2025 Husqvarna FC350 vs 2025 KTM 350XCF Back to Back at Briarcliff MX

2025 Husqvarna FC350 vs 2025 KTM350XCF back to back at Briarcliff MX. Two of my current favorite 4-stroke dirt bikes. Can I feel the lower suspension on the FC350? Does the AER forks on the FC350 compare to the WP spring forks on the 350XCF? Let's ride them and find out!
2025 KTM 350XCF
350's have long been my favorite overall combination of Power/Weight/Handling and this updated chassis and the latest 350 engine continues the tradition. This is the best stock 350 engine I've ridden to date. I've ridden a '23 350SXF many times but this 25 350XCF engine seems to run a bit smoother at the initial turn of the throttle and feels crisper and a little stronger in the mid range and continues to pull from mid to top. One of the best overall 4-stroke dirt bike engines available today. The latest XCF suspension setting feels very good. Plush enough for off road and enough hold up to work well for slow Vet moto. A few more rides on the stock suspension then I will discuss with Brad at RideWorx and decide if I want to change the settings. Brad has an excellent rear shock setting for the new KTM/Husky/Gas Gas chassis.
I've been on the fence about getting a new Austrian 350. When the 25 350XCF showed up it last week it knocked me off the fence!
Here is my first ride impression on the 25 KTM 350XCF....
• 2025 KTM 350XCF First ...

[@gregpaszt4671]

Love Briarcliff miss riding there

[@mxengineer1]

Such a cool place! My son and I really enjoy riding at the Cliff!

[@johnkling3537]

Back to Back 🚀 MX all day, every day 🎯

[@wookiedrew]

I was in one of the videos ypu did at kicking roost. I'll have to keep an eye out for you next track day. And pick your brain about the bike.

[@mxengineer1]

KickIn Roost is a fun track! Hope to see you soon at any of the Ohio tracks - feel free to stop by and say hello!

[@rickriede2166]

@mxengineer1.Think you can get your hands on a Beta 350 RE for a comparison? Yes I know the KTM will make more power. That being said, we all know that there is more to it than that.Thx

[@mxengineer1]

I've ridden the Beta 350RR and 350RE. They are both very good bikes. A little heavier statically and in motion compared to the KTM 350XCF. The Beta 4-strokes have excellent low engine RPM rideability and build power smoothly. The 350RE KYB suspension setting is woods focused and very plush. The KTM 350XCF is lighter and feels lighter in motion and builds engine RPM a little more quickly. However the KTM 350XCF engine is easier to stall at low RPM so need to keep a finger on the clutch at slow speeds. I hope to get a ride on a 24 Beta 350RE or 390RE models soon! For now here is my '23 Beta 390 review from last summer... kzbin.info/www/bejne/omm5h4mJd9eqhs0

[@mikehudg2209]

My the husky sure is a good looking bike - as we spoke on another video I've been leaning towards a gasgas 350 mainly due to it being a little more simple with mapping etc - your videos are very informative and glad I found your channel- so my question at vet b level mx will the really be a difference between the 3 Australian bikes ? Generally speaking they obviously are very similar, I guess the last 5 to 6 years i have been racing ktm's and betas

[@mxengineer1]

@@mikehudg2209 I think all the Austrian models have similar overall characteristics with some unique features on each model. The Gas Gas models typically have Maxxis tires that are a step down in performance. The off road GG models come with BrakTec brakes which require a little more effort at the lever to get the same stopping power as the Brembo (GG claims to have improved the 24 versions but I don't feel the difference). I like the red frames on the GG models! Husky has the lowered suspension on the moto models. KTM shrouds are pointy and go far forward with a wide front fender - kinda gives the bike a somewhat wide/bigger feel from the seat. I don't think there is a wrong choice! There are big rebates now on all the Austrian bikes so the deals are out there and that might make your decision easier!

[@davidgrunklee8407]

That settles it...I'm ditching my 33 front for a 34

[@mxengineer1]

I think the MX34 works better overall than the MX33....have not been on a MX3S for a while now - that used to be my favorite

[@davidgrunklee8407]

@mxengineer1 yea the 33 does not seem very consistent to me.

[@htv22fi]

Just test both. Husky is definitely better

[@habibi750]

Sounds like you like the husky better 😂

[@mxengineer1]

I like the lower suspension and smaller radiator shrouds and front fender on the Husky!

[@habibi750]

@@mxengineer1 Great video and look forward too more content on your new 350. I’m getting mine in a few weeks! Can’t wait

[@mxengineer1]

@@habibi750 Congratulations on your new ride! Which 350 are you getting in a few weeks?

[@habibi750]

@@mxengineer1 Thank you! I’m getting the same bike as your buddy Dave, 25’ FC350. Good times ahead