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3411
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9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL
US
Looking at 2 different bikes both have pretty low hours and I know of both original owners and know that each bike has been taken care of. I primarily race Hare Scrambles but I do go to the moto track occasionally and look for a handful of gate drops next season. I've never ridden any Austrian bike so I don't know either of their characteristics. The 450 does have the map switch and upgraded wheels. The KTM comes with a Rekluse auto clutch just like my current YZ250FX and new tubeless tires. Both bikes come with new suspension that's never been ridden on. Price on both bikes within $500 so it really doesn't matter.
KTM: More turn key for my riding. 350 is supposed to be the great compromise but I've heard people say it's a revver and you end up working harder.
GasGas: Possibly better for a guy that tends to lug a motor races old dude class. In the open fields it would be nice to let the big dog eat. I Love the look, I think the GasGas motocross bikes are the best looking bikes made. Not completely ready for Hare Scrambles no kickstand, (dirt bikes & kickstands smdh) no handguards, 19" rear wheel which I've never noticed a difference between 18 and 19.
Help me speak with my wallet
KTM: More turn key for my riding. 350 is supposed to be the great compromise but I've heard people say it's a revver and you end up working harder.
GasGas: Possibly better for a guy that tends to lug a motor races old dude class. In the open fields it would be nice to let the big dog eat. I Love the look, I think the GasGas motocross bikes are the best looking bikes made. Not completely ready for Hare Scrambles no kickstand, (dirt bikes & kickstands smdh) no handguards, 19" rear wheel which I've never noticed a difference between 18 and 19.
Help me speak with my wallet
Poll
Also another vote for the XC model since you say you primarily ride hare scrambles. Larger tank, and the 6 speed tranny on the XC350 is sweet.
Bought a 22 FC450 Husky. I'm so freaking happy with this choice. Been doing back to back sessions, and I'll be darned that the 450 handles/carves better than the 350. Possibly due to the lowered suspension the last two years, not totally sure.
I've done enough comparison, to know that my 350 will be up for sale soon.
Not the exact same bikes your enquiring about, but fairly relative as to the 350 vs 450 for old dudes. I'm 61.
I have to say that I’m so glad that I made the decision to do it. I’m like you, I kind of prefer the 19 rear wheel because I race off-road but practice almost exclusively motocross. I added a skid plate, stock handguards, stock EC tank and oring chain. I did go to a 52 rear sprocket so third gear was very usable.
After a few rides I added a Radius CX clutch.
I absolutely love this bike. After a two hour Harescramble I’m no more tired than riding my 250 or 350. Now that I’ve learned how to use the power it’s just fun.
It has never felt heavy or hard to control. The only thing that took some getting used to was throttle settings on big jumps on moto tracks. It was just different not feeling the revs under you.
I actually prefer a 250 over the 350 because of the way it puts out the power revs smoother without a big hit.
My vote is 100% for the 450.
Please feel free to pm me and I can go into more detail. I ride down in Florida a bit.
The Shop
And it absolutely doesn't need to be ridden like a 125.
Next, I understand it doesn't have to be ridden like a 125 I was just referring to the power being made up higher in the rpms. A screamer rather than a tractor.
He HATES the 450 compared to his 350, he says it's so much harder to control than his 350 and is WAY too much bike for most off road situations. This dude is a good rider, multi time regional AA champ in the North West.
YMMV
$10,199
Post a reply to: 21 KTM 350XC vs 21 GasGas MC450