Buying used 350sx-f. Anything I should know?

Alec138
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Alec138
Edited Date/Time 1/26/2019 1:34pm
On the prowl for a KTM as my next bike as I have never owned one and after riding my dad's 11' 350sx-f I fell in love with the brand. I have $4500 to spend on something actually nice and it be worth it to keep it for years to come.

I have narrowed my choices down to 2 2016 350sx-f's. Both have hour meters, titles/paperwork, are mostly stock (besides bolt on's), and look REALLY good from the pictures I have seen of them.

The 1st one has 60 hours on the meter with a top end rebuild at 33 hours, handguards, guessing stock skidplate?, and stock besides a few bolt on's, 18" rear and stabilizer on the bars.

The 2nd one has 34-35hrs on the meter, no rebuilds, guessing stock skidplate?, and same as 1st, mostly stock, and no handguards or 18' rear.

Just trying to gather my knowledge before I go check these bikes out as I have never had one. Any quirks, features, things to look for especially, etc I should know about....comment below!

Thanks.
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Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 1/2/2019 11:52am
1/2/2019 11:52am
I would go with the lower hour unit , if all else is equal. Get it, ride it and enjoy. They last a very long time and in my book will not need any engine attention for about 60 more hours, if oil changed regulary and air filter kept clean.

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seth505
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seth505 1/2/2019 11:56am
1/2/2019 11:56am
My buddy dropped a valve and trashed the head on his low hour Husky 350 and seemed to think it was a common problem but it isn't from what I've seen. I think he just got some bad luck of the draw with his motor.
Alec138
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Alec138 1/2/2019 12:00pm
1/2/2019 12:00pm
Paw Paw 271 wrote:
I would go with the lower hour unit , if all else is equal. Get it, ride it and enjoy. They last a very long time...
I would go with the lower hour unit , if all else is equal. Get it, ride it and enjoy. They last a very long time and in my book will not need any engine attention for about 60 more hours, if oil changed regulary and air filter kept clean.

Paw Paw
I hear the KTM's last a VERY long time given maintenance was done regularly. It will be my woods bike and I don't plan on racing really (maybe 1-2 harescrambles) but I only ride weekends at that for a few hours. So the motor should last me into the 100+hr mark at least. Is there anything on these bikes that I should look for though specifically? Like if this is wrong with it....STAY AWAY type thing.
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Pirate421
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Pirate421 1/2/2019 12:02pm
1/2/2019 12:02pm
I’d definitely go with the lower hour, more stock bike. 350 should be able to go at least 100 hrs on a stock top end with the average rider. I’d be wary of why the first bike had top end done so soon and would skip that one. Stocker the better! You’ll love the 2016 and up 350 they are awesome bikes

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Alec138
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Alec138 1/2/2019 12:09pm
1/2/2019 12:09pm
Pirate421 wrote:
I’d definitely go with the lower hour, more stock bike. 350 should be able to go at least 100 hrs on a stock top end with...
I’d definitely go with the lower hour, more stock bike. 350 should be able to go at least 100 hrs on a stock top end with the average rider. I’d be wary of why the first bike had top end done so soon and would skip that one. Stocker the better! You’ll love the 2016 and up 350 they are awesome bikes
most likely will. It is $4500 and 3hrs away. The 1st one is $4700 and 5hrs away. But still both are really nice and in my price range.
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Naanak
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Naanak 1/2/2019 1:39pm
1/2/2019 1:39pm
I always buy used bikes. I would say to definitely check the frame for cracks. I’ve never had any issues with any used bike except that. It wasn’t a ktm(Yamaha) but just saying it’s something to double check. I’m actually in the market for a 350 so this thread is good for me.
Alec138
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Alec138 1/2/2019 2:06pm
1/2/2019 2:06pm
Naanak wrote:
I always buy used bikes. I would say to definitely check the frame for cracks. I’ve never had any issues with any used bike except that...
I always buy used bikes. I would say to definitely check the frame for cracks. I’ve never had any issues with any used bike except that. It wasn’t a ktm(Yamaha) but just saying it’s something to double check. I’m actually in the market for a 350 so this thread is good for me.
We have actually never had issues with cracks on frames on any of our used bikes. I hear some people say the neck on KTMs will sometimes crack so check there but everywhere else I haven't heard issues with. But I will be sure to look it over. Thanks.
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Naanak
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Naanak 1/2/2019 2:27pm
1/2/2019 2:27pm
Alec138 wrote:
We have actually never had issues with cracks on frames on any of our used bikes. I hear some people say the neck on KTMs will...
We have actually never had issues with cracks on frames on any of our used bikes. I hear some people say the neck on KTMs will sometimes crack so check there but everywhere else I haven't heard issues with. But I will be sure to look it over. Thanks.
I think it was only a real issue on the 14-16 yzf but its just something I’m always going to be more cautious of now. Good luck with the new bike.
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Cody427 1/3/2019 9:32am
1/3/2019 9:32am
+1 on the 2nd one. Plan on getting a fan kit for the woods. Once we added radiator guards there wasn't enough airflow. Had 2 dnf's when I first started Hare Scrambles. The radiator hose in the downtube is notorious for leaks. Keep that baby cool and change your oil every couple rides. They are a blast. 350s like to be revved beyond what you think is normal.
Alec138
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Alec138 1/3/2019 1:29pm
1/3/2019 1:29pm
Cody427 wrote:
+1 on the 2nd one. Plan on getting a fan kit for the woods. Once we added radiator guards there wasn't enough airflow. Had 2 dnf's...
+1 on the 2nd one. Plan on getting a fan kit for the woods. Once we added radiator guards there wasn't enough airflow. Had 2 dnf's when I first started Hare Scrambles. The radiator hose in the downtube is notorious for leaks. Keep that baby cool and change your oil every couple rides. They are a blast. 350s like to be revved beyond what you think is normal.
I more i look around and try to find more 350s with low hours and no motor work done makes me want to drive to get it right this minute. I dont want to be completely broke so another week and im going to get it more than likely. Here is a photo of it:

As far as the fan, we dont ride slow enough to really need one. My dads 350 doesnt have one and runs amazing in everything besides when it did boil over waiting for a group who we thought was faster. Lol. But ill look into it if i get the bike. Thx
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 1/3/2019 1:38pm
1/3/2019 1:38pm
Thats a pretty good price with Those amount of hours. Pull the air box and air filter and look down the intake tract for dirt. If its clean, id buy it.
Alec138
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Alec138 1/3/2019 1:47pm
1/3/2019 1:47pm
yz133rider wrote:
Thats a pretty good price with Those amount of hours. Pull the air box and air filter and look down the intake tract for dirt. If...
Thats a pretty good price with Those amount of hours. Pull the air box and air filter and look down the intake tract for dirt. If its clean, id buy it.
I hate looking for dirtbikes lol. I like that ktm but i just found a 17 husky 350 with 15hrs on it bone stock. Guy quit riding all together. Title and briefcase thing with it too. Why does this have to be so hard.....(said no one ever) lmfao.
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 1/3/2019 2:24pm
1/3/2019 2:24pm
yz133rider wrote:
Thats a pretty good price with Those amount of hours. Pull the air box and air filter and look down the intake tract for dirt. If...
Thats a pretty good price with Those amount of hours. Pull the air box and air filter and look down the intake tract for dirt. If its clean, id buy it.
Alec138 wrote:
I hate looking for dirtbikes lol. I like that ktm but i just found a 17 husky 350 with 15hrs on it bone stock. Guy quit...
I hate looking for dirtbikes lol. I like that ktm but i just found a 17 husky 350 with 15hrs on it bone stock. Guy quit riding all together. Title and briefcase thing with it too. Why does this have to be so hard.....(said no one ever) lmfao.
Lower hours the better man. Pull the trigger youll love it.
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Pirate421
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Pirate421 1/3/2019 3:33pm
1/3/2019 3:33pm
17 has aer forks too which are much better than the 2016 4cs. If the husky is more just think of the money saved on possibly suspension upgrades. Plus I love the look of the 2017-2018 huskies.
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Alec138
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Alec138 1/3/2019 6:29pm
1/3/2019 6:29pm
Pirate421 wrote:
17 has aer forks too which are much better than the 2016 4cs. If the husky is more just think of the money saved on possibly...
17 has aer forks too which are much better than the 2016 4cs. If the husky is more just think of the money saved on possibly suspension upgrades. Plus I love the look of the 2017-2018 huskies.
Its 6k. The ktm is 4800. Decisions decisions....
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Shaun_Powelson 1/3/2019 11:17pm
1/3/2019 11:17pm
Alec138 wrote:
Its 6k. The ktm is 4800. Decisions decisions....
See if he'll take $5500 & call it a day if he does. Better forks & 1 year newer for resale purposes plus 15hrs is barely broken in!
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Alec138
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Alec138 1/3/2019 11:23pm
1/3/2019 11:23pm
Alec138 wrote:
Its 6k. The ktm is 4800. Decisions decisions....
Shaun_Powelson wrote:
See if he'll take $5500 & call it a day if he does. Better forks & 1 year newer for resale purposes plus 15hrs is barely...
See if he'll take $5500 & call it a day if he does. Better forks & 1 year newer for resale purposes plus 15hrs is barely broken in!
He wont i already tried to see if he would come down a few hundred due to the 6 hour drive one way. Reason why i prefer the ktm cause its 3 hours away. I honestly dont mind the 4CS forks as bad as everyone says they are they seemed to work for me when i rode a buddies 250sxf given it was way undersprung for me at like 180 and im 215 w/ gear. And it still felt good in the woods.
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ktm-5
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ktm-5 1/4/2019 12:50am
1/4/2019 12:50am
I have a 16 ktm 250sxf and they're great bikes, if it were me I'd buy the one that hasn't been rebuilt and the grand + you save over the 17 you can custom this bike to your liking

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c0ncEpT
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c0ncEpT 1/4/2019 10:04am
1/4/2019 10:04am
If its leaking oil out of the valve cover that usually means it was ridden properly (on on rev limiter). Something to look for.
Alec138
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Alec138 1/4/2019 2:03pm
1/4/2019 2:03pm
c0ncEpT wrote:
If its leaking oil out of the valve cover that usually means it was ridden properly (on on rev limiter). Something to look for.
If it leaks anything I am staying AWAY lmfao. My last bike leaked oil constantly. Ended up replacing half a rebuild worth of seals.... spent more time wrenching and wondering what was wrong with it than riding it.
Alec138
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Alec138 1/4/2019 2:04pm
1/4/2019 2:04pm
ktm-5 wrote:
I have a 16 ktm 250sxf and they're great bikes, if it were me I'd buy the one that hasn't been rebuilt and the grand +...
I have a 16 ktm 250sxf and they're great bikes, if it were me I'd buy the one that hasn't been rebuilt and the grand + you save over the 17 you can custom this bike to your liking
That;s what I am thinking. I REALLY want to go check the bike i posted a pic of above. The 3 hours one way is hard to do though with work and I am not checking a bike out at night.
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DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 1/11/2019 6:01pm
1/11/2019 6:01pm
Alec138 wrote:
On the prowl for a KTM as my next bike as I have never owned one and after riding my dad's 11' 350sx-f I fell in...
On the prowl for a KTM as my next bike as I have never owned one and after riding my dad's 11' 350sx-f I fell in love with the brand. I have $4500 to spend on something actually nice and it be worth it to keep it for years to come.

I have narrowed my choices down to 2 2016 350sx-f's. Both have hour meters, titles/paperwork, are mostly stock (besides bolt on's), and look REALLY good from the pictures I have seen of them.

The 1st one has 60 hours on the meter with a top end rebuild at 33 hours, handguards, guessing stock skidplate?, and stock besides a few bolt on's, 18" rear and stabilizer on the bars.

The 2nd one has 34-35hrs on the meter, no rebuilds, guessing stock skidplate?, and same as 1st, mostly stock, and no handguards or 18' rear.

Just trying to gather my knowledge before I go check these bikes out as I have never had one. Any quirks, features, things to look for especially, etc I should know about....comment below!

Thanks.
In April, 2018 I bought a bone stock 17’ 350sxf with 6.2 hrs for $5,800. More than I wanted to spend but low hours sold me. It was a bank repo, and must have sat outside for a while, so a little wooly, but I scrubbed it back to life... and love it! Now has 12 hours, so u can tell I don’t ride it a lot and only do track days.

No, it’s not for sale, so find a baby and keep it forever!


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ob
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ob 1/17/2019 1:26pm
1/17/2019 1:26pm
Buy the one that has the stock non rebuilt top end. They last forever if they are properly taken care of. I've got way over 300hrs on mine. If somebody did a top end at 33 it's kinda weird Imop.
Alec138
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Alec138 1/17/2019 5:04pm
1/17/2019 5:04pm
ob wrote:
Buy the one that has the stock non rebuilt top end. They last forever if they are properly taken care of. I've got way over 300hrs...
Buy the one that has the stock non rebuilt top end. They last forever if they are properly taken care of. I've got way over 300hrs on mine. If somebody did a top end at 33 it's kinda weird Imop.
Has about 39hrs now. E start has me spoiled already. Ive had it 2 weeks.
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DawnPatrol
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DawnPatrol 1/18/2019 11:38am
1/18/2019 11:38am
It looks great! congrats!

Parting comment: Don't be afraid to adjust the forks higher/ lower in the triples to get the steering where you want it! and yes, I will never have to kick start a modern bike again!
seth505
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seth505 1/18/2019 11:56am
1/18/2019 11:56am
Is the chain kinked up or am I seeing things? My stock stuff wore out in a little under 30 hours on my 250sx. Congrats!
Alec138
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Alec138 1/18/2019 11:57am
1/18/2019 11:57am
DawnPatrol wrote:
It looks great! congrats! Parting comment: Don't be afraid to adjust the forks higher/ lower in the triples to get the steering where you want it...
It looks great! congrats!

Parting comment: Don't be afraid to adjust the forks higher/ lower in the triples to get the steering where you want it! and yes, I will never have to kick start a modern bike again!
Only things i HATE so far is the suspension, and the seat. Riding woods, it is reflective off everything and the ass end throws up going over bumps and such. The seat is literal ICE when wet or muddy even with pants that have grippers. I will have the suspension setup once i get more money and also planning on buying the EE or Seat Concepts seat as well.
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