2023 KTM 350 XC-F | Hare Scramble Racing! | VCHSS Rd10of22'

Braap Dalton: / braapdalton
Woodsy: / @woodywoodsy
I race this 1-day old 2023 KTM 350 XC-F in a VCHSS hare scramble in the mountains of Virginia. I'm in C-class and used to race a 2022 KTM 300 XC-W, but found it a bit too plush for hare scrambles, so I made the switch to a four stroke and I feel right at home. The 300 XC-W is great, but it was designed for hard enduro, not really hare scrambles. I love both bikes and I love both 2 and 4 stroke bikes, but just prefer the XC-F for this type of a race. It's got the stock skid plate on it and I put on some wrap around hand guards. Beyond that, and the break-in oil change, it's completely stock. I'll add on some rotor guards and install Neutech's Tubliss system before the next race. Thanks for watching!

[@Kolsch221]

After the first lap. Bam let’s go!!

[@Roree403]

Love your humour, “but don’t worry Brian, I record you right up to the first corner” lol Another great video

[@jcsquared1111]

I jumped back on a dirt bike at 45 after 28 years!! Terrible but love my 2021 beta 250rr. Old dog trying to learn new tricks lol. Great vid.

[@flemingg11]

I listened on the headphones while getting breakfast ready and eating. Thanks

[@alfonsocarnucci3982]

Keep 'em coming!

[@Jordancapz]

It’s always GREATLY appreciated when the line ahead of you let’s you pass to catch the class leaders

[@ThomperBeThompin]

For sure - I always try to do that quickly, BUT safely as well. Cheers brother

[@Travis_125]

I noticed the fast guys were mostly riding two strokes. Great ride and love the sound of that four stroke.

[@eastman922]

Nice video! Good racing!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks, mate!

[@Woodywoodsy]

Awesome video Cody! Great racing man! thanks for the shoutout 🤙

[@ThomperBeThompin]

You bet! You had a great race too.

[@lousplumbing2042]

Also for one year your doing excellent keep up the good work.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I appreciate that!

[@jhammock13]

We're gonna be matching at Pipisco! Hope you love your '23 350 as much as I do. I did find that upping your idle helps with flameouts tremendously, at least in the 2 hours I've ridden it thusfar. But congratulations on your new bike dude!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That's sick, man! Should be a great race. Congrats on the bike

[@joeb10p69]

I was about to tell you to turn up the idke till I saw this comment I just switched to a 23 250 xcf and was having some issues with stalling. I turned the idle screw 1/2 turn to increase the idle speed and it helped a ton.

[@bikesbeersbeats]

Pull your clutch in when going down hills, you'll find the engine breaking of a 4 stroke slows you down a lot more when compared to a 2-stroke.

[@DirtObseXXion]

Dude! By a bike and race it the next day!?! Sick! You got me motivated brother, I love it!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Ditto, All your videos proclaiming the Grizzly to be the all-around best trail machine pushed me over the edge and got me to upgrade from my 450 Kodiak. And sure enough, you were exactly right! I've got an addiction with these things. Two wheels, four wheels, doesn't matter to me as long as they have knobbies!

[@DirtObseXXion]

@@ThomperBeThompin I'm glad you're happy with it! Yeah, I have that affliction too.. Gonna add something new to the garage soon you got me thinking i need a more dirt oriented bike!

[@lardenduro2165]

That's me Tim Richards at 14:30. I bought the Mako360 from you. Nice video and bike. And you're right about the suspension. I'm on a 250xcw and it's not the best.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Right on, Tim! How are you liking them?

[@lardenduro2165]

I def noticed it helps with impact on hands and wrist and fatigue. Less signal to the brain to be cautious because it slightly smooths things out and I'm more comfortable going a little faster is certain areas.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@lardenduro2165 That's good to hear. I may look into getting another set down the road.

[@lousplumbing2042]

Nice job. I ended up doing the opposite. I have a FE350S that has the lower first gear. Then I recently purchased a TX 300 TPI with the equally spaced 6 gears. I do some light enduro and both are good at it. The stock fe suspension was very soft . The Tx has the air forks that are spectacular. I run low gearing on both bikes 13/52 on Fe and 12/50 on TX. To be honest I love both bikes but the 300 has been edging out as my do all bike. Jumping , enduro, flowy trails, tight trails, gnarly stuff. That’s a beast of a bike you got. Congrats.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Right on man. I really wish I could keep both - they're so good at what they're designed for. But alas, can only keep one. Cheers, man, thanks for watching.

[@speedtoad6167]

Riding the day before a race helps getting flow right away along with pedal biking or jumping jacks right before the race. The more experience you have the easier it is to get started right away. Ive never had arm pump.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks for the tips!

[@speedtoad6167]

You keep asking questions. I started using HydroPower, a local racer started company, this year the morning before the race and now often don't drink until the 1.5 or 2 hr mark.

[@speedtoad6167]

Bryan Dalton? Ya funny 😂🤣. That's number 5 Ryan Dungey and you're in the same row! 👏

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Got to see Dungey race at Budd's Creek this year. Love that #5!

[@natebird23]

I believe you can adjust that diaphragm clutch and that’ll help with the stalling/flameouts. Check the owners manual

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks for the tip. I'll look into that if the flameouts get worse. For now, I think I am still just getting used to the 4-strokes, coming off a 300 2-stroke! Those things lug so low without stalling. Luckily, flameout is becoming less of an issue with every ride.

[@nathanbird1252]

@@ThomperBeThompin I hear ya. I've been riding for 20yrs. 2t and 4T. I went from a 250 4T I rode for 6yrs to a '18 GG 300. Love the power and it doesn't stall. I bought it bc I couldn't afford a new 4T at the time. I am looking into a 350 possibly next summer or Fall though. Kind of stopped riding bc of work schedule this year and got more into mountain biking just for the convenience. Wish I was over near WV you said you love? Sweet trails from videos. Im from northeast Pennsylvania. As people know tough like RORR area. Been riding those trails since 2002!

[@elihamou6902]

Nice video. A buddy sent me a link to this video as I usually search VCHSS and this didn't come up. You will get more hits if you space out the title.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks for the info!

[@Johnr37us]

I usually just take my time on the first lap so I kinda know what I’ve got in front of me the rest of the race . Now sometimes I get forearm pump sometimes I don’t but it goes away within the first 20 minutes .I don’t get in a big hurry at the start and If somebody is behind me pushing me I just let them go by because I’ve got an hour are more to catch them if I’m faster . As far as water goes I take a zip ties and I’ve got it running through my helmet so the spout is always in my mouth and I sip on it throughout the ride. by sipping on it it absorbs into your body and does it go straight to your kidneys which resulted full bladder. I have now given you all my secrets for winning ways so now go out and win with them.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you! I think I might look into the helmet mounted water spout

[@Johnr37us]

@@ThomperBeThompin I just made My own . I don’t have no way to show you how but it’s super simple . I used to have a helmet system but iit is quite expensive for what they are .

[@ModularMuscle]

How do you like the reflex handguards vs cycra? I also seemed to do the opposite of you. Had a 350 EXCF and hated the stalling in super tight woods trails, and didn’t care for how much I got pitched around (soft suspension sucks with snatchy throttle and strong engine braking) Ordered a 23 300 XC and I’m hoping it’ll be the best of all worlds :) aiming for my first race next fall season.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

They are both pretty high quality, but if I could only have one set, it would be the Cycras, no doubt. Again, both are good and the reflexs look way better, but the cycras are very strong and don't really move a milimeter.

[@jamescox4823]

our Yamaha FX's dont have the starter issue

[@moonzy11]

Im on a 22' 300xc which I love but always wanted a 350xcf....looking for a bike that can do light MX w my son but woods too. This might be the bike for that. Thanks for the vid. Great commentary

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you! Those 300 XCs are awesome bikes indeed. Lot of really fast guys ride them at my local hare scrambles

[@worldwide1873]

300xc not good for light mx?

[@moonzy11]

@@worldwide1873 It def is...its just that the 350 4 stroke was a little easier to manage at the time on an mx track. Can totally rock a 300 though...im on a 24' 300xc now w the spring forks and TBI i may actually prefer now on MX

[@worldwide1873]

@@moonzy11 nice! Good to know! I hear the tbi power is linear like a 4t. Does it feel as stable at high speeds? If so I guess it’s best of all worlds!

[@jackrussell9744]

At 43-45 minutes you should get low on glycogen. If you have a hydration system carrying something like gatorade you will be adding carbs so that will increase the glycogen level. At the point where you get low, your body will start to make the change into fat burning mode. I suffer at that point and have to force myself to keep up. Sometimes it is worse than others. After you start burning fat you will get your ‘second wind’ and should feel good. Fat contains more energy than glycogen. And most people have plenty to spare. I like the bike, man. Looks like a fun track.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I used to run endurance trail races here on the east coast and I know exactly what you're talking about! I totally agree. You catch a second wind at about the 45 minute mark

[@petskll]

I wanna see you on the CRF125 racing with greater confidence 😅

[@TheWhiteOakHomestead]

Yes, I was trying to tell him the same thing! Just one race to see how he does

[@ThomperBeThompin]

If there's another Ironman charity race like there was last year, I might do that, legit!

[@petskll]

@@ThomperBeThompin That would be cool! 😃

[@Tsxtasy1]

I love what you’re doing. It feels like you lost at least 3 minutes on flame outs. You’re doing awesome for only a year in

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you. Definitely cleaned up and reduced my stalls quite a bit since then. It's been a fun journey!

[@Harley-Davidson1]

where can i find these races online ahead of time

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Right here: www.vchss.org/schedule

[@assaftennenbaum6751]

which hand guards are you using?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

These are the Reflex guards

[@randytidwell5836]

how's the weight compared to the 300.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I forget the exact specs, but within about 5 lbs of each other. I think the 350 is actually lighter. Both feel very nimble, but in my opinion, the 350 "feels" lighter.

[@joseds90]

You need to do a good pshysical warm up of at least 20 minutes before each race and you will feel better from the start

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I think I might try this next race, even if I look weird!

[@AOG_G]

Yo I was there to

[@novendra_]

can the quickshifter on the 350 xcf be active like on the sxf bike?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I do not believe the quick shifter works on the XCF models. I have not tried it yet either. Everything I see says it only works on the Motocross bikes

[@novendra_]

@@ThomperBeThompin okay bro, thanks for your information.but I just read a comment on a youtube channel that said it worked on 450 xcf. although husq fx 350 and 450 also work in my opinion.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@novendra_ I think the 450 XCF quick shift works because that bike shares the same exact transmission as the 450SXF. They are both five speeds. Whereas the 250 and 350 xcfs have six speed transmissions and the quick shift is not built in, only on the five-speed Motocross versions

[@novendra_]

@@ThomperBeThompin is it because of the 6 speed so it doesn't work. even though street motorbikes in general also keep the quickshfter system functioning

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@novendra_ I think it is something as simple as they never engineered these six speeds to have quick shift. If I remember correctly it is a simple sensor down near the shifter that allows for quick shift to happen. Sounds like these six speeds just never incorporated that technology, or they have yet to make it work for them. Beyond that I would have to go talk to KTM or something.

[@OtisFlint]

Sounds like your biggest issues with the 300 XC-W weren't related to the 300, but the W part.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yeah basically. I essentially mentioned that exact thing somewhere in the video but I'll tell you, I'm loving the four stroke power delivery. Really wish I could keep both of these.

[@AOG_G]

I raced minis

[@roughready7491]

Looking fast! Let me know if you're gonna sell that 300 ....my 2010 is getting a bit long in the tooth. You won't see me at anymore VCHSS races this year. Missed this race cause I'm out in CO riding single track. And with my wife due pretty soon it's time to learn how to be a dad! Congrats and keep ripping!!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks, Zach and congrats to you both on becoming new parents here soon! You've got to be stoked. And yes, that 300 will be for sale here ASAP - just need to clean it up and put the stock plastics back on! Shout at me if you're legit interested. Have fun in Colorado, what an epic trip that must be. Looking forward to some video if you can get it.

[@bg8283]

Why the change to a four stroke?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Been wondering about it for a while. The pro national enduro guys mostly ride 4 strokes. Then I rode my brother's 250 FX and that just sort of sealed the deal. I really like them for this style of hare scramble racing. I still love two strokes and would probably be totally happy on one, but I just wanted to try out the 350. I'm going to make a video soon going into detail and explaining my journey buying the two-stroke originally then making this purchase now.

[@bg8283]

@@ThomperBeThompin awesome. I’ve been looking as well. 300xc and the 250 series 4 strokes.

[@brandonriddle6344]

Sounds like your in to high of a gear almost

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I could have been. This was my first race with this 350 and I had just been racing a 300 XC-W, so I was used to riding a gear high on that.

[@tripchief8345]

need to get a pad on them bars before you bust your chin or break your chest.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I know! I took the stock pad off to mount these handguards. Given their unique design, I couldn't mount the pad back on. I'm going to look for a pad that fits, if not, I'll probably switch handguards - I'm trying to hang onto my stock set of teeth for as long as I can!

[@tripchief8345]

@@ThomperBeThompin might have to trim it a little bit great footage tho love listening to your commentary!

[@tieoneon1614]

...and all the KTM D-Riders rejoiced, cuz they too will and want to trade in their 2 year old bike for a '23 just to fit in. Only to scoff at the kid beating them on a medieval YZ125. Drat.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Don't be jelly

[@chrisbigsoldier2180]

I'm offended 😒