250 vs 350 vs 450 - Share your experience pls

It depends on the year of the 350.  The older bikes were like juiced up 250.....you had to scream them a bit.  The 2023+ feels more like  a 450 that you can lug.  For reference: 2024 YZ450F, 2022 KX450, and 2025 KTM350SXF are in my stable.

The description that you provided basically sums up the 350’s purpose. It’s a bike that is noticeably faster than a 250, but won’t wear you out like a 450. As Moto520 said, the 2023+ really rides like a lighter and mellow 450. 

I think this also depends on the model when considering the years time line here. I agree with this for my 2017 Husky FC350. Had to work it more to get the power out of it. But for my Gasgas 2021 Ex350f, I do feel that with the wide gear ratio it is more like a 450 that you can lug. 

I'm older and way slow....I went from a yz250 stk, to a 19 KTM 450, and this year to a 24 fc350.  The 350 is easier to ride as it does not have that same torque as the 450, but I do miss the ability to hit a jump out of a corner with a blip of the throttle, on the 350 I have to use the clutch a bit more. Ride sand, soft dirt in Flordia. On harpack in Georgia, don't need the clutch much.

This was from a couple years ago. Mosiman, who still hauls the mail did a laptime shootout between the 250, 350 and 450 on the big track at GH. He thought he'd be fastest on the 450. Short version results were he was fastest on the 350 followed very closely by the 250. More power doesn't always mean faster laps.

I've ridden 450's forever. Recently I rode a 350 which has as much power as anyone needs, but I've really been having the most fun on the tracks riding a 250f.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k0zcMvBcIQ

You said you want a bike you be aggressive with and not pump up. 350 is my vote. I bought a brand new Rockstar Husky 450 after years on 350s. Hated the feeling of it being heavy and when I would try and ride it aggressively like my 350s it wanted to kill me. I traded it back in two weeks after I bought it on a 25 350 heritage and made it look like my 450 FE. (Hate the blue frames) First few laps was nothing but a big feeling of relief and fun again.  I don’t think you’ll regret a 350!

I've ridden KTM for decades and had the 1st release of the 350 and did not like it, went back to 450. Later I bought a 2017 350 and loved it. Ended up with both a SF and SXF. Got the bug and went back to a 450 - mistake. Sold my KTMs and went 2t on Yamaha (250 & 125)  - loads of fun. Made the 125 a 134 and my riding really improved do the light weight. I also drive a shifter kart with a 2001 CR125. I've re-learned to manage a revving machine and the fun quotient goes up!

So where is the leading? My TF250X 4T is an absolute blast to ride. I can manage the RPM easily and the bike weight is most acceptable. I'm 140#'s in the Kings Clothes so that does make a difference for sure. 

I went to a 22 Husky 350 in 2021, from a 450 and a 250F before that. Vet expert level. For me the handling is the best part- it’s just easier and more forgiving getting into corners and if you get out of shape. Not as much inertia to deal with as a 450. I feel like most of the power range is like a very healthy 250, only with a nuclear thrust on top. I really use that more on starts than anywhere else. And it works exceptionally well because it launches easily and revs to the moon so you can get away without shifting most of the time.

Expect to sink $ into the air forks. I currently have a KYB conversion kit that I’m very happy with with conversion kit by Dialed Mfg, our fellow Vital contributor @cwtoyota. 
I can’t see going back to a different displacement, although I’d be thrilled if one of the Japanese brands rolled one out.

 I ride a few times a month.  I ride off-road, trials and track days. I ride with 50+ Nov,Int & Exp Guys. Bikes have been the 16 Husky FC250, 17 RMZ 250, 23 GG MC350 & 19 CRF 450. All of them fun by the way, of course! The last 2 years, I've been riding the GG 350 the most. To me it takes the  250's a bit more shifting and work to get the revs right (fun, ,lite and flickery though). The 4fity has enough of everything and is a hand full after a few 5-7 lap motos or 2 hour rides for me. The 350 falls right in the middle and i'd say it does everything well.  

I went 350, 450, back to 350. 210lbs, B class. Lap times are faster on the 350 but I’m starting to think it’s doesn’t race as well as the 450. It’s great on starts because it revs out ao high. But other than that I’m not convinced. If you are mostly doing practice days, 350 is so much fun

i just got a new 350 last fall. i weigh 165lbs vet A. i rode my brothers 450xc (i race offroad primarily) and the bottom end was too abrupt for me when i get tired in the woods, its not crazy but it was a "con" for me. i had a 250sxf i raced a few times. no complaints there really, decent power never felt like it was holding me back at all, felt super light. bought the 350 and couldn't be happier, great mix of smooth roll on tons of top end and super fun to ride. it does feel lighter than the 450 as well. im biased, but id get the 350 every time haha

I'll add to this with the bottom end and torque...

I have the Vortex with XPR mapping and the torque map was too snappy for my taste.  
I hate the feel of a Honda or Yamaha 450 and that's the aggressive nature in the torque map.

Edit, I should make it clear that I LOVE the XPR tune in the other maps.

I keep my ECU on map 1 (Best overall power) and map 4 (smooth delivery / slick or hardpack surface).
2nd motos at Washougal can get hardpack and slick, so sometimes I opt for the smooth map there.
I don't see a disadvantage on the starts with the 350 engine and for me (very fit / 165lbs / 40+A) the bike is an overall advantage.

I would love to own a green or blue 350F.  I really like the green chassis.
A little part of me wants to do an engine swap on the Kawasaki chassis and swap the Showa for KYB just for fun.

Im a big guy, more than 250 lbs. I rode a kx450 from 2019 until 2022, a yz250f from 2022 until 2024, and a kx450 from september of 24 to current. I ride mostly off road, east coast woods/hare scrambles/single track. When i had my 250f i loved it but found myself missing the 450 sometimes. Now that im back on the 450, i find myself missing the 250f most times. I REALLY liked that i could twist the 250f harder and longer, it felt like i was going faster and in turn provided more smiles per mile. The 450 obviously has its own areas where it really shines, like torque obviously. Its a tough call because all of todays bikes are SO GOOD.

6'1 190lbs, i can't comment on the stock suspension of the 23 GG 350. I bought some aftermarket and modified suspension from a friend. Valved for off-road & trails mostly and shines there. It is decent Moto, but feel i could get it better with some work. The air forks on the Suzuki were pretty good everywhere to me. The Air forks mite be worth a try?

What about trying a 250 2 stroke? 

This. A YZ 250 will make you the happiest man alive.

Fellow Vet A rider here. It's not unrideable, especially if you're only on the bike a handful of times throughout the summer. Any more than that and you're gonna be pissed and want to do a spring conversion. Problem with guys like us is that we grew up on springs, and hand comfort becomes more important the older we get 🤣

Don't waste your time with a single sided spring conversion.

You won't regret going 350 unless you really get after the racing again. Similar experience to some of the replies above - I can ride it aggressively and not get my butt kicked too bad. It's also got enough in the tank to go lazy play ride and still do all the jumps, etc.

I'm sure there are folks who feel differently but the forks on my 2022 FC350 feel fine to me and that's considering that I also ride a YZ250 with SSS suspension that's been set up by Enzo.  When I initially rode the FC350, I wasn't digging the fork at all but after putting more hours on the bike the forks felt pretty good after tweaking the adjusters and getting the air pressure that felt best for me.  At one point I thought about going the expensive spring route but have since decided I'm fine with the air forks.  I have not ridden one but hear the 2023-25 forks feel better than the 22s. 

Oh, it was also good to hear MXA say they're ok with the newer WP air forks too after getting time on them and messing with the clickers / air.

I switch back and forth between a 450 and a 350.    I absolutely LOVE riding my 350 more, but when I'm racing, i definitely get better starts on the 450.

Also I can hit jumps that are right out of a turn easier on the 450, where sometimes i struggle getting over them on the 350.   Laptimes show i'm very close to the same on either, but on faster smoother tracks, or soft prepped soil, i tend to have better lap times on the 450.   The rougher it gets, or the harder packed dirt, or tighter turns - the better i do on the 350.    

Having both, i can pick and choose which bike i want to ride depending on the track conditions.

I purchased a 2024 ktm 350 for moto and regretted my decision. They are only roughly 1 pound lighter than a 450, the suspension was not plush at all and quickly realized I would have to spend a considerable amounton it  to make it right for me. I did spend some time trying to get that suspension set up properly in stock form but could not get close to comfortable. I,m around 180 lbs, vet A rider. Its a stiff rigid chassis design as well . The popping on deceleration was annoying and more money would have to be spent to fix that . There are much better bikes out there to purchase. Again only one pound lighter, it’s heavy and a harsh ride. Lost a fair amount selling but no regrets.You will find similar reviews as you search on vitlal mx. Ride safe out there 👍

I manufacture the KYB conversion kits @mark_swart mentioned above https://dialedmfg.com and I'll be the first one to tell you that the air forks have improved substantially over the ten or so years they've been on the market.   The biggest change was the improvement to the 2021 air spring.  All the 2021 and later KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas bikes with 48mm air forks got that update and the valving seems to have improved gradually as well.

Air forks are very raceable and also can be comfortable but it can be difficult to get both of those at the same time.
Slapper landings are harsher on the WP air fork, for example.

The main complaint against WP's air fork is that it is very difficult to have performance (hold-up) and comfort in the same setting.
This is very easy to do with a dual cartridge dual spring fork and the single spring conversions seem to fall somewhere between air and dual spring.

I would suggest getting the bike you want and ride it long enough to break in the suspension and find the best setting you can before you commit to changing it.

Sorry but in no universe does a 350 feel heavy like a 450, even if it's only a 1lb lighter. A 450 feel like you're driving a tractor after getting off a 350

i have more time on a 250f vs a 450 but have had a chance to ride and race a 350. i was able to be aggressive like a 250 without the lack of power to get over bigger jumps

please yamaha.....make a yz350f

I had a 16,20, and 24 KTM 350. Halfway through the Canadian nationals in 2019 I got rid of my kx450 and bought a 16 350. I’ll never forget the smile on my face when I rode it. I agree with the comments above, the 23+ 350’s are a step up. I loved the power. No shortage of it! It has no issues pulling starts and riding it like a 250f is very doable. 

Recently changed from a YZ450 to a 350.  Love the 350 and won't be going back.

I’m 200lbs and I love my 250F. Don’t have to worry about over jumping stuff. And If I can’t jump something on a 250F then I have no business jumping it.

Plus to me it’s funner to ride it more aggressively, for longer motos, more fun in the woods as well, and you can throw it around easier. All positives for me.

450s have their place, but right now they aren’t for me.