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Anybody? How stressful is it on the motor compared to a 450? Enough torque to climb & huck some dunes without a significantly longer catch speed set up? I'm still in debate between the 350 vs 450. Might not be able to make that KTM demo so I may be purchasing blindly.
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125s can work at the dunes, they generally blow up, but until then they work. I think the 350 would be fine, they make more power than a 250 2 stroke, right?
Juniormediate Pro
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I had a '13 350 and it did fine. The nice thing is if you have a paddle they're not always trying to throw you off the back like a 450. Just gotta wind them out a little more
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Sweet photo! I wonder if a paddle completely throws the comparisons into a closer realm, as that's the intention - good ole' Glamis dune time, big bowls big dunes and big jumps. I've never ridden a bike in the dunes without a paddle. But boy was the clutch fun on the 250 2T. I've just always wondered how much harm the dunes are on these 4T motors, and worry a bit going with the smaller displacement 350.
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I have to ride a 350 harder than a 250 2 stroke at the dunes. Not much bottom end grunt to pull you out of the deep stuff easy. They just don't float like a smoker does. You have to ride the 350 the exact same as a 250f at the dunes. I hardly ever use a paddle because I like sand ruts to much!
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Though it's sounding like the low end torque of the 450 would be better in the dunes, I still think my head is leaning towards the 350. The 350 just seems like it will be a much more fun bike on the track and desert freeride than the 450. Will definitely be slapping on the paddle with it when I'm out in the dunes. Hell, maybe I'll just stick with the 03' CR exclusively for Glamis. But I'd rather get my purchase more worth the expense on the new bike, ha.
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I had a 350, it was one of the best bikes I'v owned and loved it everywhere but the dunes (glamis). I'm 200lbs though. I ended up buying a 250 two strokes just for the dunes. Whatever the reason I much prefer the power delivery of a 2 stroke over 4 stroke in the dunes. My 350 felt like I was plowing the sand everywhere vs skimming the top of the sand on the 2 stroke. My suggestion is if you already have a 250 two stroke keep that for the dunes. But take away the sand and I loved my 350 everywhere else from racing moto to single track trails.
I ended up selling both my 350 and 250 to buy a new Husky 450. But haven't tried it at the dunes yet. The last 450 I tried at the dunes was my 2006 CRF. I still preferred the 250 smoker over that 450 as well.
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I've yet to ride my 350 in the dunes, but between my old 01 CR250 and 03/05 CRF450/s, there was no comparison. Both with paddles, the 450 ruled the dunes. Spent most of my time looking for jumps, and most were up 2/3 story tall dunes 4th/5th tapped, and the 450 would just pull no problem and lose no momentum. The CR 250 wouldn't hold power like the 450 and it was VERY noticeable, and the 01 CR wasn't a slouch. I'd imagine my 350sxf would be similar to the CR. All about momentum, and keeping it pinned. I have a hard time agreeing that it would suck in the sand though. You either know how to ride dunes, or you don't. I've ridden 125's in the dunes, and always had fun before they grenaded.
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Interested in passing a long that KTM Demo pass? I live in Fullerton and would be happy to take it off your hands if you aren't able to use it.
BTW I would always just prefer a 450 for glamis. The more power the better. I like not having to beat up the motor going up olds.
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Bigger motor = more fun in dunes.
But if you're only going to the dunes a couple times a year, then get the bike for the terrain you'll ride the most.
OR
get both!
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Hm, so it doesn't sound like the most exciting bike in glamis. It's tough, because while other terrain is going to get ridden a hell of a lot more than glamis - I LOVE glamis riding. The 450 is that much different of a beast on the track than a 350 eh?
@Steez. Call NorCal MotorSports and ask for Eric, he'll meet you at the track with extra cards - that's what he was going to do for me.
