Posts
196
Joined
3/9/2022
Location
Ontario, CA
Edited Date/Time
4/16/2025 2:42pm
Hey Guys!
First world problem here. Curious to gather some thoughts on what others would do in a similar situation. Maybe offer some perspectives I have not considered.
I have a '23 350 SXF and a '24 KX450 that I have been riding the past several months. Only managed to accumulate 10-12 hours on each due to other commitments this year. I was hoping by the end of the season I'd have gravitated towards one of the two so that I could confidently sell the other. As of right now I feel no closer to a decision. I do not need to sell either, but I am not interested in having two bikes targeted towards the same discipline. Might end up keeping both into next season to keep comparing.
First world problem here. Curious to gather some thoughts on what others would do in a similar situation. Maybe offer some perspectives I have not considered.
I have a '23 350 SXF and a '24 KX450 that I have been riding the past several months. Only managed to accumulate 10-12 hours on each due to other commitments this year. I was hoping by the end of the season I'd have gravitated towards one of the two so that I could confidently sell the other. As of right now I feel no closer to a decision. I do not need to sell either, but I am not interested in having two bikes targeted towards the same discipline. Might end up keeping both into next season to keep comparing.
Here is the issue I am struggling with. I like the KTM's quick revving, easy to ride power delivery and light nimble feeling. I dislike the air forks and the bikes cornering characteristics, mainly the lack of predictability and front wheel traction in corners. I am confident this can be changed by replacing the MX33 front but more importantly converting to spring fork (I do not want the air). For me to feel like I am getting the most out of the KTM though, I have a strong suspicion I will end of having to invest in the following to feel like I am getting the most out of the bike:
- Spring conversion
- Triple clamps for the felt rigidity in chop (would only do after suspension if necessary)
- Likely engine hangers to optimize comfort as much as possible out of the chassis (only after suspension)
- Likely linkage to keep a plusher ride and better traction out of corners on choppy acceleration junk (only after suspension)
- Floating rear axle
- Vortex to clean up the poor mapping / constant decel pop running 93 Octane and get more out of the engine
- FMF header to squeeze as much extra bottom to mid out of the engine (already have a new FMF Titanium slip-on)
- Lowered pegs (I am 6'4)
With the Kawasaki, all I really need are springs and lowered pegs. I have removed the grommet. I can remove the insert from the muffler. Heck I could even remap my existing Vortex ECU from my '23 MC350 (do not feel the need). I already have a 51 rear I can install. However, the KX does not feel as playful and fun to ride. You know it's a 450 and you can feel the weight.
All that to say, that I can optimize the KX for around 700 including new tires. The KTM, I would be in about 5000 CDN, probably more. I am 6'4 and 230lbs before gear. So either bike really needs a revalve, and the KX has more available power on tap.
That begs the question - is the KTM really such a better bike to warrant spending that kind of money to get a similar experience out of it than what in many ways I feel the KX already is/has?
I think you answered your own question. 5800 is a ton of money to make an already more expensive bike better
Guy's bailing on their 350's around here as usual. If it works for you that's all that matters. That's all I got.
If I wanted to know which is better, I'd probably find a guy that owns both and ask him. 😁
“Is the KTM really such a better bike?” Absolutely not. At your height, the ergonomics package will likely never feel as good as that of the Kawi. If you have the ECU already, get it mapped by a reputable tuner. Could very easily make the bike more responsive, more agile, and ‘fix’ some of your biggest handicaps with the bike
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I was in the exact same situation as you, I owned both those bikes at the same time and currently only own the 350. I could have kept both but didn't see the point of having 2 bikes that basically achieve the same thing.
My kx had revalved suspension, full PC Ti6, 1 tooth on the rear and opened up airbox.
My 350 has kyb forks, powerparts split clamps, akro slip on and the ktm CUO unit. My rear shock is completely stock with 50hrs and not even a service. I don't see the point of spending anymore money than those mods on the 350.
I decided to sell the kx because at every single track I went to I was quicker on the 350 and could ride it longer. Don't get me wrong the kx is an awesome bike and probably the best 450 I've ever had, but for me handling is where it's at and no 450 will ever handle as good as a 350.
That being said, if you mainly ride hardpack and want a second bike I would buy a stark. Up until now my 350 was the best bike I've ever ridden and now I've got the stark I don't even wanna touch the 350 ha ha.
The 2025 engine mounts will take out some of that front end harshness you feel on the KTM. Maybe start with those since they are not expensive. I have been seeing used 6500 inserts for around $1k US. You are never going to get a KTM to feel like a Kawi though. The frames are too different.
I’m 6’3” myself and ride a 2024 KX450. Have you lowered the footpegs? It costs nothing to do this, and is a game changer for tall guys. I’m about 10-15lbs lighter than you, but still race quite a bit, and I’m running the Kawasaki accessory stiffer fork springs and a 6.0 rear shock spring I bought from RaceTech. I still feel like I need a bit more holdup in the forks, so here in the off season I plan to order and install a RaceTech Gold Valve kit. As I recall, the kit is about $200 and I can install it myself. I did this on my 2019, and it was actually a fun project and gave me great results. At 6’4”, it surprises me that this is even a question for you. The current KTMs feel so tiny to me.
i am 6' flat and nothing feels at home more than a KX chassis. I had a 2019, it was absolutely perfect for 150 hrs, and now the 2024 and i love it more every time i ride it. The KX does feel like a 450, theres no way around it. But, its an easy to ride 450 in comparison to all other, and it handles so damn good. I had a 2021 yamaha for about a year and a half before this, and as soon as i got on the KX it felt like coming home from a long vacation. The guts tall seat actually feels really good on this bike as well, would be something to consider for your height. For me, i could go either way
I'm 5'6 and 147 lbs and went from a 23 Husky 350 to the KX....so far its been the best choice I've made. The power is 350 like but has more bottom end when needed and the handling is a lot better in my opinion.
I have had a 2021 KTM 350, the 2022 Husky 350 and now the 2024 KX450. The KX450 chassis and ergos for me is just way better then the Austrian 350's. I am 6'0" and just feel way more at home on the KX450, not to mention the stability in my opinion is better. I also like on the 450 that I can ride it around most of the track in 3rd gear. I know some say only the Yamaha can do that, but for as slow as I am, I make it work no problem. I wish it had some of the 350 characteristics engine wise, because it is still fast, even for being known as the slowest 450 in the class, but overall I think it is a better bike stock vs. stock. I have never tried a 350 with KYB conversion, so maybe that fixes the stability and handling issues I had, but I still feel kind of big and cramped up on the KTM.
If only we had a Japanese offering in the 350 space, that may be the happy medium we are all after.
The 2022 Husky and 2021 KTM feel like a different brand bike than the 2023 forward. The eros are that different.
Your description kind of mirrors mine in a lot of ways. The Austrian “needed” way more tweaks and way more expensive tweaks to get a good feeling, and by the end I still wasn’t there.
when the track was smooth to moderately rough the bike was AMAZING. Hero days, hero flow, no complaints, all hail Ktm.
When the track was edgy and rough it was like the bike was unbelievably bad I couldn’t even imagine it’s the same bike.
Enter the kawi. Once I got thru the initial feeling out fork height and sag experiments and found my base, I’ve not had a single day where I even felt like changing a clicker.
The bike just works everywhere.
I drilled some holes in the airbox, have an exhaust, and put fatboi springs in the forks and shock, and added about 10ccs to each fork leg.
The bikes just unbelievable.
The best testament I have for it is this, last several riding days my buddies are vet rider bitch festing about how rough it is on their Ktm and Hondas, and I’m thinking to myself, it’s not even that bad out there…
My 3 cents:
(1) Put that little extra $$$ into the KX450 --- Nirvana seems close --- if you arrive, you'll have your go-to bike
(2) I'd keep both bikes longer to see how you feel after more time on both of them
(3) I'd advocate for keeping both bikes indefinitely and enjoying them for what they are - i.e. a 450 and a 350. I spent mucho $$$ trying to make a 450 a 350, a 350 a 450, a 250 a 350, and a 350 a 250. No more! I kept them all and now enjoy each's strengths. I'm a slow learner ...
P.S. Have you tried a 2005-2008 CRF450R? Still the best bike I've found so far - no kidding. They say "40 is the new 30" ... I think "2005-2008 CRF450Rs are the new 350." 😁
What makes you say that about the crf? I'm looking for a new bike and the '25 KX sounds interesting for it's mellow character, but then i'd have to get rid of my '22 250.
I did not touch on all the replies to keep my reply manageable, but I definitely read them and value the feedback. But to offer an answer to some of the questions asked in this thread....
When comparing lap times, I am about the same on both bikes, since I am an older slow 44 year old Vet C class rider. The bike absolutely does not make or break my performance. That said, if you were to ask me which one I have more fun on, it would likely be the 350. But the 450 offers many advantages over the 350 that can not be ignored, tractor like torque when the track is tilled deep and the dirt is heavy as one quick example.
In terms of ergo's - I find it interesting. If comparing the new KX to my previous gen '23 MC350, absolutely I would say the KX is a better fit for taller riders. However with the new '23+ KTM's, I would honestly consider them quite equal in terms of overall comfort and roominess. I believe the KX is still a little longer, or at least feels that way on the track. But I would not say the newer KTM looks or feels as much of a mini-bike as the previous gen. I think either bike, once lowered pegs and appropriate bend bars and my 10mm risers are installed, would yield similar comfort, albeit different ergonomic characteristics. That is how it feels to me at least. Mind you my ride time between both is limited.
I have lowered the stock pegs into the lowered position. I would still prefer some more though. I have a 36" inseam, so long legs. So for me to be comfortable, especially when transitioning from sitting to standing, I prefer slightly lower and back more than the stock position offers.
I do tend to agree with the comment about keeping the bikes longer to put more hours on them. The challenge I see with that is that in order to really get a true fair, justified comparison I need to spend even more money on both to put them on equal footing in terms of customization and setup from an ergonomic perspective. More specifically bars, pegs, risers, seats. Get as close to the same type of at home comfort on both. That just means more dollars.
In terms of keeping both bikes long term though - I can only ride one at a time. There is something to be said for variety and choice, but If I were to keep two bikes, I think I would prefer more dissimilarity. A 350/450 and a 250/300. Or a 350 XCF with spring forks and an SX300. Or something like that. Lots to like about the KTM's, but that air fork...and the cost to address it for those of us who do not prefer it. It changes the game. Not sure what to say there. And my luck, if I went that direction, KTM will release the 26 SXF with spring fork like they have the '24+ XCF or something. Good for everybody but the guys that have spent thousands on their forks.
All great perspectives, experiences and suggestions. I appreciate the feedback. Really helps analyze multiple angles. Open to more comments and feedback. Season has taken a real quick turn here as winter approaches. Still hoping to get in a few more rides but highly unlikely I will reach any decision before next season at this point.
The 22 ktm gen felt very cramped compared to my 24 Kawi 450. How do the new gen Ktms feel?
You ride for fun and you said you have more fun on the 350, there is your answer. That was a big deciding factor for me.
Pit Row
Fair enough. Not sure if it's 5k+ more fun though! 🤣
Obviously everyone is different, but in my opinion there is a noticeable difference in the ergonomics between the newer '23+ chassis and the previous generation bikes. Seeing pictures and videos of myself on my '23 MC350, it almost looked like I was riding a super-mini. The newer KTM though, I feel is very similar in roominess to the KX cockpit.
I honestly don't think you need to spend that much. I'd say definitely do a spring conversion, I'm biased towards kyb but any of the major ones will be a very noticeable improvement especially if you ride hardpack. And a revalve of the shock is really all you need.
I get it's a tough call but and I struggled big time which one to keep. We are pretty spoiled at the moment with choices of bikes, you really can't go wrong with any of them these days.
I am guessing the 350 is an easier sale and as you said you would have put more money into it to get it where you want it. Unless money is no object for you, sell the KTM.
Sell the 350 and get a 2 stroke, keep the kx450. That 's what I have going right now, and it's been great. I have a spring fork KTM 250sx that I use as my have fun/practice bike, and for racing I use the 24 kx450. The 250 is fun, but also more work to go fast on so I get a more physical workout riding it. When I hop back on the kx450, it's like putting it in easy mode. Less shifting, suspension just soaks up everything, and way more stability. I don't have to focus so much on trying to go fast, and hit every line just right. For me it's been a great training tool and the 2 stroke is super fun. Food for thought
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