Posts
75
Joined
5/4/2011
Location
Jacksonville, FL, USA
Hey all,
Haven’t been on an mx bike in 8 years, last being a 13 250sx 2t.
Decided to get back into it at the age of 53 (180lbs).
Leaning towards an 2023 or newer 350 or 450. Key reasons are the CUO connectivity, they also seem to be well liked overall and reliable.
Just came across someone with a good deal on a 2019 350sxf that has only 8 hours, for a $2-$3000 less than used 23+ models.
It’s been sitting for 2 years so I’d have to do some fluid changes including syphoning out old gas.
It also has Factory Connection suspension for my weight.
My question is, is there much difference in performance characteristics from the 19 to 23+ model years? Also any known problem areas I need to watch out for with these newer KTM’s?
Thanks!
I would the two biggest differences between the 2019 and the 2023+ are the engine and chassis.
The '23+ engine is really like a small 450 where as the pre '23 engines were more like a fast 250. The '23+ just has significantly more low end power.
The chassis on the '23+ bikes is noticeably stiffer than the pre '23 bikes. This gives the bike more precise handling but comes at the cost of comfort. They did revise the '25 chassis and motor mounts to be a little less stiff. Installing the '25 motor mounts can add flex and comfort to a '23-24 for about $80.
The '23+ also has the latest WP suspension and you can use the CUO on them.
The '19 will be a good reliable bike and the Factory Connection suspension setup for your weight is a big plus for that bike . It just really comes down to if saving the money is worth it to give up the stuff the newer bikes have.
For the '19 the in tank fuel filter can crack and cause issues and the plastic oil pump idler gear is know to melt and cause engine failures. Both are cheap and easy things to fix before they break.
Outstanding information, thank you!
I would definitely give up some electronic wizardry by going with the 2019, but for just getting back into riding mx at an extremely slow pace, it would probably suit me just fine. Like you said, the suspension has already been taken care of.
But if I do go with a 23+ excellent to know about the motor mounts! I’ve heard/read about people not liking the stiff chassis.
Excellent insight from dansfx. +1 vote for the 2019. Should feel less “four-stroke”-ish compared to the 23’+, which has a bigger bottom end feel and smaller setup window. Also, the 2019 will fit your needs well after all that time off and coming from a 250SX…
25’+ KTM’s may be better, but I’d steer clear of 23/24’s. Either way, congrats on being back and keep us updated!
My 2019 KTM 350 was one of the best bikes I've ever had.
My 2023 Husky 350 was one of the worst.
As mentioned above, the frame on 2019 was much better for me in the dry hard So Cal conditions. I think east coast riders in softer dirt can do better on 23-25.
The 23-25 engine is better, but id take a better frame over engine all day.
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Thanks! I’ve read/heard the new frame is a love/hate relationship. I’m out Florida but would prefer more flex and comfort in the frame.
Thank you!
Grab that 19 and put a 52 rear sprocket on if you want more low end…
I'm pretty convinced most of this "massive bottom end" people say the 23+ bikes have is just the fact that they went to a 52 sprocket and bigger throttle cam. I have a 2020 and a 2025 and they honestly feel pretty similar to me, in the grand scheme of things.
What’s crazy is my 23 with stock gearing does 94mph still
Holy crap.. that's pretty surprising. Using all 14K rpm at that point.. hahaa
Yeah very surprising for an mx bike. Maybe it’s the same trans as a 450 so the top speed was an accident created by the extra 4K rpm’s or however much it is. Either way that’s far too fast for me lol
I knew it had to be a ton, my guess is they do close to 45mph in 2nd gear at least my 22 with stock gearing and “bolt ons”.
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