2013 KTM 350 SXF and 2013 CRF450R dilema VET rider

electrolabs
Edited Date/Time 2/14/2014 2:22pm
Hi,

Last November I purchased a leftover 2013 crf450r, I upgraded from a 2010 KTM 250SXF looking for more low end torque and mostly because where I lived there was no KTM local support. I recently moved due to work, and so far most tracks I will be racing this year are small and hardpacked and there is good KTM and Honda support.

I know someone that would like to trade my bike for his 2013 KTM350 SXF with low hours just like mine. I'm 34 years old Vet novice rider 170lbs. I'm a pretty aggressive rider and like to rev the bike, the fact the 350 is best of both worlds and already owned a ktm makes me think trading would be a good idea. However I due love the way my honda handles and turns.

I really can't test the KTM due to weather and would like to get the bike soon so I can prepare for the upcoming season.


Any input would be great!


Thanks,
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mxgreg85
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mxgreg85 2/12/2014 3:55pm
2/12/2014 3:55pm
I'm looking forward to the replies on this, especially from guys who came off of a 450 on to the 350. Also a vet guy with a crf450 but an interest in the 350. I've never ridden one but have heard that it feels more like a big 250 than a small 450- engine likes to be ridden high. If you left a 250 for lack of low end, the 350 may give you that same feeling. The best of both worlds theory everyone speaks of is interesting, as I'd still think that the 350 is going to feel like a heavy 4 stroke- its not going to be like going to a 125 from a 450. The Honda handling you mention and reliability (not that the ktm isn't) have me hanging on to my crf for now... please give us a report if you do make the switch.
electrolabs 2/12/2014 4:01pm
2/12/2014 4:01pm
Thanks for your reply mxgreg85,

Whatever decision I make, I'll let you know.
Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 2/12/2014 4:47pm
2/12/2014 4:47pm
I am a vet rider and I ride a Crf450R. I have a friend that has the 350 SXF. I have ridden both and really like the 350. It feels lighter, has great suspension and will rev to the moon if desired, but it's not required to go fast. Both are very easy to ride. I have watched the life of the '11. '12, 13' and now the '14 KTM and all have been great.
If I had the extra money I would have a new 350F in my garage right now.

Paw Paw
electrolabs 2/12/2014 5:15pm
2/12/2014 5:15pm
Thanks for your input Paw Paw,


Just out of curiosity, what year crf450 you have?

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rocketsocks26 2/13/2014 3:43am
2/13/2014 3:43am
I think the 350 is wicked sweet. The honda is a very mellow 450 . I would definitly do it. The ktms r mean bikes. N you will love the button!
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 2/13/2014 4:31am
2/13/2014 4:31am
I wouldn't do it without riding it first, unless you're not really happy with the Honda. You may like it better, but how bummed will you be if you find you really don't gel with it as much?
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 2/13/2014 5:37am
2/13/2014 5:37am
My best advice would be to ride both bikes on the same day. Even on a dirt road or parking lot. None of this advice will really give you the answer because it does come down to rider preference.

When I upgraded to a 12 ktm 250sxf from an older honda it took me about a month to finally get the setup configured to my liking.

So I think if you are interested, do it! If you don't want to be bothered with the new set up, wait for another time.
racerx217
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racerx217 2/13/2014 6:36pm
2/13/2014 6:36pm
DO it before he changes his mind. I have ridden both bikes and thats not a very good deal on his end.
bangmyhead
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bangmyhead 2/13/2014 7:00pm
2/13/2014 7:00pm
just buy a 94 rm125 and you'll be fine dude
electrolabs 2/14/2014 10:42am
2/14/2014 10:42am
Thanks guy's for the comments and advice! whatever way I go I'll let you all know.
Tracktor
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Tracktor 2/14/2014 1:59pm
2/14/2014 1:59pm
If they changed from 2012 it may be a good deal but I was really disappointed when I rode the 350. I figured it would be my next bike but rode it back to back with a 2011 Honda CRF450 and thought the 450 felt lighter and way more flickable. Plus the 350 vibrated? I have heard the newer ones are much better so take it for what it's worth..........
smx94
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smx94 2/14/2014 2:22pm
2/14/2014 2:22pm
i own a 2011 350sxf and rode a friends 2013 crf450,my ktm has a full fmf ti system and re valved suspension,his crf had similar mods,the 350 wins hands down on handling,the little extra torque was nice on the 450.however the 2012 350 has better power and the 2013 350 way better power, i cant imagine how good the 2013 350 is compared to the honda.i was a diehard honda man from 1988 to 2011

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