KTM 350 XC-F Review

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In this video, we review the very popular KTM 350 XC-F. This is a fantastic bike and we loved riding it in various conditions. The suspension is great and it loves to be "pushed hard". The motor is great and revs to the moon. This bike would be a very good fit many, many riders. In truth, most guys on a 450 would be better suited on this bike since it's so smooth and fun to ride.

This summer, I tested two different 250 4 stroke dirt bikes. I had only ever ridden 450 4 strokes. Guess that I learned. I learned that 250 4 stroke bikes are more fun to ride! They have the same frames, same suspension, same tires, same components, and the same trimmings. They are pretty much identical in every way except for the motors. The great thing about riding a 250 is that it inspires confidence. You can grab a fist full of throttle when coming out of corners without worrying about getting tossed on your backside, and the result is forward motion and shear joy! You end up coming in to corners harder and leaving them with more speed most of the time.

Guys will tell you that a 250 wears our faster than a 450 because you are “riding it harder”, but I’m honestly not sure that is true. I think it’s just something that people speculate on, but there may not be data to actually back that up. Even IF it is true, knowing what I know now, I’d take less time between motor work on the 250 because I’m having more fun the entire time.

The 350 motor may be the best fit for most guys though. It’s not as light and nimble as the 250, but doesn’t feel as heavy and lumbering as the 450. If I could only have one bike and it HAD to be a 4 stroke, it would be hard for me to choose between the 250 XC-F and the 350 XC-F, because I have more fun on the 250, but the 350 is probably more versatile.

[ckoford]

If you really feel that it's lacking a lot of power right off idle, I have a good suggestion. I have a 2014 250 XC-W and my father has a 2014 250 XCF-W that I ride from time to time. The first thing I noticed about his bike when hopping on it was it had very little power right off the bottom compared to my bike, and I had a 2012 Honda CRF 250X before my current bike, that didn't have that problem. Curiously, I did some research and found out about playing with fuel maps on the EFI. Later that week, we took it in to our local KTM dealer and had them unlock the EFI, flash the current map and put in a European SX fuel map (Trust me, it's better than it sounds). The next weekend we took it out and boy, that map made the world of difference. Even being a 250 four stoke, you could give it some throttle and the front end would come up, it had completely fixed the power off the bottom end. So, even being different bikes (the 350 XC-F and the 250 XCF-W), it's defiantly something to think about, it made a huge difference. Also, play around with some FMF pipes. Great video too!

[ramrodnj]

im picking up one on friday thanks for the help with your videos it answered alot of questions i had and helped me narrow my search

[dougwisdom]

The 350 is a true love/hate bike! I love mine! FMF Core 4.1 full exhaust, rekluse core EXP clutch. I had G-force (Gary Hinkle) do my suspension XV-4 revalve and lowered the rear 15mm internal sweet set up!

[billybobbubbawubba]

Watched this video before, and after buying a 16' XC350. You are right on in your opinions. I am coming off a YZ295 that is a completely different beast.

[KTM]

Your various review videos had a massive influence of my decision to ditch my 300 two stroke to get one of these.
They are everything you described to the core! Best decision I made, I feel like it actually has more power than my old carb model 300, but delivered in a different way!
But that slow speed “trialsy” grunt for technical / obstacles that the 300 had is definitely lacking (haven’t stalled it as much as you tho) 😂
it certainly makes up for it in every other way. thanks for the Great review videos really helpful.

[bradl]

My 15 350xcf came with a rekluse, I still use the bike 99% of the time like it's not there, but sometimes I get out of shape and the rekluse keeps me from stalling 😁

Bike came with a aftermarket can, but me adding a JD tuner helped bottom too, it's not ktm 500 torque, but almost 450 exc carb torque!

First thing after riding a 350xc, I said wow to the good useable power, so that's what all the rage is about.

[canton]

2s makes torque every stroke and a 4s make torque every other stroke, this makes a  difference when crawling but this also explain traction issues at times where a 2s will spin the tire and have trouble hooking up, it comes down to the ability to modulate the throttle, the operator is the traction control, you can be lazy on a 4s because torque onset is more linear....my take on the differences

[JParker]

Great review Kyle! I have the opportunity to purchase a 2014 KTM 350 XC-F and this review has helped me a lot in my decision.

[omerojuniorv]

Pull in the clutch, rev it, let go of clutch Boom it feels like a 2 stroke😂

[orangeah]

You need to get the gearing changed on that 350 definitely....You will be amazed by how little gearing adjustment will make the 350 come alive down low, and better suspension than the 300 think you will convert!!!keep them coming tho! Great vids, wish weather here in uk was like yours

[scottpalmer]

Interesting review.  I was surprised to see you on a four stroke after your 2-stroke vs 4-stroke video but I enjoyed this perspective.  I'm the opposite in that I started with the 450 XC-W and then added the 300 XC two stroke.  Such different personalities but both so fun to ride.  The four stroke in the "w" is so planted and forgiving with the power making up for rider shortcomings and the 2-stoke XC light, nimble, grunter and yet a explosive fire breather like you said.  I agree with the clutch statement.  The XC has easier pull, less fatigue and takes more clutch control and the four stroke harder pull but, to me, less need for clutch your vids keep em coming

[jwilki]

Another Amazing Video! Watching your single track clips really is making me Jones more and more. I can't wait until the AF Canyon trails open up...Meanwhile it looks like I need to explore more of the EM trails and area :)

[Seaweed]

Thanks for the review I plan on getting this bike in few weeks sound like I am going love it

[StandlyRichards]

I’ve noticed a HIGE difference going from the stock 48 rear tooth sprocket to the 53 tooth. You can comfortably ride in 2-3 gear on any terrain

[roblees]

brilliant review, so well edited and its clear a lot of effort was put into this! thank you!

[romansandbank]

Hey man, great review! I picked up the 2015 model yesterday and I can really see what you meant about the heavy clutch.

[taylorstewart]

I have the 2015 model of this bike, and absolutely love it.

[TheManicorn]

I really enjoy your reviews man! Keep up the good work! I grew up on XR's in the AZ desert and recently moved to WA State. Single track was a whole new ballgame for me. I also had nightmares when I was a kid as my buddies always liked to make fun of my "funny bike with the lights" so when I moved up to WA I bought a YZ450F and just messed with the gearing a bit to find some bottom end. What a disaster. I hated riding that thing. I am back to the "funny bikes with lights" this time around. I have never owned a 2 Stroke and I have to say...you almost had me convinced! At the end of the day I am buying my first KTM (the only thing funnier than the bike with lights back in the early 90's was a KTM) and have decided to go with the 350 XCF-W. I plan on doing the Rekluse and a GPR damper and getting those YZ450F nightmares to stop. Looking forward to more videos man...keep it up!

[JMastr]

Good bike for a heavier rider? Coming back to the sport?

[Memoznack]

Thank you for sharing this video, i am learning a lot of the enduro world, greetings from Ensenada Baja California Mexico.