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2136
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8/7/2009
Location
Northern, VA
US
Edited Date/Time
8/16/2021 5:51pm
I’m looking to try something different. Grew up on 2Ts, had one ‘09 CRF250R, and more recently an ‘04 CR250 and ‘05 RM125(144). Now I’d like a fuel injected (read - no jetting), electric start, latest generation bike. Possibly race vet class, mostly track for fun though. One thing I hated about the CRF was the heavy feel and engine inertia. Electric smooth motor, but it felt 100lbs heavier than a CR. I don’t mind revving a bike and shifting as necessary. In fact I really enjoy 125s, but want something with a more mello oomph for this bike (relative to a 125). I’ve sat on the ‘19 KX450, YZ450F and 350SXF. The KX felt really good but the other two weren’t bad. I’m 175lbs so can adjust any of them to work I’m sure. The real question, which can only be answered by riding them, is how much lighter feeling is the 350 vs a 450? If I do race am I going to suffer significantly more wrestling a 450 around vs a 350? My dilemma is I’m leaning towards the KX, or YZ (just because they are new and look cool...), but IF the 450s are really much less nimble and forgiving, then I’d probably end up liking a 350 better. Any vet riders out there who have ridden both have any insight?
The Shop
I was in a similar boat as you, had been riding 250 smokers after a couple of 06/08 Honda 450's and wanted to get on a modern machine, but still wanted to "work" for it. The 350 was the answer and still requires the rider to use all of his skills, whereas a 450 you can just put it in 3rd and cruise around.
That said, I do/did notice it takes more for me to ride it. Get tired a little quicker. Whether that's the 450 or my setup so far remains to be seen.
Ended up with a nice 350 SX-F. The power is just incredible. I actually bought an EXC muffler to tame it down at first, but have since returned to a stock muffler for more power. I can lug it around like a 450, or wind it up like a 250 on steroids. The power is not surprising, but it's very exciting to ride.
It feels great.. it mean it's a 350, so there is more motor mass but for a four stroke I like it (I've only ridden two strokes in motocross so this is my first thumper).
I'm a little big for a 250f now but I decided to pick one up for a year or so just to get my mojo back. The 15 YZ250F was freaking GOOD. Loved that bike but it served its' purpose and I started wanting a little more again.
Enter the FC350. The power is damn near perfect in terms of how much there is. Unlike the 250f I can race the 350 in the Vet class with no disadvantage that I'm aware of. I did find there to be a bit of a learning curve to figure out how best to ride the thing. Took me a while but in general I really like it. I'm still not in love with the suspension but it works good enough for me to not jack with it every time I'm at the track.
On a whim, I picked up an old YZ125 to build and holy hell is that thing fun. It is faster than I remember but still slow. It makes it challenging and fun to ride though. I wouldn't want it to be my only bike but I'm in honeymoon phase and my 350 has been moved to the back of the garage for the time being. DON'T SELL YOUR RM!
Maybe I shared too much here but in the end, chalk it up to another 350 vote.
Pit Row
I should note, I have a 15 350, and I've read it's night and day compared to the newest 350's. Hopefully I can swing a leg over a newer one before I get a new bike.
I had an 18 350, went back to a 450 as my style of riding is lugging it, using the torque.
350 IS lighter feeling, better cornering, later braking, on the throttle sooner and harder, less torque.
450 IS more of a monster, torque and masssive power for deep tracks, starts, and long straights, less in all other areas.
If you like and know how to get the most out of a 125
or 250F and like to ride agro go 350. If you are smoother and don’t want to ever think you don’t have enuff power or make excuses for a crap start go 450.
The 450 was wayyy too much for me. The 350 rides like a 250 that “breathes” imo. It has just pulls with less effort but not tearing my arms off like a 450
I like the 350, it feels just as fast just higher up in the rpm range.
But if I was 200 plus pounds I would prefer a 450.
And you could always argue the "no replacement for displacement" for some types of riding.
Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have a 450 and feel like I want a 350 instead.
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