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If a guy has a '23 350 SXF with 36 hours on it, is there justification in purchase a '25 versus spending a bit of money to get the '23 to perform more similarly to the '25? Of course, I realize they will never behave identically, but in terms of addressing some of the '23's less desirable characteristics?
That was the first question. Let me ask another one. If you owned a '23 350 SXF, would you replace that bike with a '24+ XCF instead of a '25 SXF to get the spring forks? Or just upgrade the existing Xact forks to spring - if a spring fork is the feel you are after?
Here is why I am asking. I purchased a used '23 SXF 350 at the start of the summer but only had a chance to ride about 10 hours on it. That was enough time for me to realize I do not like the air forks. I am 6'4 and 240 with gear. I require a revalve to get the most out of the suspension. If I am going to spend that money I might as well spend the rest and do the conversion and get the feel I prefer.
Here is my dilemma, I hear the '25's are a more forgiving chassis and handle better in the corners, one area I have struggled with my bike. If my '23 has 36 hours on it now, is a '25 really any better? Especially if I opt to go with spring forks and revalve the rear (if needed)? Would a linkage and maybe clamps get me the same handling?
Alternatively, I have been considering a '24 350 XCF with the OEM spring fork. However with the current used market what it is, I am not sure that makes sense compared with just upgrading my current suspension, given the reduced value on my '23 and the higher premium of used XCF's.
Interested to hear others thoughts on the topic.
That was the first question. Let me ask another one. If you owned a '23 350 SXF, would you replace that bike with a '24+ XCF instead of a '25 SXF to get the spring forks? Or just upgrade the existing Xact forks to spring - if a spring fork is the feel you are after?
Here is why I am asking. I purchased a used '23 SXF 350 at the start of the summer but only had a chance to ride about 10 hours on it. That was enough time for me to realize I do not like the air forks. I am 6'4 and 240 with gear. I require a revalve to get the most out of the suspension. If I am going to spend that money I might as well spend the rest and do the conversion and get the feel I prefer.
Here is my dilemma, I hear the '25's are a more forgiving chassis and handle better in the corners, one area I have struggled with my bike. If my '23 has 36 hours on it now, is a '25 really any better? Especially if I opt to go with spring forks and revalve the rear (if needed)? Would a linkage and maybe clamps get me the same handling?
Alternatively, I have been considering a '24 350 XCF with the OEM spring fork. However with the current used market what it is, I am not sure that makes sense compared with just upgrading my current suspension, given the reduced value on my '23 and the higher premium of used XCF's.
Interested to hear others thoughts on the topic.
Are you riding strictly moto, or mixing it up with off-road? You'll take a beating on selling your 23 350. Probably get 5700-6200 if your lucky. Friend of mine just sold his 23 with 12 hours for 5500, and it took a while to sell.
If your riding mostly moto, the XCF has the wide ratio tranny, some like it, some don't. If strictly moto, you'll end up needing to most likely valve it anyway, as the xcf has softer valving.
You should really try and get a test ride on a 25, and not go strictly by reading what others say. You might not even notice it. Lots of variables, good luck with whatever you decide!
From everything I've heard the difference in the '23 and '25 chassis is pretty subtle. Are you that good or sensitive to bike setup to really tell the difference? I haven't heard anyone that's ridden both bikes say, omg this '25 is a revelation! They fixed it!
i have a 24 350xcf and if you ride moto the trans would not be ideal.. imo the 2-3 gap would take some gettin used to. the spring forks are awesome tho! im with chris, i don't think the chassis change would be night and day difference. try those ktm motor mounts with the cutouts for more flex and see if you notice. my brother has those 6500 carts in his 23 450xcf (came with aer) and he can't say enough good things about those
Contact Ride JBI. He’ll get you right with your ‘23 for a spring conversion and shock revalve.
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
An air fork revalve is cheap relative to a spring conversion.
It is but if you’re unhappy with the air fork then it still won’t satisfy you long-term and you’ll spend more in the long run when you do go spring.
Buy the 25 engine mounts for the 23, get a kyb or wp6500 conversion and you have a killer bike.
No, for the reasons listed above, you’ll take a bath on resale, no to the wide ratio trans and you’ll be paying msrp for a 25 and not gaining much. You could do KYB or 6,500’s, Keefer torque specs and send it. Toss on the 25’ mounts, a floating rear axle and split triples to top it off and be into less then a 25’ and have better set up imo
This. Skip the '24 XCF. It will be cheaper to get KYB or 6500 inserts for your bike and those will transfer over to a 2025+ if you go that way eventually. The 25 engine mounts help with the front end harshness.
This is the route I went with my '23 and couldn't be happier.
Thanks guys! This is the information I was looking for.
I’m on a 24 250 sxf that I will be racing west coast Sx on and after 10 hours of riding it stock I went with a split clamp and KYB inserts.
Good bike stock once I dialed in front fork air pressure and sag. If you don’t mind air forks and don’t notice a difference between spring and air you can have a great bike with a revalve and a split clamp.
If you prefer spring the KYB inserts are the ticket!
I use Enzo for the suspension and Luxon Gen 3 clamp with stock 22mm offset.
Do yourself a BIG favor, Call Mark at REP suspension (not AEO) and he will get you fixed up. His linkage developed with CR22 and his suspension set up, even staying with Air, is on point for anything Austrian … rumor is he is pretty ok on KYB/Showa as well! He will not over sell you on anything as he offers a lot of his own developed parts and will get you right for whatever budget you are on!
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