The other thing that makes the 350 the best is it has the least amount of vibration of the three small KTM dual sport bikes. The "third" one is rare, but I have one: the 450 EXC-F. Mine's a 2019.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been a KLX 300/250s owner since 2014. I even tried the Honda 300L, and hated it. This year I bought a brand new Husky 350s for a hell of a deal. This bike is most definitely more off road oriented, but does the street just fine. After owning the Husky, it became quite clear to me about my KLX. It is basically a street bike with off road capabilities. The Husky is a dirt bike with street capabilities. They are both great bikes, but I’m in love with the 350. The only single draw back for me is the higher seat height. Because I’m only 5’8”. But I adjusted. Being that the bike is so much lighter compared to my KLX, the height isn’t really a problem.
As a DRZ fan boy myself, I recently purchased a Beta 480RR and have to say that the Beta is the best do it all bike. Longer service intervals than the KTM and no need to remap.
Your opinion may change with the 2025 DR-Z4S. The 350 will be lighter may be the only advantage. The DRZ will be cheaper and will be able to carry a passenger. Can't wait to see how this plays out.
Been riding DP bikes since the early 80s. Yep, this one is the King... if dirt is strong priority. If street use matters too, 690 Enduro. Problem with the 500 is the engine vibration is just absurd. I had two of them and loved them other than that, but it was so bad that it was the reason I ended up selling them both.
Ha! I spent $13k on the 3 bikes that I currently have. None were new, but all were low hour bikes with original tires. I wouldn't have wanted to ride my 500 or DRZ E loaded up on the 7 state trip that I took last year, but my DR650 was an outstanding compromise that was much more stable in the high winds of Wyoming gravel roads and pavement section reroutes due to snow on passes in Colorado. Many 300+ mile days.
They are Plated Enduro's. Not "dual sports" like the other bikes in your garage excel at. KTM's arent bikes u want to buy to commute, ride more than 80 miles/day, or put on 5k miles annually without spending another $2k on top end rebuilds and oil changes that it recommends. Offroad Specs dont equal good Dual Sports, a lot of Noobs get confused by people saying these are "the best" and spend $13k to just tool around town with bar vibrations and unbalanced wheels then sell it cuz it sucks. If u need a plate to ride offroad in more strict states, these are "the best" at that.
I have a 2023 KTM 250 XCW. I have never ridden a KTM 350 or 500. If I trade-in my 250 XCW for a 350, what will I miss most about my 250 XCW? What is the major difference between these two bikes? I use the 250 XCW for woods riding. I would sometimes like to ride on dirt roads that require a licence plate.
I bought a new 2024,its buzzy on road puts my hand to sleep,powerful twitchy throttle,clutch plates stick and the kickstand is a disaster and dangerous.Suspension is where it just creams everything else and super light,of course the brakes are superb and motor.
What would be your opinion of the 350 for heavier riders- 250lbs as compared to the 500? How is it in open terrain like Baja or hill climbs? I can’t decide between the 350 vs 500. But leaning 350. Thanks for your thoughts.
I’m 220lbs. With gear. I’ve had no issues climbing, all of my 350’s have always remained stock. If you did ecu & exhaust, I’m positive you’d have all the power you’ll ever need. Even stock I think you’ll be fine. I’ve never wished I had more power. As far as long wide open stretches, I can only speak for highway, stock gearing your max comfort cruise speed I going to be 70mph. The 500 will cruise at a higher speed, but it will vibrate much more.
The other thing that makes the 350 the best is it has the least amount of vibration of the three small KTM dual sport bikes.
The "third" one is rare, but I have one: the 450 EXC-F. Mine's a 2019.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been a KLX 300/250s owner since 2014. I even tried the Honda 300L, and hated it. This year I bought a brand new Husky 350s for a hell of a deal. This bike is most definitely more off road oriented, but does the street just fine. After owning the Husky, it became quite clear to me about my KLX. It is basically a street bike with off road capabilities. The Husky is a dirt bike with street capabilities. They are both great bikes, but I’m in love with the 350. The only single draw back for me is the higher seat height. Because I’m only 5’8”. But I adjusted. Being that the bike is so much lighter compared to my KLX, the height isn’t really a problem.
As a DRZ fan boy myself, I recently purchased a Beta 480RR and have to say that the Beta is the best do it all bike. Longer service intervals than the KTM and no need to remap.
Your opinion may change with the 2025 DR-Z4S. The 350 will be lighter may be the only advantage. The DRZ will be cheaper and will be able to carry a passenger. Can't wait to see how this plays out.
We will find out. I have a DRZ 4s on order.
Been riding DP bikes since the early 80s. Yep, this one is the King... if dirt is strong priority. If street use matters too, 690 Enduro.
Problem with the 500 is the engine vibration is just absurd. I had two of them and loved them other than that, but it was so bad that it was the reason I ended up selling them both.
I recently bought a 350 after having been on my 500 for quite a few years, and the reason I decided on the 350 this time was vibes.
Ha! I spent $13k on the 3 bikes that I currently have. None were new, but all were low hour bikes with original tires.
I wouldn't have wanted to ride my 500 or DRZ E loaded up on the 7 state trip that I took last year, but my DR650 was an outstanding compromise that was much more stable in the high winds of Wyoming gravel roads and pavement section reroutes due to snow on passes in Colorado.
Many 300+ mile days.
They are Plated Enduro's. Not "dual sports" like the other bikes in your garage excel at. KTM's arent bikes u want to buy to commute, ride more than 80 miles/day, or put on 5k miles annually without spending another $2k on top end rebuilds and oil changes that it recommends. Offroad Specs dont equal good Dual Sports, a lot of Noobs get confused by people saying these are "the best" and spend $13k to just tool around town with bar vibrations and unbalanced wheels then sell it cuz it sucks. If u need a plate to ride offroad in more strict states, these are "the best" at that.
I agree with your comments. I have same bike. Only 1 hr thus far. Anxious for spring!
All this time I've been watching you KC... I never realized you had a sense of humor 🤣😂
lol!
Looking at a red version , deeply discounted at the moment.
Would be interested in your take on the KTM financial problems.
NICE 😊
I have a 2023 KTM 250 XCW. I have never ridden a KTM 350 or 500. If I trade-in my 250 XCW for a 350, what will I miss most about my 250 XCW? What is the major difference between these two bikes? I use the 250 XCW for woods riding. I would sometimes like to ride on dirt roads that require a licence plate.
I bought a new 2024,its buzzy on road puts my hand to sleep,powerful twitchy throttle,clutch plates stick and the kickstand is a disaster and dangerous.Suspension is where it just creams everything else and super light,of course the brakes are superb and motor.
Nice! Another dream bike I wish I could afford.
What would be your opinion of the 350 for heavier riders- 250lbs as compared to the 500?
How is it in open terrain like Baja or hill climbs?
I can’t decide between the 350 vs 500. But leaning 350. Thanks for your thoughts.
I’m 220lbs. With gear. I’ve had no issues climbing, all of my 350’s have always remained stock. If you did ecu & exhaust, I’m positive you’d have all the power you’ll ever need. Even stock I think you’ll be fine. I’ve never wished I had more power. As far as long wide open stretches, I can only speak for highway, stock gearing your max comfort cruise speed I going to be 70mph. The 500 will cruise at a higher speed, but it will vibrate much more.
@ Hey thanks for replying. Much appreciated.
LOL...nice intro!