Posts
866
Joined
1/11/2017
Location
CA
Edited Date/Time
1/10/2019 1:07pm
Coming off a well used 16 350xcf, I've upgraded to a new 19 Husqvarna FX350. I wanted to stay on KTM but my local shop made some staffing changes and sold 50% of their ownership to a larger car dealership buyer. When I went to the bargaining table I would have paid full MSRP+ so I had to make the change. Probably one of the best experiences I've been though at a shop buying my new Husky.
I do race AA/Pro here in Canada with some success...
Old KTM with 450+hrs on her. Fresh of a recent race where I won my first Pro race.
New Husky
I do race AA/Pro here in Canada with some success...
Old KTM with 450+hrs on her. Fresh of a recent race where I won my first Pro race.
New Husky
The shock has been reworked by my local tuner with MX-TECH hardware, including the triple adjuster, TANK reservoir and X-TRIG...
Also have the RE bar mounts which are so much better then the stock KTM units...
The Shop
I also installed the more aggressive black throttle cam
So far I'm impressed with the FX350. Two things that really stand out with the new 19 are the Traction Control and the shifting.
The TC is worse then cheating. I've raced the last two seasons without TC, against others with TC and I can't believe in how much better the bike works. Especially towards the more extreme end of bad conditions. Anything such as slick roots or loose hillclimbs (and in my case ice and snow), the bike just tracks effortlessly. Less clutch work, less throttle control...just kinda gas it and go.
The shifting is so so smooth. Under load or decel the shifting is precision at its best. No missed shifts, no false neutrals, nothing but perfect shifting.
From day one I also run a fan set at 175°f. Just a healthy diet of fresh air filters and Rotella 15/40. I also use a non-ethanol 92 pump fuel.
Most everything is documented on TT including testing, reviews, training, practice, race results, etc...
My opinion is the 16 was such a new model, and completely different from the 15 model that (at the time) I had to develop alot of new settings. I was really involved in the process, lots of research, lots of watching videos, etc to see what others were doing. 17 came..The 19 is a new model but not as significant in change so alot of what I got to work on my 16 transfered over quite easily. The only thing I've been tweaking is the shock as the 19 Husky feels tall in the rear with my current shock. A few clicks of my HS, and slowing down my rebound, as well as adding a bit more sag have produced some really rewarding results.
Outside the shock, everything else is quite familiar. The DDS clutch is a bit less precise then the 6 spring, as well I hate the Magura clutch blade. No matter where I move the perch my fingers don't feel right with this blade.I will be swapping my older Brembo unit solely because of this.
The motor feels a bit lethargic. I assume more time will loosen it up. Also, the conditions have been extremely slippery with snow and ice so I've only been using map 1 and with the TC on.
Rekluse is installed but I debated as the bike doesn't flame out like the previous gens did.
The front feels a bit heavy but I chalk it up to me running the spring forks and sag adjustments...
Overall, pretty dam happy. My lap times in current conditions are on par with my lap times in the best conditions...
Current lap time...
Pit Row
A few notes:
-The bike starts better then the previous gen including the low hour 18 behind mine.
-The motor is more flameout resistant and since the initial 2hrs of break in hasn't flamed out once.
-Motor is as loud as previous gen.
-Chassis seems more sensitive to changes including fork height and sag adjustments.
-Brakes still squeak when warm.
-Front end feels heavier then both the 18 Husqvarna and KTM. I attribute this to the new chassis being more designed around the AER forks where as the 16 came originally with spring forks and had the AER adapted.
-Bike feels better in the air then my 16.
-Bike feels better in ruts.
-Though it probably doesn't mean much to most, I really really like the chassis when it comes to jumping logs. Alot more stability and confidence inspiring.
-My right boot seems to want to hook under the right rear side panel more then my 16.
I'm contemplating the same kind of project w/ the FX450. I'm gonna build an MX bike and a Baja bike from the FX. I'm looking to build a "Do-it-ALL" off-reader from ine core model.
The snow-shots are epic!
I would just think a 450 in deep, power robbing whooped out sand would be a bit easier to ride...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2084365581622974&id=1000014…
Fookin love this bike! Everything I look for in a bike (which I felt my previous KTM 350 had) is in this FX350. The subtle chassis and motor updates fit my riding style to a absolute tee.
Couple points:
-Bike vibrates more then others
-New seat design is way more comfortable
-Bike starts immediately (except once) and has not once flamed out
-After a recent wash the bike took an extreme amount of time to start. Hasn't done it the last time though
-Airbox is air tight and considering the muddy conditions looks near new
-No matter what adjustments I make, the front end still feels heavy but it sticks to everything
-Chain has needed one adjustment since new
-Two oil changes and the oil comes out cleaner then I remember my 16 did. No metal burrs or debris
-Still not a fan of the Magura clutch
-Maybe just a 'feeling', but the Husky seems to like less rebound then the KTM
-Slimmer body-work allows me to really get up on the seat
-I really like the bike entering and through corners but she seems to want to drift outwards. I know it's setup related but it's been noticeable since day 1
-White plastic looks rougher as time goes one
-Bike is super quite
-Factory Husky skidplate is sleek as hell but not very tough.
Few items on the list:
-I ordered up another airbox cover so I can drill it out and see if I can make gains without increasing the maintenance schedule.
-Have a bump seat coming
-Looking into a stiffer Belleville Spring for more clamping force
-I only have Size 11 feet but the stock shifter feels short so I'm sourcing other options
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