350 mx bike besides ktm?!!!

ben5020
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ben5020
Edited Date/Time 5/16/2016 6:19pm
Ok so I got back into racing after a 15+ year hiatus, pitbikes is what got it all started, I now have a badass built bbr bike, 2015 yz250f that is all setup for my skinny ass. I by no means run the bike to its potential but I rode a 15 ktm 350 sxf last night and that's the bike for me! More grunt up top would be nice coming out of turns to get over some of these jumps easier. I only weigh 140 lbs, 5'5" so a 450 is a little to much for me. I want to know if anyone else is going to come out with a 350 mx bike? I like Yamaha wish they would make one for 17
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stevo450
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stevo450 5/12/2016 7:42am
5/12/2016 7:42am
Think you're stuck with those unfortunately... However I wouldn't be surprised if some manufacture did a 350...
ben5020
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ben5020 5/12/2016 8:13am
5/12/2016 8:13am
Forgot to mention I'm running vet c for now and those boys on 450's kill me on the start, I've had two holeshots but it was a lot of work getting out of that first turn

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cwtoyota
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cwtoyota 5/12/2016 8:40am
5/12/2016 8:40am
ben5020 wrote:
Ok so I got back into racing after a 15+ year hiatus, pitbikes is what got it all started, I now have a badass built bbr...
Ok so I got back into racing after a 15+ year hiatus, pitbikes is what got it all started, I now have a badass built bbr bike, 2015 yz250f that is all setup for my skinny ass. I by no means run the bike to its potential but I rode a 15 ktm 350 sxf last night and that's the bike for me! More grunt up top would be nice coming out of turns to get over some of these jumps easier. I only weigh 140 lbs, 5'5" so a 450 is a little to much for me. I want to know if anyone else is going to come out with a 350 mx bike? I like Yamaha wish they would make one for 17
I had a '14 YZ450F for about 6 months. It wasn't too much power, but I didn't like the way it handled in some situations so I sold it. On the other hand the current YZ250F is an amazing bike, but it lacks the power to do well on the starts.

I am 160 lbs and race 30A and 25A. I agree with you that a YZ350F would be the perfect race bike. Since they don't make it, I race my old 250 two-strokes.

OR Racer46
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OR Racer46 5/12/2016 2:03pm
5/12/2016 2:03pm
I race a KTM 350 and have no problem
Getting holeshots against the 450s I am 5 9. 170lbs. And race. Vet B You have to ride it a little different. Ride it like a 125
ben5020
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ben5020 5/12/2016 2:55pm
5/12/2016 2:55pm
I find myself ringing my 250 a fair amount def more than would be needed on the 350. I'm thinking I should just finish this year on my 250 and maybe I'll get lucky and someone other than ktm/husky will have a 350!!!! Very wishful thinking....
cwtoyota
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cwtoyota 5/12/2016 11:58pm
5/12/2016 11:58pm
ben5020 wrote:
I find myself ringing my 250 a fair amount def more than would be needed on the 350. I'm thinking I should just finish this year...
I find myself ringing my 250 a fair amount def more than would be needed on the 350. I'm thinking I should just finish this year on my 250 and maybe I'll get lucky and someone other than ktm/husky will have a 350!!!! Very wishful thinking....
It's doubtful... KTM has been the niche brand for a long time. The Japanese are somewhat firmly set in their model and development structure. One of these days I hope our sport wakes up and realizes that the 450F is (Just like the 500 two-stroke) more bike than any amateur can ever use. A 350F is just about the perfect MX bike, kind of like a 250 or 300cc two stroke.
ben5020
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ben5020 5/13/2016 6:29am
5/13/2016 6:29am
I couldn't agree with you more!
I know ktm has come a long way since my days of racing where you wouldn't see a ktm at the track and for some reason I still hold onto that and can't bite the bullet and buy one. Maybe I should stop smoking cigarettes, drinking a few adult beverages and put 9k towards training and classes. But what fun is that lol
Aceofspades 5/13/2016 7:42pm
5/13/2016 7:42pm
According to an mxa article I read, KTM was already developing a 350-380cc engine specifically for enduro models when the ama/FIM started talking about limiting engine Size to 350. KTM simply concentrated on a size of 350cc and went from there. I don't think a Japanese manufacturer will ever build a bike that specific. I honestly think you would see them build 2 strokes again before they'd build a 350. A crf350 would be cool tho.
ben5020
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ben5020 5/14/2016 4:31pm
5/14/2016 4:31pm
It's an unfortunate thing but I must say I might have to switch to team orange for next year. The suspension is set 40+ lbs heavier but it still handled pretty damn good today at the track
JWACK
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JWACK 5/14/2016 6:41pm
5/14/2016 6:41pm


I gave in and got one. I Like it a lot. Put some trusty Honda bend renthals on it and by golly it feels just like my Honda.
They are pricy but at least KTM cares about, and gives back to our sport. This is what really sold it for me.
reded
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reded 5/14/2016 6:51pm
5/14/2016 6:51pm
The customer experience when purchasing a KTM/Husky is almost enough to offset the price difference not to mention the fact that it just seems well engineered from the first time you swing a leg over it.
ben5020
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ben5020 5/15/2016 2:59am
5/15/2016 2:59am
JWACK wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/05/14/135179/s1200_image.jpg[/img] I gave in and got one. I Like it a lot. Put some trusty Honda bend renthals on it and by golly it feels just...


I gave in and got one. I Like it a lot. Put some trusty Honda bend renthals on it and by golly it feels just like my Honda.
They are pricy but at least KTM cares about, and gives back to our sport. This is what really sold it for me.
It's funny you say how similar the ktm and Honda feel, my buddy has a 15' Honda 450 and 15' ktm 350 and that's exactly what I said they feel almost the same. The cockpit feels almost identical, sit way forward with the bars higher compared to my yz. Maybe I should try a taller bar on my yz? I have the short seat with Carmichael bend and jgr adjustable subframe slammed down as far as possible. The power of the ktm is almost smacked dab in between the yz 250 and Honda 450, yz bottom end and Honda too end.
HenryA
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HenryA 5/16/2016 1:42am
5/16/2016 1:42am Edited Date/Time 5/16/2016 1:43am
270kit on the Yamaha? But yeah, the wise choice would be to sell your bike and get a 350. Remember that you tested the 2015 and thought it was good, imagine how the 2016 feels with the new frame!
And if the orange bothers you, buy a Husky 350 and mount a Yamaha front fender and it will look like a Yamaha Wink
ben5020
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ben5020 5/16/2016 6:19pm
5/16/2016 6:19pm
HenryA wrote:
270kit on the Yamaha? But yeah, the wise choice would be to sell your bike and get a 350. Remember that you tested the 2015 and...
270kit on the Yamaha? But yeah, the wise choice would be to sell your bike and get a 350. Remember that you tested the 2015 and thought it was good, imagine how the 2016 feels with the new frame!
And if the orange bothers you, buy a Husky 350 and mount a Yamaha front fender and it will look like a Yamaha Wink
Its guys like you that I love and hate! I'm torn between progressing my abilities or just buying a bike that can make me better lol
I need a coach for turning and I'd be good! I hate turns

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