Posts
2136
Joined
8/7/2009
Location
Northern, VA
US
Edited Date/Time
10/1/2018 6:59am
Having narrowed my choice of a new bike down to a 350, is there any real reason to choose a '19 over a still new '18? Reading the info the only item that has me thinking is the pankl transmission. Does it really make a difference? Anything else? They are all faster than I am so not concerned about that. More just about quality, reliability, and comfort.
Good catch on the clutch.
For that savings I could get an extra set of wheels and tires or slip-on and other goodies.
The 18 is a great bike, turns great and the power is amazing. Side note - if you plan to finance they have low rates currently on 18 models.
The Shop
The 2019 has:
New frame with new flex characteristics
Narrower and lower radiators
Narrower shrouds
New tranny
New clutch
I believe the rear side panels are narrower as well.
I'd say if price is a big deal to you and 18 is a smoking deal, then get it. But I wouldn't get an 18 over the frame color if you can afford a 2019.
Wish I could ride them.
If its a few hundred id get the 19. Over a 1000 different id be on the 18.
Leaning towards an 18 with a set of backup wheels or a host of other goodies like some orange Neken clamps, FMF slip-on, seat cover, bars, etc. Haven’t ridden the AERs, but if I don’t like them I’ll look into some mods. Factory Connection has done great work for me before.
Can the 19 clutch go in the 18?
I had a 17 350 and loved it, never had a frame problem, sold it w 20 hours.
I have a 17 250 sxf and love it, never had a frame problem and it also has low hours.
That being said, I bought a take off 17 frame and am getting it gusseted because I have read about enough KTM frame failures that it makes me worried.
You don't have to be fast for the frame to fail, keep that in mind in your decision making process.
Pit Row
If you get an 18, with the money you save, the biggest upgrade I’d say would be to convert the forks to KYB, buy KYB or Cone valves.
I find i don't need all the power of a 450 especially when the track gets super rough. Its alot easier to ride a 350 in those conditions. Ive rode a stock 17 350 before.
On a 450 I felt like I wanted to tame the power and never wanted to give it WFO and the 350 you will want to try and max the power. I 100% belive you can ride the 350 to its full potential. it’s got more bottom then a 250 but not what a 450 has.
I’m sure you’d be happy, but might be worth a test ride?
My reasons were as follows:
I’m just a 40+ vet rider. At my ability level, I sincerely doubt I’d notice the chassis difference and probably not notice the 2lb decrease in overall weight.
With the $2k saved, I can buy a Guts or Think seat, and exhaust, and be at the weight of the ‘19 and be on a chassis I’m already familiar with and like a lot, as I have a 17.5 250 and 450 already.
Orange frame. To me, that matters. If I can’t be fast, I want to look good going slow.
I was able to swap the Rekluse from my 250 to the 350. That saved me $900 right off the bat.
You are obviously susceptible to propaganda and complicit in its spread. Good job.
BTW 120 hrs on a ‘16 450, and I’m not easy on it.
My impression was an overall less wallowy feel when deceling and braking. Better cornering. Also on the older chassis I’m chasing front end grip on flat corners mid to exit. Only trade off was yes more rigid feel overall, but I like the direction they went.
My 2 cents is if you are a racer get the ‘19, if you just ride the previous gen would be fine.
I’m wringing my hands over next bike...350, 450, or 250 smoker?
I have a bit of a pessimistic bias when it comes to annual bike improvements. I did my racing in the late 70s and early 80s (that’s Aztec 1981 to the left for the CO folks). After many years away I was surprised at how little I thought the bikes had improved. Better no doubt, but only incrementally. I am encouraged by the durability others are mentioning in the other threads. I just want to ride this bike, not HAVE to fiddle with it all the time.
And to be fair, 1,6k in parts doesn't get you that far if you buy a 18. Unless you buy aftermarket parts second hand.
Is it wrong that matters to me!? Ha
I like what RCMXracing said about if your racing get the 19.
Also Mottofinne said about resale. That’s the whole reason I got rid of my 17. It was easier to sell now with 85 hrs rather then next year with 170hrs, but when it comes down to it $1600 is a lot of money.
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