2023 KTM 350XCF | First Ride & Review -- Turn Track, Desert Single Track & Sand Wash Test
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 พ.ค. 2024
- As you saw in the last video there are tons of changes & updates to the new '23 KTM XC & XCF dirt bikes, just like the SX & SXF bikes. Now that this 23 KTM 350 XCF has 3 hours on it, it is time to do a real first ride test on all different types of trails to see how those changes affected this cross-country/mx/desert focused race dirt bike then do a comprehensive review.
We started the test ride by hitting an awesome turn track and testing the different maps and traction control on the bike, then we found some big deep whoops to test the power and suspension. Then we went to a different riding area to play with dead engine starts, rocky desert single track and even hit some sand washes. Use the table of contents below if you want to jump around to a specific part of the video.
#2023KTM #KTM350XCF #23KTM350XCF
-----------------------------------------------------
Videos in this 2023 KTM 350 XC-F Build Series:
Ep.1 - First Impressions - • 2023 KTM 350XCF | Firs...
Ep.2 - First Ride & Review - THIS VIDEO
Ep.3 - Fuel Range Test - • 2023 KTM 350 XC-F Fuel...
Ep.4 - Adding The XCGear Mako360 SX COMING SOON
Ep.5 - Adding A Ride Engineering Steering Damper COMING SOON
Ep. 6 - 25 Hour Check In COMING SOON
-----------------------------------------------------
This bike is the Race Provisions 2023 build bike. We will be turning this bike into the ultimate enduro/desert/National Hare & Hound race big tailored to the extremely rocky single track we have here in Arizona. We will be looking at the suspension, protection, handling, ecu, exhaust and course the styling.
To subscribe to follow the build and other dirt bike/MTB videos from Race Provisions; click here:
/ @raceprovisions
Race Provisions makes simple performance nutrition supplements for dirt bike riders and racers. If you want to learn more about us, visit our website and use the discount code below to get some money back for one order:
RaceProvisions.com/
15% Discount Good (Good until 1/01/2023): RPYT23HOLIDAY15
--This discount works on top of the 20% off for the holidays, so this equals 35% off!
Follow Race Provisions On Social Media:
/ raceprovisions
/ raceprovisions
-----------------------------------------------------
🕒 TIMESTAMPS / Table of Contents:
00:00 Race Provisions/Bike Build Intro
01:20 Race Provisions Products & Discount
01:45 Bike Start Up
01:58 RIDE - Power Test -- Map 2 - Aggressive
03:40 RIDE - Map 2 Thoughts
04:02 RIDE - Power Test -- Map 1 W+W/O TC
06:50 RIDE - Map 1 Thoughts
07:05 RIDE - Whoops Test
07:54 RIDE - Dead Engine Starts
09:46 RIDE - Desert Singletrack Test
11:29 RIDE - Sand Wash Test
12:23 REVIEW - Overall Thoughts
12:55 REVIEW - Engine / Powerplant
15:50 REVIEW - Quickshifter
16:15 REVIEW - Stiffness / Suspension
17:58 REVIEW - Getting Race Ready
18:30 REVIEW - Final Thoughts / Brass Tax
19:39 Bike Build Next Steps
20:35 Closing
--------------------------------------------------- - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Really good review, thank you! Very helpful
Cheers! I went to spring front forks and +2 teeth on the rear sprocket and it’s the perfect all around race bike
Love your videos!
~keep ‘em coming 🏆
Thanks Kirk! Will do! Will get back into it after turkey day 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤣
The 23 xc-f are sweet!!
KTM did some great things on these bikes.
I bought the 250 version and absolutely love it
Happy riding 🤙🏽
For sure!! Super impressed in every way! Enjoy that bike! 🤙🏻🤙🏻
great vid picked up mine last week only 1.2 hours so can say anything about it yet othere than being my first 350 and first 4 stroke in a while it feels very light. I mainly ride 2 stroke in the woods and I can say its just maneuverable.
Right?!! So crazy nimble but also planted when you get her moving. Make sure to check your spoke tension, mine took a full turn at 4 hours
I just bought the factory addition with the FMF header, love it
Oh nice!! Congratulations, those a cool looking bikes! Enjoy out there!
Great video, looking at adding a 350 to my 300’s for slam and blast riding with my racer buddies
Dude, that’s exactly what I have in my garage now. This ‘23 350XCF and a 2017 300XCW that is all built out for hard enduro. It’s the perfect combo.
Jay, this is my other TH-cam channel name BtW. -Mark From Race Provisions Cheers !
Great video...where in Arizona did you film this?
Cheers! Up in Flagstaff in the first little bit. Then down at Hayfield draw in Cottonwood for the second part.
I have an 18 500 set up like yours with Kreft suspension and their centrifuge rear shock and the big buck rekluse. I was wondering how the 500 and 350 compare ? Weight has to be close as it's 5lbs for linkage and 8lbs for the new frame the 500 may actually be lighter. Be interesting for you to time lap times on both. I have a 23 XCW 300 as I really like the PDS. How is your experience with the link? I sold my Husky as I preferred the pds on my 500.
The 350 xcf being a race bike still
Comes in 8 Lb lighter than the 500, but it feels 25 Lb lighter when you ride it because of smaller rotating mass in the engine. I am definitely faster on the 350 and not as tired at the end of the ride, and my 500 is wayyyyy more setup. Link shock and pds both can be great, the link rear on the ‘23 blew through the stroke a little fast but I got it revalved and it’s sweet now. I think if you like the pds, maybe there will be a 350 XCF-w for 2024 that would be an awesome middle ground.
We're running 125-135 psi on the fork air pressure and it works great! 💪
Awesome, I'll give it a try today. Thanks!
Will you do more detailed review/opinion the traction control once y’all get more hours? I’m interested in the feature for hare scrambles in Florida. We run sand, mid, hard pack all in one race. Really like this bike or the 300XC.
Hey Brady! I'll add it to the list for sure thats a great idea. Just to note the 300XC does not have Traction Control, just the 4 stroke bikes.
I found that running the power map with TC in rocky sand when it is raining is pretty awesome and helps the bike hook up better by limiting wheel spin but doesn't kill the power like the standard map with TC. I could see standard map with TC being good for clay hard pack on a rainy day when it is pure grease. I wouldn't think you would want to be turning it on/off through different parts of the track, its a little hard to get to on the bottom of the switch and the visual confirmation that it is on/off is hard to see, but it think it will be pretty clear on race day what you will want to run for the whole day or for a portion of the day as the conditions stay the same. If it is raining the TC really helps keep the bike from kicking out from a power surge on something really slippery and unexpected.
On a slippery day from stuff being too dry, I find the standard map is perfect. If it's absolute hero dirt or dry deep sand then the power map is perfect.
Hope that helps for now, cheers!!
@@raceprovisionsjust a thought… maybe tc could help with overheating because you could leave the clutch all the way out and reduce friction heat in the plates
Where the bike gets the hottest is in hard enduro stuff, slow speed big rocks, technical hill climbs. I did end up putting a Tusk universal fan on it (it draws the least power) and I haven’t boiled over since even in techie stuff and haven’t had a dead battery, so it might be just what the doctor ordered!
How is it on slower rough terrain? I’m trying to decide between XT-f 250 or YZ 250fx. I weigh 180lbs. I’m having a hard time deciding. I heard they changed the gearing ratios on the 2023 XT-f bikes. 1st gear is supposedly lower and would do slow technical stuff, better that previous years. Looking to add a radiator fan, lights and Trail Tech speed gauge. I was told that the stator would handle it. The YZ 250fx would need an upgraded stator, but I heard the suspension on the YZ 250fx is reasonably plush.
Suspension seems to struggle a bit at slower speeds in rocky junk, the air fork does deflect sometimes. First gear is lower and with a 50 tooth rear sprocket it can do technical stuff, boiling over is a real concern, the bike runs hot, I’m sure the 250FX is no different. Fan will help and is definitely on my list. Other than that the bike is incredible, just a little uncomfortable in first gear rocks when needed. Get it moving 2nd gear and up and it’s an amazing machine. Just wheelie over the rocks 🤣
Thanks for the feedback on the XC-f. It would be nice to do a demo ride on the XC-f and fx.
Enjoy riding that nice machine!
@@Frsmyr no prob man! As long as you keep them moving a little bit they are perfect. It’s just not a billy goat mountain climber. Cheers!
Awesome bike.
For sure! It’s only getting better as is breaks in
Nice! went into ktm today, they push the 23 300xc tbi 2t.. they say way easier upkeep and maintenance on a 2t than the 4t... and just need to change piston in 100hrs or something...vs having to check head spacing constantly etc....what say you? and why should I be discouraged from getting this 350xcf? Also, it is a first dirt bike, have plenty of street track time.... not looking to race, just long xc open trails to explore,, maybe learn a jump or two... Was really interested in a 23 350xcf-w, but they dont make one... what is an easier bike to learn on, and develop into.
Hey RC, I think we already have chatted on the "First Impressions" video. If you want to go 4T, the 2020-2023 500 XCF-w or EXC would be a great beginner bike. Put a 7 OZ clutch weight on it and it will chug no problem and is super mild power hit, but has more than enough of power if you need it. The suspension is soft which is good for beginners and the bike can be tuned to faster riders with suspension tuning and GET ECU. And they are not that bad for road riding if you want to do some dual sporting too.
I have a whole series on the 2020 500 XCF-w on my other TH-cam channel about "Can this bike do it all?" Short answer is yes, I actually adventured it with all camping equipment to a race, ran the race and still got 4Th in B30 class out of 18 fast riders and 14th overall in B class out of 45 racers.
th-cam.com/video/qSky4F18ygE/w-d-xo.html
The '23 300XC and 350XC just need to be ridden really aggressively to feel right, the suspension will be really stiff unless you can hold third gear pace on singletrack (A level racers do this). The '23 300XC feels more powerful than the 350XCF and really could get you into trouble fast if you are new to dirt riding, where as the 350 will stall out a lot more if you are new to dirt riding. The maintenance element of the two stroke is real, but the 500's rarely move valve clearances, the 350's tend to move around more. You just have to do oil changes on the 500's every 10 hours.
If you go down the XC/XCF, go get some race style training from guys like Max Gerston, Destry Abbott, etc. The bike will demand you ride it hard, or it will feel rigid, jumpy, and beat you up. Hope that helps!
This episode with the 500 is fun: th-cam.com/video/WIdYZG85Fg4/w-d-xo.html
@@raceprovisions That helps, thanks a lot
@@RC.56 No prob! Also, keep in mind the XCF/XC bikes will need a fair amount of work to add a headlight or a radiator fan, so keep that in mind too.
@@raceprovisions great vid on the 500…. How would this compare to a 350 xcf-W. Also is that 500 more weight to push around? Thanks
Great video! I have the 2023 SX-F. Question.....which handguards are those? I really like the look of them.
Awesome! You’ll have fun for sure. They are the Cycra Ultra Probend and I bought black end pieces and black shields verse the gray and white they came with.
@@raceprovisions Awesome! Thanks so much for the quick reply! Love the videos thus far! Keep 'em coming!
@@brutus6328 will do, on holiday until 1/15, but will get back into it then.
@@raceprovisions Sounds great! Nothing better for consumers than good, HONEST, truthful reviews! Morgan at Highland Cycles does the same. He has helped me tremendously. I emailed him a question with regards to lowering my bike without changing the geometry and engineering and he sent back a dissertation! hahaha (which I 100% appreciated!) Your channel has a very similar vibe which is very exciting to see! Enjoy holiday time, be safe and I look forward to your next video.
Thanks man!! Check out our other channel SourceADV for lightweight adventure content and a lot of KTM 500 vids. Cheers!
Dude where are you riding? I'd love to check that out.
The first spot is a secret spot, sorry. The second spot is Hayfield Draw in Cottonwood, AZ, its epic!
Great review
I bought a 2023 350 EXC-F Six Days edition two weeks back, I was offered this at the same price as the "base" 350EXC-F model
I was a little sceptical about the bike, as I made an "impulse purchase", but being an old school rider, in my 60s and with a history of big bore Yamaha ITs and TT600s
Due to work commitments and huge amounts of travelling , I couldn't own a woods bike, so I opted for a new 1290 Super Adventure in 2017, which is all balls and weight.. the best pseudo off road bike ever.. best on the road and only suitable for dirt roads, way too heavy and powerful for anything technical - but I love its road manners
In 2019 I added a KTM 790 Adventure R to the garage, now this is a bike with decent Xplor suspension, a lower C of G, but it was still a 200Kg monster off road and handful in the slow technical sections, also being Euro4 compliant, they are prone to "flame outs" when you least need it, so it was mainly ridden in first gear, sometimes second, with a lot of tuning via the RallyMode electronics, i.e. slip control, ABS etc..
I fitted a rally tower, removed all the crap I didn't need and added a Rottweiler Performance Rally Intake, which shed a little weight, but puts 9RWHP on the bike - without mapping
After all the unneeded items removed, the aftermarket parts fitted, including a Scotts Damper, I shed about 9Kg/20LBS off of the factory weight
I had a crash at an off road park in Haarlem, Holland and found out the hard way about 200Kg+ Adv bikes with low slung tanks, they can and do hurt the lower limbs
Enter the decision to add another bike solely to "have fun" with - and I was dead set on a Husqvarna 701, this seemed to tick the boxes
I popped past my KTM dealer and told him I am looking for a fun bike, he showed me the 2023 EXF model, that you have, first thing I did was pick it up, yup, I can lift a 103Kg bike by the forks and swingarm
he then offered me the 350EXC-F Six days at the same price, after all, I am loyal and buy new bikes from him every few years, plus being a person who does business with people, I do all my servicing and buy all my parts through this "mom & pop" KTM dealership
I've ordered a decent skid/bash plate, some BarkBusters and other little protective parts, as I want to keep the bike safe, but the weight low.
I am still to collect it, but this will happen over the weekend
Thanks for this review, it gives me confidence that the old man has bought the right plaything, third time lucky they say
Your review certainly gave me the reassurance that the 2023 350 EXC-F is going to be a lot of fun, I was concerned about the 45BHP powerplant, but as you said, it delivers right to the top of the rev range.. and a "second/third gear" play bike is ideal for me..
Also, you were the only reviewer that drilled down on the Mapping and MTC - as well as doing hare scramble starts - most reviews are bland in comparison
Keep up the good work, I am Subscribed and will be following your progress and suggestions, off all the reviews, this one is the Ace card for sure!!
Thanks again
Light bikes are the way to go Raymond! Check out my other channel SourceADV -- I do 500 EXC/XCF-w builds. With that EXC bike, it will come from the factory pretty plugged up, you will definitely want a TacoMoto GET Ecu and an exhaust of some sorts. After that getting the suspension worked makes a world of difference on those bikes. I use EnduroSpec out of Southern Colorado for all my bikes. Cheers!
What part of AZ was used in this video
Cornville and Cottonwood AZ. White hills and Hayfield Draw, both awesome Public riding areas. Cheers!
I’m looking at the 2023 ktm 350xc-f and the 450 xc-f. I’m older 6ft 5in and 235 lbs. I live in Oklahoma. Which one???
Get the ‘24 first off, the air forks are unpredictable trash. The 350 is a much lighter feeling bike with a wider usable powerband. The engines are not as reliable and are definitely higher strung, and the bike does stall if you try to lug it really lazy like a 450, but those are the only downsides, everything else is huge upside.
Overall the 350XCF does respond better to aggressive riding. So if you are looking to lug, look at the ‘24 450XCF-w
What about a 23 450xcf (with cc fork inserts) and use map1 offroad?
Totally usable, but the 450’s powerband is a lot narrower (you will shift a lot more) and it just feels heavier.
@@raceprovisions why would 450 powerband be narrower?
@davidgrunklee8407 the 350 has a much higher rev limiter. I’ve owned both, I shift the 350 a lot less.
She got a kick. Sure the suspension is dialed in correctly? Rebound?
For sure! Love it overall, having a ton of fun and definitely more comfortable every ride. I think a lot of what I'm feeling too is transition to XACT Air versus the super dialed MXtech setup I have on that 500 and the bike I ran before that was fully worked YZ250X. Both of those bikes have dream suspension, so I'm definitely spoiled!
Settings wise, I'm following the wisdom of all my A Racer buddies who are running '22 XC's with air forks in stock form in the local series. Basically, for the rocky singletrack we have here, running the suggested comfort settings from the KTM manual, I did 2 clicks faster on Rebound than that setting because of the additional unsprung mass of the mousses, seems to be the go to. 105mm Sag in the rear and right around 148/150 PSI in the forks. And honestly, when it gets moving quick, its really really good! I just missed the sharp edge compliance that the spring fork had in the slower, sharp stuff, especially slow, rough, rocky corners. Once the bike gets low in 2nd gear in rock, it's just hammering me, and we have a ton of that here. Fast is great though! Top of 2nd through 4th is epic and it feels really good overall.
Like I said, I might just be spoiled from the Lucky forks and National shock on that last bike ha. But once you know... its hard to go back. LOL
Just to reiterate though, this is THE BEST STOCK suspension for faster singletrack I have ever had... It's not a limiter from the last bike, I don't feel like I took a step back in pace like I normally do getting on a new stock bike, I just feel like if we can get it to perform a little better in a wider range of conditions, it will be absolutely epic paired with this amazing motor.
Hope that helps shed some light! Let me know if you have any thoughts!
Bake needs lean sensors to really help with traction control
I don’t think that’s a thing for dirt bikes because a lot of times you need to break traction in a turn or while the bike is leaned. I think an overall RPM accelerometer limiter TC like they have is actually pretty clever to help adjust the bikes power for slippery conditions.
I would end up tagging a tree there around the 3:42 section
🤣🤣🤣 it does happen!
any idea of fuel mileage
Not yet Richard!! I’ll do a test video of that, great idea!! Stay tuned
I never stall my 17 350xcf in the woods and only ride tight rocky Midwest single track, people need to learn some clutch skills I guess. I run map 1 without TC, 14/51 gearing, forks set at 125psi, best bike I have ever ridden in the woods. Just sold my TX300 2 stroke because I'm way faster on this bike.
I agree, you just need to run them a little higher in the rpm and keep a finger on the clutch, people are just riding lazy
@@raceprovisionsI’m debating this or a 300 (just commented in another video) . Haven’t ridden in years and was put on a crf 450 r at a young age for trail riding lol. I guess parents didn’t want to buy another bike so got the biggest they could. I learned quick how to use the clutch. Have been confused about all the stall out talk but again it’s been a while and I am out of the loop. Really don’t want something that wears me out like the 450 did.
The 350XCF definitely wants to be ridden aggressively, if you ride anything close to technical, just put a 49 or 50 tooth rear sprocket on there, will make 2nd far more usable. Honestly the 300 and the 350 are both perfect bikes, the 300 will just be less maintenance
The 350XCF feels a lot lighter than any 450 though that’s for sure
Motocross Action says 10 hours for the chassis to break in. Then the bike feels totally different
Hey James! I have 14 hours on the bike now, added the XCGear Mako360, and it's definitely much better. The bike really feels race ready, but could still improve in the suspension department a bit. But overall, I am super impressed. I'll do a 20 hour review and talk about some of these points in more detail.
125 psi 25 comp and 12 rebound and that'll take all the feedback out of forks
Thank you for the thought, what is your weight? Are you running this on '23 XACT forks?
@@raceprovisions yeah I got a 23 fx350. 23lb. Ran pretty much same settings on my 21 gasgas350
Awesome! Did you mean you weigh 230LB? I’ll play with it
@@raceprovisions yeah 230
That makes more sense than 23 LOL, thank you!
All KTM 4 strokes seem to stall! Rode one this past weekend and it was horrible. 2 strokes they make are screamers
This one is not bad at all, they figured it out in '23, you just have to ride aggressively.