2024.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition vs 2025 KTM350XCF back to back at Briarcliff MX. Two of my current favorite 4-stroke dirt bikes. Does reducing engine braking on the 24.5 450FE make it feel as light in motion as the 350? Does the latest 350 engine have enough low to mid power to make me forget about the 450? Let's ride them and find out!
2024.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition
I am running the Hard Pack/Dry power map with throttle response and engine braking minimized for very smooth power delivery - still a full on 450 but with a little slower/smoother engine response. The reduced engine braking frees up the bike and gives it a little more playful and lighter feel in motion. Not a huge difference but noticeable. I have owned this set of WP Cone Valve spring forks for 4 years and have run them on many 450's and they simply work. Plush, compliant, controlled, and friction free. Brad at RideWorx re-valved the rear shock for more plush feel at the top of the stroke yet still ramps up as the shock compresses on bigger inputs. Has a 60hp 450F ever been so easy to ride? Such smooth and long pulling power that makes this bike so fun to ride! I have about 10 hours ride time so far and the chassis and suspension are breaking in and feeling better much more quickly than my 23.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition. This current KTM chassis is a great combination of cornering and stability.
2025 KTM 350XCF
350's have long been my favorite overall combination of Power/Weight/Handling and this updated chassis and the latest 350 engine continues the tradition. This is the best stock 350 engine I've ridden to date. I've ridden a '23 350SXF many times but this 25 350XCF engine seems to run a bit smoother at the initial turn of the throttle and feels crisper and a little stronger in the mid range and continues to pull from mid to top. One of the best overall 4-stroke dirt bike engines available today. The latest XCF suspension setting feels very good. Plush enough for off road and enough hold up to work well for slow Vet moto. A few more rides on the stock suspension then I will discuss with Brad at RideWorx and decide if I want to change the settings. Brad has an excellent rear shock setting for the new KTM/Husky/Gas Gas chassis.
I've been on the fence about getting a new Austrian 350. When the 25 350XCF showed up it last week it knocked me off the fence!
Here is my first ride impression on the 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition...
• 2024.5 KTM 450 Factory...
Here is my first ride impression on the 25 KTM 350XCF....
• 2025 KTM 350XCF First ...
3 окт 2024
