I think you have to buy different angle/length stems. I actually bought a 10mm shorter reach stem for this bike and have it angle up (I think it is a 7 degree angle).
I bought my 2025 KTM 350XCF from my good buddy Wally at Wheelsports in Columbus, Ohio. I also ordered the CUO kit from Wheelsports back in June. The CUO is available to order by any KTM dealer.
Would you recommend this bike for someone older with knee problems? I’ve tried the mahle x20 and x35 hub motors which don’t require too much hard peddling except on hills so am curious.
I recommend e-bikes for anybody. Fully tunable assistance levels means you can easily dial in the amount of work you do as the rider. The varying assistance levels is great for keeping up with faster riders or re-habing injuries like knees (I had a total right hip replacement and used my e-bikes as a training and rehab tool). Hub motors are getting better however I prefer the more refined assistance feel of the mid drive motors though those bikes tend to be more expensive.
Have you rode the 19 crf250r? Was wondering the comparison to the 20+ yz250f’s, and how many hour have you 3 put on the 22 yzf? Any preventative maintenance or all still original?
The 19 CRF250R engine has soft low to mid power and requires lots of engine RPM's to go fast. The 2022 and later CRF250R's have noticeably more low to mid throttle response and power feel. The 2020 and later YZ250F's have strong low to mid power and the engine builds RPM's quickly. The KYB suspension on the YZ250F's work well for a wide range of riders. I don't own a 250F currently however preventative maintenance is important for any racing motorcycle.
Stupid question, If you make a map with medium/high traction control and upload it to the bike do you still need to press the button on the handlebar for traction control?
Yes - Traction Control has to be activated by pushing the TC button (and the TC light is on). The level of Traction Control is tunable in the app (#3 is stock level and you can go to #1 minimum up to #5 maximum. Set to #5 TC can slow the initial throttle response.
No change in overall power - just smoother and cleaner down at low RPM. Not a big difference but noticeable - especially when I was at a track and rode my 21 CRF450WE with the new map and a buddy's 21 CRF450WE with the stock map back to back.
I have a 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition and have always enjoyed the smooth broad power of KTM 450's. The 2025 450XCF finally has a 6-speed transmission and with the CUO could be very tunable for both woods and light vet moto. Perhaps one will find its way into my garage this year! However 350's are such a great combination of Power/Weight/Handling and with the latest frame and most recent engine along with the CUO are very fun bikes!
@@mxengineer1 great, i asked you cause i have a husky fc 250 and i wanna to go to next level. A bike which i can go on mx track or enduro as well. Its seems ktm 350 xcf is the choice.
Love your excitement for the 350 especially for tighter woods riding. I’ve ridden all the new 2024 ktm two stroke in northern Idaho woods and prefer a 4 stroke to all of them. Especially my 2018 350 w/ rekluse. It truly is exceptional. And will have to keep the smiles going until the 2025 market comes back to earth. New bike prices are way too high for me. And haters hate but I ride expert/B level vet30 so don’t give me the “newb” BS from the “have to have a 2 stroke to ride woods” crowd.
KTM 350 with Rekluse is like cheating! Love it! And yes new bike prices are CRAZY!!! There are some big rebates now on 23/24 model year models so that makes them a little more resonable.
Spin those clickers - does not cost anything! With the new hydro stop bottoming system I can run some fairly soft settings and enjoy that bump absorption when the track gets choppy.
@@mxengineer1 That new XC-F has springs forks right? You don't have air? Where do you keep your air pressure at on the other KTM's if the clickers are set so plush? 130psi? I understand you weigh approx 20lbs lighter than me.
@@brutus6328 Yes the 24/25 XC models came with new WP spring forks. For AER forks I usually started around 9.8 bar pressure and C18 R24 for that plush feel. Use the red rings on the forks to check for bottoming - I like about 30mm from bottoming and whatever pressure that is then spin clickers. I am 6'2" tall and weigh about 195 lbs
When you're in 3rd gear and doing those corners, are you having to feather the clutch a touch or are you off it completely? Also, I have to say I don't think I've heard you have so much fun!!! Great video!
Yes feathering the clutch if I need a quicker engine RPM build (like getting past someone) but really depends on engine RPM. This new 350 engine has a lot more lot to mid power and with the response dialed up using the CUO it feels really good to me. I think the new gear ratios in the XCF 6-speed and the final drive of 14/50 is perfect for my trail and track use. 3rd gear worked everywhere at Briarcliff MX - that power is so broad. I am really enjoying my 25 350XCF - the engine is FUN!!! I hope that comes across in the video!
@@mxengineer1 Speaking of this "new 350 engine"......I spoke with my KTM dealers service manager today regarding the X2c (can't remember the letters exactly..lol) hookup to install the new map/flash/upload etc" (LOL) He said he has heard nothing about anything that he can take from the 2024 engine and put it in the 2023 to make it run better. I even went on to explain that I had a friend I communicate with on YT and his son took his 2023 SX-F 450 in blah blah blah......he said they have meetings regarding these types of things all the time and the only thing he knows about was the 250 2 stroke had a recall and had to have a new "flash" or whatever they called it. I even explained that it should help with flame out and help the engine run better overall. He really helped me a lot when I had my gas tank leak so I know he's not a guy who just doesn't care as he went above and beyond to help me prior. However he did say there is a remote chance it DOES exist and he somehow just doesn't know about it. So, he told me to bring the bike in and we can hook it up and see.
@@brutus6328 There have been EFI map updates that are not announced - just refinements. The only way you can find out if there is an update available for your bike is to connect it to the XC2 tool at the dealer. Then it will show an update is available - if there is one available you can have the dealer upload it (it is optional). So your dealer not knowing is common. Bring your bike in and connect it to the XC2 tool and see if there is an update available. Have your CUO connected to your bike and the XC2 tool will show if there is an update to the CUO too.
@@mxengineer1 THANKS! That's basically where we left it at. Just told me to bring it in and he'll hook it up. But.....if your son got one for his 2023, shouldn't there definitely be one in there for mine? Is there a possibility they say there isn't one? (trying to see if I need to fight for it...insist they keep searching til they find one! LMAO) Also, I ordered that GPS antenna for the CUO.....$110!!! I'm an idiot.....could have bought the whole thing for $250 like everyone else, but NOPE....saw the unit on sale for $160 instead of $180, (figured I didn't need all the other stuff yet, and I just put new graphics on a new fender) then, I decide I wanna track how high I'm jumping so I can chart my improvement. I search and see the fender being sold with the cover but no GPS for $41. I'm thinking the GPS should be no more than $50 since I've already spent $200 as I just bought the fender yesterday..... NOPE! So.....I'm paying a total of $311.00 for $250 worth of stuff.......lesson learned! LOL
i dont know if its me but when you do your intro it cancels itself out right at the beginning and finds itself once your voice calms down.....almost like you need a limiter on your voice, its so powerful when you first speak.......ive noticed this from day one
Yes I am not sure how the GoPro Hero7 starts the audio. I usually give it a couple of seconds before I talk but seems to auto adjust for the first second or two then dials in the volume. I'll try counting 3~5 secs before talking on the next couple of videos and see if that is better.
From my experience on n=3 bikes is yes (my son's '23 450SXF, my 24.5 450 Factory Edition, my '25 350XCF). I had these bike connected to the XC2 tool when first connecting the CUO.
Southwick was a good race......both classes......i remember in my 20's id watch a national on tv then got so motivated i had to go load up my bike and go out riding......the good ole days
The C class practice is so dangerous....Lol. No one holds their line, and everyone cross jumps each other. Also, when you are coming up to someone they start block passing you in corners like they get paid to ride for a living.... 🤣. Anyways great video as always!
True!! Briarcliff MX is such a cool track and facility. I finally did the big step up jump on the next session so I will get that video next ride at the Cliff. Oh yea I passed that 125 smoker back at the end🤣
@@mxengineer1 nice 🙌. I love your videos man! I have a 24 ktm 350 XCF with cone valve/ trax and a rekluse radius 4.0…. Such a great bike, but it vibrates so much. I’m considering the 25 300 XC, I ride single track in AZ with lots of rocks
@@williamcrotts7054 no thanks! Not a beta fan at all. To make a 350 work you have to rev the piss out of it. Ride one back to back Compared to a counter balanced KTM and you’ll be shocked
@@MXJEFF94 I also have a 24 300 HE, I'm aware of the counter balancer. To drag race a 450 yea you need to rev her but otherwise the 350 is a complete motor that you can probably just leave in 3rd gear for just about everything.
If you don't mind me asking what did the exhaust set you back? I doubt you'll ever get that last 1" of travel, that is your hydro stop in the forks and it works really well.
I am not sure what the current MSRP is for the full Akrapovic exhaust sytem. I got this system from my buddy who had it on his 23 350SXF for a short time then sold the bike. Otherwise I would have just got the slip on Akrapovic which I think retail for $799 but lots of places have 15~20% off specials. Akrapovic are quiet, perform well, lightweight, smaller, and have a spark arrester...quiet is #1 with me and SA is nice too. Hydro stops work great!!!
@@mxengineer1 Thanks so much for your info. I agree quieter is much better. My 23 just turned 44 hrs and the valves are right in spec. No movement since new. Love this motor. The new forks are awesome but I'm telling you, you need to put a recluse 4.0 in that bike. I'm listening to your motor when you're coming into the corners and it's right at the point of stalling but your clutch hand saves it. I'm betting not every time though. Imagine running a gear or two higher, carrying more speed, going in deeper into the corner slam the brakes and rocket out with out the worry of stalling. Probably clear that step up. Lol
@@williamcrotts7054 Yep I ran Rekluse Core 3.0's a few years back and they were really good in the woods and on the moto track. I can only imagine the Radius 4.0 is better but I suppose it should be at MSRP $1500! I did clear the step up in the next session!!!
Thanks for the review! First time e-mountain bike purchase and I’ve been back-and-forth 100 times between the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp and the Trek Rail 9.8 Gen3. It was too cool searching for a review, and the first video I come across is you riding Horns Hill! I’m born and raised in the Pataskala area. Hope to see you on the trails! OH!
Thanks for all the videos. I’m debating on a 25 350 xcf or a 24.5 factory edition. Or maybe waiting for the 2025 factory edition. From your experience what are your thoughts?
I have a 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition along with my newest bike the 25 350XCF. With the CUO it is easy to dial back or dial up the engine response. If you ride more moto and are fast perhaps the 450FE is a better bike. If you like to do a light moto and more off road riding the 350XCF might be a better choice. I would have bought a '25 350XCF Factory Edition if it was available but I did not want to wait as KTM usually announces that bike in late September at the Ironman GNCC race. I really like the overall balance of Power/Weight/Handling in the latest KTM/Husky/Gas Gas 350 models. Here is a quick back to back ride on the 450FE and 350XCF... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-x7aT09zbyzg.html
@@mxengineer1thanks for the quick reply. Most of my riding is single track racing in Texas and in the Rocky mountains 2020 300 XCW. I’m looking for light moto to stay in shape and Texas hare scramble racing. I think I’ll wait for the 2025 factory edition. Thanks again!
Great review. I think a lot of people are going to be impressed with it's all-round capabilities. A 13 tooth front sprocket will make quite a difference. I even tried a 12 tooth on my 21 Fe 350!! Was too low but had incredible stall resistance in the bush when you got tired.
I've ridden a 2023 Beta 390 Race Edition and a 2023 Beta 390RR. The Beta 390's have a more full flywheel feel to the engine - little slower RPM build and the engine runs really well at low RPM. The suspension is woods focused setting so too soft for even slow Vet moto but works great in the woods (spend the extra money for Race Edition to get the KYB suspension). The 390 Beta is heavier than the KTM 350XCF and you can feel this weight statically and in motion. The KTM has a lighter feel statically and in motion and makes more peak power and the engine revs more quickly. The 350XCF suspension and chassis feel firmer overall.
@@mxengineer1If you were only riding tight technical single track, which would you prefer? I mentioned on one of your previous videos that I’ve been on the fence about the Beta and a KTM. I’m in the Pacific Northwest and wonder if this new KTM could replace my 250 2t. Seems like such a well rounded bike. Have a bad case of paralysis by analysis.
@@vegasace1767 For tight technical single track I prefer a 300 smoker (I have a TX300 and Beta 300 Race Edition). For a 4-stroke on tight single track I would give a slight edge to the Beta 390 Race Edition over the stock 25 KTM 350XCF: the Beta has a softer more woods focused suspension setting and the engine has excellent low rpm stall resistance. If you put a Rekluse and fan on the '25 KTM 350XCF the lighter weight and fully tunable power with the CUO would give it the edge. Nice to have choices!
That akropovic expansion chamber always looks awfully close to the bottom of the fuel tank. What’s the distance there if I might ask. My eyes might just be deceiving me
Good question! The Akrapovic resonance chamber has about 25mm clearance to the bottom of the fuel tank and the guard is about 3mm above the chamber. Seems like plenty to me however the stock resonance chamber is way more forward and had a more than twice the clearance. I really like the quieter sound and spark arrester on the Akrapovic.
That’s actually more than I would have thought. Thank you for taking the time to measure that!! In my opinion, the Akrapovic exhaust is the best sounding one out there for the Austrian bikes. Keep up the great work on the videos!
You listed a lot of places you had ridden the bike and then only had 3.5hrs on it. I rarely put less than 4-6 hrs on my bike every time I throw a leg over it. You're not trying hard enough!
I have a set of black WP CV spring forks (you call them Gen 1?) and a set of 2023 WP CV forks (Gen 3?) and a 2023 WP Pro Component shock ready to go onto the 25 350XCF. I want to ride the stock suspension a few more hours to really understand it and then decide if it needs re-valved or just go straight to WP Pro stuff. For now the stock suspension is exceeding my expectations - works really well. Wish my 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition came with these spring forks!
Love all the videos - A+++ lots of information and wonderful test reviews !!!! These new bikes are getting pretty tecno with all the new computers , ignitions and settings etc - the cou units are getting a bit too much for me as far as technology goes imo ( that is one of many reasons that I love my 24 Beta RX300 ) it is still pretty simple 😁 Both of my KTM's 2023 sx 250 2 stroke and my 21 Fact edition 450 look like a road atlas of wiring under the seat where Breat has some but they have done such a good job of keeping things simple like me lol !! I went down to my local KTM HUSKY GASGAS dealer last weekend and have decided to purchase a new 2025 GASGAS EX 350 - the dealer gave me a great deal on trade for my 450 but not sure I want to let it go just yet ( for me it is the best 4 stroke I have ever ridden ) I have raced a newer RMZ 450 which was a very nice bike , the Beta 450 , a KX450 , and a and a 2022 works edition Honda , have not rode a newer YZf 450 yet ( 250f yes ) and have not liked any as much as my 21 450 , I like my KTM 250 / beta 300 better than all the bikes I have listed - the problems that make me say hmmmmmmmmmmmm
Thanks for the real world feedback on so many great bikes! I really enjoyed my 21 KTM 450 Factory Edition and it currently resides with a buddy of mine so I can still ride it and it gives me a great comparison feel to the 23/24 and latest 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition. I also have a 2024 Beta 300 Race Edition and it runs amazingly clean and smooth for a simple carb and mechanical power valve. New 23/24 YZ450F is a beast and with the downdraft intake revs like a 2-stroke - very fun but hand on! Gas Gas EX350...very nice!!! You will be impressed with the latest 350 engine. Get the map switch and CUO so you can dial the power up or down and minimize the engine braking. 350's are such a great combination of Power/Weight/Handling!
Yes and for 25 model year the settings were tweaked a little to account for the frame changes. These forks work great but for trails I open them up. Stock is C12 R18 and I go C18 R24 (a comfort setting).
If you are moving and hitting bumps and sloshing the fuel around you can use basically all of it. If you jump on a smooth road section and cruise steady state you may use all the fuel that is held in the pocket around the fuel pump. I regularly ride with only 2" of fuel showing in the lower section but I keep the bike moving and that sloshes the fuel into the cup around the fuel pump.
Keep dogging the 2023 SX-F 350 and I may have to unsubscribe!!! LOLOLOLOLOLOL On a serious note, I've already had one too many thoughts of a trade, my 350 for this 2025 XC-F....wondering how much $$$ I would lose. My wife nearly had a heart attack when I threw the idea at her because she knows how much I love my bike. Still waiting to hear from the dealer if they have an updated map to install.
See if you can get the updated 24 EFI map installed into your 23 350SXF - that might be more than enough of an update. Also you could get the 25 model year engine mounts and bolt onto your 23 model.
