Why the 350F Beats a 450 in the Backcountry and Trails

Most riders think they want a 450 until they wrestle one on tight single-track all day. The EX 350F is the ultimate trail machine, offering major advantages over a 450:

• Reduced Fatigue: A 450 has a heavier piston and crankshaft, creating inertia that resists turning. The 350F has less rotating mass, making it feel nimble in tight trees and canyons so you can ride twice as long. Yes, it is about 10 to 11 pounds lighter than the newest KTM 450 XC-F or Husqvarna FX 450, but its the rotating mass that can wear on you throughout the day.

• Stall Resistance: Large 450s are notorious for abrupt flame-outs at slow trail speeds.

• Identical Top-End Speed: Putting down roughly 50 peak horsepower vs 58 on the 450, the 350F runs bar-to-bar with any 450 on open roads or fast straightaways. Then leave them in the dust through the tight trees and canyons!

This bike offers 90% of the usable power of a 450, but with 100% of the handling benefits of a nimble 250. It makes you a faster, safer, and less tired rider at the end of the day.

More details about this bike:

• $10,800 new. Lightly used bike. No hour meter, but a dealer can scan the ECU for total time

• Exact same high-performance engine, chromoly frame and swingarm platform as the KTM 350 XC-F and Husqvarna FX 350 for LESS

• Highly sought after 2023 model that is 6-7lbs lighter than newer redesigned models (or 10-11lbs lighter than newer 450s)

• Engine: 349.7cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, fuel-injected 4-stroke single

• Transmission: Pankl Racing Systems 6-speed wide-ratio gearbox (built for tight woods up to fast fire roads)

• Clutch: Braktec hydraulic system with a single diaphragm steel pressure plate (DS clutch)

• Weight: Ultra-lightweight 221.6 lbs (Dry weight without fuel)

• Fuel Capacity: Large 2.25-gallon translucent tank (cross-country specific for extended trail range)

• Wheels/Tires: 18-inch rear wheel (gives more sidewall to absorb technical rock sections) and a 21-inch front wheel

• Stand: Built-in side kickstand factory standard

• Front Forks: 48mm WP XACT air forks with AER technology (12.2 inches of travel, easily adjustable with an air pump)

• Rear Shock: WP XACT monoshock with linkage system (11.8 inches of travel)

• Braking: High-performance Braktec hydraulic control systems with 260mm front and 220mm rear wave rotors