2016 KTM 350 XC F Review - Episode 193

Behold the 2016 KTM 350 XC-F dirt bike. I bought this bike earlier this year because we reviewed the 2016 KTM 250 XC-F and loved it so much, I had to try the 350 version of the bike. I reviewed a 2014 350 and liked it, but didn't love it. I was wondering if the new frame and motor refinements would make this bike better and I think it has. It didn't blow me away, but I do feel like this is the best 4 stroke on the market for a guy like me that likes to do a wide variety of riding.

This enduro style racing bike won't wear you out as quickly as a 450, and it's got more grunt than the 250 to get you out of trouble. The 350 XC-F is a great mix of both the 250 and 450 and would be my bike of choice if I was only able to have one of them. If I’m honest, I have more fun when riding the 250 version because it is so light weight and playful. The 350 doesn’t feel as light as the 250, so you lose that aspect, but you gain the extra power. The 350 allows you to loft the front wheel effortlessly while you have to really work for it on the 250. The 350 also has the power to pull a higher gear on hill climbs and other situations.

Although I really like this bike, it’s not my first choice to ride when I go out. For much of the time I owned this bike, it was one of 3 in my stable. Much of the time, I found myself gravitating to my 2 stroke bikes when choosing a bike to ride, and there is something to be said for that. Although this bike doesn’t do anything “wrong”, in some ways, it is so good that it’s boring. I don’t want that to sound terrible, but this bike just doesn’t put as much of a smile on my face as some of the other bikes I’ve been riding and reviewing.

The only thing that sucks about this bike is that it (along with all it’s 4 stroke brothers from KTM) doesn’t come with a back up kick-starter. If you battery dies, you are push starting it. I really wish KTM would put the back up kick starter back on this thing.

Special thanks to my $10/month patrons!

Nathan Weber, Andrew Breyton, Mitchell Forrest, Mike Frank, Sean Massier, Bill Bitts, Mark Fleischman, Brian Anderson, Dion Jaramillo, Ken Paulino, Branden Sanderson, Jason Holt, James Knifong, David Chandler, Larry Manuel, Paul Warner, Tyler Osborn

[DirtBikeChannel]

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!

[JasonNaughton]

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!

[brianh]

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.

[originalschmid]

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...

[dustinrazey]

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!

[dizzytheokapi]

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

[garthlundquist]

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!

[joshhopkins]

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.

[garthlundquist]

I agree with you about the 4CS fork. With the correct springs my 2016 501 works great for the intended purpose.

[bradleygoodrich]

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!!!

[sebastianlundahl]

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

[carters]

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.

[CapitolForest]

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 :).

[husqvarnadirt]

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.

[musschootski]

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.

[dannyanen]

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 !!!

[EnduroEverlasting]

Don't stop the videos Kyle!! That little blue machine that you have looks angry AF 😂😂

[deanmeier]

You can back off the Rekluse to bump start long as you just carry a Allen key that fits the clutch adjustment

[jasonmerrifield]

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.

[davidriley]

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