2012 ktm 350sxf opinions?

jayB22
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jayB22
Edited Date/Time 4/2/2019 6:19am
Found a nice 12 for a reasonable price, 60 hours from vet(40+) C rider. I was really looking for a 16 but they are a tad out of the price range. So I have done the standard searching around for opinions on this bike but they are mostly all right after it came out in comparision to previous years. How does it still compare to this day? Is reliability a big concern? Any real major issues? I have read about all the changes each year, but I'm not at the level i will notice most of them...haha. Not a racer, ride mostly at home track and the occasional practice day. Split time with my somewhat woods setup 250sx. Coming off an 09 CRF450.

Thoughts? Is it worth a look or a no go year?

Thanks,
Jay



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GeorgiePorgie 3/30/2019 6:12am
3/30/2019 6:12am Edited Date/Time 3/30/2019 6:15am
How much is “reasonable” ? I can’t speak for the 12. But the 18 is hooooollllyyyyyy crap sick. Quite possibly the single best crafted machine ever created. Ever. Haters will say it isn’t true.

If you can figure out how to stretch it and pick up a newer leftover and just keep it for many years....you will be happy long time. Given you’re gonna be splittin it with a 2 smoke it will fit you perfect.

You can scream this baby when you wanna scream it. She really lights the candles at the top. Will leave you giggling like a child every time. You can lug it when you wanna lug it. It’s like a damn 3-stroke.
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Yzf916
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Yzf916 3/30/2019 6:41am
3/30/2019 6:41am
How much is reasonable. I bought a showroom PERFECT 2014 for $3,000 for my son last year. Previous owner was my best friend. Meticulously cared for. Has a 365cc kit. Full Ti FMF pipe. GET tuner. Ride Eng. linkage. Acerbis skidplate. Bike is AMAZING. Does EVERYTHING my 14 450 FE does on the first lap, every track. However, as amazing as it is. The 18 and 19's are even better. If just for recreation, the 12 will be fine, and reliable. But if you can afford a leftover 18 or 19 to keep long term, like the previous post said. Jump on it.
Yzf916
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Yzf916 3/30/2019 6:47am
3/30/2019 6:47am
Forgot to add. It's even funner to ride than my 450FE. When we swap, he can't get me off of it. Not only does it do everything my 450 does. But it does NOT wear you out like my 450 does.
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Denn700
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Denn700 3/30/2019 6:48am
3/30/2019 6:48am
I had a 12 a few years ago and now I have a 19. It’s not even close. The newer ones are that much better. My 12 had ported head and cams and it still isn’t as fast as my stock 19. All the power on the 12 felt like it was up top. You still have to rev the 19 but you have more bottom if you need it.

The Shop

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Yzf916
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Yzf916 3/30/2019 6:49am
3/30/2019 6:49am
I had some old shrouds from mine we put on. And he ordered a background kit to resemble my FE. LOVE the 350.
jayB22
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jayB22 3/30/2019 7:19am
3/30/2019 7:19am
Thanks for the replies...

Guy has it listed for 3400, reasonable considering the market locally, but not a steal type price. And looks real clean. It would be just a play bike as I am not interested in racing mx with it. Just a mx practice a few times a year with mostly home track riding. Not a serious thing, just a fun thing, and something my boys and i can do together.

In my best seasons I am getting only about 60hrs of riding in

I get what you guys are saying about the 18/19's. Would probably need to wait another year to scrape together enough to pick one of those up... the 450 was too much and exhausting on my home track, kind of tight, though was sweet on a fast open track.
mxjeff575
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mxjeff575 3/30/2019 7:26am
3/30/2019 7:26am
I had a 2011 350 (in 2011) and I did not like it. I believe the 13 was some improvement, and the 16-19 are a much better bike. My 2011 felt like it had less low and mid than my 250F and then a LOT more top end than my 250F, and it definitely felt heavy compared to a 250F. It was a confused bike, IMO. For $3400, I'd be tempted to shop for a 14+ YZ250F. Just an option, not trying to complicate your decision.
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opyguy
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opyguy 3/30/2019 7:40am
3/30/2019 7:40am
13-15 was the next generation after the12, significantly better than the 11 and 12. You should be able to find one from that generation (13-15) for about 3500 easy
16-18 are even better yet but would probably be hard-pressed to find one for under five grand
I had a 13 and really enjoyed the bike
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crusher773
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crusher773 3/30/2019 7:44am
3/30/2019 7:44am
I have an 11 and still love it. Just finally put a top end in it in the fall.
BobPA
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BobPA 3/30/2019 7:46am
3/30/2019 7:46am
i had an '11 and really liked it. But, the 16+ are much better. Mine had 165 hours on it when I sold it, stock bottom end, clutch, water pump etc. Valves never moved after 110 hours, I just replaced them out of fear haha. Bike was always rock solid. I am a bit of a revver, so it fit my style.
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ob
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ob 3/30/2019 8:01am
3/30/2019 8:01am
Definately not the best generation but still a fun bike. Zero low end in that powerband.
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Magic Man
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Magic Man 3/30/2019 8:12am
3/30/2019 8:12am
Garbage in my opinion, you'd be better off on a yz250f.
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soggy
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soggy 3/30/2019 8:21am
3/30/2019 8:21am
you can wait one more year and potentially get a bike that is 7-9 years newer.... no brainer IMO
jayB22
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jayB22 3/30/2019 8:27am
3/30/2019 8:27am
Thanks for the honest opinions... Seems to be mixed as it looks to depend heavily on riding style/power preference. Was the issue why some werent a fan mostly odd power delivery? Suspension and handling were decent?
DA498
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DA498 3/30/2019 8:42am
3/30/2019 8:42am
I have a '12 and its been a great bike for me. Im sure the newer ones are faster and bla bla bla. Does everything the 350 was designed for. Go watch the MXA test video of the '12 and if you think its a POS and not fast enough for your style move on.
Dependability is in the eye of the beholder, Im seeing stories of '19s of every color having problems. Its seven years old and still alive, how bad can it be.
Its all budget, if thats your deal there you go. If moneys no object, hell yes, buy a newer one.
DA498
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DA498 3/30/2019 8:51am
3/30/2019 8:51am
jayB22 wrote:
Thanks for the honest opinions... Seems to be mixed as it looks to depend heavily on riding style/power preference. Was the issue why some werent a...
Thanks for the honest opinions... Seems to be mixed as it looks to depend heavily on riding style/power preference. Was the issue why some werent a fan mostly odd power delivery? Suspension and handling were decent?
Definitely doesnt have low end like a 450, more like 250F. Suspension is good, not as plush as my SSS. You can lug it but youll feel like its got nothing. Its more like a 250 than a 450 to me. Up top its fast, and again like a 250f. Bike feels light and doesnt give you that holy shit its going to get away from me 450 deal. Id love to have a newer one but for now Im digging the 350 lifestyle even tho Im behind the times. Story of my life!
bents
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bents 3/30/2019 9:08am
3/30/2019 9:08am
Yzf916 wrote:
How much is reasonable. I bought a showroom PERFECT 2014 for $3,000 for my son last year. Previous owner was my best friend. Meticulously cared for...
How much is reasonable. I bought a showroom PERFECT 2014 for $3,000 for my son last year. Previous owner was my best friend. Meticulously cared for. Has a 365cc kit. Full Ti FMF pipe. GET tuner. Ride Eng. linkage. Acerbis skidplate. Bike is AMAZING. Does EVERYTHING my 14 450 FE does on the first lap, every track. However, as amazing as it is. The 18 and 19's are even better. If just for recreation, the 12 will be fine, and reliable. But if you can afford a leftover 18 or 19 to keep long term, like the previous post said. Jump on it.
How do you like the 365 kit? And does the linkage lower the rear?
GeorgiePorgie 3/30/2019 9:13am
3/30/2019 9:13am
Try to get that 12 for $2800. Otherwise sell off some shit to get tenhe difference of 5000 And 3400 to pick up a newer model years.....$1600 grand scheme of things....for 3-5 year newer bike. Why not.

Pit Row

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GeorgiePorgie 3/30/2019 9:24am
3/30/2019 9:24am
Ok I was a $100 low. Offer Him book. If I was selling I’d take 2900 for a list of 3400.


DA498
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DA498 3/30/2019 9:34am
3/30/2019 9:34am
GeorgiePorgie wrote:
Ok I was a $100 low. Offer Him book. If I was selling I’d take 2900 for a list of 3400. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/30/335031/s1200_74AEDAB9_2773_4F76_A0D6_0F12B72ECD59.jpg[/img]
Ok I was a $100 low. Offer Him book. If I was selling I’d take 2900 for a list of 3400.


Let me know when your selling some of your bikes, lol. Ill save big.
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MPJC
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MPJC 3/30/2019 9:41am
3/30/2019 9:41am
I have a 13 with a freshly rebuilt engine with a high compression piston and it’s a pretty strong engine - a fair bit better than the 12, but not as strong as the 16+. I’d look for at least a 13. The 16+ bikes have a better engine, but I’m perfectly happy with the engine in my 13. I have e a 16 250 and have ridden a few 17 350s and the even bigger improvement is in the new, lighter chassis.
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jayB22
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jayB22 3/30/2019 9:41am
3/30/2019 9:41am
GeorgiePorgie wrote:
Ok I was a $100 low. Offer Him book. If I was selling I’d take 2900 for a list of 3400. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/30/335031/s1200_74AEDAB9_2773_4F76_A0D6_0F12B72ECD59.jpg[/img]
Ok I was a $100 low. Offer Him book. If I was selling I’d take 2900 for a list of 3400.


Thats kind of where my head is at as well. Its at least worth a look.

Thanks for everyones input! Much appreciated.
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GeorgiePorgie 3/30/2019 9:46am
3/30/2019 9:46am
GeorgiePorgie wrote:
Ok I was a $100 low. Offer Him book. If I was selling I’d take 2900 for a list of 3400. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/30/335031/s1200_74AEDAB9_2773_4F76_A0D6_0F12B72ECD59.jpg[/img]
Ok I was a $100 low. Offer Him book. If I was selling I’d take 2900 for a list of 3400.


DA498 wrote:
Let me know when your selling some of your bikes, lol. Ill save big.
That’s how I sell them. Sell them as you would buy them.....?

Your bike isn’t worth anytning. really it’s not. Think in your mind what you wanna sell your bike for. Then hack $800-1000 off your asking price. Because that’s what someone wants to pay for it.
coastie44
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coastie44 3/30/2019 10:34am
3/30/2019 10:34am Edited Date/Time 3/30/2019 12:22pm
I have a ‘15 with 31hrs total, 365 kit/vortex, and SSS fork conversion I’m wanting $4k for in California.

Based on that, $3400 seems a bit high.
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jayB22
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jayB22 3/30/2019 1:27pm
3/30/2019 1:27pm
coastie44 wrote:
I have a ‘15 with 31hrs total, 365 kit/vortex, and SSS fork conversion I’m wanting $4k for in California. Based on that, $3400 seems a bit...
I have a ‘15 with 31hrs total, 365 kit/vortex, and SSS fork conversion I’m wanting $4k for in California.

Based on that, $3400 seems a bit high.
Damn... nice deal.
stimpy
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stimpy 3/31/2019 8:34am
3/31/2019 8:34am
Be interested on what you think if you try a 2012 350 compared with the Crf450. Got a friend in work deciding between similar. I know the ktm is around 5lbs heavier than the crf450 in those years but people appear to say they feel lighter.
Shaun_Powelson 3/31/2019 8:57am
3/31/2019 8:57am
I personally wouldn't buy a 12, not to ride/keep for myself anyways. Like others have stated, they fixed the bottom end issue with the 13-15. 16+ is one of the best, if not the best, all around bike ever made!
Tarz483
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Tarz483 3/31/2019 1:56pm
3/31/2019 1:56pm
Shaun_Powelson wrote:
I personally wouldn't buy a 12, not to ride/keep for myself anyways. Like others have stated, they fixed the bottom end issue with the 13-15. 16+...
I personally wouldn't buy a 12, not to ride/keep for myself anyways. Like others have stated, they fixed the bottom end issue with the 13-15. 16+ is one of the best, if not the best, all around bike ever made!
But what if you couldn't afford the 16? And it was the 12 or something else for that lower price?
Its not my post but i would guess there is a budget.
cameron96
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cameron96 3/31/2019 2:05pm
3/31/2019 2:05pm
I had a 12. Bike was fine, fuel pump was a problem for me. Needed replacing

Other than that it was good. Rode a 16, that was wayyy better

My 12 I had the suspension done by race tech. Unreal! Ripped.
jayB22
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jayB22 3/31/2019 4:41pm
3/31/2019 4:41pm
stimpy wrote:
Be interested on what you think if you try a 2012 350 compared with the Crf450. Got a friend in work deciding between similar. I know...
Be interested on what you think if you try a 2012 350 compared with the Crf450. Got a friend in work deciding between similar. I know the ktm is around 5lbs heavier than the crf450 in those years but people appear to say they feel lighter.
If i pick up a 12 I'll report my thoughts...i have heard the same feeling of lighter and thats what i am looking for.

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