2023 350 Dual Sport Comparison -Dirt Bike Magazine

#offroad #dirtbike #sports #explore
The definition of the word “paradise” in the Manchester Comprehensive English Dictionary, 204th Edition sums it up perfectly: “An idyllic place or state of being where the soil is perpetually moist and cutting-edge dirt bikes ride feely without constraint from petty authority.” Look it up. Most people believe this is unattainable, but if paradise can actually exist on earth, it’s almost certainly populated by 350cc dual-sport bikes. The Beta 350RR-S, Husqvarna FE350S and KTM 350EXC-F are heaven’s gift to dirt bike riders. They’re light, reliable, responsive and comfortable. Best of all, they are perfectly legal.
The timing was perfect for our 2023 350 dual-sport comparison. The dirt was wet here in Southern California and we had brand-new versions of all three 350s. We rode them all stock with the exception of tires. We upgraded to Metzeler MC360 tires which are classified as mid-hard terrain but still DOT approved and street legal.
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[@kevinbecktell4118]

Been looking forward to this one. The 3 individual videos were great. But this one is Outstanding. Probably the best comparison video I have watched. Everything, the videography, editing, sound and it’s pretty difficult to beat Ron’s knowledge. He just knows his stuff. These 3 bikes are great. I’d be happy with any one of them. Great job guys.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks so much Kevin really appreciate the positive feedback!

[@mikeob6410]

I rode all of the Betas at the demo day at Washougal a few years ago. I really liked the 350. I just might need one to keep my XTrainer company.

[@ovidijustalutis9726]

Nobady likes 350. Everyone use 250 -450. CUZ every one use those.

[@MotoBennyPNW]

I gotta be totally honest. @dirtbike Magazine, yall are producing the best dirtbike reviews on the market, your approachable, no-nonsense, and unprotentious style means your content is the first place I go for this sorta stuff. I seriously appreciate the down to earth style and overall lack of the sorta.... matcho man hardcore hell yeah vibe, that seems to be so prevelant in the sport. This means I can easily show your content to my wife or other less invested friends and they can absorb the knowledge and feel welcomed into the sport rather than judgemental of the community as a whole. Keep it up!

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! -Travis Fant Video Editor

[@MotoMission.]

Yep.. very good videos. Keep ‘em coming

[@Gen-X.Adventures]

Totally agree! I look for their reviews. Non biased, informative, and I believe correct. Also, + 1 Taco moto when you want some improvements. They really know what they're doing. I haven't used Slavens but I've heard Lots of good things Again, I can trust what DBM says. (No, I don't know them or get paid)

[@alangolightly9850]

Ron rocks

[@dickhead_brian]

You don't have to say, I'm going to be totally honest or ain't going to lie. Unless you're always lying

[@donproper3632]

Finally somebody that can give a good review without acting like an idiot thank you

[@tieoneon1614]

When I was in SoCal, these kind of bikes were king. U just needed a plated dirt bike to get around Komifornia's rules. But being back in the Midwest, I love my KLX250/300's for just putting on miles and miles anywhere. I test rode the Beta 350 in Anza before I moved, Im always shocked how everyone says it was their favorite out of the lineup {mine too} but nobody buys one! All the dual sport guys went for the 390 which wasnt as nimlbe and revvy for trail riding as the 350

[@dg1019]

I'm a dealer and yea the 350 is more fun to ride than the 390.

[@jeffloucks2120]

Can't blame them for buying the 390. That motor is an absolute gem.

[@T30-z5w]

I have a 2014 350 EXC that is quite nice but my KTM 690 is a better long distance dual sport. I just recently got a Beta XTrainer for the very gnarly trails in the mountains. It’s much lighter and a little more compact than my KTM350 which make tight trails easier to navigate. They’re all good in their own way.

[@roycemartin9068]

I just bought a used 2022 Honda crf450rl with 113 miles on it for $7500. $12,200 for the husky fe350 is just mind blowing.

[@Scantcity]

Nice score!

[@dickhead_brian]

The owners of the company are obviously drug addicts

[@paulscountry456]

I bought a new 24 ktm excf for 10,000 with license all taxes and fees delived and tool and oil change kit with Motorex.

[@russelleckert8940]

Gotta say I’ll stick with my old gal 1997 Dr350se low maintenance and air cooled 6speed runs wonderfully

[@matthewschiebout7384]

but it sure isn't as exciting

[@rodjbosch]

23 350exc bought last summer. Betas impossible to find.....otherwise I woulda tried the Beta. My 2nd 350exc. Rode it stock for 3hrs.....decided I wanted more so exhaust,get ecu,desmog,uncorked. Aggressive rider so new springs in as well. Expensive.....oh yes Taco moto is awesome to deal with. But it's literally the best all round bike I've owned for what I need.....an off road focused bike with plate. Power,handling,lightness.....it's just very very good.

[@NONO-hz4vo]

This comparison is only good for a casual rider. If you are serious about riding you have to do just like you did and uncork that motor and fix the way too soft suspension.

[@JoeJ523]

I have a 23 KLX 300 and I have a lot of fun on the trails. I don’t ride it anywhere else.

[@leanit5756]

Excellent DP bike!

[@JoeJ523]

I actually sold the klx 300 for a 23 KTM 125xc and couldint be happier because it has more power!!!!! My on road bike is a 23 Yamaha mt10

[@chazman4461]

I have a 22' FE501S. I love it. Perfect for putting around town and trails. I ended up changing the rear sprocket out, adding slim switches to the handlebars, and true wrap around hand guards. I have the suspension off to lower it now to make it easier for me to handle since I am on the shorter side. The only issue I have is flame outs at low RPM. The sprocket change helped but not completely.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

God I remember when dual sports were affordable and it made sense to buy one

[@toddkurtz1468]

These really aren't dual sports though. A drz 400 is a dual sport. I now have a KTM 350 and it will run circles around the drz.

[@gailtaylor1636]

CRF 300 is a dual sport. Most people whine & moan because it doesn't have the power of a 450 (it's a mildly tuned 300) and the cheap suspension is too soft. It's too soft cause it's cheap. Three things. Pick what you can afford: 1. Good quality/reliable (lasts forever like an XR). 2. Fast with modern suspension & light weight (unlike an XR) 3. Cheap to buy & maintain. Maybe pick one or two of those? 😆😉🙃🙂

[@DJ-yp3ui]

You can still get an older KTM RFS engine bike for $3k and I frequently jump my 450 over 100' in urban settings. It's an '06 and there is no comparison to the DRZ and DR650 I used to own.

[@dickhead_brian]

No Shiit. Outrageous price now. Better to buy a yz450 and make it street legal

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Really solid review Ron, all three are unique and excellent

[@wsl5585]

Great info. Based on your feedback and considering the way I ride I would not notice a difference if I had the chance to ride all three . So, if I was going to buy a 350 dual sport my decision would depend on availability and service after the sale.

[@stephanematis]

I like the vibe and pacing of these videos.

[@paulscountry456]

It's weird with the KTm group,all the 350 motors in the KTM Husky and Gas Gas are similar but can have different compression ratios and vastly different hp output.

[@williamleonardo8478]

Wanted to 390 beta 2022 model ended up with a 23 430 RR very good decision bettas warranty is second to none I had an engine issue at the 15th month they covered at 100% beta's warranty is the best

[@Chromedome053]

I love my Beta 350 Race model. Came with a horn headlight and brake light. Next will be a 300 but I don’t know when, because I love my 350 so much.

[@NONO-hz4vo]

Depending on how fast you like to ride and how insane the terrain is you may want to consider a track bike. I had the 350 and it is indeed an awesome bike then I went to a TE300 and it was also pretty awesome. After riding several others I found the 250sx is just more fun. It has a ton of power quickly but is a lot more agile than the 300 or 350. I can race up black and double blacks which my 350 was not near as good at but not as easily as my 300. However on everything else the 250sx is just a lot easier to ride than the 300. The power hits quick and the suspension is a lot firmer. If I was riding really difficult double blacks all the time I would stick with the 300 but unless you live next to the Iron Giant odds are most of your ride is going to be blues and blacks and the 250 is just faster.

[@MrSilus2000]

Is the gas gas 350 at this level too? Considering that and the beta

[@nigel2447]

Nice job, I am sure it is tough to pick a winner with this line up. I could happily own any one of these bikes.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Agreed!

[@border411]

Just picked up a KTM 350excf same it has been hands down the best bike I have owned. Easy to work on and the positioning of every bolt seems to just make sense. I said a Beta 390 rrs to buy this bike. The Beta had dealers that were few and far between, parts where more expensive, and it was clunky to work on. It looked used and abused with far less miles than my KTM has. Even a dealership couldn't fix the rough idle (ECU reprogramming , new intake body, new fuel injector). I will never buy a Beta again.... But this used KTM has made me a fan boy, and I'm proud of it.

[@billygraham2132]

I don’t like to work on bikes, so I buy Honda 😂

[@NONO-hz4vo]

@@billygraham2132 Yeah those Honda valves were loads of fun to fix. Honda is always trying new things on their "race" bikes and you never know how good it will be from year to year. You get an old XR400 then yeah it is bulletproof. For a new bike though Yamaha is the reliability king. I don't mind working on my bikes and I like to go fast so I have been KTM/Husky for the last few seasons.

[@JoePass222]

Spoken like a true fan boy who just got done watching a video of the Beta eating his little pumpkin for lunch. In todays world parts for any make are a few key strokes on the computer away. A bike is only going to look as abused as the person riding it and taking care of it. Parts for Beta's aren't more expensive than KTM, the aftermarket availability is, however, a little less, which is to be expected but these bikes don't need much as they're ready to ride right off the showroom floor. Does anyone really need 50 different brake levers to choose from. I own two Betas and one KTM and love them all but when I'm going up to the mountains to ride singletrack my Beta 2 stroke and 4 stroke are going with me.

[@jtholmes8626]

beautiful riding. nice spot

[@boomer8393]

I really enjoyed this review, the insight, the information, the videography and the music were excellent.

[@adventurelens9678]

Where in the San Bernardino mountains is this?

[@yasmas70]

I have the CRF300L which I love, but one day when I grow up, it looks like one of these bikes will be in order. @DirtBikeMagazine I'm also from SoCAL, anybody knows the name of these beautiful trails?

[@dirtybirdyproductions]

Where was this testing located ive been all over not looking familiar.

[@gophop]

The weight difference between Husky and KTM isn't all in the linkage. I think there are only about 3lbs in the extra shock length and the linkage setup. The rest of the weight comes from the subframe. While "composite," it's actually heavier than the KTM aluminum one. Braktec brakes suck.

[@romanianmoto]

Whooo excited!

[@williamleonardo8478]

Ron you're losing your mind Husqvarna was the first one to make a real dual sport 4 stroke and 2005 te510 and I got back in the year remember

[@oliworld9986]

Great comparison, great bikes. What do you think about the 2 mappings and the traction control on the Beta? Does any of these electroic help to get on top of that slimy hill?

[@dualsportrider3221]

Got a 23 430rr-s, rain mode is 10hp to 15hp drop for 1st third of throttle, nice at end of day when ur getting tired, trac is not very noticeable to me, but does help. Does not make it climb any diff than reg dirt bike. 430 ripps hard core

[@DeadRoman]

Thats crazy money

[@ken5042]

I like this one even better than the 250........Tough decision!

[@stmboat]

I want to be a SWM dealer. Are they making sales in the US?

[@mountaingoat8788]

I got to say some of the best review videos iv ever seen for any product.. I come from mountain biking side of things looking for the lightest street legal dirt bikes not only did this review cover the 2 I'm looking at but the testing ground is in the same mountains I would be riding. I'm right at the bottom of the mountain.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Really appreciate this a lot! Thanks for the positive feedback. Helps keep our crew going and wanting to produce more

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

@@DirtBikeMagazine Now if only Yamaha would release the 1983 IT490K ring ding again. (285lbs wet) The dealers could not sell them fast enough! $2,249, and would run circles around these 4-strokes! Every winter - $200 overhaul whether you needed it or not! How much is it rebuild one of these 4-strokes? LOL The older I get - the faster I was.

[@ronlawson5819]

Great shoot out

[@Vfx-tecnobladeneverdies]

Balls deep

[@Capoots]

Great break down on all 3 bikes

[@jootai]

No Honda, Swm, Sherco, yamaha?

[@dg1019]

None of them make 350's

[@bmotomo421]

How do you do a dual sport shootout and not include the Suzuki's DRZ 400? I know it's not as technologically advanced as any of these bikes. But, it's definitely in the same conversation. Especially since it will do 90% of what any of the bikes will do with an MSRP of just $6995. A lot of people who have owned both say there are a few things the DRZ actually does better. What's the deal?

[@jeffloucks2120]

Calling these dual sports has always been a stretch.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

The mirrors and plate mount make it cost $3000 more.

[@donaldlemens9673]

I have about a ten mile commute to work and some places on the way back to play, I realize these are dirt bikes but they do have the hardware for the street. Can the maintain 60 mph on the road ok? Or are the to high strung? What's the to speed?

[@toddkurtz1468]

I have a 2022 KTM 350excf. It will easily do 60 on the road but it's starting to rev pretty good. None of these bikes are really desirable for more than just a couple miles of 60 mph road use.

[@T30-z5w]

Not commuter bikes. I have a 2014 KTM 350 EXC-F. If I’m planning any distance dirt rides that include forest service gravel or paved roads I take my KTM690. It has better characteristics of open road use but can still handle moderate trails.

[@bankayhoodlum]

I have a ‘17 Husqy FE350 and was commuting to work with it which included 1/2 hr on the highway at 70 to 80+ mph with no problems AT ALL. I don’t understand folks who say they are too buzzy and high strung? My other bikes have included Ducati Monsters, etc. so it’s not like I have no point of comparison…

[@rodjbosch]

Stock gearing on my 23 350exc. 10 miles isn't far but I still wouldn't buy this bike for commuting. It's meant to be in the dirt.....60mph it's pretty strung out.

[@Grinderscc]

My 2020 Beta 350rrs, 70-75 all day taching between 6-7k not bad

[@markkus1134]

I’d like one but too expensive so I’ll keep my WR just saw a new beta 200 with two sets of wheels brand new 2022 for $7000.00 now that would be a fun bike love the oil injection

[@thecocooreo]

KTM all day everyday!

[@ChrisB-je5om]

Sharp looking bike.

[@haroldbarry8118]

Was it me or did he ever mention horsepower? I want to know the specs do I get the thumbs down

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Where’s the KLX300R?

[@jeffloucks2120]

It's not a dual sport.

[@joshuabray5224]

Are you guys going to test the 500cc bikes?

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Yup! In process now

[@tonyrichengod9280]

It’s a KTM 450/500 for me

[@marcochavane3124]

I want a KTM350EXC so bad. Let me rephrase. I want a KTM500EXC so bad but I know I could never ride it to it's fullest potential so I'd rather wring the neck of a 350 instead.

[@jgs1703]

The 500 would probably be much better for the road. They are pretty tame on trials as well.

[@zepcrazyfre]

I love the KTM 500 and the *’SIXDAYS’* model they are beautiful but I’m sold on the new BETA350 *OMG I WANT TO BUY IT RIGHT NOW* 😍😍😍💯💯💯

[@toddkurtz1468]

I've had both and the 350 is the better dirt bike in my opinion but the 500 is definitely better on the road due to the gearing. I want the better dirt bike.

[@mikeb4708]

The power delivery on the 500 make it more enjoyable to ride for me

[@zepcrazyfre]

@@mikeb4708 the 500 dirt bike or dual sport?

[@Johnfreedom64]

I have a 2016 350 EXCF....this talk about beta having more power is just gearing....mine came with a 45t rear I put a 48t and it woke it up including turning the tps up just a tad

[@walter6990]

It’s not just gearing. The Beta 350 engine is just better than the KTM or Husky right now.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

BETA WINS!

[@paulmorneault3994]

soo.... wont start, choked up, self destructing rear tail sections and crap tires all for less than $15,000!?! sounds fantastic to me!! i think I'll get one and sink another $6,000 just to make it work. PLEASE think of NORMAL NON CALIFORNIANS when testing. Call a spade a spade: they SUCK value wise...

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

So 15k out the door? Might as well be watching a Lamborghini video. Well, I'll keep looking for a street legal xr 400.

[@toddkurtz1468]

You can find deals if you look. Got mine otd for a little over 12k. Still a lot of money but you get what you pay for. Mine is a 2022 KTM 350excf. Best street legal bike I've owned and I've owned a bunch!

[@deborahchesser7375]

I’m with you brother, $5k and I can rebuild the motor on an XR too. $10k plus is just not cookie jar $ for the average guy, good thing I do my own work, I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do it anyway.

[@james123456754]

@@deborahchesser7375 I just rebuilt the top end on my fe350 for $200. Not difficult at all..

[@dREaDneck_Moto]

I compare these to top level Jeeps/Broncos. Those will run you $60-$80k, so really to be on a top level DS for $14k it's pretty good.

[@johnberry2877]

Yep, there target consumers are the boomers ! The ones who make more on their retirement than any two people I know !

[@Grinderscc]

Didn’t cover maintenance interVals.. Beta also wins there hands down! 30hrs between filter and oil changes.

[@TheIdlesurfer]

I use my 2016 FE350 for trails and light adventure. 20 hour oil changes work for me. 30 hours leaves the oil really manky. I've put a 48 on the rear for better road manners and 65 - 70mph cruising speed. Here in UK we have a lot of tarmac between trails. This bike really works for me, bought pre Brexit so a lot less expensive than it is now, a little over £6k which was about US$ 7,000 or €7,000 back then.

[@jeffloucks2120]

@@TheIdlesurfer How many hrs on your fe350s?

[@TheIdlesurfer]

@@jeffloucks2120 about 300. I got much more fussy about oil changes and levels as I found out the hard way and an expensive rebuild that oil is cheaper than spannering. I do an oil change at a maximum of 30 hours but if I'm going on a few days riding, I'll always go with fresh oil.

[@billadmond9450]

These are Enduro bikes and nothing else. When you look to buy one of these sophisticated bikes look first at the very high price, the size of their small gas tanks and most important their expensive maintenance!

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

Their biggest downfall - they all hold laughable small amounts of engine oil. If you don't change oil after EVERY ride - you are looking at a $1,500+ engine rebuild every winter. My old 1983 Yamaha IT490K Enduro ring ding was a way better Enduro bike than these 4-strokes - by any criteria. If Yamaha released them again today, dealers could not keep them is stock!

[@billadmond9450]

@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp Most of these videos you find on KZbin are either sponsored or have a conflict of interests. The title here is laughable because these are Enduro bikes even so their manufacturers label them as dual sport. The Honda CRF300 "Rally" could be a good one because it has a 12.8L gas tank but it's still small so you need to spend more money on a bigger tank. By the way, in my opinion a dual sport bike should have a ~500cc engine because 300cc is too small and a long service scheduling. And I agree that bikes in the 80s were much better and durable but manufacturers need to sell in big quantities so every year they present a new model which is worse than the previous one. I'm waiting for the Chinese offensive with their comparable technology and more competitive prices, in particular the Kove 450, it'll be available in the US around May 2023.

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

@@billadmond9450 Can't disagree with anything you typed my man! BTW, I for years rode a 1984 Honda XR250. The white frame one. Kept up with all my mates on their YZ490's on the trails. But those Yamaha IT ring dings were the best Enduro bike ever made. $200 engine overhauls - whether you needed one or not! LOL Take care.

[@Grinderscc]

@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp Beta calls for 30hr intervals oil/fltr. If you do 30hr rides I’d be impressed.

[@chazman4461]

@@Grinderscc I was going to say the same thing.

[@RadioReprised]

KTM...14lbs lighter and a million upgrades available. A proven track record.

[@joshowens2219]

Emissions system that chokes up the engine and flames out at slow speeds.

[@alangolightly9850]

Sherco SEF300

[@wesmattimore2895]

2 ktms, 1 beta.. nice bikes, but come on, around 12k out the door..ill get a used one..

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

That did not look like any fun whatsoever , lol . Those weigh about half of my Tenere 700 with gear loaded . Would love to ride any of those bikes , just need to take a good offroad riding course and learn new skills .

[@MikesGarageReviews]

I love the look of these bikes but they’re to damn tall

[@stefanhansen5882]

Hi there :) I am new to going off the pavement and have been watching your channel to get a bit wiser. I want to do the trip in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHaxepKEbKabgpI - Any recommendations for some good bikes for this? I'm thinking that it would be something different from the three bikes in this video. Thanks a million!

[@Texas3Percenter]

I just can't ride a bike with the word beta on it.

[@Scantcity]

lol

[@fcalin21]

Beta rule them all.

[@ChrysostomosKaniouras]

So beautiful so desirable ...... So fking expensive

[@jukkakosk1647]

Those are not dual sports. If you have to change oil every 10h it is a race bike

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

So they aren't street legal and have been certified for offroad/onroad use?

[@Matthew-zw9su]

That is the interval if racing.

[@start3215]

*Russia, Krasnoyarsk city* population: 1,187,771 (agglomeration 1,412,000), located in the Siberian Taiga in the Foothills of the Sayan Mountains. Krasnoyarsk region Taiga Area > 1,500,000 sq km: Schoolchildren motocross (Siberian Mountain Mixed Taiga - most beautiful forest in the World: Common pine 32%, Siberian fir 30%, Aspen 15%, Siberian larch 9%, Siberian spruce 7%, Birch 5%, Siberian cedar pine (Siberian cedar) 2%) qPEBY5lqZ9M *Mountain Motorcycle Club* -j9Kqh4EDXE Clip, time 1: 50 EydKzf8H4qc

[@SmokinZen]

Nice but I would like a little better road capability

[@captainamerica9353]

That's why they all make 500's. Or you could get a CFR450RL.

[@TheIdlesurfer]

My FE350 has been modified with a Nomad Adventure tower (my bike was their test mule) 18 l tank and 48T on the rear. Holds about 65mph comfortably, it will squirt up to 80mph for an overtake but the engine protests at holding 70mph on current gearing. Seat Concepts seat and I have a really good TET bike. 3 day oil changes are a pain but take about 15 minutes. Stock, the bike is not for significant tarmac miles.

[@6226superhurricane]

not a single one of those bikes is a dual sport bike. they're enduro bikes.

[@kirkwilliams4942]

Again, just buy a 500. Geeez

[@kirkwilliams4942]

Why do they even make smaller displacements? 500 is all you EVER need. It's the same bike, just more power.

[@steliosapergis]

No real. The smaller bike is more fun. More quick in turns more easy in xtreme hard enduro

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

all too expensive!

[@LifeWideOpen780]

🇮🇹

[@tg8150]

Missing from video- loading these bikes up to take to the dealer for maintenance or reliability issues. KTM’s (and whatever other bikes they now own with a different name) are overpriced pieces of crap.

[@jdirt1982]

I hope I can master my beta ......

[@user-ec8cz7ws8n]

so you compare 3 KTMs, 3 bikes from 1 company, clever!

[@matt23727]

Betas are not ktms you dill weed

[@richardsimpson3792]

Beta is an independent Italian company...at one time Beta used KTM 4-stroke engines, but the engines are in in-house product now. Better value than the KThavana for sure

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

That was depressing