2023 KTM 250SXF vs 2021 KTM 350 Factory Edition Back to Back Woods Loop Vortex vs myKTM app

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My comments on each bike are the same from the first ride and I have updated the laptimes....

'22.5 250SXF Factory Edition: Laptime 2:43.8
The first thing I notice when jumping on the 250 Factory Edition is the light weight and agile fee l of the 250F. For some reason this new '23 chassis feels more compliant with the 250F engine compared to the more stiff feel I notice while riding the '23 350/450SXF. With the Vortex ignition there is definitely less engine braking and a lighter "feel" in motion overall to the bike. This bike has WP6500 spring inserts (0.48 springs) which dials in the suspension (Brad from RideWorx did the suspension on this bike). The Akrapovic slip on exhaust system is quiet and smooths out the initial turn of the throttle which helps in cornering yet still pulls strongly through the top end. Negatives? Why can't this bike come from KTM with spring forks? Lots of engine vibration.

'21 350XCF: Lap Time 2:37.3
This Kailub Russell 350XCF with WP Pro Components suspension, full Akrapovic exhaust, and myKTM connectivity unit has been my favorite 350 ridden to date. The first thing I notice about this bike is the playful, lightweight and agile feel overall (though more inertia and wight feel than the KTM 250 Factory Edition). Next is the engine - quick revving and free feeling. The Akrapovic full exhaust is quiet and combined with the more more responsive engine map with minimal engine braking all done with the myKTM connectivity unit gives the bike a freer feel more low to mid response yet pulls all the way up top. The WP Pro suspension on this bike feels very planted with a plush and controlled movement. These latest 350's might have the widest usable RPM range of any engine. For me the 350 is the best overall balance of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike and perhaps the best Vet rider moto bike available today that is also super fun on the trails. Negatives? Why can't this bike come from KTM with spring forks? Lots of engine vibration.

On this tight woods loop I thought the lighter weight and lower inertia of the '22.5 250 Factory Edition would result in a faster lap time - it didn't and I was 6.5 secs slower on the 250(!!) That was a surprise. As I have said in other reviews I don't think the new chassis obsoletes the old chassis - just different characteristics - there may be some riders that prefer the older chassis and that is still available on the '23 Gas Gas 250/350 models. I am still on the fence about upgrading to the 2023 KTM 350 Factory Edition as my '21 KR350 still works so well!


My 2021 KR350 Does it All review....
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I bought the new 2023 350 XC-F FE. I feel like I have some work to do to get it where I want it to be; love the engine and ergos but not the suspension. I will do a spring conversion on the forks. I'm comparing this bike to my 2020 450 SX-F FE which I been using as a do it all bike. Bought a Vortex from Twisted and was on the fence about which bike I wanted to put it on. Ended up putting it on my 450. I need to get both bikes out for some back to back comparison.

danieldewitt
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I wonder if a Vortex by Twisted Development in the 350 would be a big difference over the KTM app? Would be an interesting video if you can find someone's to borrow, or of course if you buy one yourself!

brentjones
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Quick question, if you don't mind. How old are you today? I want to settle a bet

MrRsh