KTM 350 Kailub Russell Factory Edition Review: Best Overall 4-Stroke Dirt Bike!

2021 KTM 350XCF Kailub Russell Edition my Gold Standard for 4-stroke off road bikes. Austrian 350's have been my favorite overall combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke off road bike and this Kailub Russell build is my favorite 350 to date. This bike has the usual Factory Edition special KTM Hard Parts (wheels, brake rotors, fuel tank, rear sprocket, seat, muffler, graphics) along with a full Akrapovic exhaust, WP Pro Components suspension, and the myKTM connectivity unit for engine mapping. This bike works so well with great power, quick handling, compliant/plush suspension, and lightweight. Still my Gold Standard when it comes to 4-stroke dirt bikes!

[@jameswampler3135]

Love that edition of the 350!

[@mxengineer1]

Such a great bike!

[@railduke68]

My favorite 4 stroke as well. I kept my 22 Factory Edition 350 and sold my 23 350.

[@mxengineer1]

Wow! Tell me more why you preferred the '22 350 Factory Edition over the '23 KTM 350....

[@richardhammond2633]

Ktm really nailed it with the 350 platform. 250f agility and handling characteristics but with enough torque and top end to run with the 450s. You should keep that bike for years and compare it to new models every year. Im picking it will hold its own for a longtime yet. Hats off to Ktm for the 350s and continued 2 stroke development.

[@mxengineer1]

Yes I am happy the Austrian brands have continued to develop the 350! Every time I think about selling the 21 KR350 I take it for a ride and come back to my senses! I am considering picking up a '23 Husky FX350 Heritage Edition and seeing if I can dial it for me and see how close I can get it to the well set up KR350....what do you think?

[@richardhammond2633]

I think you should try the FX 350. You really gel with the TX 300... what a great comparison that would be!

[@mxengineer1]

@@richardhammond2633 Thanks - yea I was not expecting such a difference in feel of the bike with simple plastic and seat changes on the Husky TX300 vs the KTM 300XC....plus I like the vintage 1983 Husky styling of the Heritage models!

[@brutus6328]

@@mxengineer1 Is the Husky Heritage line on the lower chassis (-10mm I believe) like all the other Huskies? If so, do you feel much difference? Being 5'7" I always wondered how much lower it really feels. I'm having to drop my SX-F about an inch with the rear shock spacer by Zeta (already have a Guts Racing lowered seat foam) and raising the forks a touch in the triple clamps. At this point, I could give two sh*ts about ruining geometry and such, I'm tired of falling for no reason! LOLOLOLOL (I laugh, but it's true). You tall people have no clue how much it sucks to not be able to touch the ground! LOL I looked hard at the Husky for the reason alone but in the end went with the KTM. Don't understand how Ricky Carmichael did it at 5'6" and James Stewart at 5'7".

[@mxengineer1]

@@brutus6328 Yes the lowered Husky models are noticeable - sitting statically in the showroom and in motion on the track - mostly at corner entrance (especially when standing). Only the Husky motocross models come with the lowered suspension (FC/TC models). The TX/FX off road models have normal height suspension. Even at 6'2" height I prefer lowered bikes - easier to ride, especially in technical off road riding.

[@Dashriprock4]

Wonder how a Sherco SEF300 would stack up against it in the woods. Beta 350 too. I think you need to do a 350 shoot out soon!!!

[@mxengineer1]

I've ridden the Sherco 300 SEF Factory - great bike! The engine is very smooth - less power than a full on 250F moto bike but more torque feel and better running at low engine RPM.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gabNiZmMmqpmp5Y Beta 350's are heavier feeling compared to the Sherco 300SEF and the KTM 350XCF but super smooth power with almost 300 2-stroke like stall proof running at low RPM

[@jetdr]

I just bought a 2023 350 xc-f, absolutely love it. easiest bike to ride I have ever had. one question, in stock form, which map is the hardest hitting? feels like the white map has more bottom end.

[@mxengineer1]

Congratulations on your new 350! The white map is the "stock" map - supposed to be a great overall combination of power and throttle response. The green map is the aggressive map - quicker throttle response and engine RPM build. It is not a night and day difference between the maps but most riders can notice a difference in engine character. Seems like you enjoy the while map better👍

[@jetdr]

@@mxengineer1 I like everything about the bike, smooth power and lots of it. such an easy bike to ride compared to my old 2 stroke. I was going to grab a yz450fx, just didn't really think I needed that kind of power. I like tight woods, this bike has plenty and turns great.

[@mxengineer1]

@@jetdr Great to hear the 23 30XCF is working so well. There are some riders that think the all new frame is a bit rigid and combined with the AER forks gives the bike a less compliant feel on the trails - how does your new 350XCF feel chassis and suspension wise? Also is the engine smooth at low RPM? Any flameouts?

[@jetdr]

@@mxengineer1 Feels great on the trails, very compliant. only had 1 flameout and that was my fault, I didn't get on the clutch fast enough. Any people complaining about this bike just need learn how to ride a 2 stroke for a few years, this bike is a couch in comparison, run good fuel and don't baby it.

[@mxengineer1]

@@jetdr Thanks for the feedback! The 350's are such a great combination of Power/Weight/Handling!