2021 KTM 350 EXC-F Full Review

[@tysleight]

Bought a 350excf felt regret that I didn't get the 500 then I rode the 500 excf. I knew after that I loved the flickabilty of the 350 more than the lack of power.

[@gophop]

I have a 250excf. Wanted more power. Couldn't find a 350, so I got the 500. Can't say I regret it. Single-track only. It walks up walls in 2nd gear. Love it.

[@CLICKDHIFurniture]

Good to hear thx

[@BiztoryTime]

I’m in between the two. I’ve had a 500 before but considering the 350. Is the difference felt really much?

[@tysleight]

@@BiztoryTime just rode my buddies 500 it felt heavier but not much. The only performance reason I would pick up the 500 is high speed travel on pavement. Otherwise it would be cost.

[@BiztoryTime]

@@tysleight thanks! I might just go with the 500 again as I do “long” stretches of highway too.

[@uncletom1971]

Power is not an issue here, you can remove the blockers and then it's 50 hp, as it should be. I have the 2022 EXCF, bought it last year. Before the buy I wasn't even asked "if I'd like the bike opened", the shop simply removed some stuff from the muffler as well as a few hoses around the motor, and put them in a plastic bag for me and told me "now you can be a swedish champion". Only 'issue' for me with this bike is now balancing the wheels due to its rimlocks. .. oh, and I also bought an extra 48T rear sprocket as the original is a 52T.

[@advsquared]

I have absolutely no complaints about my 350. It is so easy to ride and yet so capable offroad.

[@RacerRed]

Nothing wrong with the bike at all! Something wrong with the EPA when they think the way to save the environment is to make stuff run bad, though.

[@advsquared]

@@RacerRed Yeah I freed mine up a little bit so it definitely has more power than stock.

[@rafemordente]

Once desmogged and tuned these bikes really wake up!

[@LeafyLumens]

it is hard to drive in woods ?

[@advsquared]

@@LeafyLumens I think it makes a good woods bike. It's nimble enough to get through the trees and enough torque to get you up hills.

[@deepcallsuntodeep6015]

While I started watching this vid for the bike I ended up watching it for the skydio! Such great shots man! How do you like that thing? I just cant decide between the skydio or the mavic.

[@RacerRed]

Don't get the mavic if you want it to follow you during any kind of medium to high speed stuff. The DJI's are good for manual flight but can't even come close to Skydio in tracking.

[@desertdefender]

@@RacerRed commenting here to say the same thing. That little drone is super impressive. I particularly love the angle that the camera maintains with the subject. It’s so much more interesting than the standard, lame directly-overhead shot that you see in so many videos. Which model Skydio is this?

[@100868ful]

I have the 2020 model and LOVE it!! You have to uncork it to wake it up and change the rear sprocket to a 48 or a 50 tooth sprocket. Even with the stock sprocket I was able to easily go past 55 mph as you said. Actually went past 70 mph with the bike stock. Best all around bike hands down!

[@emperorkhan9941]

Fantastic review "RaceRed". Loved it. Questions: Would you rather have this bike than your Beta 500, if you could exchange it/buy it/afford it? What is the location your driving in, state/city? Can you drive there with only your bike or do you need a car to haul the bike on to be able to enjoy those trails? (Thinking about if there's a gas/fuel/gas station near or close enough)? Looking forward to your next review. Keep it up, and keep it coming. Thanks in advance. Kind regards.

[@user-qc4tt2qm9v]

Coming from someone who has owned both a 2021 Husky FE501 and now a 2022 350EXC, the bike are so different. The 501 wants to run. It has long legs, In part because it has a 14/48 sprocket set. The 350 has a 14/52. Which in itself makes the 350 a better woods bike and 501/500 a better distance bike. Change the rear sprockets around and they're relatively close. There's only about 4 pounds of weight difference, but I can tell you first hand the 350 FEELS so much lighter. Much much lighter. The inertia from the smaller flywheel can be felt when in tighter spots, it doesnt handle as heavy.. The 501 feels more heavy handed while the 350 feel more nimble. The 501 feels more stable at speed while the 350 feels more like a rabbit. The biggest difference is if you are using these as a dual sport and ride street to trail, the 501/500 are unbelievably buzzy. That longer stroke just buzzes your feet numb. Painful after a while. Easy to feel in the spin and hands. There's limited ways to lesson this, but it's still there. After 4,100 miles, I sold the 501 after riding a 350 and couldn't be happier. Barely any vibration on the 350, and again, for riding woods it's just a better bike. If I want to ride distance on dirt, I'd get a 690/701 which I use to own and it's a fantastic fire/forest road bike. For a plated dirt bike if woods is a priority,, the 350 is by far the best. If wanting a light weight adventure bike, the 500 can handle pavement better. That said the bike can do it, I just wouldnt wasn't to be on it for long when it does.

[@dagsterblaster4973]

You put 14/48 on that with a Vortex and it's fine on the pavement. You'll have no problem cruising at 75mph. I rode a Husky 250 with a vortex and was very impressed.

[@Giovannie456]

Just bought my KTM 350excf and watched this video on my way there! 😂

[@enduro-nuts]

It's an awesome bike for the right purpose. We use exactly these for enduro tours and "lighter" hard enduro in Romania. All off-road, forests, single trails, river creeks. The power is insane, anything more is dangerous. The street legal aspect makes it possible to go on road passages, enter civilization. For longer road trips it's not suited at all, and the mounted soft off-road tires (not original) would wear off quickly. We use the transporter. The maintenance is minimal, especially comparing to 2-strokes. The only downside of this bike is its purchase price, and you need extras, it's an expensive toy. But the fun is priceless 😍

[@RacerRed]

I agree! It has great power in your country, but the one they sell in my country is extremely slow because of regulations. The price tag is high but like you said, you can't put a price on how much fun it is.

[@paul.vanhout57]

I have the Husky version of the 350. Agree it is not something you want to spend much time on the road with. I have left the bike stock and even though it is choked up and down on power it works fine on the trail and fire roads. The range is good with the stock tank and starts/runs cleanly.

[@RacerRed]

I keep hearing you can get a lot more power out of them with an different ECU, removing the reeds and adding a free flowing exhaust. The bike is amazing just the way it is, though.

[@paul.vanhout57]

@@RacerRed - Definitely more power available; at my skill level and age I find the bike works well as-is.

[@fanneko]

@@RacerRed Yeah, I have the 2020 Husky fe350s with all the exhaust, ecu and air box mods. I also added a 9 oz clutch weight...the difference from stock is amazing, very noticeable. I went from the stock 12/48 to an 11/52 sprocket set and for offroad use its pretty perfect. If I use it on the road, its really only around town. Claims for the mods added up are 53hp, can't say if its really that much, but its worlds better than stock.

[@khanna2044]

Great video thanks for the review. I had no idea the exc hp was so much lower vs the xc

[@tysleight]

A get ecu will solve the power issues. Nothing will fix the somewhat useless 6th.

[@EmileModesitt]

Mind boggling that they didn't make sixth gear just a little taller. Why, KTM? Why?! Edit: Not that you asked for feedback, but since making videos is my profession I have to comment: the background heavily clashes with the tone of the footage and your voice over. At the very least, I'd suggest lowering the volume of certain frequencies (lowering the global volume isn't enough) in the music so it doesn't compete with your voice as much (search "Gerald Undone make vocals pop" for a easy solution). But I'd also suggest using a genre of music that matches the style of your video. As it is now, the music is very distracting and makes it hard to concentrate on the great information you're providing. Hope that's helpful! :)

[@captaincornbreadsdirtgrave9144]

I would disagree with the audio comments, this isn't a golf tournament with a voiceover and zero background noise. The wind, engine noise all add to the video. I also don't think the music is an issue, I think it's well suited tot he target audience. I am impressed with the color grading, I don't think the Skydio has many options as far as turning off the in camera processing. It's hard for me to tell the difference between the drone and the other camera(s) as far as the color goes. I do wish Carl had further explained his comments about the KTM being more "refined", I can only assume that it means the bike is very quiet and docile, like a Japanese DS. I also have a Beta 500 and it's anything but quiet and docile.

[@RacerRed]

@@captaincornbreadsdirtgrave9144 Thanks for the kind words! I agree with your comments about audio. I try to work on color grading, and audio a reasonable amount. The audio is geared towards a lightweight dual sport crowd (like you stated in your comment), far different than a golf tournament. Also, its the type of music i enjoy. It would be hard to compare the KTM to a Beta, but the KTM does have small refinements that make it feel slightly more put together. The gas cap, for instance, is solid and snaps in place. The Beta has a gas cap that looks a bit from the dollar store, same with the mirrors, the quality of signal mounts, and some riding input is less refined as well. My Beta clutch is really grabby, and so are the brakes. That said, the Beta is my choice overall. The Beta has awesome feeling suspension, a great motor, a nicely spaced 6-speed, it's the best looking bike around, and it comes with a Trail Tech computer standard!

[@l3ulldozer]

I have the husky 350s and just got a 48 tooth rear sprocket to try for the higher speed cruising, should be on next week. I'm at the 14/52 now so I hope it doesn't hurt the climbing ability for single track too much.

[@thorstenalstede9117]

Enjoying your videos. Was torn between the 350 and 500. Pulled the trigger on the 500 at MotoOne. Great people by the way. Totally agree with you that they are pretty restricted stock, due too the regulations they have to follow. I got mine to live with an ECU swap. And Jesus what difference does this make. Keep up the great work. Thanks

[@RacerRed]

Thanks! How did the upgraded ECU affect fuel economy, or did it?

[@thorstenalstede9117]

@@RacerRed It's slightly impacted but Not that much. Depending on riding style I still average around 50 MPG.

[@toddkurtz7635]

I enjoyed the video but I must comment on something I hear constantly on these bike review videos. And that is horsepower numbers being thrown around that are not even close. The 350excf does indeed make around 35 horsepower but the 350 xcf is not even close to 58 horsepower. That is 450 motocross power. I saw an dyno run of the Husky 350fx on dirt riders website and it was right around 48 at the rear wheel. And you are correct that the emission requirements are the cause of the lower numbers on the excf bikes. Remove the reed valve in the intake, knock out the perforated screen in the exhaust and add a 200 dollar jd tuner and you will be well over 40 horsepower and almost the same torque as the xc-f. And in reality the torque is what the rider feels as acceleration. Sorry for the rant!

[@RacerRed]

Horsepower is hard to figure out, but usually they measure it at the crank. The EXC-F is very low in power compared to the XC-F. The XC-F figure that i found said 54 at the crank, and the last search i did on the bike said 58. Your number on that matches up with about 54hp at the crank, because you are going off of the power at the rear wheel. I am always in a grey area talking about horsepower numbers, and i am always annoyed when i can find absolutely zero manufacturer claimed numbers. Thanks for commenting!

[@gonyg5316]

De restrict the bloody thing and then comment on the power. I own a 500exc and have ridden plenty of 350s. In unrestricted form there is nothing in it until you go past the 100km mark. Let’s face it. It really is an enduro weapon and not a highway cruiser. If you want that then buy a 160kg DR650 to tear up the highway. This bike is made for the hard stuff and in saying that I know blokes who dessert race these 350s. Perfect power to weight ratio and less vibration then the 500

[@RevelryRacing]

What riding area was this filmed at?

[@doobielawson702]

I ride a 250L so it's funny to hear that 35hp isn't enough lol. I've always been intrigued by the KTM 350. I'm only 5'7 with a 29" so the KTMs are too tall for me. I tip toe the 250L and it is the lowest dual sport. The only pavement I ride is to get to and from the trails and logging roads so seat height is an important factor for me.

[@geofflind6748]

I bought a new 2019 250excf back in June. Love the bike super light weight and great on trails. I switched the front sprocket to a13t for tight trails and hill climbs. But I wish it had a bit more power. Are the Xcf’s much more power?

[@RacerRed]

An XCF will feel like a different bike. Massively more powerful.

[@bogusfranz1503]

Buddy of mine has a 2020 XC-F --- lots of power. I'm thinking of going this route and adding a street kit. In most states you'll be legal.

[@RacerRed]

That might be a good option other than the engine won't be as smooth. It will want to yank forward all the time instead of stay at a steady speed. People definitely have done it, and i havent heard too many complaints.

[@smidge1872]

I have the 2018 250 EXC F and yes the power is "soft" but we get to ride from our house! Personally for me the rotating mass of the 500 just wears you down I guess it depends on the type of trails your running. I'm going 350 next time, thanks for the video.

[@RacerRed]

Thanks for commenting! I'm glad you are liking the 250. I think they stopped making the 250's.

[@thorstenalstede9117]

Yes the 500 can wear you out pretty quickly. But its a lot of FUN...… :-). For this reason I'm hunting all the used sites right now to get me a 250-350 to tackle the tighter trails. The Unicorn is not out there I'm afraid, but what's wrong with having 2 or 3 bikes anyway.....

[@smidge1872]

@@thorstenalstede9117 Yep at least two bikes. Several of my buddies have the 500 and we switch all the time, hard to beat easy throttle wheelies!

[@mikeerdman4831]

If that’s the only place to ride out there I think I would find. Should’ve been reviewing an suv the 2021 Porsche Cayenne

[@SteveHofsaess]

Just purchased a 2018 350 EXC f,, has there been many improvements ?

[@TapioBlue]

Wow awesome footage!

[@RacerRed]

ThanksI I appreciate that

[@allans7281]

Nice camera work! Love the drone. First review I’ve seen where the rider is standing up the whole time- must be uncomfortable to sit down. Typical KTM

[@RacerRed]

Thanks! 👍The ktm has a really hard seat like most bikes these days

[@tylerheinl907]

Great review, thanks. I own one of these and think it's a fantastic bike.

[@RacerRed]

It's definitely a fantastic machine

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

Lucky for us Australians our exc is what Americans call an xcw and its can be road registered 😀 we get the best in all ways.

[@fynn8252]

Is the XCW an unrestricted/uncorked EXC? You are lucky for having a street legal WR450.

[@mxracingunlimitedltd7784]

Or a taller first gear so you can run higher gearing like this bike is. The bike needs a tuner and a few mods and the power is a nice bump up and might help that 1st gear pull power and highway power..

[@jamesmacdonald6603]

Where is that ride located?

[@38vsix]

Just wandering if the bike has a lot of vibration on the highway?

[@RacerRed]

Not that I noticed

[@ForeverUnknowing]

2021 XC-Fis rated at 58HP? Holy crap.... I'm picking up a new-to-me low hours 2021 XC-F tomorrow. Maybe I'll take it to a local dyno shop. Performance-wise it's bone stock.

[@randytolle6706]

Skydio 2 with Beacon?

[@tonyvancauwenberghe3171]

Not enough horsepower… but you can tune it… release all the restrictions end get it to 45 hp or i am wrong?

[@RacerRed]

With enough money… yes

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Yea that's but what turns most people off is no skid plate plus 12k usd price!!

[@RacerRed]

Yeah, KTM is definitely not a price point for everyone. It's hard to justify for most of us.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@RacerRed although I did find a 2023 350 exc-f bran ass new for 9,999 out the door+ my state's tax and title...I deal with that deal

[@drhaxknows6021]

What's the song you used?

[@mxracingunlimitedltd7784]

Someone needs to make a taller replacement 6th gear. Bc with that it would make my bike perfectt for me. My 2017 Yamaha WR250R is better geared for dual sport than my 2020 KTM 350EXC-F. Trails and street..

[@douglasgreaves188]

UK 350exc is 46hp. My 250 hits 80mph no problem.

[@RacerRed]

I don't know how you guys ended up with more powerful bikes considering you can't even modify your vehicles in any way. It seems really strict over there. Unless something changed?

[@JoeRiding-t4g]

Your Dad has nice toys.

[@RacerRed]

Yeah he does! He has always ridden old bikes, so i guess he figured it was time for a couple new ones.

[@michaelfrankis]

Hectic, my wifes one has 54hp and does 100mph no dramas at all, such a shame America chokes them up so much

[@RacerRed]

Thats bizarre. I would think that the US would have LESS restrictions.

[@michaelfrankis]

@@RacerRed I'm in Australia

[@garthlundquist3623]

Just buy the 500 and your gearing/ power/ highway cruising complaints are solved.

[@SmokinZen]

Too bad it’s not a little better on the highway I hate to trailer bikes

[@7eventm325]

35 horsepower? Hahahahah

[@RacerRed]

A little bit low

[@nelsonwalters7972]

69th view

[@RacerRed]

Giggity