The KTM and Husky bikes are practically the same bike with a few subtle differences. After owning our bikes for a few months, we swapped for a day to see what differences someone at our riding level might feel!
As i am looking at these two bikes to purchase i am more interested in the down to earth review. Sure, a full blown bike mag review is more informative but honestly i have no idea on half the items they say are good or bad because i don;t have the knowledge or riding skill. The bike swap and your thoughts on both are good to watch. Like me, i hope you learn more and share more.
We just like to have a good time and make videos and share our experiences! Glad you liked the video. We will definitely be sharing more! The snow has fallen here, but we are going to do what we can to keep getting out through the winter.
Good video. I’d love to see a repeat later of those two with the same tires, same PSI, and suspension and controls adjusted the same way. That way it may be easier to explain or differentiate the true characteristics of each. Still, makes me happy I chose white over orange 🤙 stay frosty gentlemen
Also I have a husky 350 and love it. I sold my xr650r for it! Some people may call me crazy for doing that, but I think the smaller 350 is much more manageable.
I totally agree with the comment that the Huskys feel like the power delivery is a lot smoother. The KTM is like raw power and the Husky is just a little more contained or controlled if that makes sense. Great video guys!
If you add the tail cap and ditch the reeds with adding a jd tuner you will notice the world of difference in the bottom end power ive done it and I am so glad I did
Though we haven't done it yet, It seems the power can be replenished with a few aftermarket parts. This intake tube (made in Oregon!) fixes some of the problems that come with that airbox: mototerre.com/product/ktm-and-husky-250-501-power-intake-tube-reed-replacement/
Like what you guys are trying to do and you've got yourselves another subscriber but a better comparison should perhaps involve a more detailed knowledge of the differences like the suspension setup etc then on stock set bikes, report back on your personal analysis of the specific albeit subtle difference. The "there is but there isn't" doesn't explain much. But keep it up! Can't wait to check out some of your other vids!
I think the main point we were trying to get across is that when you hop on the other bike, it isn't an immediate "Whoa" type of feeling, the differences are so subtle that us and our riding abilities, we did not feel a difference that would necessarily make or break either bike for us and that you could easily be very happy on either bike. It is certainly a topic worth revisiting in the future! Thanks for watching and subbing, we definitely appreciate it!
@@OregonDualSport Might have to hop over the pass and you can try my Beta 390. I love ridng over there when I get a chance. EFR, Clinne Butte, and my new favorite 3-trails!
Thanks for the great video! I'm looking at a 2020 or 2021 FE350s and am having a difficult time getting the oil change/maintenance intervals for the Husky. Some FE350s web reviews (for the 2021 model) give a quick blip that the Husky has "long service intervals of 135 hours" (but no specifics). I've heard the KTM-EXC-350f oil change is every 300 or 600 miles apprx. Can you help clarify/compare? Tnx.
How can you keep these things stock. Uncorking the engine's must make a nice jump in power, cooler temps, less flameout ect. Appreciate the quality content
Oh they will be getting uncorked this year likely. Honestly we havent had any issues with temps, even riding in 80 and 90 degree weather. But we will definitely welcome the bump in power once we let these bikes breath better! Thank you for watching!
Just found you guys and really like the content. After getting stuck in our local state park with a frozen engine (2004 Honda CRF250X with a recently rebuilt top end), I'm wondering about just buying a new dual sport and I've always liked the KTM 350 platform. Just wondering, since you ride the two, what your opinions are. According to the cycle mags, the KTM is a screamer while the Husky is more linear and friendly in lower RPM's. Do find this to be true and are either bike good in the really slow crawl technical stuff? I'm old (61) and I prefer that to the faster, get me hurt, trails. In any condition, I'm more a lower engine speed guy than a screamer anyway. I'm in Calif and need a bike for our green sticker season, probably buying it next spring or so....
Thanks for watching, we're glad you dig the channel! As far as comparing these two bikes and their performance, they are essentially the same. You could hop on either one of these and not be able to tell any differences in engine performance or how they act in each gear at any RPM. I'd say if you're between the two, the Husky is going to be a better bet for the lower RPM stuff because it comes equipped with a fan where as the KTM does not have one, granted all you would have to do is put one on for $100. If you're going to be messing around in crawly technical stuff these bikes handle it all really well, but maybe consider a Rekluse clutch to make things more comfortable on that clutch finger! Hope this helps! -Alex
@@OregonDualSport Thanks, not that you really should care one way or the other but my wife wants me to buy the Husky. She likes the name better and she's tired of orange bikes. My son had a 250 XCFW and already have the 300XC. Oh, and my frozen engine? Dropped an intake valve; ruined piston and head and various other components. So, now I get to save the money to repair it but I need to try to sell it as is and kaput. Can't wait for next spring. Oh, what year bikes do you guys own? I'm wondering if your intake and exhaust mods would work on the newer bikes (20-21)….
Those are the Alpinestar Corozal Adventure Drystar boots. Incredibly comfortable both in the cold and the heat. I have had them for about a year so far!
I have the 2018 500 EXC-F . Vortex ecu smog deleted and FMF tip . I couldn't imagine it getting any better than that . Im not a pro but I ride fast in the desert . If the Husky is better I still wouldn't be able to ride it to its full potential .
The difference in power you are feeling may come from the airbox. They are different to give different power characteristics. The KTM should have more "snap" as it is a less restrictive air box. The husky feels smoother because of the opposite. They both are great bikes for sure, but unique. Best part of riding a Husky... telling people you ride a Husky. HahaYou guys put together a great video, and it looks like a great place to ride.
Hey man, thanks for the insight! The KTM definitely did feel a touch snappier, but it was subtle enough to not really know if it was in my head or not. Husky FTW ;) Thanks for watching!
wow amazing content...like straight from a major company lol. great videos! because im trying to decide between the 2. I think i might go with husky since power is more smoother. ive been told its very linear vs KTM is like explosive? the other thing i wonder about is road use when i need to trail hop but prob the same about that
Thank you! In terms of power, they are identical. Its the same motor and everything. Differences felt here might be due to mine having about 2x as many hours as the KTM, or just all in the mind. Trail hopping is fine. We have done hundreds of miles on forest roads and A few 30 mile highway stints at 60-70 mph.
@@frostyandtheklutz1606 haha exactly!! Too many orange around here :p I think I might go with the 450 though. Seems to be the sweet spot for street and technical and open flow trails
RideWithWill the 450 is snappier than the 510. Same piston with a shorter stroke than the 510cc motor. So basically it’ll spin up faster whereas the 510 will have more torque. The only thing you really need on the bigger bore is a throttle tamer for the woods. Maybe a rekluse clutch or a clake lever to make it very rideable in technical terrain. It likes to lug down low and that’s how I like to ride technical stuff. If you’re happier up high in the RPMs the 450 will get ya there quicker.
@@frostyandtheklutz1606 thanks for reply man! So the 500 is easier to control vs 450 on lower technical rides? Snappier like a sensitive throttle response?
Question for the owner who rides the ktm. How tall are you. Cause you look like around my height and you look comfortable on the husky. Thinking about the fe 350 and I’m “5 7”
I'm 5'9" and both bikes are a comfortable height. The KTM has some different handlebar ergonomics (obviously adjustable/replaceable) than the Husky, but other than that, the bikes are the same ergonomics and heights. Both bikes are comfortable for me to ride. Thanks for watching. -Alex
@@OregonDualSport thanks Alex. I basically don’t want to change a bike as much as I can. Because i am short. But if I have to might have to. Since you do live in oregon such as myself where might I find a husky 350 and I don’t want to pay 11k for a bike.
@@christianyoshida2755 I'd keep checking craigslist and facebook marketplace. I bought mine in July 2018 when Gresham Powersports was trying to make room for their 2019 350's - I got 1.99% financing and $1k off a brand new 2018 model, so my payment month to month was an easy $120-130 with insurance. If you check around Oregon dealerships they might have last years model at a discounted rate.
@@OregonDualSport Thanks, I really appreciate the response and enjoy your videos. My 2017 EXC-F came with a 120/90-18 rear tire and I don't see a Kenda 760 in that size. What size do you guys run on the rear?
But what about the nifty "MotoShart" (patent pending) brown pants? No matter how far away from a crapper the trails take you, those bad boys will hide your embarrassing skid marks. Brilliant!
@@OregonDualSport awesome, I think I"m gonna have to go check out the EXC here soon. If you're ever down here in Utah to ride, hit me up. I do a lot of moto photo content here instagram.com/nostalgia_memoir/
We won't be doing a road comparison since these bikes really should spend 80% of their time not on Pavement. But they have the same motor and gearing, so they are going to be identical
Lads they are twin bike's if you compered a Yama to a Kawi it'd be compering Apples to Rocks . Ktm vs Husky = same bike × by owning 1 = you have a Bad ass bike SIMPLE 😁
I don’t like to be so critical about a review but hope my feedback can be of help... Neither of you strike me as knowing what your talking about. You mention the Husqvarna feels less aggressive but don’t even think to check sprocket sizes or which throttle cam is fitted. Both could be the difference. You say you can’t really tell a difference; isn’t that the most obvious conclusion anyone can come to given the fact the bikes are identical? Maybe it would have been better to evaluate each bike against its spec and cost against the other? After all, other than colour, price will be what dictates which most buy. Maybe explain the advantages of choosing the ktm if you ride tracks with logs to jump as it won’t hook up, or pick the husky if you tend to ride faster terrain as the linkage will help. Sorry to put your video down but it felt like a review by two newbs
I don't think we ever claimed to be anything we are not. We are certainly entitled to do a review, just as everyone is allowed to share their opinion. Do you think an amateur wouldn't be able to notice any differences in something? I suppose our videos aren't for you, which is okay.
Pretty rude there grantoyamaha. As i am getting back into riding from a 20yr stint i like to see what others point out with what maybe right or wrong and learn from there since so much has changed. I just checked your channel and No videos and 5 subscribers. Where are your riding tips videos or something we can learn from?
