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Location
Upstate, NY
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RCC104
8/20/2010 8:06am
8/20/2010 8:06am
Edited Date/Time
1/27/2012 9:40am
* I posted this in another topic, but I figured I start a new thread for it. *
Bike: KTM 350SXF
Rider: 24 years old. 6'1", 185lbs.. B Level rider.
Recent Bikes: '06 YZ450f, '08 YZ250f, and '02 YZ250 (totally rebuild and new Race Tech suspension)
First Impressions:
- Very Comfortable! At 6'1" the thing fits me great pegs to seat. Roomier than my YZFs. I did get rid of the stock bars first thing though (way to low for me), and moved the bar mounts up to the 3rd farthest forward position in the clamps to open it up even more.
- Handling wise, the thing turns like it's on rails. Flat turns, sandy berms, ruts... none were problems at all. Point and go. And this is on stock tires that I'm not a huge fan of to start with. It feels pretty light to me. Very close to how my 250f felt. Definitely not the tank of a bike my 450 was. I'll be interested to see how it handles on hard pack.
- The Suspension has been okay for now (just riding in whooped out sand as I have), but I feel I'm going to need some stiffer springs soon. As the suspension has broken-in, It's starting feeling pretty darn soft over some of the smaller jumps I've had to hit. All-in-all, it's alright though, nothing has happened to scare me as far as bucking, headshake, etc.
- To get an idea of what the power's like, I've been on my '06 YZ450F, '08 YZ250F, and my father's '02 YZ250 (2 stroke). So far, I'm of the opinion that the 350SXF is closest to the power of the 250 2-stroke actually, only with that 4-stroke torque. It's very a fun engine! It pulls and pulls. It reminded me a lot of the 2001 CR250 engine that I loved actually. The gearing is off a touch though. I'll be adding a tooth to the rear. Going from 2nd to 3rd was a little bit of an issue for it.
- Electric start is amazing, but I still have a habit of reaching down for the non-existing kick-start.
As, I get more time on the bike and tracks under my belt, I'll post up a better review later on. As of right now, however, I feeling like I'm going to be pretty happy with this bike.
Bike: KTM 350SXF
Rider: 24 years old. 6'1", 185lbs.. B Level rider.
Recent Bikes: '06 YZ450f, '08 YZ250f, and '02 YZ250 (totally rebuild and new Race Tech suspension)
First Impressions:
- Very Comfortable! At 6'1" the thing fits me great pegs to seat. Roomier than my YZFs. I did get rid of the stock bars first thing though (way to low for me), and moved the bar mounts up to the 3rd farthest forward position in the clamps to open it up even more.
- Handling wise, the thing turns like it's on rails. Flat turns, sandy berms, ruts... none were problems at all. Point and go. And this is on stock tires that I'm not a huge fan of to start with. It feels pretty light to me. Very close to how my 250f felt. Definitely not the tank of a bike my 450 was. I'll be interested to see how it handles on hard pack.
- The Suspension has been okay for now (just riding in whooped out sand as I have), but I feel I'm going to need some stiffer springs soon. As the suspension has broken-in, It's starting feeling pretty darn soft over some of the smaller jumps I've had to hit. All-in-all, it's alright though, nothing has happened to scare me as far as bucking, headshake, etc.
- To get an idea of what the power's like, I've been on my '06 YZ450F, '08 YZ250F, and my father's '02 YZ250 (2 stroke). So far, I'm of the opinion that the 350SXF is closest to the power of the 250 2-stroke actually, only with that 4-stroke torque. It's very a fun engine! It pulls and pulls. It reminded me a lot of the 2001 CR250 engine that I loved actually. The gearing is off a touch though. I'll be adding a tooth to the rear. Going from 2nd to 3rd was a little bit of an issue for it.
- Electric start is amazing, but I still have a habit of reaching down for the non-existing kick-start.
As, I get more time on the bike and tracks under my belt, I'll post up a better review later on. As of right now, however, I feeling like I'm going to be pretty happy with this bike.
Do you feel that you will de able to compete with the 450's?
P
I am kind of curious as to why they don't have a kick starter on there as a back up though.
I'm not going to be racing against people who can actually use all the power of a 450 like in the Pros. My laps were normally faster on my 250f than my 450f, too. The thing that always hurt me on the 250f was the starts though. Something tells me this isn't going to be a problem on the 350. This thing has some speed.
The Shop
Thanks and have fun
P
It would never happen, but if I were to get froggy and buy another bike to start riding on, I'd get the KTM 350, or a YZ125.
It's a shot in the dark..... but i think what they were saying is even though Goldylocks found that bowl (bike) that's just right, she's still going to be spending some time working things out in prison (fixing little problems with the bike), for taking the risk of breaking and entering (buying a totally new unproven model)
Thats my take... but I haven't seen problems yet really so i don't know haha
Great review by the way! I am sure on hard packed you are going to be much happier with the 350 over a traction robbing 450..
Glad you are liking your bike. From what MXA said and what you have said it is apparently a great crossover/option.
I have about 2 hours on mine. Moved the bars foward, put on Pro Moto Low Boy Pegs (I am 5' 9" but have a 34" inseam) and that made the bike more comfortable for me. Bike turns great and steers from the rear also very easily. Feels very light and nimble under power
Really this is the best mistress I have ever had I dare say
I can't imagine buying a bike and then adding a kickstart as an accessory
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