2023 KTM 350XCF HONEST THOUGHTS | FIRST NEW DIRTBIKE IN 12 YEARS 

This is the hottest bike of 2023 and does not match all other reviews

If it feels too fast through the technical stuff, change the mapping to the slower setting and it will idle lower and also roll a little slower for smoother power

I raced my 2023 350 XC-F in Motocross this past weekend (with stock gearing) - it was awesome. Whoop section - no issues - landing off jumps - no issues... overall just a great bike. I have a heavier rear spring for my body weight. I've done trail riding and MX with no issues and loving the power. In tight trails when you're feathering the throttle and clutch and you're below 3mph there is a flame out - but I rode other trails since then with 0 flame outs. Best dirtbike you could buy in my opinion.

I got my 2022 250XC this past November, it was destroying my chest from the pogoing. I changed the spring for my weight and tried the stock clicks for sport and so on, nothing worked. After it beat me up for 12 hours of woods and track i could not stand the bike. I went back last Tuesday to JT and switched it out with a 2023 350SX-F, the suspension between the XC and SX night and day. Glad you got yours worked out my man. rock on

That John Ross guy is a miracle worker haha. I’m glad you were happy with the end result. Looking good on it!

I bought a 2023 KTM 350 and haven’t rode in 7 years. I raced at the local nor cal pro level and I was seriously impressed with my suspension and how it reminds me of a crazy fast 250f. I’m 40 and don’t want to ride a 450 anymore.

I bought a leftover 22 gas gas ex350 which is analogous to the 22 350xcf. I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm probably going to drop a tooth on the front to help alleviate its tendency to stall but some of that is on me being lazy with the clutch hand. All and all I'm glad that I sprung for the 22 instead of a 23 Austrian bike.

Been testing a 23 350 and not a fan of the motor. It’s a light switch all bark! Thing flames out easy. Rigid chassis.. and plastic wood screws keeping it together.. pretty bummed.. last Gen 22 was amazing

What’s the difference between the XCF and the SX besides the tank? Is the ignition the same?

I have the same bike only the MX version (SX-F 350).....Power is insane (so much so, I haven't even attempted to try the green map!) and I think the forks work great, then again, I'm no pro racer doing 50ft jumps! LOL As many have mentioned regarding this engine, riding trails is really tricky with the "flame out"/stalling at low RPM's when feathering the clutch. That's really my only complaint as it's happened to me fairly often. Regarding your worry about dust getting to the air filter, KTM opened that area up on purpose, so I don't believe that is going to be an issue. Only way I can see water being a problem is if you're riding through a 4 ft high river! LOL. Point being, I've been following up on the new bikes since I bought mine in Nov '22 and I haven't heard or read even one word about that opening under the seat causing issues. Actually, all they talk about is the more air/ more power theory. I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

I stumbled upon your channel and just subscribed, I enjoy your videos. I ride the Greenridge DS out of little Orleans In May & Oct . I was wondering if you ever put out the route you do and if so where can I find them . Thanks

Love my 2024 250 xcf. It's perfect.

For the not wanting to turn you could slide your forks through a little, I had to do that when I bought my 18 tx300 from a buddy of mine who always complained that it wasn’t nimble enough but I’ve had no complaints about that since

I’ve been racing a 2019 Ktm 300 on enduro and hare n hounds I just turned 16 and I’ve got a 2022 Ktm excf 350 to use for the hare n hounds now I’m gonna get the suspension done on it now and just keep the 300 for hard practicing 👍🏻

I'm continually amazed at how everyone including myself hates the air fork and yet ktm still keeps putting it out and we keep buying it

Agree with you on all fronts. I have all the same complaints with my 23’. I’m comparing to a 2018 350XC-F. Gearing and suspension were big misses from the factory.

some good points but for me the most annoying thing about the bike is the kickstand its a more sturdy design but hard to grab with you boot. I just have not been able to consistently get to the stand without really looking at where my foot is.

just bought an 23 350 xc-f, best Bike I have ever been on. only thing I may change, put a 48 tooth on the rear, maybe an aftermarket slip on just because this doesn't come with a spark arrestor.

My 2022 air forks were pretty good stock. I re- valved the whole bike anyway for my weight and riding style. I also put money into every bike I’ve owned so don’t feel bad. We need to personalize these things to fit us. Every one has their own preference.

Thinking about this one or the 250 as a 4 stroke alternative to my 150 xcw. Wondering whether the 250 xcf will have same suspension troubles. Thanks for your review.

You bought a cross country race bike. The type of riding that you describe would work better with an XCF W. The coil spring fork is more plush for slower speeds and rougher single track. The power delivery is softer and more manageable.

did you swap the forks out completely or did you do one of the conversion kits like pro circuit offers that changes an air fork to spring fork?

Nice review… purchasing my first dirtbike, 23 KTM 350 XCF, I have no experience on dirt bikes, but many years on the track with sport bikes. I don’t know why I’ve chosen this bike, I know that I like KTM, and that I am 6’2 210 and thought of 350 would be a good fit. Don’t plan on racing, would like long adventure rides in the Arizona desert, or maybe the Midwest, not doing trials or anything crazy, 45yrs i’m looking for something easy to ride that I can grow into. If I soften up the suspension somehow, maybe a conversion kit, is this an appropriate bike for a beginner? I found a very clean 350 XCF with 50hrs on it for a good price. Also found a 23 Honda 250 RX that’s pretty clean.. Your thoughts? Thank you.

Maybe I missed it but you didn't mention if you tried adjusting the suspension before sending it off to be fixed.

I had a brand new 2017 KTM 350SXF and mine had traction control with the 2 map switch.

I got the sx-f and the only complaint was the rear plastic is to short for muddy mx

What are the specs with the number plate graphics you're running?

Hello, I also bought two bikes from JT… Are you in MD? Looking for places or events to ride off road thx

I think a 2 stroke is what you want I can lug mine so low it’s unreal how low they will go before they quit in slow technical terrain

Damn if only KTM offered an actual enduro model that is designed for actual technical single trail, oh wait they do. Honestly why do you yanks persist with the xcf for enduro instead of ktm's actual enduro bikes

The shop does not set your bike up at all they just put it together with zero grease from the box and call it prepped… you need to take the entire bike apart and rebuild it greasing and torquing everything properly and calibrating the suspension according to the manual. The manual is pretty amazing for getting the bikes dialed. People are just ignorant or watch too many videos online thinking they need aftermarket shit.

Love mine. You need to set it up. These bikes ( any brand ) are not great out of the box. I got my suspension done. Changed the gearing, added a G2 throttle tamer and some Mako bar clamps. DONE DEAL. And i ride hare scrambles, sprint enduros and GNCC on the east coast. Get it set up. I have a 24 350 xcf and love it.

Where do you ride? I live just south of Westminster.

It can take at least 10 hours to brake suspension in properly put a few hard hours on it

little dude is a ripper already

you have the option to buy one without the air vent

Just got a 450XC-F, kinda nuts. My 13 year old son can ride it alright

I have yet to hear anything good about these newer style KTM’s. My 16 xcf350 is hands down the best woods like I’ve ever rode for my riding style but the 23 feels like a slim kawi race bike in the woods. Definitely not my type

Wow, so sad that after spending a TON of money on a brand new bike, then you gotta replace the fork and revalve the shock before you can even enjoy it.

Gearing is off because you had to pull the clutch in while following a 50? Hmmmm. Maybe you should have bought a tw200.

His riding style is more xcfw than xcf

So you buy a 12k bike and leave it stock? Get it revalved, so what

xcfw is the best

Beautiful. :)