Wow, I haven't watched this video for over 3 years. I sound so depressed here!!! In 2019 and 2020 my views have changed. I'd rather own a KTM 250 XC-F over this one.... and I'd rather have a 2020 Yamaha YZ250FX over both of those KTMs. Welcome to the future Kyle!
Do you still feel the same about the 19' Beta 390 Race Edition that it was your favorite offload 4 stroke of all time, or has the Yammie taken over that spot as well?
I was thinking the same thing about your voice in this video...Your new videos have gotten so much better! Anyways, I just sold my 250 xc-w (2020) and I'm buying a 350 XC-f for this season. Mostly riding fast woods trails, field tracks, and I'll hit the track once and a while. We'll see how it goes, maybe I'll be back on a 2 stroke (xc) next year! Keep up the good work.
Do you still feel this way? Why would you prefer the 250 xc-f over the 350xc-f. I'd like to know the difference between the 350xc-f vs the 350xcf-w. That would be a good comparison video. Great content, keep the awesome work!!
As far as putting having a Rekluse on that ktm and starting it. The adjustment is hydraulic and on the left side, you DON'T have to pull the clutch cover off unlike my Yamaha. If you had an Allen wrench with you and the battery is dead, you can super easily adjust that save cylinder to allow you to bump start it, again unlike my Yamaha. Thanks for the videos!
I just bought a 2011 350 SXF with 29 hours, have been paranoid about the lack of kick start, have also been considering a Rekluse to help with trail riding. Would you mind giving a little more detail on this procedure? What is being accomplished by making this adjustment? Thank you.
Just recently got a ‘16 350 xcf-w and freaking love it! I am coming off of a ‘18 crf250l dual sport, and what a difference! I have a Rekluse and custom forks/shock. Other than that, it is totally stock. I have risen it in the mountains, woodsy single track, and on the open fast stuff. The bike never disappoints! It is a great bike!
Totally agree with you on the 4cs forks. I've been riding for 35 years and consider myself an expert level rider. I think the stock forks on my 16FE350 are great. They handle the fast hits and are smooth on the rocks n roots. I also use flex bars which I love. I don't get arm pump and I'm super comfortable. Very happy with my first time owning 4cs.
I just picked up a 2016 350xc-f. Sold my race quad and made the switch back to two wheels. The few times I've ridden it so far, it made me fall in love
Watched every video I could find covering the KTM line before I pulled the trigger on one. Two strokes seem be what is popular right now, probably for good reason for a lot of riders and certain types of riding (and probably influenced by hard enduo). I demo'd a 2018 250 XCW and a 2019 250 EXC-F. I did not like the wheel spinning pull of the 250 XCW, or the high pitch sound of the motor, or the smokey exhaust. The 250 EXC-F rode smooth and was easy and fun, but did not have the throttle response I wanted. I ended up buying a 2019 350 EXC-F. Plenty of low end power and plenty of pull bottom to top that is totally manageable. I love the light and "flickable" handling and the super capable suspension. Also for anyone worried about maintenance on the 4 stroke engines - that is mostly fear mongering. My bike has 122 hours and the valves are still in spec never been adjusted. Same goes for another local rider on one that at 200 hours the valves are still in spec and not in need of adjustment. The 350 EXC-F is the goldilocks machine. Thanks so much for your reviews, Dirt Bike Channel! I've watched almost all of them :).
Good review. I have the 2021 350 XC-F and it's a hoot; most fun bike I've ever had. I kinda of wish that it had a kickstarter (one of the reasons I love my 640 Adventure over any other bike in the same class), but I'm not that worried about it as carrying a small jumper pack around is easy enough to do and really a good idea. I keep one in each of my vehicles and make sure they are charged.
Have to say you nailed pretty much every point regarding the 350xcf. The Rekluse issue is not really an issue. The Rekluse comes with a adjustable slave cylinder (KTM) that you can back out a screw and bump start the bike. Then turn back the screw and your Rekluse is back to full working order...
Dirt Bike Channel well we can hope, cant imagine why they would leave a kickstarter off an off road bike with a desert fuel tank on it. Its like its purposed for distance, except of course in the case of battery/starter failure..
If you have an allen key you can adjust the rekluse at the slave cylinder so that you can bump start the bike without having to take the cover off and mess with it. Most of my buddies carry one in their water packs just in case.
Pretty spot on. I have a 2015 FE350 Husky and a 2016 TE300 Husky. IMO the 300 is the most capable Enduro bike out there, the best 4 stroke Enduro is the 350. The 350 will make you a better rider, the 300 will make you look like a better rider, and can make you lazy. You can use all the power of the 350 which makes it really fun and satisfying to ride, 99.9% of riders ( including me!) never get anywhere near the full potential of a 300.
Great comment. I agree with almost everything you said except one thing. I don't think any of us will reach ever even the full potential of a 250 4 stroke bike. Watching pro riders on 250 4 strokes and 125 2 strokes tells me this. My opinion...
Entertaining as usual. I have a idea, it would be awesome to see you do a review on a old bike, like a early 90s bike. Maybe a 500 2stroke even? Would be really nice to how they compare to today's bikes. Best regards. Rider from Sweden
You can play around with the throttle position sensor on these ktm 4 stroke bikes and richen them up a bit. They come lean from the factory due to epa emissions in North America. It's a $40 cable that that replaces the stock TPS cable that allows you to change the values on the sensor using a multimeter. Ive never personally used own, but I have heard nothing but good things from the thumpertalk community, it's supposed to really help with flame outs and bottom end power.
Correct.I adjusted both my 350 xcf and 350 xcfw from the mid .5's to the low .6's and tremendous difference.I also replaced my 14t countershaft with a 13t on the '16 350 xcf and between those two adjustments totally different bike.starts right up,more snap down low and NO FLAMEOUTS ;)
My brother has a 2016 250xcf and it likes to flame out pretty easy in the tight stuff if you're not on the clutch. I recommended the tps route, but he's a bit hard headed and believes the rekluse is the end all be all answer. Hopefully I can talk him into trying this way out before he goes and spends $1200 on a rekluse. $40 for the cable and $40 on a sprocket is a cheap investment imo.
What is this bike with Sixdays worth today with 24hrs / 324mi on it? Also nothing has been done to it except oil… what will need to be done to it after 7yrs?? Thanks.
I wonder how well these bike will hold up long term?. I have a honda 04 250x(original owner) and lasted till now. i have gotten back into the sport this year and want a bike that performs and won't cost me to much money in repairs. 250x is struggling on the more Sandy harescramble tracks and lacks hp to stay on top. any impute would be great #dirtbikechannel
If you are a 4 stroke guy, I'd take a hard look at one of these 350s. They really are great and I think they will last a long time if you keep fresh air filters and fresh oil in them. Even a new 250 4 stroke would really surprise you with how much more power it has than the 04 Honda you have now.
One of the biggest things people do is comment and say a certain bike is garbage just because they hear someone else saying it like you said and it's very annoying I have a KTM 350 XC-F it is a blast to ride I love it but the WP air was total junk for me anyways. So I got a Ohlins TTx shock front and back with a Ohlins steering Damper Night and day difference ! I'm replacing my 2013 EXC 500 for a 2017 EXC 500 it has the new WP air fork so I'm excited to see how the new set up works out ?
How would this do on a mx track really racing just having fun. I would be doing alot of state park riding amd checking out there track from time 2 time along with sand dunes and easier type trail riding just not sure which ktm 350 is for me. Thanks
just get the sxf if you start doing single track all the time you can switch the suspension but i ride a kx 125 and a 2017kxf250 on trails and i only go to the track once a year and i have never had an issue i just back off my compression clickers a couple of clicks
I'm 6'0 foot tall and weigh around 270. What size bike should I get? I haven't ridden in years but I pretty much grew up riding so I'm sure I'd get back in the groove fairly fast. I'm just trying to figure out what size I should get.
Can you drain the oil by removing the screen and tipping the bike to its side? My Beta doesn't have a kick starter either but they sell a kit to install one ($450+). I'm thinking i will just carry one of those emergency jump-start batteries if I ever start having probs. They are very small now, like cell phone size. I replaced the factory lead acid with a Lithium on my bike. That battery is crazy light weight and spins the starter very fast...
Hey Kyle, first off your videos are awesome! I'm in the market for a street legal 350 and have been looking at the KTM 350 EXC_F. My dealer also threw out the option the other day of tagging a 350 XC-F. Not sure if you have any experience on the EXC-F but I was hoping to get your take on the XC-F for street riding around (around town not interstates). The primary purpose of the bike would be off road but with the option to ride the bike to the trails I ride.
Luving the videos and feedback on bikes and products. Keep up the rockin' work! I see a lot of ppl asking for a review on this bike and that bike...understand that feeling but as someone already stated he is running thin with the bikes he already has bought and reviewed. WITH that being said, I have fully enjoyed the reviews of that yz250x that you have been doing...I would luv to see a big bore kit in that and see how much you luv it then .????? Plz plz plz. Awesome work, keep working at growing out that beard...u kind of got the Keanu Reeves spots going there
Will watch the new video tomorrow. You had mentioned that you may be doing a Beta 300 review. Any time frame on that? The reason I ask is that a shop in my town just became a Beta dealer and I really want to support a local shop.
the 350 sounds like it is the perfect bike for the average rider. I have ridden a 250 4 stroke over the summer and I could see where it was lacking in power.
The 250s are my favorite to just get out and ride, but the 350 certainly gives you some power on reserve that is nice to have. The 450s are just too monstrous IMO.
I would never buy a bike without a kickstarter. I would even choose kickstart over electric any day. I have the 2014 ktm 350 Exc-f and I absolutely love it. I swear ktm made that bike for me. It has been completely de-smogged and hopped up to run like the xc-w. The drain plug is a pain but it is only two clamps and my skid plate comes off. love the channel
Dirt Bike Channel honestly I have yet to see an electric start bike work constantly. My KTM 350 for example, It seems no matter what, the first time I start it in the morning has to be with a kick start. It never wants to fire up with the E button. however after the first start the electric start works no problem. I also don't like that even a minor crash in the rocks could potentially break the start button. That would leave you stranded in rocks (hard to bump start) with no real way of starting the bike. I can understand maybe a track only bike not having a kickstarter but anything that leaves site of a tool box should most definitely have a kickstarter.
Regarding the kick start, I learned something recently.. an FI bike with a dead battery and a kick starter will not start. The electrical system (battery) needs enough power to power the fuel pump, injectors, ECU, etc long enough to get the bike going and this is an impossibility with the kickstarter alone. A friend discovered this with his 500 EXC. Research it a bit and you'll see. So, I agree with you that I'd rather have the kick starter, but this may be the reason KTM dropped them. By the time you figure out your battery is dead, you're likely already hosed getting it started with the kicker. But, I'd like to have one anyway even if it's only to clean out a flooded bike! I haven't confirmed, but I suspect a kicker could be added to a 2017 350 exc-f as the rubber plug is there like on the Huskys (which can have a kicker added. Price isn't bad - labor isn't real easy). The XCF doesn't have the plug though.
This isn't true. I've had my 350 battery dead as a door nail and bump started it. Further more, my YZ450F had EFI and no battery.... but you can still kick start it...
Agreed regarding the kickstarters. I have a Yamaha WR450 and would personally never buy a bike without a kickstarter. Not sure why manufacturers are so busy counting beans. I guess it's partly to claim more weight savings each and every year and perhaps for some models, make more $ selling kits... Still, for the average trail rider (who probably represent something like 90% of all enduro bike purchases), reliability is key and the extra weight of a kick start will make zero difference to riding, yet get riders out of countless nasty situations.
Watch out. Yamaha might be dropping kick starters off some of the "FX" bikes in 2017... I'm not 100% sure, but have seen rumors on that. Pretty stupid if you ask me.
i thought about this bike for a few minutes..literally, once i seen the price tag i said ugh nope lol being almost 10 grand turned me off. sure its a good bike but naw lol good review and video.
they dont have kick starter , because they want to use a new platform in unify way to reduce their cost . and more cost efficient for their site. because if they want to do as you like then they should design a new engine with a kick starter or use the old model engine . therefore they prefer their newer MX platform which they already developed .
i cant believe this thing dosnt have a kick start as a back up at least. i was going to have one installed but i need a new shell and thats gotta be 1500 so screw it. does anyone have any good ideas on somthing to have in case im in the middle of the boonies and my bike desides to not start? some kind of battery back up or somthing does it exist
I have a 2015 KTM 350 XCF and I love it !! that bike is the best bike I've ever owned !! When I get off of it after riding It feels like I just had Sex,,Only it lasted longer LOL !!!
Thanks for another set of really good reviews. Side note, you and Husqvarna's Mike Brown sure have a strong resemblance. Twins separated at birth? Speaking of which, planning do do any Husky reviews???
I hear ya. I'm just fortunate that we have ktm, Sherco, Beta, and Gas gas represented within my group of riding buddies. Strangely enough, we each prefer our own bikes.....
The "can't bump start a bike with a Rekluse" thing isn't true, at least for the KTMs, Huskys, etc with hydraulic clutches. All you have to do is put a quick turn on the included slave cylinder's adjustment bolt with an Allen to take up the EXP clutch plate slack at idle. This locks it in and changes the operation to that of a completely manual clutch, and then you can bump start the bike. Takes 2 seconds and It's in the instructions that come with the clutches, but for some reason a lot of people seem to miss it. I liked your comment about the 4CS fork ("just ride it and quit complaining about the suspension"). I've had '13 and '16 350 XC-Fs, both with the 4CS fork, and thought both sets of forks were great. I've got a '17 FX 350 now with the new AER48 air fork on it, and while I'd probably say it is a liiiitle bit better, it's not like night and day; to me the real gain with that fork is the 4 lb weight savings they've realized without compromising performance. All the KTMs with the 4CS forks are closed course race bikes -- they're not designed or set up to be cushy trail bikes ridden by people who never take their butt off the seat -- and I think maybe some people buy them expecting otherwise. KTM's trail bikes are the W and EXC models, and those bikes come with the open chamber forks and PDS rear end. The open chamber forks are cushier, but if try and ride them with any speed you quickly find their limits.
I still hear you say "If it's tight (bla bla bla) 300 2-stroke". I'm a 2 smoker waiting for the magic bike to add an extra 2 strokes to my repertoire, is this it?
Hola amigo soy de Ecuador me gusta mucho tus videos son muy buenos y espero que sigas adelante solo te quiero pedir un favor puedes pones los subtitulos en español porfavor salus
The 4cs is a cheaper fork and they're trash. If you ride a solid pace on some rock or root trail they deflect a ton. Not only that but they bottom out way too easy as well. KTM putting 4 chambers in a fork sounds amazing.. but it's more parts, more unnecessary junk. 2013 closed chamber forks on the XC models were by far the best forks KTM made (I'm not familiar with the aer forks) with upper and lower chambers.
Kyle- regarding the oil drain placement, I found a product specifically for that problem. It's called the Drifters Oil Change Flex Funnel. Check it out! th-cam.com/video/wuBlyzgTj74/w-d-xo.html
the 350 sounds like it is the perfect bike for the average rider. I have ridden a 250 4 stroke over the summer and I could see where it was lacking in power.
Wow, I haven't watched this video for over 3 years. I sound so depressed here!!! In 2019 and 2020 my views have changed. I'd rather own a KTM 250 XC-F over this one.... and I'd rather have a 2020 Yamaha YZ250FX over both of those KTMs. Welcome to the future Kyle!
Do you still feel the same about the 19' Beta 390 Race Edition that it was your favorite offload 4 stroke of all time, or has the Yammie taken over that spot as well?
Can you tell me how the gearing on the 2020 yz 250 fx is? I found the 2018 yz 250x gearing, with only 5 gears, unsatisfactory.
OK well looks like Kyle answered my question in a recent video (around 4:30) : th-cam.com/video/sZm27jk8qMs/w-d-xo.html
I was thinking the same thing about your voice in this video...Your new videos have gotten so much better! Anyways, I just sold my 250 xc-w (2020) and I'm buying a 350 XC-f for this season. Mostly riding fast woods trails, field tracks, and I'll hit the track once and a while. We'll see how it goes, maybe I'll be back on a 2 stroke (xc) next year! Keep up the good work.
Do you still feel this way? Why would you prefer the 250 xc-f over the 350xc-f. I'd like to know the difference between the 350xc-f vs the 350xcf-w. That would be a good comparison video. Great content, keep the awesome work!!
As far as putting having a Rekluse on that ktm and starting it. The adjustment is hydraulic and on the left side, you DON'T have to pull the clutch cover off unlike my Yamaha. If you had an Allen wrench with you and the battery is dead, you can super easily adjust that save cylinder to allow you to bump start it, again unlike my Yamaha. Thanks for the videos!
I just bought a 2011 350 SXF with 29 hours, have been paranoid about the lack of kick start, have also been considering a Rekluse to help with trail riding. Would you mind giving a little more detail on this procedure? What is being accomplished by making this adjustment? Thank you.
Just recently got a ‘16 350 xcf-w and freaking love it! I am coming off of a ‘18 crf250l dual sport, and what a difference! I have a Rekluse and custom forks/shock. Other than that, it is totally stock. I have risen it in the mountains, woodsy single track, and on the open fast stuff. The bike never disappoints! It is a great bike!
Totally agree with you on the 4cs forks. I've been riding for 35 years and consider myself an expert level rider. I think the stock forks on my 16FE350 are great. They handle the fast hits and are smooth on the rocks n roots. I also use flex bars which I love. I don't get arm pump and I'm super comfortable. Very happy with my first time owning 4cs.
Glad to have another sane person :)
Nice balanced review. Your focus on the owning and riding of these machines and the joy they provide is what separates you from others. Thanks!
Thanks for noticing :)
I just picked up a 2016 350xc-f. Sold my race quad and made the switch back to two wheels. The few times I've ridden it so far, it made me fall in love
I agree with you about the 4CS fork. With the correct springs my 2016 501 works great for the intended purpose.
Glad there is at least one guy out there with me on that!
Watched every video I could find covering the KTM line before I pulled the trigger on one. Two strokes seem be what is popular right now, probably for good reason for a lot of riders and certain types of riding (and probably influenced by hard enduo). I demo'd a 2018 250 XCW and a 2019 250 EXC-F. I did not like the wheel spinning pull of the 250 XCW, or the high pitch sound of the motor, or the smokey exhaust. The 250 EXC-F rode smooth and was easy and fun, but did not have the throttle response I wanted. I ended up buying a 2019 350 EXC-F. Plenty of low end power and plenty of pull bottom to top that is totally manageable. I love the light and "flickable" handling and the super capable suspension. Also for anyone worried about maintenance on the 4 stroke engines - that is mostly fear mongering. My bike has 122 hours and the valves are still in spec never been adjusted. Same goes for another local rider on one that at 200 hours the valves are still in spec and not in need of adjustment. The 350 EXC-F is the goldilocks machine. Thanks so much for your reviews, Dirt Bike Channel! I've watched almost all of them :).
Good review. I have the 2021 350 XC-F and it's a hoot; most fun bike I've ever had. I kinda of wish that it had a kickstarter (one of the reasons I love my 640 Adventure over any other bike in the same class), but I'm not that worried about it as carrying a small jumper pack around is easy enough to do and really a good idea. I keep one in each of my vehicles and make sure they are charged.
Have to say you nailed pretty much every point regarding the 350xcf.
The Rekluse issue is not really an issue. The Rekluse comes with a adjustable slave cylinder (KTM) that you can back out a screw and bump start the bike. Then turn back the screw and your Rekluse is back to full working order...
Thanks for watching.
Very good review, covered all the things i like/dont like about my bike. Hopefully KTM will see this and never forget a backup kickstarter again!!!
I doubt they are paying any attention/care what I think...
Dirt Bike Channel well we can hope, cant imagine why they would leave a kickstarter off an off road bike with a desert fuel tank on it. Its like its purposed for distance, except of course in the case of battery/starter failure..
If you have an allen key you can adjust the rekluse at the slave cylinder so that you can bump start the bike without having to take the cover off and mess with it. Most of my buddies carry one in their water packs just in case.
Thanks for this review. I think I'm just about to pull the trigger on a used 2016, and this video comes in very useful. Cheers.
Pretty spot on. I have a 2015 FE350 Husky and a 2016 TE300 Husky. IMO the 300 is the most capable Enduro bike out there, the best 4 stroke Enduro is the 350. The 350 will make you a better rider, the 300 will make you look like a better rider, and can make you lazy. You can use all the power of the 350 which makes it really fun and satisfying to ride, 99.9% of riders ( including me!) never get anywhere near the full potential of a 300.
Great comment. I agree with almost everything you said except one thing. I don't think any of us will reach ever even the full potential of a 250 4 stroke bike. Watching pro riders on 250 4 strokes and 125 2 strokes tells me this. My opinion...
True. I'd be flat out using my daughters TTR125 to it's full capability!! The best bike is simply the one that puts the biggest smile on your face :)
Entertaining as usual. I have a idea, it would be awesome to see you do a review on a old bike, like a early 90s bike. Maybe a 500 2stroke even? Would be really nice to how they compare to today's bikes. Best regards. Rider from Sweden
I hope to do that in the next year.
Dirt Bike Channel looking forward to it
You can back off the Rekluse to bump start long as you just carry a Allen key that fits the clutch adjustment
You can play around with the throttle position sensor on these ktm 4 stroke bikes and richen them up a bit. They come lean from the factory due to epa emissions in North America. It's a $40 cable that that replaces the stock TPS cable that allows you to change the values on the sensor using a multimeter. Ive never personally used own, but I have heard nothing but good things from the thumpertalk community, it's supposed to really help with flame outs and bottom end power.
Correct.I adjusted both my 350 xcf and 350 xcfw from the mid .5's to the low .6's and tremendous difference.I also replaced my 14t countershaft with a 13t on the '16 350 xcf and between those two adjustments totally different bike.starts right up,more snap down low and NO FLAMEOUTS ;)
My brother has a 2016 250xcf and it likes to flame out pretty easy in the tight stuff if you're not on the clutch. I recommended the tps route, but he's a bit hard headed and believes the rekluse is the end all be all answer. Hopefully I can talk him into trying this way out before he goes and spends $1200 on a rekluse. $40 for the cable and $40 on a sprocket is a cheap investment imo.
What is this bike with Sixdays worth today with 24hrs / 324mi on it? Also nothing has been done to it except oil… what will need to be done to it after 7yrs?? Thanks.
I wonder how well these bike will hold up long term?. I have a honda 04 250x(original owner) and lasted till now. i have gotten back into the sport this year and want a bike that performs and won't cost me to much money in repairs. 250x is struggling on the more Sandy harescramble tracks and lacks hp to stay on top. any impute would be great #dirtbikechannel
If you are a 4 stroke guy, I'd take a hard look at one of these 350s. They really are great and I think they will last a long time if you keep fresh air filters and fresh oil in them. Even a new 250 4 stroke would really surprise you with how much more power it has than the 04 Honda you have now.
i just rode my dads.i usually ride a kx85 and klx140l and i am five foot and five inches.and i still in my child hood
I’m stuck inbetween buying this bike or a 2015 yz250fx if anyone has pros and cons would love to hear some advice?? Cheers
So what’s the weight of the chassis ? Does it have a 250xcf chassis ?
Question for you. Is the 350 faster then your 300? And is the 300 easier to ride then your 250 and more forgiving? Love the videos !!!
One of the biggest things people do is comment and say a certain bike is garbage just because they hear someone else saying it like you said and it's very annoying I have a KTM 350 XC-F it is a blast to ride I love it but the WP air was total junk for me anyways. So I got a Ohlins TTx shock front and back with a Ohlins steering Damper Night and day difference ! I'm replacing my 2013 EXC 500 for a 2017 EXC 500 it has the new WP air fork so I'm excited to see how the new set up works out ?
Can you do review of new Honda crf450rx.
Too many bikes and now enough time...so little time and money...
Hardenduro or the KTM 500 EXC
Jeez,give the guy a break.He just bought and reviewed 4 new bikes!Consider the time and resources it takes to do something like that for a minute.
Genesis Sports Nutrition I think I'm going to print out your comment and frame it :)
Any opinions on the portable battery jumper kits?
Haven't used one. Hope I don't need to.
I carry a small one for my Husabergs. Only used one time on the FE570 but I was a long way from the parking area so glad I had it!
What is the difference between the KTM 350 EXC vs KTM 350 XCF-W
How would this do on a mx track really racing just having fun. I would be doing alot of state park riding amd checking out there track from time 2 time along with sand dunes and easier type trail riding just not sure which ktm 350 is for me. Thanks
just get the sxf if you start doing single track all the time you can switch the suspension but i ride a kx 125 and a 2017kxf250 on trails and i only go to the track once a year and i have never had an issue i just back off my compression clickers a couple of clicks
I'm 6'0 foot tall and weigh around 270. What size bike should I get? I haven't ridden in years but I pretty much grew up riding so I'm sure I'd get back in the groove fairly fast. I'm just trying to figure out what size I should get.
a 250f or a 350 if you want a 2 stroke a 250 would be good
You love the 4cs suspension?
Can you drain the oil by removing the screen and tipping the bike to its side?
My Beta doesn't have a kick starter either but they sell a kit to install one ($450+). I'm thinking i will just carry one of those emergency jump-start batteries if I ever start having probs. They are very small now, like cell phone size. I replaced the factory lead acid with a Lithium on my bike. That battery is crazy light weight and spins the starter very fast...
I don't know, but I'd be worried that I wouldn't have l the oil out of the bike if I did it that way.
Hey Kyle, first off your videos are awesome! I'm in the market for a street legal 350 and have been looking at the KTM 350 EXC_F. My dealer also threw out the option the other day of tagging a 350 XC-F. Not sure if you have any experience on the EXC-F but I was hoping to get your take on the XC-F for street riding around (around town not interstates). The primary purpose of the bike would be off road but with the option to ride the bike to the trails I ride.
Luving the videos and feedback on bikes and products. Keep up the rockin' work! I see a lot of ppl asking for a review on this bike and that bike...understand that feeling but as someone already stated he is running thin with the bikes he already has bought and reviewed. WITH that being said, I have fully enjoyed the reviews of that yz250x that you have been doing...I would luv to see a big bore kit in that and see how much you luv it then .????? Plz plz plz.
Awesome work, keep working at growing out that beard...u kind of got the Keanu Reeves spots going there
I have a full review of the YZ250X coming out on the 10th.
Will watch the new video tomorrow. You had mentioned that you may be doing a Beta 300 review. Any time frame on that? The reason I ask is that a shop in my town just became a Beta dealer and I really want to support a local shop.
the 350 sounds like it is the perfect bike for the average rider. I have ridden a 250 4 stroke over the summer and I could see where it was lacking in power.
The 250s are my favorite to just get out and ride, but the 350 certainly gives you some power on reserve that is nice to have. The 450s are just too monstrous IMO.
Love your channel
thank you.
How tall are you?
I would never buy a bike without a kickstarter. I would even choose kickstart over electric any day. I have the 2014 ktm 350 Exc-f and I absolutely love it. I swear ktm made that bike for me. It has been completely de-smogged and hopped up to run like the xc-w. The drain plug is a pain but it is only two clamps and my skid plate comes off. love the channel
Thanks Joshua. I think Yamaha might be dropping some kick starters in 2017-2018. I hate that.
Dirt Bike Channel honestly I have yet to see an electric start bike work constantly. My KTM 350 for example, It seems no matter what, the first time I start it in the morning has to be with a kick start. It never wants to fire up with the E button. however after the first start the electric start works no problem. I also don't like that even a minor crash in the rocks could potentially break the start button. That would leave you stranded in rocks (hard to bump start) with no real way of starting the bike. I can understand maybe a track only bike not having a kickstarter but anything that leaves site of a tool box should most definitely have a kickstarter.
It is odd that XC-F doesn't come with a kick starter but the XC-FW does(well at least the Canadian )model's do
None of the 4 stroke SX or XC bikes come with them now :(
Don't stop the videos Kyle!! That little blue machine that you have looks angry AF 😂😂
That blue machine makes me happy.
Dirt Bike Channel Jaja yeah I imagine. Looking forward for more videos on that blue machine. Have a good one Kyle ✌🏻✌🏻️✌🏻️✌🏻️
I finished the review on it today. The video comes out on the 10th.
Dirt Bike Channel Awesome 🤘🏻
Regarding the kick start, I learned something recently.. an FI bike with a dead battery and a kick starter will not start. The electrical system (battery) needs enough power to power the fuel pump, injectors, ECU, etc long enough to get the bike going and this is an impossibility with the kickstarter alone. A friend discovered this with his 500 EXC. Research it a bit and you'll see. So, I agree with you that I'd rather have the kick starter, but this may be the reason KTM dropped them. By the time you figure out your battery is dead, you're likely already hosed getting it started with the kicker. But, I'd like to have one anyway even if it's only to clean out a flooded bike!
I haven't confirmed, but I suspect a kicker could be added to a 2017 350 exc-f as the rubber plug is there like on the Huskys (which can have a kicker added. Price isn't bad - labor isn't real easy). The XCF doesn't have the plug though.
This isn't true. I've had my 350 battery dead as a door nail and bump started it. Further more, my YZ450F had EFI and no battery.... but you can still kick start it...
Dirt Bike Channel interesting. lots of people in the forums unable to kick the 500's with a dead battery. maybe they just can't kick a 500 :-D
Agreed regarding the kickstarters. I have a Yamaha WR450 and would personally never buy a bike without a kickstarter. Not sure why manufacturers are so busy counting beans. I guess it's partly to claim more weight savings each and every year and perhaps for some models, make more $ selling kits... Still, for the average trail rider (who probably represent something like 90% of all enduro bike purchases), reliability is key and the extra weight of a kick start will make zero difference to riding, yet get riders out of countless nasty situations.
Watch out. Yamaha might be dropping kick starters off some of the "FX" bikes in 2017... I'm not 100% sure, but have seen rumors on that. Pretty stupid if you ask me.
Sean Johnston do you have a back up crank start on your car? No.
i thought about this bike for a few minutes..literally, once i seen the price tag i said ugh nope lol being almost 10 grand turned me off. sure its a good bike but naw lol good review and video.
I buy them when they are "off season" and when they are coming out with next year's model. That puts them in the 8K range, rather than the 10K range.
they dont have kick starter , because they want to use a new platform in unify way to reduce their cost . and more cost efficient for their site. because if they want to do as you like then they should design a new engine with a kick starter or use the old model engine . therefore they prefer their newer MX platform which they already developed .
My 2016 excf 350 has a kick start also. Last year
i cant believe this thing dosnt have a kick start as a back up at least. i was going to have one installed but i need a new shell and thats gotta be 1500 so screw it. does anyone have any good ideas on somthing to have in case im in the middle of the boonies and my bike desides to not start? some kind of battery back up or somthing does it exist
Best bet would be to try and "pop" start the motor off a little hill..
definitely better to have one then not to like you said.
Nice video plz could u do a review on a enduro bike please
nick smyth this is an enduro bike he always does
What bike do you have in mind?
I have a 2015 KTM 350 XCF and I love it !! that bike is the best bike I've ever owned !! When I get off of it after riding It feels like I just had Sex,,Only it lasted longer LOL !!!
What state do you live in? That trail looked familiar. I'm in utah!
Please review the 125s
90% of a motocross race is the race to the first turn. where will it stand up to the 450.
Thanks for another set of really good reviews. Side note, you and Husqvarna's Mike Brown sure have a strong resemblance. Twins separated at birth? Speaking of which, planning do do any Husky reviews???
Eventually I'm sure I will. So many bikes, so little time, so little money :)
I hear ya. I'm just fortunate that we have ktm, Sherco, Beta, and Gas gas represented within my group of riding buddies. Strangely enough, we each prefer our own bikes.....
when your battery goes dead even with a kick starter it still won't start the fuel pump needs power. at least on my 2014 350exc-f.
I have had a dead battery on these bikes and still bump started them.
The "can't bump start a bike with a Rekluse" thing isn't true, at least for the KTMs, Huskys, etc with hydraulic clutches. All you have to do is put a quick turn on the included slave cylinder's adjustment bolt with an Allen to take up the EXP clutch plate slack at idle. This locks it in and changes the operation to that of a completely manual clutch, and then you can bump start the bike. Takes 2 seconds and It's in the instructions that come with the clutches, but for some reason a lot of people seem to miss it.
I liked your comment about the 4CS fork ("just ride it and quit complaining about the suspension"). I've had '13 and '16 350 XC-Fs, both with the 4CS fork, and thought both sets of forks were great. I've got a '17 FX 350 now with the new AER48 air fork on it, and while I'd probably say it is a liiiitle bit better, it's not like night and day; to me the real gain with that fork is the 4 lb weight savings they've realized without compromising performance. All the KTMs with the 4CS forks are closed course race bikes -- they're not designed or set up to be cushy trail bikes ridden by people who never take their butt off the seat -- and I think maybe some people buy them expecting otherwise. KTM's trail bikes are the W and EXC models, and those bikes come with the open chamber forks and PDS rear end. The open chamber forks are cushier, but if try and ride them with any speed you quickly find their limits.
I didn't say it wasn't possible. I said it can be a pain... I believe. I stand by that. It's a pain :) Thanks for watching brother!
Ah, thought you said something about having to taking your clutch cover off to do some mods in order to bump start it.
I still hear you say "If it's tight (bla bla bla) 300 2-stroke". I'm a 2 smoker waiting for the magic bike to add an extra 2 strokes to my repertoire, is this it?
This is my a great 4 stroke option. I don't have as much fun on this bike as I do on the 250XC-F, but this bike is really good.
Whats xc f? In Germany we gave EXC (Enduro) and SX F (Motocross)
Hagelzuckererbse Xc means cross country, your exc is an electric cross country so it has lights and such
You should do more videos with your kids
I may do some.
please do some review's about a husqvarna
Husky / KTM....same same but different.
I know their very the same but still a review wil be nice about the jetting,the power ext.
Amandio what husky do you have ?
Te 250 2017
Hola amigo soy de Ecuador me gusta mucho tus videos son muy buenos y espero que sigas adelante solo te quiero pedir un favor puedes pones los subtitulos en español porfavor salus
Their is a lot of power down low I have a 2013
Just picked my 2013 up anything to add to it?
2017 crf450rx review would be awesome. Or a Christini awd bike.
So many bikes... so little money and time :(
I hate no kickstarters..
The 4cs is a cheaper fork and they're trash. If you ride a solid pace on some rock or root trail they deflect a ton. Not only that but they bottom out way too easy as well. KTM putting 4 chambers in a fork sounds amazing.. but it's more parts, more unnecessary junk. 2013 closed chamber forks on the XC models were by far the best forks KTM made (I'm not familiar with the aer forks) with upper and lower chambers.
Kyle- regarding the oil drain placement, I found a product specifically for that problem. It's called the Drifters Oil Change Flex Funnel. Check it out! th-cam.com/video/wuBlyzgTj74/w-d-xo.html
The 13-16 350 XCF KTMs do not have side drain plugs, so that will not help.
the 350 sounds like it is the perfect bike for the average rider. I have ridden a 250 4 stroke over the summer and I could see where it was lacking in power.
It certainly is a great option for a lot of guys.