Life is short, I think is good to experience different bikes, if you are able to do so, at least that's what I been doing lately, I currently transitioning from a 2019 690 Enduro r to a 300l and like each bike for what they are and for what they can do and not the opposite Cheers from USA 😊
Brilliant decision. The EXC range is a whole different class than the crf (not to discredit the crf). The capability of the bike will look after you and enable you to progress very quickly. Oh and don't worry about the service intervals, with the type of riding you're doing dropping the oil every 1000-1500 miles will be fine. In regards to the quality of the plastics - by all means throw a crf300 around a proper enduro track or rocky Welsh byway and see how well that survives...
@@biscuitsalive yeah my experience with the 690 / 701 was not overly positive. Lots of minor niggles and mechanical issues. My 350 has been rock solid so far. I'll be selling it fairly soon to help finance a big Overland trip, but when I'm home and funds allow I'll probably be looking for a 500 exc as a good all rounder platform
I own a CRF300L with upgraded suspension/other mods I also own a ktm 525 and a 450 husky Both types of bike are very very good at what they were designed for Even with upgrades the CRF will reach its limit crossing difficult terrain long before the KTM Both bikes are improved with mods to suit your ergos etc They feel COMPLETELY different to ride and you may want both types of bike or for example if you like gentle/medium trails and 55mph cruisng on road etc the CRF will more than meet your needs(with upgraded suspension)
This is why I like the 450L so much, eats the road miles up no problem, but is still a beast on the technical climbs and in the slow sections. Ive considered a an FE 450 but what worries me is no ignition and no steering lock. When I stop to pay for fuel and turn the key, put the steering lock and and go and pay, not problem. I seem to be forever hearing about bikes being stolen off garage forecourts whilst the owner is in paying for petrol. Also you don't need to drop the oil every 500 miles if you're just pottering about as normal, will easily do 1000 miles and be fine, surely the 500 mile service is just for those proper thrashing it? I'd defo put the Adv Spec mini fairing on, perfect for mounting your phone/nav device. Another good thing about the 450L is it has an uprated stator so pushing out a lot more power, handy if running extra light or heated clothing etc. I think you'll find the bike generally a revelation, seems the only good thing about the 250/300Ls is the service intervals, if that even is an issue for most, I'm sure the KTM will have you grinning from ear to ear on every ride.
@@biscuitsalive yeah but that's a lot of faff every time you stop getting a lock out and then putting it away. Good if it has got a steering lock tho, I think these are the things that separate a proper dual sport from an enduro bike - bombproof lights, indicators, key ignition, good road manners, bigger tanks - KTMs are great bikes, i'd much sooner be on that than your old CRF!
Picked up a Husky 350 Fe before Xmas. (Same bike). I've never ridden anything like it and having so much fun. Hoping to get it down to Cornwall at some point (family near Gorran). So far i've just used it around Salisbury on TRF rides near me. Also looking forward to using it in Wales over the summer.
@@Adameftube fuck! Bastards. What part of the country is that? Never think about bike theft much down here in Cornwall but I know it goes on. (I stick two double big locks on my bikes and have a motion detect camera overlooking them. But realise anyone that really wants it could take it.)
Did you ever get to gear the bike down? And how does it compare to the CRF on the road? How annoying are the vibrations after a day of TET riding? Looking forward to buy a EXC this winter or keep my WR250R, it's not any easy decision
I ended up buying another 350excf. (2019 six days) Gearing on that was a little more balanced. But I still didn’t enjoy cruising at 60+mph. It could do it. (Could do more than 70 easily) But you could tell the engine didn’t enjoy it. Once I balanced wheels the vibrations where totally fine. Bit of a buzz through seat that was only occasionally annoying. But I just stood up for a bit and soon forgot about my buzzy bum. I’m actually selling my (2nd) 350 excf right now. But only because I need the money. Not because I don’t like the bike. I would happily buy another one once I have spare funds. But may also be tempted by a slightly more street leaning bike. (Like Ducati desert sled for example)
You bought a bike and I bought a second-hand camera at the start of the year from MPB. A Panny G9 to go with my GH6 And when MFT goes Phased Detection I will sell my GH6 in a heart beat. BTW the G9 is awesome and takes better images than my GH6. It may be five years old but its a superb camera.
Nice video! What does the F officially stands for? I had a 530 exc r. And now see good things about exc f etc.. but its hard for me on what all of this is
You wrote the KTM 350 EXC-F has 45 horse power. This is incorrect. The 350 EXC-F has around 35 hp. The 500 EXC-F doesn’t even have that much! The 500 EXC-F has around 40 hp!
Good on ya for trying new bikes. The great thing here is the weight and power, built to race. The down side is you got to like spending your riding time in your garage with a bike in bits checking valves every 30hrs etc. Most guys ride these for a season then flick them before a full rebuild. Also I think you'll find it too damn painfull in the saddle for long days riding. Ride it hard and fast then buy a husqvarna 701
@@biscuitsalive yeah, alot comes down to the sort of riding your doing...I'll do 10hrs on the bike on a day ride and probably 300 to 400 ks mostly off road. Thats almost an oil change in one day, so wouldn't suit me. But totally love the weight of these bikes so much fun in the really hard stuff...enjoy yo fromNZ.
I started riding again a couple years ago with a 21 300L, felt it was kinda bunk in the dirt and almost killed me with it's shite suspension and sluggish handling. It feels like a street bike in the dirt. Then I test rode a 22 ktm 500 and in 15 min was like ... oh no, now I need to get rid of the 300L, this 500 is insane. So light, such amazing handling, like a mountain bike. Later I bought another 14' 500exc with 1k on it for only 6 grand, less than I paid out the door on my 300L, and I was like, ok, this is stupid, why would I ever take a new 300L over a 500 exc with 1k miles...It makes no sense not to go orange, unless you're only riding gravel roads, then the 300L is perfect. Oh hey, and don't be weird brother, get a third party seat if you value your nuts 😉
How is the engine vibration on the 350? I owned two EXC500Fs, and got rid of both as I just couldn't tolerate the high level of engine vibration - gave me blurry vision and a head ache they were so bad. Really liked them otherwise though. Would like to get back on an EXC if it wouldn't shake so much.
I had a 701 for a bit. Good bike but ended up selling that too. Went back to a 350 excf. Just hard to compare those much else when off road. Everything else that’s dual sport/adventure feels like it’s for the road in comparison
same prob here, tend to go for the crf300l, but the power is just unacceptable, but i take the durabilty over the Husq Fe 450 anyday, Honda is a better build bike, dont know what to buy.
I don’t fully agree. In terms on one bike being built better than the other. That’s just not true anymore. I had a fair few issues with my new CRF300L. Cut out issues and wheels built from factory being not even close to being true. Also some nuts and bolts not torqued correctly at all. (Literally finger tight) The main argument is that the Honda is de-tuned so it doesn’t need servicing as often. (Compared to husky350/KTM 350excf etc. ) When it comes to spec of components. The KTM is much better brakes/wheels/suspension etc. They both suffer from thin paint and easily scratched. The main win for the honda when it comes to build quality is the electrics. Clearly better water resistant electronic components on the Honda. Pros and cons for both. I’m on my 2nd 350excf now. And I still love it. Not had any problems at all. ( and I do lots of miles, certainly more than average KTM owner) I did love my honda. But it did feel cheaper than the KTM. (Because it was) looser, heavier, with weak suspension. But I still loved it.
Yep they are 2 very diff bikes. With a comfy seat and a the right sprocket on the KTM (and balanced wheels etc) it would be just as comfortable as the 300L on longer distance. But of course the issue with the KTM for long distance is you would be changing oil every 500 miles. (If you were being careful) So that would become a ball ache pretty quickly. Certainly when I go to wales (300 miles away) I will trailer the bike up the motorway and then ride KTM on the trails. To be fair I would prob do the same for the 300l But for difference reasons.
@@biscuitsalive exactly, if you want enduro bike ktm is perfect perfect set up for race and enduro routes, I have crf ,just for city something like scooter I don’t need about speed or acceleration.
Every single bike has its strengths and weaknesses. To say the 350excf is much better than the 300l is kind of silly. Sure, it’s much better than the 300l in certain aspects but the same could be said the other way around. Personally, I just sold my 2018 husqvarna fe 450 and purchased a crf450rl. The Honda is a great bike but has its flaws, just as the husky was a great bike with flaws. What’s important to you is the key to finding YOUR best bike.
Its a race ready bike with a number plate. Not for bimbling on trails that you can take a Harley down. Take it to mid Wales and youll fall in love with it and never look at the heavy cheap CRf300L again... But yeah, its not really a dual sport. The 500 is though.
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Life is short, I think is good to experience different bikes, if you are able to do so, at least that's what I been doing lately, I currently transitioning from a 2019 690 Enduro r to a 300l and like each bike for what they are and for what they can do and not the opposite
Cheers from USA 😊
That’s a big power drop. But yes you’re right every bike has something to bring to the table.
All bikes are fun after all :)
@@biscuitsalive whether it’s a 50cc scooter or 1000cc super sport, anything with two wheels is fun!
Brilliant decision. The EXC range is a whole different class than the crf (not to discredit the crf). The capability of the bike will look after you and enable you to progress very quickly. Oh and don't worry about the service intervals, with the type of riding you're doing dropping the oil every 1000-1500 miles will be fine. In regards to the quality of the plastics - by all means throw a crf300 around a proper enduro track or rocky Welsh byway and see how well that survives...
Yep loving the 350. Tried a 701 since this vid too. But came back to the 350
@@biscuitsalive yeah my experience with the 690 / 701 was not overly positive. Lots of minor niggles and mechanical issues. My 350 has been rock solid so far. I'll be selling it fairly soon to help finance a big Overland trip, but when I'm home and funds allow I'll probably be looking for a 500 exc as a good all rounder platform
I own a CRF300L with upgraded suspension/other mods
I also own a ktm 525 and a 450 husky
Both types of bike are very very good at what they were designed for
Even with upgrades the CRF will reach its limit crossing difficult terrain long before the KTM
Both bikes are improved with mods to suit your ergos etc
They feel COMPLETELY different to ride and you may want both types of bike or for example if you like gentle/medium trails and 55mph cruisng on road etc the CRF will more than meet your needs(with upgraded suspension)
Beautiful scenery, such a sweet place and bike for a ride.
This is why I like the 450L so much, eats the road miles up no problem, but is still a beast on the technical climbs and in the slow sections. Ive considered a an FE 450 but what worries me is no ignition and no steering lock. When I stop to pay for fuel and turn the key, put the steering lock and and go and pay, not problem. I seem to be forever hearing about bikes being stolen off garage forecourts whilst the owner is in paying for petrol. Also you don't need to drop the oil every 500 miles if you're just pottering about as normal, will easily do 1000 miles and be fine, surely the 500 mile service is just for those proper thrashing it? I'd defo put the Adv Spec mini fairing on, perfect for mounting your phone/nav device. Another good thing about the 450L is it has an uprated stator so pushing out a lot more power, handy if running extra light or heated clothing etc. I think you'll find the bike generally a revelation, seems the only good thing about the 250/300Ls is the service intervals, if that even is an issue for most, I'm sure the KTM will have you grinning from ear to ear on every ride.
There is a steering lock on the 350.
Weak. But it’s there.
Not too tricky to carry a decent D lock tho.
@@biscuitsalive yeah but that's a lot of faff every time you stop getting a lock out and then putting it away. Good if it has got a steering lock tho, I think these are the things that separate a proper dual sport from an enduro bike - bombproof lights, indicators, key ignition, good road manners, bigger tanks - KTMs are great bikes, i'd much sooner be on that than your old CRF!
The husqvarna fe501s has a steering lock idk where you did your research.
Handsome bike. Not for touring on. Would it have cost a lot more to get a new one? Useful tank bag. Which Givi one is it, please? Nick
Picked up a Husky 350 Fe before Xmas. (Same bike). I've never ridden anything like it and having so much fun. Hoping to get it down to Cornwall at some point (family near Gorran). So far i've just used it around Salisbury on TRF rides near me. Also looking forward to using it in Wales over the summer.
Sweet. Def prefer the looks of the Husqvarna.
But yes great bikes both of them.
Nimble little easy to ride things that have plenty of poke.
@@biscuitsalive Garage broken into last night and the bike has now been stolen. One of two taken. gutted.
@@Adameftube fuck! Bastards.
What part of the country is that?
Never think about bike theft much down here in Cornwall but I know it goes on.
(I stick two double big locks on my bikes and have a motion detect camera overlooking them.
But realise anyone that really wants it could take it.)
@@biscuitsalive Just outside Bristol. Are you on Facebook?
Did you ever get to gear the bike down? And how does it compare to the CRF on the road? How annoying are the vibrations after a day of TET riding?
Looking forward to buy a EXC this winter or keep my WR250R, it's not any easy decision
I ended up buying another 350excf. (2019 six days)
Gearing on that was a little more balanced. But I still didn’t enjoy cruising at 60+mph.
It could do it. (Could do more than 70 easily) But you could tell the engine didn’t enjoy it.
Once I balanced wheels the vibrations where totally fine.
Bit of a buzz through seat that was only occasionally annoying. But I just stood up for a bit and soon forgot about my buzzy bum.
I’m actually selling my (2nd) 350 excf right now. But only because I need the money.
Not because I don’t like the bike.
I would happily buy another one once I have spare funds.
But may also be tempted by a slightly more street leaning bike.
(Like Ducati desert sled for example)
@@biscuitsalive Thanks that really helpfull! Did you ever get a chance to ride a exc/FE 500 and notice and difference in Vibration?
@@ThiloK9 I’ve had a go on a 500. But wasn’t a proper ride. Just a bit of off road section so didn’t notice vibrations.
The US bikes come with a key, you can order the parts from any KTM dealer and add to the bike if you wanted a bit of extra security.
Didn’t know that. Thanks.
You bought a bike and I bought a second-hand camera at the start of the year from MPB. A Panny G9 to go with my GH6
And when MFT goes Phased Detection I will sell my GH6 in a heart beat.
BTW the G9 is awesome and takes better images than my GH6. It may be five years old but its a superb camera.
I’ve been really lazy on the camera stuff.
Got thousands of pounds worth of lenses and gear and it’s mostly gather dust at the moment.
Phases I guess.
Enjoy!
Nice video!
What does the F officially stands for?
I had a 530 exc r.
And now see good things about exc f etc.. but its hard for me on what all of this is
F is for four stroke.
You wrote the KTM 350 EXC-F has 45 horse power. This is incorrect. The 350 EXC-F has around 35 hp. The 500 EXC-F doesn’t even have that much! The 500 EXC-F has around 40 hp!
Hi. I could have looked up some incorrect info.
But that was what I found when I looked it up.
I agree it didn’t feel more than 40
Do you think someone getting there first bike that’s barely ever rode would be ok on this?
Good on ya for trying new bikes. The great thing here is the weight and power, built to race. The down side is you got to like spending your riding time in your garage with a bike in bits checking valves every 30hrs etc. Most guys ride these for a season then flick them before a full rebuild. Also I think you'll find it too damn painfull in the saddle for long days riding. Ride it hard and fast then buy a husqvarna 701
I tried a 701. Had it for a few months.
Didn’t enjoy it off road as much as I hoped.
Loved it on the road though.
@@biscuitsalive yeah, alot comes down to the sort of riding your doing...I'll do 10hrs on the bike on a day ride and probably 300 to 400 ks mostly off road. Thats almost an oil change in one day, so wouldn't suit me. But totally love the weight of these bikes so much fun in the really hard stuff...enjoy yo fromNZ.
I started riding again a couple years ago with a 21 300L, felt it was kinda bunk in the dirt and almost killed me with it's shite suspension and sluggish handling. It feels like a street bike in the dirt. Then I test rode a 22 ktm 500 and in 15 min was like ... oh no, now I need to get rid of the 300L, this 500 is insane. So light, such amazing handling, like a mountain bike. Later I bought another 14' 500exc with 1k on it for only 6 grand, less than I paid out the door on my 300L, and I was like, ok, this is stupid, why would I ever take a new 300L over a 500 exc with 1k miles...It makes no sense not to go orange, unless you're only riding gravel roads, then the 300L is perfect. Oh hey, and don't be weird brother, get a third party seat if you value your nuts 😉
How is the engine vibration on the 350? I owned two EXC500Fs, and got rid of both as I just couldn't tolerate the high level of engine vibration - gave me blurry vision and a head ache they were so bad. Really liked them otherwise though. Would like to get back on an EXC if it wouldn't shake so much.
they dont shake ,ridden one super smooth
Good luck with the camshafts! lol
Thinking about a lowered ktm 690 next..?
I had a 701 for a bit. Good bike but ended up selling that too. Went back to a 350 excf.
Just hard to compare those much else when off road. Everything else that’s dual sport/adventure feels like it’s for the road in comparison
same prob here, tend to go for the crf300l, but the power is just unacceptable, but i take the durabilty over the Husq Fe 450 anyday, Honda is a better build bike, dont know what to buy.
I don’t fully agree.
In terms on one bike being built better than the other. That’s just not true anymore.
I had a fair few issues with my new CRF300L. Cut out issues and wheels built from factory being not even close to being true.
Also some nuts and bolts not torqued correctly at all. (Literally finger tight)
The main argument is that the Honda is de-tuned so it doesn’t need servicing as often.
(Compared to husky350/KTM 350excf etc. )
When it comes to spec of components. The KTM is much better brakes/wheels/suspension etc.
They both suffer from thin paint and easily scratched.
The main win for the honda when it comes to build quality is the electrics.
Clearly better water resistant electronic components on the Honda.
Pros and cons for both.
I’m on my 2nd 350excf now. And I still love it.
Not had any problems at all. ( and I do lots of miles, certainly more than average KTM owner)
I did love my honda. But it did feel cheaper than the KTM. (Because it was) looser, heavier, with weak suspension.
But I still loved it.
Two different bikes ,can you ride highway road with 120 km speed for a long time with ktm?
Yep they are 2 very diff bikes.
With a comfy seat and a the right sprocket on the KTM (and balanced wheels etc) it would be just as comfortable as the 300L on longer distance.
But of course the issue with the KTM for long distance is you would be changing oil every 500 miles. (If you were being careful)
So that would become a ball ache pretty quickly.
Certainly when I go to wales (300 miles away) I will trailer the bike up the motorway and then ride KTM on the trails.
To be fair I would prob do the same for the 300l
But for difference reasons.
@@biscuitsalive exactly, if you want enduro bike ktm is perfect perfect set up for race and enduro routes, I have crf ,just for city something like scooter I don’t need about speed or acceleration.
Besides the tires that belong on such a ktm won't last on the highway..
I don't think you will be keeping that for a long time!
Maybe till end of summer. :)
Every single bike has its strengths and weaknesses. To say the 350excf is much better than the 300l is kind of silly. Sure, it’s much better than the 300l in certain aspects but the same could be said the other way around. Personally, I just sold my 2018 husqvarna fe 450 and purchased a crf450rl. The Honda is a great bike but has its flaws, just as the husky was a great bike with flaws. What’s important to you is the key to finding YOUR best bike.
Its a race ready bike with a number plate. Not for bimbling on trails that you can take a Harley down. Take it to mid Wales and youll fall in love with it and never look at the heavy cheap CRf300L again...
But yeah, its not really a dual sport. The 500 is though.
I don’t think you really understand the KTM or the Honda. If you did you wouldn’t compare the two. Bah!
OK .. is this a Mob confession or something , strange title it’s like you have Cops grilling you.
It is basically a race bike so these things are expected