Debating switch from ‘19 250sx to ‘20/21 350sxf

10/26/2020 1:28pm Edited Date/Time 10/27/2020 5:58am
Evening, as the title says i’m very interested in a change in steed. Having raced 250 2t the last 10 years in the dutch sandboxes, i’m maybe looking for a change.

I can bring the 250 around the track pretty decently, it’s got a vhm head and hgs exhaust etc so it runs really good.

Now i’m very curious compared to a 2t, how will the 350 behave on the track? Does it roll corners well and with a little clutch pulls out good? Is it managable hitting big bumps and can i let it move around under me without throwing me off?

I’m 1.72m tall and weigh around 68kg for good measure
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seth505
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10/26/2020 1:33pm Edited Date/Time 10/26/2020 2:17pm
The 350 Still feels like a 4stroke but can rev it to the moon. I imagine a 350 would be the most easy transition if I had to give up my 250sx. Just my opinion.
10/26/2020 2:00pm
seth505 wrote:
The 350 Still feels like a 4stroke but can rev it to the moon. I imagine a 350 would be the most easy transition if I...
The 350 Still feels like a 4stroke but can rev it to the moon. I imagine a 350 would be the most easy transition if I had to give up my 250sx. Just my opinion.
How does it run in the low rpms? Like getting going on a heavy sandtrack where you cant stay on top of the bumps, or well waves as tracks in holland become 1 giant wavesection the 2nd race
JohnMatrix
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10/26/2020 2:00pm Edited Date/Time 10/26/2020 2:08pm
I’ve had them both and currently on the 250sx. The 350 has a very linear powerband compared to the 250sx or even a 450. If you like the excitement of how the 250sx lights up in the midrange, you’re probably going to miss that on the 350. On the other hand the 350 has very tractable power and revs forever, so it has definite benefits. If you’re racing, the 350 is the better machine. The 350 also will have average 4 stroke engine braking, which personally I don’t care for. I’ve considered going back to a 350 as it’s less tiring to ride, but having the ecu tuned for as little engine braking as possible, for whatever that might be worth if anything. The 350 is nimble for a 4 stroke but will always have a heavier feel than the 250sx. In my opinion, the 250sx handles braking bumps and chop much better than my 350 ever did since it has no engine braking. I had cone valves on both with revalved stock shock and found that the 250sx just has a larger window for comfort across track conditions for me. They’re both killer bikes, just depends on what characteristics you like.
10/26/2020 2:36pm
Thanks for replies guys, yeah the 250 is fun, also more to take care of, and maybe a change isnt that bad after so long, am more of a technical rider and not ballsout everywhere around the track, i like to rev the 250 aswell but it signs off at some point. Will a 350 buck me off like a 450 if i come up short on some jumps or bumps?

The Shop

TheCRKid
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10/26/2020 2:44pm Edited Date/Time 10/26/2020 2:44pm
The 350 feels heavy compared to a 250 smoker AND a 250F
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yz133rider
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10/26/2020 2:48pm
350s power feels like a 250 2 stroke except it revs for 3-4K further up top.

It doesn’t hit as hard off the bottom, but just roll it on and it will pull.

It might take some time to get used to how the power delivery is, but it sounds like you’d like it.

It’s the most forgiving engine in my opinion.

It isn’t so slow off the bottom that you need 2 downshifts to fix a mistake, it isn’t so strong and snappy that you need you lug it or ride defensively.

It lets you just focus on hitting lines and rolling the throttle on.
10/26/2020 3:11pm Edited Date/Time 10/26/2020 3:12pm
I'm in the same boat. I have a 18 250SX and thinking about the 350. But I am hesitant because I love the 2 stroke. I think I should keep the 2 stroke and add the 350. I really feel the 350 will be easier to ride and allow me to carry more speed.

If i love the 350 I could always sell the 2 stroke.
Falcon
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10/26/2020 3:41pm
What will it feel like coming from a 2-stroke? It will feel a little like the rear fender hits you in the back of the head. This is because the rear fender hits you in the back of the head when you immediately go over the bars upon letting off the throttle. You may also get carpal tunnel syndrome on your right wrist from hitting the starter button. This is from having to restart it every time it stalls. Depending on how many corners, bumps and braking zones on your local track, this may happen from 2-75 times per lap. The sizzling sound, aroma that smells like bacon-wrapped chicken being microwaved in a Hefty trash bag, and intense pain in your right leg comes from the exhaust pipe, which is giving you 4th-degree burns so badly that your grandchildren will feel it. Finally, your right arm will be stronger than your left from lifting the thing onto its stand, assuming that's the one you use.*






*Disclaimer: This thread should in no way be taken seriously, or to disparage KTM or their fine products. I hate all 4 strokes equally. I'm Falcon and I approved this message.
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erik_94COBRA
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10/26/2020 5:28pm Edited Date/Time 10/26/2020 5:32pm
I have a ‘17 TC250 and a ‘19 FC350. The TC is more fun to ride with the snappy power and light feeling. It’s easier to make consistent laps on the FC. The FC also has a very wide spread of power.

After a few mods, the 350 is significantly better than stock and almost as fun as the TC. Still not quite there but it will be my main bike for awhile yet.

There have been several threads recently about the 350. You should read them for more insight on how they perform. Start here: http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Should-of-got-a-350-years…

I think they are great for the skilled but non pro who doesn’t want to lug a 450 around the track. Also to note, the 350 is way more like a 250F than a 450 in how the overall bike handles.
Switch
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10/26/2020 6:33pm
Debating who?
Brent
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10/26/2020 8:20pm Edited Date/Time 10/26/2020 8:20pm
I own the 21 450 SXF and the 18 350 SXF.

For me, the 450 is the easier bike to go fast on. the 350 is sure fun but I appreciate the 450 motor in tight sections.
10/27/2020 2:16am
Brent wrote:
I own the 21 450 SXF and the 18 350 SXF. For me, the 450 is the easier bike to go fast on. the 350 is...
I own the 21 450 SXF and the 18 350 SXF.

For me, the 450 is the easier bike to go fast on. the 350 is sure fun but I appreciate the 450 motor in tight sections.
Yeah i’m worried a 450 would be too much, don’t know about your tracks but we can only ride wideopen the first hour of practice, after that the tracks get slower and its more hitting the bumps right and corners. I like the 250 because of the weight and simplicity, but when racing the 450s get away really easy out of corners and on straigts, right now i only overtake at the end of the race when they get tired and i can keep my pace constant. That’s the major issue, will i be able to ride with it a full moto and still be in control haha
Motofinne
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10/27/2020 2:41am
Brent wrote:
I own the 21 450 SXF and the 18 350 SXF. For me, the 450 is the easier bike to go fast on. the 350 is...
I own the 21 450 SXF and the 18 350 SXF.

For me, the 450 is the easier bike to go fast on. the 350 is sure fun but I appreciate the 450 motor in tight sections.
DannyST107 wrote:
Yeah i’m worried a 450 would be too much, don’t know about your tracks but we can only ride wideopen the first hour of practice, after...
Yeah i’m worried a 450 would be too much, don’t know about your tracks but we can only ride wideopen the first hour of practice, after that the tracks get slower and its more hitting the bumps right and corners. I like the 250 because of the weight and simplicity, but when racing the 450s get away really easy out of corners and on straigts, right now i only overtake at the end of the race when they get tired and i can keep my pace constant. That’s the major issue, will i be able to ride with it a full moto and still be in control haha
Sounds like the 350 would be perfect then. I just switched from a YZ250F to a 2020 SXF 350 because i'll race against 450 next year but a 450 is just too much for me. Especially on rough sand tracks.

The 350 is basically a 250 on steroids, and it's easily fast enough to keep up with the 450 on rougher tracks. I think the whole "the 350 is vet friendly but can't keep up with 450" comes from the SoCal MX mags that ride on smooth wideopen tracks.

I have 6 hours on my bike now and all these hours are on a deep sand track, the bike rips and is so easy to ride. You just need to rev it like a 250. And the stock suspension is too soft for a rough sand track, so at least i went a lot stiffer on all clicker settings and it made the bike work very well for stock suspension.

2
10/27/2020 2:54am
Brent wrote:
I own the 21 450 SXF and the 18 350 SXF. For me, the 450 is the easier bike to go fast on. the 350 is...
I own the 21 450 SXF and the 18 350 SXF.

For me, the 450 is the easier bike to go fast on. the 350 is sure fun but I appreciate the 450 motor in tight sections.
DannyST107 wrote:
Yeah i’m worried a 450 would be too much, don’t know about your tracks but we can only ride wideopen the first hour of practice, after...
Yeah i’m worried a 450 would be too much, don’t know about your tracks but we can only ride wideopen the first hour of practice, after that the tracks get slower and its more hitting the bumps right and corners. I like the 250 because of the weight and simplicity, but when racing the 450s get away really easy out of corners and on straigts, right now i only overtake at the end of the race when they get tired and i can keep my pace constant. That’s the major issue, will i be able to ride with it a full moto and still be in control haha
Motofinne wrote:
Sounds like the 350 would be perfect then. I just switched from a YZ250F to a 2020 SXF 350 because i'll race against 450 next year...
Sounds like the 350 would be perfect then. I just switched from a YZ250F to a 2020 SXF 350 because i'll race against 450 next year but a 450 is just too much for me. Especially on rough sand tracks.

The 350 is basically a 250 on steroids, and it's easily fast enough to keep up with the 450 on rougher tracks. I think the whole "the 350 is vet friendly but can't keep up with 450" comes from the SoCal MX mags that ride on smooth wideopen tracks.

I have 6 hours on my bike now and all these hours are on a deep sand track, the bike rips and is so easy to ride. You just need to rev it like a 250. And the stock suspension is too soft for a rough sand track, so at least i went a lot stiffer on all clicker settings and it made the bike work very well for stock suspension.

Cheers, how would you say the weight is compared to a 250 2t? And i have to ride it the same way as a 250 2t or 250f then?
10/27/2020 3:10am
DannyST107 wrote:
Evening, as the title says i’m very interested in a change in steed. Having raced 250 2t the last 10 years in the dutch sandboxes, i’m...
Evening, as the title says i’m very interested in a change in steed. Having raced 250 2t the last 10 years in the dutch sandboxes, i’m maybe looking for a change.

I can bring the 250 around the track pretty decently, it’s got a vhm head and hgs exhaust etc so it runs really good.

Now i’m very curious compared to a 2t, how will the 350 behave on the track? Does it roll corners well and with a little clutch pulls out good? Is it managable hitting big bumps and can i let it move around under me without throwing me off?

I’m 1.72m tall and weigh around 68kg for good measure
Last year i was in the same Situation and want to try a 4 Stroke After 20 years riding smokers.
Then i take a 350 SXF in September 2019 riding it for 6 month and go straight back on Two Stroke and was lucky to find a KTM SX 300 .

The 300 is by far the best bike i have ever ridden.
Light ,fast and hard to beleive but easy to ride like the 350 SXF

I liked the 350 but you can feel the extra weight in every corner and in the air
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foreman52
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10/27/2020 5:58am
Short and sweet:

Regional pro in my area of Canada and the 350 has been the best performance bike I’ve ever owned. It’s like a 250F on steroids. Not even comparable to a 450 in my personal opinion. You can ride it super aggressive like a 250F if you want or it has enough balls to lug 3rd gear in almost all corners if you like to ride low.

Regardless of what skill level you’re at I think this bike is perfect for so many individuals.

I also have a SX250 and it is certainly a blast. Two different fun factors completely.


2
JB 19
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10/27/2020 7:10am
foreman52 wrote:
Short and sweet: Regional pro in my area of Canada and the 350 has been the best performance bike I’ve ever owned. It’s like a 250F...
Short and sweet:

Regional pro in my area of Canada and the 350 has been the best performance bike I’ve ever owned. It’s like a 250F on steroids. Not even comparable to a 450 in my personal opinion. You can ride it super aggressive like a 250F if you want or it has enough balls to lug 3rd gear in almost all corners if you like to ride low.

Regardless of what skill level you’re at I think this bike is perfect for so many individuals.

I also have a SX250 and it is certainly a blast. Two different fun factors completely.


What he said. ^
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10/27/2020 8:48am
Hey Danny,

Cant you ask Ryan and Kees to test the 2017 they have for sale?
10/27/2020 9:54am
Hey Danny,

Cant you ask Ryan and Kees to test the 2017 they have for sale?
Possible, got a shoulder injury atm and it might be sold before i’m 110% healed haha thanks tho 👍🏻
1

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