KTM 350 vs KTM 125

I ride a 125 and look forward to buying a 350. Tired of getting roosted by goons on faster bikes. I try to stay on the pipe but 4 strokes are like cheater bikes in comparison. Rode 2 diff 350’s a Husqy and a KTM and they both had great mid to top power which would be an easy transition for any 125 rider, and ultimately way more power. They just pull for days without signing off. I would sell my 125 but it’s an 01 CR125R and I won’t get enough back for it to feel good about selling it. Be grateful if you can trade yours in. The 350 feels light on the track too, it will feel heavier than the 125 putting it on the stand obviously but that’s to be expected. I will invest in a lift stand once I get one. I am 6’1” 165-170ish.

Longtime 350 rider. Hopped on my sons 125 to spin a few laps earlier this year. I know a lot of people say about the fun factor of a 125 but for me it wasn’t very fun 😂. Once you go 350 (which is a night and day jump from your 125) I doubt you’ll go back. With your size the 350 will be more enjoyable to ride I think. It’ll take some getting used to the power difference but coming off your bike that’s unforgiving of mistakes you should rip on the 350. Good luck! The 22 was an excellent bike 👍🏻

This is going to come down to personal preference, obviously. That being said, I have always been in the camp that thinks a 125 is probably not the best choice as a primary bike, but the absolute best choice as a secondary bike. I always keep one in the fleet and probably always will. But the few times that I have ran one primarily, as an adult, I usually ended up switching to something else. I think a 350 would be a good choice. The 22 is the prior gen which is a good bike, so I would make sure you are ok with that though. To some people they don't like going back a generation. So if you want a 350 then keep in mind you don't need to buy just that particular 350. Search around and get that one you want.

Deck, port go 4 a super quick torque ripper, they still rev to 13k +.Like the DBP. If that’s possible there mid to top engines. 200 lbs is on the hvy side for a 125.  A setup to run on c12 is a completely different engine.

no comparison, buy a 350 and youll never ride the 125 again

Stock clutch can’t handle the quick Surge. Hinson complete clutch is needed. Our tracks sand, loam , shorter corner to corner. No 350 is beating a top 5 125 rider.  125 lap times r much faster.

I have always felt the 125 was the most fun bike to ride. I recently picked up a ‘24 350 SXF. The 350 is a really enjoyable bike to ride. I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

I think it depends what tracks and terrain you ride also. In So Cal when the tracks are beat up my 125 wasn’t very fun. But when it was deep and smooth, I couldn’t stop riding it. When the tracks are beat up, 350 is hard to beat because it has a balance of power but doesn’t feel as heavy as 450.  You can lug the 350 and it plows through bumps.

I think this definitely depends on the conditions, and honestly your age.  Some of us were raised on 125s and nothing brings us more joy than trying to wring them out like we used to so they have a nostalgic effect for us to ride (guessing the over 45 crowd).  That said, sometimes relentless sand or tracks with massive elevation change, it is nice to ride a 350.  

I have both a '22 350 and a '23 125 and will hang on to both forever (within obvious reason), I have the best of both worlds.  IMO, try to keep the 125 and buy the 350 if you can.  It is so nice being able to pick your weapon based on where I am riding and the mood.  I will say the tracks I have been going to lately tend to be on the shorter side that my 125 is just more fun to ride at, the 350 is getting dusty.

Honestly mate if you enjoy ripping the 125 I think you’d have more fun on a 250f than a 350

Nah a 350 is a juiced up 250. They rev nearly as high and build power similarly. You just get a bit more low end with the 350. 

Try the 350, can always get another 125. The 350 has always intrigued me. 

I have a 150 and a 350. Both bikes are super fun but if you are looking at going faster while using half the effort it would be a great switch to the 350. Each bike will put a smile on your face just in different ways! Get the 350 then buy yourself an old yz125 project bike for when you get the two stroke itch. 

The 350 hands down but if you still want a 2stoke don't sleep on the 250sx and 300sx

I've owned both. I enjoy 125's but there are certain tracks and conditions where they are not as fun. When I ride a 125 I want to be able to ring it out and hold it wide. Also at times it is just frustrating not being able to do the same things I can do on a 350 with ease. If I could only pick one it would be the 350 for it's overall versatility. It's easy to ride and performs well in the woods and on the track.

I own YZ125, YZ250, KX500 and a 350F...   Some friends have the KTM branded two strokes (carb and EFI years) so I've ridden them all.

I still love to jump on my YZ125 and ride it hard, even now that I'm in my mid 40s.
If you're racing vet or age classes, the 350F is the best bike you can be on and compared to a 450F it feels so much more nimble.

The 1997 / 1998 KX250 is a great bike.   Keep that thing for sure.

I upgraded my 350F to a XPR tuned Vortex ECU and I was very happy with the reduction in engine braking.
Skip the expensive exhaust systems and make your first mods the suspension (for your weight/speed) and then a XPR or Twisted ECU.

TYLER?

I went from a 150 to a 350 and wish I would've done it way sooner. The 150 is just a smaller bike and you feel every bump and rock possible. I just felt like I was getting beat up on that bike (yes I had my suspension set to me, sag set all that) and jumped on the 350 and instantly felt like the bike handled better and of course way more power (controllable). The little 2 stroke is fun once in a while and they're cool, but I choose the 350 every time.

I was an early 350 buyer bought a 2011 and still have it now.  Great bike.  My son also as a Husky 125 that we have put a 150 kit in.  Is the 150 fun yeah it sure is as long as I'm riding it with other old dudes also on 150s.  Would I want it to be my only bike and not have my 350?  Not ever in a million years.  The 125 is fun to ride at times but I'd still rather ride my 350 a majority of the time.