are days the 450 is better for me. Im on the heavier side at 275, so im working a little harder on the smaller bore bikes compared to other riders. Many times now ive wondering if I would be happier on the newer gen lighter feeling 450, like the new gen yz450 or kx450 or will they still have the same heavier inertia feel and heavier handling feeling. I have fun no matter which bike im riding. Im long past my racing days and mainly ride local open practices or at my place.

Get the 2024 KX 450. Best 450 I've ever ridden. I'm a 50+ Vet 235 pounds. Easy to ride, smooth power. Turns good and it's stable. I put a 4.1 slip on it. 13-51 final gearing stock map. Sprung it for my weight. Love it. Easier to ride than my 23 350sxf. 

Picked up my 25 last Friday . looks better in person. put 2 hours on it Sunday.

Have you ridden a 23/24 model before? Can you actually feel any difference with the new chassis? 

That Kailub Russell edition (or whatever they call it now) is sexy.

Yes I have a 23 Husky the Heritage edition still  ,Had a 24 ktm sold with 55 hours & a 23 ktm sold with 70 hours.Ben on 350's since 2013 with a 250 & 450 thrown in  here & there.

The frame is better leaned over, I feel traction on the edge of tires. Fyi I have a private track I ride 3 days a week so i have a great base to compare.

The frame still needs some break in time . My guess is by 10 hours it will feel

The surprise to me was the motor is very strong compared to my last 23/24 bikes.

I feel more low & pull into the mid. Rode it 15 minutes with stock slip on then tossed on a FMF I had

The stock muffler has a welded in fish trap looking devise 1/4 way down in the pipe

I think its better but you really will know around 10hours. First rides generally don't show a bikes warts!

Thanks, appreciate the feedback.

I didn't think anything has changed with the engine on the 25's?

Was holding out for a 25 KTM, but wound up with a 23 gasgas and tricked it out with my leftover cash. Came off a 2016 FC 350 that was a great bike

Starting with the ~’18s, is there any sort of consensus on a preferred year(s)?  

How many hours is reasonable on a used bike? I realize there are numerous variables, but just assuming average use a decently maintained.

I've been asking this quite a bit and it seems 21-22 are preferred. Major fork update in 2021, but 19-22 seems to be desired generation. Also, the Pankl transmissions went into production in 2019 - which is a massive metallurgical upgrade.