Should have got a 350 years ago...

yz133rider
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Avondale, PA US
10/5/2020 7:44am
Lynch wrote:
Soooo are you guys able to ride these like 250s or is it more like mellow 450s? Pinch
It’s it’s own thing, I think it’s like a much taller geared 250. A 350 in 2nd and a 250 in second can lug down to the same speed for a turn but the difference is when you come out , wide open in the 250 in second runs out of lungs so much earlier than the 350. The 350 pulls what feels like to where a 250f would be in 3rd wide open mph wise.

It revs so far and is geared so much higher compared to a 250f that mph wise it covers some serious ground in 2nd or 3rd gear. 3rd gear wide open on a 350 is flying.

It doesn’t have massive grunt off the bottom but it pulls well, doesn’t tire you out, gets you off the corner without wheelspin or upsetting your body positioning and then as you let it rev it keeps building power to an absolutely scaldingly fast top end.

If you want to burp around the track in 3rd gear from slow corners and clear jumps with part throttle it won’t do it, but if you are willing to give it some heavy throttle and let it eat, it will absolutely rip.

It doesn’t have to be shrieked around the track like some say, it isn’t a 125 by any means but it doesn’t have huge power from idle at part throttle, like some 450s do, but that’s actually one of its biggest advantages as it doesn’t upset your body positioning or the chassis while coming out of corners.

You can leave The throttle on so much longer without fear of being thrown off the side out of nowhere like a 450 wants to do at times.

Newer 450s are incredibly smooth and incredibly powerful, but they still are brutes and if you blip it a little more than intended they let you know immediately by throwing your weight off center, the 350 doesn’t do that.

Pros and cons to both for sure though.
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soggy
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10/5/2020 8:38am
Lynch wrote:
Soooo are you guys able to ride these like 250s or is it more like mellow 450s? Pinch
Somewhere in the middle. You can definitely ride it like a 250, they rev to the moon. You can't fully lug it like a 450, but they are still potential you ride on the midrange
1
FGR01
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AZ US
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10/5/2020 9:20am
Yeah, what these guys said, you can't let it in 3rd gear and cruise the whole track like a 450, but it will actually pull 3rd in many corners that a 250 needs to drop to 2nd, especially if you are the type of rider that carries momentum well and flows the corners. If you are a pivot/point/shoot type of rider you will mostly be using 2nd in corners.
kkawboy14
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10/5/2020 10:17am
NeedMoto wrote:
I recently bought a 2020 FC350. Previous bike was a 19 Kawi 450. The fun factor of the 350 is off the hook! I'm now doing...
I recently bought a 2020 FC350. Previous bike was a 19 Kawi 450. The fun factor of the 350 is off the hook! I'm now doing 30 minute motos consistently, and don't have arm pump at the end. This is the first time in many years of riding, that I can't wait till the next time to ride again. For me, when riding the 450 I could only ride 11-13 minutes comfortably before I felt like (OH SHIT) situations would come up. I was definitely riding the 450 more on the defensive side, to where the 350 is all on the offense, twice as long, and twice as fun!
Can you elaborate on your skill/age?- I also had a Kawi 450, and swapped out for a Husky 350. Did my first Motos today but really...
Can you elaborate on your skill/age?- I also had a
Kawi 450, and swapped out for a Husky 350. Did
my first Motos today but really struggled to gel with the
Bike.. Hopefully it’s just growing pains and needs to just be
broken in..
I ride a 2020 Kx450f and have ridden a couple 350 KTMs, there is nothing I liked about the suspension on the 350. They were a couple years old not brand new bikes that I rode.
I don’t really have a problem with the 450 power because I can control it with the throttle and clutch.
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The Shop

tek14
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Vantaa FI
10/5/2020 11:17am
Lynch wrote:
Soooo are you guys able to ride these like 250s or is it more like mellow 450s? Pinch
soggy wrote:
Somewhere in the middle. You can definitely ride it like a 250, they rev to the moon. You can't fully lug it like a 450, but...
Somewhere in the middle. You can definitely ride it like a 250, they rev to the moon. You can't fully lug it like a 450, but they are still potential you ride on the midrange
Better ride it like it was 125/250f and it will go with 450s in sand also. If you want to ride it mellow like 450 on long gears you can do it but u are not getting fast laps. Many old/hobby riders do ride their 350 easy and its good for them also but if you are into racing better rev it.
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10/5/2020 11:25am Edited Date/Time 10/5/2020 11:26am
More so like a well built 250f that revs to the moon and makes power at the very top. Perfect for me. I like wringing out my 144 and 250 2 strokes. I ride everything like a supermini. I can’t lug bikes. I have no patience for that.
soggy
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10/5/2020 11:26am
Lynch wrote:
Soooo are you guys able to ride these like 250s or is it more like mellow 450s? Pinch
soggy wrote:
Somewhere in the middle. You can definitely ride it like a 250, they rev to the moon. You can't fully lug it like a 450, but...
Somewhere in the middle. You can definitely ride it like a 250, they rev to the moon. You can't fully lug it like a 450, but they are still potential you ride on the midrange
tek14 wrote:
Better ride it like it was 125/250f and it will go with 450s in sand also. If you want to ride it mellow like 450 on...
Better ride it like it was 125/250f and it will go with 450s in sand also. If you want to ride it mellow like 450 on long gears you can do it but u are not getting fast laps. Many old/hobby riders do ride their 350 easy and its good for them also but if you are into racing better rev it.
Can't disagree with anything you said, if you want to be racey in needs to rev, but it works well riding in the mid rpm's just cruising
1
Lynch
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10/5/2020 12:08pm
Thanks for the feedback everyone! Just have to decide what route I want to go nowGrinning
1
10/5/2020 12:25pm
flyinb501 wrote:
Did they change the air boot for 2020? I have a '20 FC 350 and wondering if I need to get an' 18 air boot...
I finally received my ‘18 boot for my ‘19 350. It was not fun installing but it’s fairly obvious to me that it will flow better. I should be getting my oem ECU back from twisted development tomorrow. Also 2-stroke filter cage and removed the screen on the exhaust cap. MMX sand track on Saturday. I’ll let you know how it goes.
6
10/12/2020 7:19pm
Just reporting back on the upgrades. Yes, there is more power lower in the rpm's with the same long pull up top. i had to really grip the bike coming out of tight turns.
She barks! I was able to power out of a bowl turn to jump from the inside line and still clear the jump. No flame-outs lugging in 3rd gear. Very impressed with minimal investment. Still waiting for someone to convince me that the FMF slip-on is worth the investment. Thank Carlino Joe for the leg work!
5
Motofinne
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10/12/2020 10:02pm Edited Date/Time 10/12/2020 10:04pm
I pulled the trigger, traded my YZ250F for a new leftover 2020!



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cloud41
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Chicago, IL US
10/13/2020 4:31am
I think the 350 is the best sized bike on the market. The only major draw back is the forks - wish they would scrap the air forks for a kyb or showa spring fork
1
AH387
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Bridgeville, PA US
10/13/2020 4:49am
Just reporting back on the upgrades. Yes, there is more power lower in the rpm's with the same long pull up top. i had to really...
Just reporting back on the upgrades. Yes, there is more power lower in the rpm's with the same long pull up top. i had to really grip the bike coming out of tight turns.
She barks! I was able to power out of a bowl turn to jump from the inside line and still clear the jump. No flame-outs lugging in 3rd gear. Very impressed with minimal investment. Still waiting for someone to convince me that the FMF slip-on is worth the investment. Thank Carlino Joe for the leg work!
Sounds good. As far as the slip-on, I have it and did it along with the throttle cam swap, +1 rear sprocket and airbox holes. I noticed it , as far as initial snap but it was also all done together. From what I understand, at least on my gen (16-18) the Husky benefits from it more than the KTM, due to the cone muffler core.
1
erik_94COBRA
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Houston-ish, TX US
10/13/2020 5:05am
Just reporting back on the upgrades. Yes, there is more power lower in the rpm's with the same long pull up top. i had to really...
Just reporting back on the upgrades. Yes, there is more power lower in the rpm's with the same long pull up top. i had to really grip the bike coming out of tight turns.
She barks! I was able to power out of a bowl turn to jump from the inside line and still clear the jump. No flame-outs lugging in 3rd gear. Very impressed with minimal investment. Still waiting for someone to convince me that the FMF slip-on is worth the investment. Thank Carlino Joe for the leg work!
When emailing Twisted Development about options, he mentioned that the stock KTM exhaust is very good. I removed the baffle from my FC350 exhaust and it was a noticeable improvement.

Might look at a remap or a Vortex. I made a review of the Vortex in the Tech forum.
1
10/13/2020 12:59pm
When emailing Twisted Development about options, he mentioned that the stock KTM exhaust is very good. I removed the baffle from my FC350 exhaust and it...
When emailing Twisted Development about options, he mentioned that the stock KTM exhaust is very good. I removed the baffle from my FC350 exhaust and it was a noticeable improvement.

Might look at a remap or a Vortex. I made a review of the Vortex in the Tech forum.
Thank you for the input. Yes, the remap on the stock ECU is really good. Not ready to invest in the vortex.
I did dremel the screen out of my endcap. I did see the cone pics. on the Husky mufflers. Good God!
I will do a few more rides on the upgrades i have now. No kidding, roll on out of the tight turns was crazy fast compared to stock!
At some point, I have to realize that control for me (at 58) is a higher priority. I did benefit from using the traction control when the track was sloppy in the 1st session.
2
AH387
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Bridgeville, PA US
10/13/2020 3:43pm
Added a few more things to mine. Only thing I might do to mine is a stock ecu remap. But otherwise, I'm pretty dialed. Ill probably keep this bike for a while.
1
10/13/2020 8:24pm
AH387 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/10/13/454053/s1200_20201010_212622.jpg[/img]Added a few more things to mine. Only thing I might do to mine is a stock ecu remap. But otherwise, I'm pretty dialed. Ill probably...
Added a few more things to mine. Only thing I might do to mine is a stock ecu remap. But otherwise, I'm pretty dialed. Ill probably keep this bike for a while.
Nice bike! Let us know what you think of the Race Tech fork mod. I had Race Tech mods on my Suzuki and I loved the feel.
mxrose3
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Delmar, DE US
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10/13/2020 9:30pm
flyinb501 wrote:
Did they change the air boot for 2020? I have a '20 FC 350 and wondering if I need to get an' 18 air boot...
I finally received my ‘18 boot for my ‘19 350. It was not fun installing but it’s fairly obvious to me that it will flow better...
I finally received my ‘18 boot for my ‘19 350. It was not fun installing but it’s fairly obvious to me that it will flow better. I should be getting my oem ECU back from twisted development tomorrow. Also 2-stroke filter cage and removed the screen on the exhaust cap. MMX sand track on Saturday. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Just curious, which one is the 18'?
AngryBear
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Location
Asheville, NC US
10/13/2020 9:55pm
flyinb501 wrote:
Did they change the air boot for 2020? I have a '20 FC 350 and wondering if I need to get an' 18 air boot...
I finally received my ‘18 boot for my ‘19 350. It was not fun installing but it’s fairly obvious to me that it will flow better...
I finally received my ‘18 boot for my ‘19 350. It was not fun installing but it’s fairly obvious to me that it will flow better. I should be getting my oem ECU back from twisted development tomorrow. Also 2-stroke filter cage and removed the screen on the exhaust cap. MMX sand track on Saturday. I’ll let you know how it goes.
mxrose3 wrote:
Just curious, which one is the 18'?
the one with the larger intake
2
AH387
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Bridgeville, PA US
10/14/2020 5:12am
Nice bike! Let us know what you think of the Race Tech fork mod. I had Race Tech mods on my Suzuki and I loved the...
Nice bike! Let us know what you think of the Race Tech fork mod. I had Race Tech mods on my Suzuki and I loved the feel.
I posted a mini review somewhere but can't find it lol. So anyways, a quick run-down is that it is working great. I have now ridden a couple different tracks for practice and raced it at High Point. Night/day difference for me. My main issue with the stock stuff was feeling great 1 day but then not feeling comfortable on another day (based on the track and conditions.) If I would go softer, it would handle well in turns and jumps but I would sometimes bottom way too easily and the front end would wiggle. If I went more firm, the bottoming would go away but the front would not settle in ruts. Also the fork would just slap on harsh bumps and drop offs.

So after the Gold Valves, different seals, new shock spring and whatever else, everything feels much more progressive. There is more initial movement, which soaks up the chop. But it moves through the stroke much easier, yet no bottoming (unless you bomb something.)

I was basically to the point last fall that I was ready to try another bike, and was going to get a 21 YZ250F (since I came from that bike before this one.) I decided to get the suspension done on the 350 and just see. So I'm glad I did. I feel like the bike really suits me now. So Ill keep it a while longer, since I see no point in getting something else. Plus I also ride my 125 a bunch, so it doesn't have a ton of hours on it.
1
ktmdan
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Houston, TX US
10/14/2020 8:04am
AH387 wrote:
I posted a mini review somewhere but can't find it lol. So anyways, a quick run-down is that it is working great. I have now ridden...
I posted a mini review somewhere but can't find it lol. So anyways, a quick run-down is that it is working great. I have now ridden a couple different tracks for practice and raced it at High Point. Night/day difference for me. My main issue with the stock stuff was feeling great 1 day but then not feeling comfortable on another day (based on the track and conditions.) If I would go softer, it would handle well in turns and jumps but I would sometimes bottom way too easily and the front end would wiggle. If I went more firm, the bottoming would go away but the front would not settle in ruts. Also the fork would just slap on harsh bumps and drop offs.

So after the Gold Valves, different seals, new shock spring and whatever else, everything feels much more progressive. There is more initial movement, which soaks up the chop. But it moves through the stroke much easier, yet no bottoming (unless you bomb something.)

I was basically to the point last fall that I was ready to try another bike, and was going to get a 21 YZ250F (since I came from that bike before this one.) I decided to get the suspension done on the 350 and just see. So I'm glad I did. I feel like the bike really suits me now. So Ill keep it a while longer, since I see no point in getting something else. Plus I also ride my 125 a bunch, so it doesn't have a ton of hours on it.
I installed the gold valves and it seems to have made the forks way too stiff. They suggested 155 psi which I believe is too high for me. Kinda regret installing the gold valves because I thought the stock forks were great.
10/14/2020 8:20am
Motofinne wrote:
I pulled the trigger, traded my YZ250F for a new leftover 2020! [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/10/12/453975/s1200_IMG_20201013_080013.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/10/12/453976/s1200_IMG_20201010_194345.jpg[/img]
I pulled the trigger, traded my YZ250F for a new leftover 2020!



Funny i'm going the opposite route, trading very soon my 350 FC for a new 2021 250 YZF.

What made you trade your YZF ?

Thx
AH387
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10/14/2020 8:26am
ktmdan wrote:
I installed the gold valves and it seems to have made the forks way too stiff. They suggested 155 psi which I believe is too high...
I installed the gold valves and it seems to have made the forks way too stiff. They suggested 155 psi which I believe is too high for me. Kinda regret installing the gold valves because I thought the stock forks were great.
I had my suspension guy at MPR do the install. I'm honestly not sure what all he did, but he's been doing my bikes for 10 years and just knows how I like it. Anyways, I settled on 155psi as well and I was running 147 stock. I believe that the RaceTech stuff has you running the higher pressure on purpose. It is stiff, but it's only stiffer from like the midstroke on. Mine is a lot more cushy in the initial part of the stroke, so for me it is the perfect mix, that I could never achieve stock. I could give you my settings, if that helps. I'm 180lbs Vet Int for MX. Just DM me if needed.
1
Motofinne
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FI
10/14/2020 9:44am Edited Date/Time 10/14/2020 9:50am
Funny i'm going the opposite route, trading very soon my 350 FC for a new 2021 250 YZF.

What made you trade your YZF ?

Thx
Going to race against the 450s next year and the 350 engine character suits me very well!

You'll be happy with the YZ250F, my 2020 was great and the new 2021 is probably even better.
3
Lynch
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722
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SE
10/14/2020 11:16am
Lynch wrote:
If I ever buy an austrian bike again it's 100% gonna be a 350 ,awesome bikes!
Damn, that came quicker than I thought! Whistling
7
Motofinne
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FI
10/14/2020 11:16pm Edited Date/Time 10/15/2020 12:46am
I broke in the bike yesterday, the track was unfamiliar for me so i can't give any kind of ride report. But the first impression was good!

But one thing is for sure, the stock Neken bars on the KTM (Husky has Pro Taper) are garbage. The bend is nice and low but they are stiff as hell and transmit so much vibration to your arms.

I've had the Pro Taper EVO bars for years on my bikes and the difference is staggering. So if you still have the stock bars on your bike, please buy something else. It's 100% worth it!
2
ktmdan
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Houston, TX US
10/15/2020 6:18am
ktmdan wrote:
I installed the gold valves and it seems to have made the forks way too stiff. They suggested 155 psi which I believe is too high...
I installed the gold valves and it seems to have made the forks way too stiff. They suggested 155 psi which I believe is too high for me. Kinda regret installing the gold valves because I thought the stock forks were great.
AH387 wrote:
I had my suspension guy at MPR do the install. I'm honestly not sure what all he did, but he's been doing my bikes for 10...
I had my suspension guy at MPR do the install. I'm honestly not sure what all he did, but he's been doing my bikes for 10 years and just knows how I like it. Anyways, I settled on 155psi as well and I was running 147 stock. I believe that the RaceTech stuff has you running the higher pressure on purpose. It is stiff, but it's only stiffer from like the midstroke on. Mine is a lot more cushy in the initial part of the stroke, so for me it is the perfect mix, that I could never achieve stock. I could give you my settings, if that helps. I'm 180lbs Vet Int for MX. Just DM me if needed.
Thanks. I’m honestly not that knowledgeable with suspension. My thought is, if I had spring forks, I could take them anywhere for a revalve and everyone would use the exact same spring rate for me. With that logic, why would I increase my air pressure by 20 psi for the race tech setup? I’m going to try dropping the air back to 135 and turning the clickers out pretty far and see how it feels. FYI I’m not saying the Gold valves are bad I’m just saying I really can’t tell a difference yet over stock, and I thought stock was pretty damn good.

Im 180lb, fast A level off-road and I rarely ride Mx so I’m not sure our setting would match but I’d be curious to have a peek.
AH387
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Bridgeville, PA US
10/15/2020 6:39am
ktmdan wrote:
Thanks. I’m honestly not that knowledgeable with suspension. My thought is, if I had spring forks, I could take them anywhere for a revalve and everyone...
Thanks. I’m honestly not that knowledgeable with suspension. My thought is, if I had spring forks, I could take them anywhere for a revalve and everyone would use the exact same spring rate for me. With that logic, why would I increase my air pressure by 20 psi for the race tech setup? I’m going to try dropping the air back to 135 and turning the clickers out pretty far and see how it feels. FYI I’m not saying the Gold valves are bad I’m just saying I really can’t tell a difference yet over stock, and I thought stock was pretty damn good.

Im 180lb, fast A level off-road and I rarely ride Mx so I’m not sure our setting would match but I’d be curious to have a peek.
As far as having to run the higher PSI w/ Race Tech, I believe it is to compensate for the fork being more free-flowing. I'm not sure if you can directly relate what you would have done with a spring fork vs how it works with the AER. I do get what you are saying but I just don't think that is 100% relative.
Anyways, something to try, I'll send you a PM.
Oleary465
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CT US
10/15/2020 7:24am
I have a 2020 Ktm 350 SXF with 20 hours on it, absolutely love it, I have been putting in solid hours on it recently and went back to my 2019 KTM 250 SXF this weekend at southwick it took me about two/three laps to get used to the lack of power in some of the corners by keeping it in a higher gear and lugging it too much. That was the only time i've ever noticed it being significantly faster than a 250.
Utrider
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West Haven, UT US
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10/15/2020 8:47am
I recently picked up a "Frankenstein" 2017 Husky FE 350. It has AER forks, shock, ecu, intake and exhaust from an FC with the FE transmission and stator. It is plated which is very useful for me and my uses (trail, desert, modest dual sport).

It came with a Rekluse which I had never used before, and it was pretty roached, so I spent a good bit of time getting it dialed in.

Now, having said all that, I LOVE this bike! I also have a KTM 200, and I am convinced this is pretty much the 4 stroke equivalent of the magic 200. I have a KTM 450 X/C and it is fast and effective, but it is going up for sale. It is also plated and has been a great bike, this 350 though just scratches that revvy, silky smooth itch.

At this point it even has me considering selling my 200, which I never thought I would say.
3

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