18 vs 19 KTM 350SXF

JakeBoots
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JakeBoots
Edited Date/Time 6/6/2019 1:39pm
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL transmission and better mid with newer suspension settings and a black frame it’s not enough really for me to get a 19.
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Ramrod
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Ramrod 5/29/2019 7:30pm
5/29/2019 7:30pm
I’d choose the 18 just for the orange frame over the 19 regardless of anything else.
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JakeBoots
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JakeBoots 5/29/2019 8:12pm
5/29/2019 8:12pm
Ramrod wrote:
I’d choose the 18 just for the orange frame over the 19 regardless of anything else.
Yeah that’s my thoughts exactly. It just looks way to good with an orange frame. Plus with the money I’m saving I’ll put it towards cone valve forks haha
RJMX834
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RJMX834 5/29/2019 8:59pm
5/29/2019 8:59pm Edited Date/Time 5/30/2019 7:48pm
This is so cool you posted this. I too almost posted the EXACT same question last week. I was bouncing back and fourth. I rode my best friends and fellow vital members 2019 and fell in love. I would be disappointed if i bought an 18 and it did not feel like the 19. I found a good deal on a 19 and put a deposit on it. I pick it up Monday and can't wait. I think the 2018 350s are some of the best looking bikes in recent memory, especially with the orange frame. However, with the transmission update, mid to low range power increase, improved suspension and the fact its 1 year newer which would help with resale, im buying a 19. The 20s will be out in a month or two and it'll make 18s two years old already.
I've been looking to buy a new bike for a while. However, i haven't seen anything that's blasted me away to fork my money over. I'm a kawasaki fan at heart and although i hear nothing but awesome compliments on the new 450, I don't ride 50+ hours a year anymore to be able to handle a 450. I wanted a 2020 kx250f, until i heard ML say it wont get all the 450 updates. Then as i said above, i rode my friends 19 350sxf, my decision was made. I didn't get back on my bike for the rest of the day. Took his bike out for 2 more sessions. Cleaned mine up when i got home and posted for sale. I was foaming from the mouth and had to have one lol.
The bike was the greatest offroad motorcycle I've ever ridden. It was perfect. It was so light and had the perfect amount of power. The power to weight ratio is unreal. At first, i wasn't a fan of the suspension, but after i began to put a few laps in, i started to like it. The harder i rode the bike, the better the suspension worked. (Mid class B rider for comparison). The brakes were incredible, as expected I've ridden many other ktms before. The hydraulic clutch worked nicely and felt closer to a cable clutch than other years. The bike turned on a dime. I rode this bike better than i rode my own bike all day (yz250fx).
Dunno what prices are in canada, but buying mine for $7899 otd. I too want an orange frame, but i figure after the season ill tear it apart and do that myself. I can't wait to pick it up Monday. Im sure the 18 would be an awesome motorcycle also. They do look %100 better than the 19s, but i want exactly what i rode and i rode a 19. Haha. Let us know what you choose.
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T-Fish
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T-Fish 5/29/2019 10:18pm
5/29/2019 10:18pm
I debated the same thing last fall. If the 2019 had an orange frame, I’d own one. But since they don’t, I own a 2018. The frame is a big deal.

644 on here was in the same place as well about a month ago. He chose the orange frame too.
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T-Fish
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T-Fish 5/29/2019 10:19pm
5/29/2019 10:19pm
Ramrod wrote:
I’d choose the 18 just for the orange frame over the 19 regardless of anything else.
Nailed it.
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mxjeff575
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mxjeff575 5/29/2019 11:58pm
5/29/2019 11:58pm
I agree the orange frame is sharp looking, but I am a fan of the new bodywork, especially how the 19 is narrower through the radiator shrouds. I have a 16 250SXF and a 19 250SXF. It's subtle, but the 19 feels thinner. If the OTD price difference isn't huge, I'd consider the 19 and paint the frame next winter.
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JakeBoots
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JakeBoots 5/30/2019 5:19am
5/30/2019 5:19am Edited Date/Time 5/30/2019 5:21am
RJMX834 wrote:
This is so cool you posted this. I too almost posted the EXACT same question last week. I was bouncing back and fourth. I rode my...
This is so cool you posted this. I too almost posted the EXACT same question last week. I was bouncing back and fourth. I rode my best friends and fellow vital members 2019 and fell in love. I would be disappointed if i bought an 18 and it did not feel like the 19. I found a good deal on a 19 and put a deposit on it. I pick it up Monday and can't wait. I think the 2018 350s are some of the best looking bikes in recent memory, especially with the orange frame. However, with the transmission update, mid to low range power increase, improved suspension and the fact its 1 year newer which would help with resale, im buying a 19. The 20s will be out in a month or two and it'll make 18s two years old already.
I've been looking to buy a new bike for a while. However, i haven't seen anything that's blasted me away to fork my money over. I'm a kawasaki fan at heart and although i hear nothing but awesome compliments on the new 450, I don't ride 50+ hours a year anymore to be able to handle a 450. I wanted a 2020 kx250f, until i heard ML say it wont get all the 450 updates. Then as i said above, i rode my friends 19 350sxf, my decision was made. I didn't get back on my bike for the rest of the day. Took his bike out for 2 more sessions. Cleaned mine up when i got home and posted for sale. I was foaming from the mouth and had to have one lol.
The bike was the greatest offroad motorcycle I've ever ridden. It was perfect. It was so light and had the perfect amount of power. The power to weight ratio is unreal. At first, i wasn't a fan of the suspension, but after i began to put a few laps in, i started to like it. The harder i rode the bike, the better the suspension worked. (Mid class B rider for comparison). The brakes were incredible, as expected I've ridden many other ktms before. The hydraulic clutch worked nicely and felt closer to a cable clutch than other years. The bike turned on a dime. I rode this bike better than i rode my own bike all day (yz250fx).
Dunno what prices are in canada, but buying mine for $7899 otd. I too want an orange frame, but i figure after the season ill tear it apart and do that myself. I can't wait to pick it up Monday. Im sure the 18 would be an awesome motorcycle also. They do look %100 better than the 19s, but i want exactly what i rode and i rode a 19. Haha. Let us know what you choose.
That’s where I’m thinking ignorance is bliss and as long as I never ride a newer one I will be fine haha! The savings is a lot bigger right now on 18’s, 19’s after the 2020’s dropped there was $500 off them, $1500 off 18’s, but found another dealer in Alberta that has them for $2200 off so they’ll price match. I really wanted a 19 YZ250F last fall with how much everyone loved it but after watching and reading more reviews on the 350 it sounds like it’ll fit me way better now that I’ll be 30 next year and slowly getting into that vet range, took a 4 year moto break until I bought an 89 CR250 for $500 to restore that has about $5000-$6000 invested now that I need to ride as well soon 😬 They have both there so I’ll sit on them both and unless they give me a better deal on a 19 I know I’ll be just as happy with the 18 (as long as I never ride a 19 or newer haha) especially with how often I’ll be able to go out and ride it. Plus that orange frame.. I could powder coat a 19 but I just stripped down a bike to rebuild haha
PRM31
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PRM31 5/30/2019 7:11am
5/30/2019 7:11am Edited Date/Time 5/30/2019 7:33am
How much maintenance or fiddling do the 350s require? Oil change, clean filter, adjust chain, check bolts. Anything else for a slow older dude? Any particular item(s) to pay attention to on an ‘18?
Denn700
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Denn700 5/30/2019 7:29am
5/30/2019 7:29am
Check the spokes. Other than that just basic maintenance.
I have a 2019 350 and a 2018 250. I haven’t ridden the 250 yet. I am getting my frame powder coated soon on the 350. I’m still on the fence on what gearing to run. The bike runs so good that it’s hard to pick. I really like 13/50 and 13/51 on all of the tracks I have ridden. I can’t pick between those two. I tried 14/50 and 14/51 and did not like that. I have a 52 at the house I am also going to try soon.
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Beaz824
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Beaz824 5/30/2019 7:35am
5/30/2019 7:35am
Must be different where ur at by me they want 200 more for the 19 a buddie just bought 1 I was gonna go Saturday but for 200$ il get a 19
MPJC
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MPJC 5/30/2019 7:37am
5/30/2019 7:37am
As far as whether the 18 or 19 is better, a lot just comes down to preference. I talked to a guy who traded his 17 on a 19 and he said that he like the 17 better because he finds the 19 chassis to be too stiff. Another guy who did the same thing - went from a 17 to a 19 - just loves his 19.
tek14
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tek14 5/30/2019 7:49am
5/30/2019 7:49am
I been riding both. 19 did feel much stiffer at front of frame at first and 18 felt it had more flex. After revalving forks 19 came much better as first movement of forks was softer it didnt transfer every hit to shoulders and still front end was more precise to ruts in corners. Same feeling about motor, 18 revved free as 19 came with massive cone insert in silencer. After little remap and modifying silencer 19 felt least same as 18. I was happy with old 17-18 frame and if you can save money I would buy older and just spend money to revalve suspension. 19 turns different than 18 but difference isnt worth much.
I personally hate orange frame but its just me.
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 5/30/2019 8:43am
5/30/2019 8:43am Edited Date/Time 5/30/2019 8:45am
After the same debate, I went with an 18 FC350 over the 19. Saved $1400 out the door ($7k versus $8.4k). I put an FMF Ti can on it, drilled some holes in the airbox, went 14/51, and run map 2. It's seriously fast and I love the way it revs! The 18 looks better than the 19 - cleaner plastics and has the white frame. In saving $1400 I still have $$$ left for a re-valve if I need it. So far (3 hours total) I'm super happy with it, and I don't yet see any need to revalve at my pace. I am faster already on this than on the 13 CRF450 I put 100 hours on. 56 year old, 180 lb Vet Intermediate.

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walleyeguy
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walleyeguy 5/30/2019 10:00am
5/30/2019 10:00am
Friend of mine just picked up an 18 FC350 for $68?? OTD. Can't beat that.
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seventeen
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seventeen 5/30/2019 10:54am
5/30/2019 10:54am
Ramrod wrote:
I’d choose the 18 just for the orange frame over the 19 regardless of anything else.
How about painting the 19' frame orange?
stone881
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stone881 5/30/2019 11:58am
5/30/2019 11:58am
JakeBoots wrote:
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL...
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL transmission and better mid with newer suspension settings and a black frame it’s not enough really for me to get a 19.
With the reported transmission and frame problems, I have to think that the 19 is worth the extra loonies. Paint to me isn't a reason to make a decision, but major structural updates should be.
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PRM31
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PRM31 5/30/2019 1:33pm
5/30/2019 1:33pm
JakeBoots wrote:
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL...
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL transmission and better mid with newer suspension settings and a black frame it’s not enough really for me to get a 19.
stone881 wrote:
With the reported transmission and frame problems, I have to think that the 19 is worth the extra loonies. Paint to me isn't a reason to...
With the reported transmission and frame problems, I have to think that the 19 is worth the extra loonies. Paint to me isn't a reason to make a decision, but major structural updates should be.
What are the frame and tranny problems?
tek14
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tek14 5/30/2019 1:45pm
5/30/2019 1:45pm
JakeBoots wrote:
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL...
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL transmission and better mid with newer suspension settings and a black frame it’s not enough really for me to get a 19.
stone881 wrote:
With the reported transmission and frame problems, I have to think that the 19 is worth the extra loonies. Paint to me isn't a reason to...
With the reported transmission and frame problems, I have to think that the 19 is worth the extra loonies. Paint to me isn't a reason to make a decision, but major structural updates should be.
PRM31 wrote:
What are the frame and tranny problems?
First 2016 250f had drilled light gears that didnt hold for pros. KTM did leave holes away from gears after first bikes. I havent heard any problems with 17-18 bikes yet.

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seventeen
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seventeen 5/30/2019 1:52pm
5/30/2019 1:52pm
Trannies are always a problem if you ask me...
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byke
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byke 5/30/2019 1:54pm
5/30/2019 1:54pm
Yep. Blowing a tranny sucks.

Gear problems are no good either.
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stone881
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stone881 5/30/2019 4:51pm
5/30/2019 4:51pm
JakeBoots wrote:
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL...
Has anyone ridden both and seen much of a difference? Can get a great deal on the 18 right now. Other than the frame updates, PANKL transmission and better mid with newer suspension settings and a black frame it’s not enough really for me to get a 19.
stone881 wrote:
With the reported transmission and frame problems, I have to think that the 19 is worth the extra loonies. Paint to me isn't a reason to...
With the reported transmission and frame problems, I have to think that the 19 is worth the extra loonies. Paint to me isn't a reason to make a decision, but major structural updates should be.
PRM31 wrote:
What are the frame and tranny problems?
Plenty of posts about false neutrals and a rash of frame failures in the past couple of years. Bikes are jumping out of gear and there is cracking under the steering tube. So KTM fixed both of those issues in 2019. Pankl transmissions and more gusset on the frames.

Not enough incidents to issue recalls, but that doesn't mean they aren't aware.

Get the 2019 imo.
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ben5020
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ben5020 5/30/2019 5:58pm
5/30/2019 5:58pm
walleyeguy wrote:
Friend of mine just picked up an 18 FC350 for $68?? OTD. Can't beat that.
Where’d he get that deal?
RJMX834
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RJMX834 5/30/2019 7:58pm
5/30/2019 7:58pm
RJMX834 wrote:
This is so cool you posted this. I too almost posted the EXACT same question last week. I was bouncing back and fourth. I rode my...
This is so cool you posted this. I too almost posted the EXACT same question last week. I was bouncing back and fourth. I rode my best friends and fellow vital members 2019 and fell in love. I would be disappointed if i bought an 18 and it did not feel like the 19. I found a good deal on a 19 and put a deposit on it. I pick it up Monday and can't wait. I think the 2018 350s are some of the best looking bikes in recent memory, especially with the orange frame. However, with the transmission update, mid to low range power increase, improved suspension and the fact its 1 year newer which would help with resale, im buying a 19. The 20s will be out in a month or two and it'll make 18s two years old already.
I've been looking to buy a new bike for a while. However, i haven't seen anything that's blasted me away to fork my money over. I'm a kawasaki fan at heart and although i hear nothing but awesome compliments on the new 450, I don't ride 50+ hours a year anymore to be able to handle a 450. I wanted a 2020 kx250f, until i heard ML say it wont get all the 450 updates. Then as i said above, i rode my friends 19 350sxf, my decision was made. I didn't get back on my bike for the rest of the day. Took his bike out for 2 more sessions. Cleaned mine up when i got home and posted for sale. I was foaming from the mouth and had to have one lol.
The bike was the greatest offroad motorcycle I've ever ridden. It was perfect. It was so light and had the perfect amount of power. The power to weight ratio is unreal. At first, i wasn't a fan of the suspension, but after i began to put a few laps in, i started to like it. The harder i rode the bike, the better the suspension worked. (Mid class B rider for comparison). The brakes were incredible, as expected I've ridden many other ktms before. The hydraulic clutch worked nicely and felt closer to a cable clutch than other years. The bike turned on a dime. I rode this bike better than i rode my own bike all day (yz250fx).
Dunno what prices are in canada, but buying mine for $7899 otd. I too want an orange frame, but i figure after the season ill tear it apart and do that myself. I can't wait to pick it up Monday. Im sure the 18 would be an awesome motorcycle also. They do look %100 better than the 19s, but i want exactly what i rode and i rode a 19. Haha. Let us know what you choose.
JakeBoots wrote:
That’s where I’m thinking ignorance is bliss and as long as I never ride a newer one I will be fine haha! The savings is a...
That’s where I’m thinking ignorance is bliss and as long as I never ride a newer one I will be fine haha! The savings is a lot bigger right now on 18’s, 19’s after the 2020’s dropped there was $500 off them, $1500 off 18’s, but found another dealer in Alberta that has them for $2200 off so they’ll price match. I really wanted a 19 YZ250F last fall with how much everyone loved it but after watching and reading more reviews on the 350 it sounds like it’ll fit me way better now that I’ll be 30 next year and slowly getting into that vet range, took a 4 year moto break until I bought an 89 CR250 for $500 to restore that has about $5000-$6000 invested now that I need to ride as well soon 😬 They have both there so I’ll sit on them both and unless they give me a better deal on a 19 I know I’ll be just as happy with the 18 (as long as I never ride a 19 or newer haha) especially with how often I’ll be able to go out and ride it. Plus that orange frame.. I could powder coat a 19 but I just stripped down a bike to rebuild haha
I hear yeah. Always alot to consider. And to each their down. Different strokes for different folks. Have a casual friend that also just bought an 18, but i didn't ride it. Just know it does look a lot better than the 19. But i wanted exactly what i rode, haha and i rode a 19. Also the transmission update was a big factor for me.
snackfedbear
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snackfedbear 5/30/2019 8:44pm
5/30/2019 8:44pm
byke wrote:
Yep. Blowing a tranny sucks.

Gear problems are no good either.
I hear when you blow a tranny it can be a big mess
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JakeBoots
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JakeBoots 5/30/2019 8:45pm
5/30/2019 8:45pm
RJMX834 wrote:
I hear yeah. Always alot to consider. And to each their down. Different strokes for different folks. Have a casual friend that also just bought an...
I hear yeah. Always alot to consider. And to each their down. Different strokes for different folks. Have a casual friend that also just bought an 18, but i didn't ride it. Just know it does look a lot better than the 19. But i wanted exactly what i rode, haha and i rode a 19. Also the transmission update was a big factor for me.
Yeah reading more now about the neutral thing with some of the older ones and is getting me thinking. Next Friday is the KTM road bike demo day and they always give out the $500 power parts gift cards so I’m waiting until then to purchase anything. Talked with one dealer today and the prices they’re giving right now is basically their cost because KTM is giving them all an extra $1000 in rebates to sell these things off because the 2020’s are coming in June. Also in June the rebates are changing so may see what goes on with the 19’s!!
sparker245
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sparker245 5/30/2019 9:55pm
5/30/2019 9:55pm
Owned the first year model KTM 350sxf in 2011 and have ridden (but not owned) at least one every year since then. Always wanted the 350 to knock my socks off because it should have been the best bike for me considering my size and ability...or lack thereof. But I was always somewhat disappointed.....until riding a '19. Two days later a new KTM 350 was in my garage, and I couldn't be happier. For me the '19 is the ultimate bike....maybe not for everyone...but for me.
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RJMX834
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RJMX834 5/31/2019 4:12am
5/31/2019 4:12am
sparker245 wrote:
Owned the first year model KTM 350sxf in 2011 and have ridden (but not owned) at least one every year since then. Always wanted the 350...
Owned the first year model KTM 350sxf in 2011 and have ridden (but not owned) at least one every year since then. Always wanted the 350 to knock my socks off because it should have been the best bike for me considering my size and ability...or lack thereof. But I was always somewhat disappointed.....until riding a '19. Two days later a new KTM 350 was in my garage, and I couldn't be happier. For me the '19 is the ultimate bike....maybe not for everyone...but for me.
Seems like you were in my boat. I rode it and had to have one. Haha. It was that good.
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mxryan25
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mxryan25 5/31/2019 5:32am
5/31/2019 5:32am
I have a 19 350 and my buddy has a 18 with about the same amount of time, the changes for 19 might sounds minimal but they are very noticeable. The whole bike feels skinnier between the legs especially at the radiators/shrouds, the 18 chassis is a little more compliant but the 19 has better cornering feedback and feel it’s a compromise either way. The gear shifting a quite a bit smoother on the 19. Not sure if it’s been mentioned but the clutch is all new and quite a bit lighter on the 19 as well. imo the 19 is definitely a better bike, the 18 is still a great bike however ! Can’t go wrong with either 👍🏼
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JakeBoots
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JakeBoots 5/31/2019 5:45am
5/31/2019 5:45am
mxryan25 wrote:
I have a 19 350 and my buddy has a 18 with about the same amount of time, the changes for 19 might sounds minimal but...
I have a 19 350 and my buddy has a 18 with about the same amount of time, the changes for 19 might sounds minimal but they are very noticeable. The whole bike feels skinnier between the legs especially at the radiators/shrouds, the 18 chassis is a little more compliant but the 19 has better cornering feedback and feel it’s a compromise either way. The gear shifting a quite a bit smoother on the 19. Not sure if it’s been mentioned but the clutch is all new and quite a bit lighter on the 19 as well. imo the 19 is definitely a better bike, the 18 is still a great bike however ! Can’t go wrong with either 👍🏼
Yeah you guys are really make me lean to the 19’s now haha. Kinda like the look of the husky a little more now with the blue frame so it’ll be a matter of availability and June rebates
lappedrider
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lappedrider 5/31/2019 7:19am
5/31/2019 7:19am
Also chose the leftover 18. Used the extra money to make it mine. Love it.
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