2025 KTM 350XCF First Ride!

350's are such a great combination of Power/Weight/Handling and this latest 350 engine in the updated 2025 KTM chassis with new WP spring forks does not disappoint! The 350 engine has strong low to mid power and still pulls forever on top and both of the stock EFI maps run clean and crisp. The updated WP spring forks are impressive! The rear of the bike has more comfort too with the updated frame along with linkage and shock changes. This could be the first Austrian bike I ride with the stock suspension. Looking forward to more rides soon in the woods and on the local moto tracks. Also plenty of back to back rides with my '21 KTM 350 Kailub Russell Edition and 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition.

[@richardhammond2633]

They keep improving the mapping every year or so. Seems to run super clean and crisp. The lower furst gear will be welcomed for woods riders. I think the 350 now has the same internal ratios as the 250xcf. Best alrounder. Thanks for the reviews.

[@mxengineer1]

350's are such a great combination of Power/Weight/Handling!

[@RC.56]

your vids are the best. Nice new look that 25.. still haven't rode my 24 350, in the process of installing new set of plastics as I know I'll need them..

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks! Austrian 350's are my favorite combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike! Get out there and ride your 350 and let us know your thoughts!

[@davidshipalesky1829]

congrats on the new bike, looks trick brother!

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks! I like the more orange and black color combo on the 25 KTM models

[@MXJEFF94]

Bad Ass! Congrats on that 25! I have a '24 KTM 350 XCF with cone valve/ trax and a rekluse radius CX 4.0 and its amazing....but I'm looking at that '25 300 XC......All my parts can transfer over.

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks! Sounds like your 24 350XCF is totally dialed! I've not had a Rekluse in a while - a radius CX 4.0 sounds like it would make the 350XCF stall proof and easier to ride in the woods - big improvement? I am also looking at a new 25 300XC😎

[@MXJEFF94]

@@mxengineer1 I'm suprised you don't play with the KTM connectivity unit with the LIT pro for as much as you do your loops. I have a GP loop here in AZ and I use it exclusively for timing and training. It's invaluable and tells you what sections you can make up time on. All you have to do is set the loop lap and it will record it autmotically for you and you can see if you are getting faster.

[@mxengineer1]

@@MXJEFF94 Yes LIT Pro is a super cool feature! After killing the battery in my new 450 Factory Edition a few times I turned auto data logging off which seems to have fixed the issue. Maybe I should step up my back to back game and use LIT Pro to confirm the details of the lap!

[@briang2034]

AWESOME BIKE! ENJOY! RIDE HARD!

[@mxengineer1]

350's are such a great combination of Power/Weight/Handling!

[@brandonvaccaro2960]

Them doing cut outs a year after a brand new chassis, tells me they didn’t spend enough time on R and D on it the first time

[@christopherevans4978]

I have a 23 350xcf and it feels great for me maybe a little stiff but still good overall feel

[@mxengineer1]

I like that KTM does continuous updates on their bikes. This frame came out on the 22.5 Factory Edition models then applied to the 23/24 model year bikes so an update mid life cycle is not surprising. Honda introduced the all new 21 CRF450R and two years later made updates to the frame and engine on the 23 CRF450R.

[@FedeRPM]

It will be great a comparison between this one vs a Beta 390 race edition!

[@mxengineer1]

Yes that would be a cool back to back! I've ridden the 23 390 Race Edition and it is a different character kind of bike. Little slower engine RPM build and very smooth power. The KYB suspension has a more woods/off road setting that is very absorbing on the little chop but a bit too soft for moto (even slow Vet moto speed). The Beta is heavier by specification and that extra weight is noticeable in motion. The KTM 350XCF has a more race bike feel with quicker engine RPM build and a firmer suspension setting. Both are great "between" bikes...way more low to mid power than a 250F and not has beastly as a 450F.

[@platin2148]

Question for the VIN what number do you have directly after the M in the VIN? (I only need the single next digit) Just asking.. As there was a bit of mistake with the 350s sadly.

[@mxengineer1]

I sent you the VIN in an email.

[@tylermcguyrt5207]

Does it want to stall like a 450 when you get into tight single track and can’t go full speed?

[@mxengineer1]

The 350SXF/XCF make 54hp at the rear wheel (according to MXA) and rev to 13,000 rpm so the engine is not so happy at super low RPM's on the trail. However if I cover the clutch my 25 350XCF has better stall resistance at low RPM than my 21 KTM 350XCF Kailub Russell edition. Here is a low speed ride on my 25 350XCF.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWKnZaKcrJh9ba8

[@stevesmith756]

Please KTM give us Moto guys the spring forks in the SXF model. Soooo much better

[@mxengineer1]

100% agree!!!

[@coffmansdepth7927]

I went in a fews weeks ago to buy a 2024 350 xcf but the deals on the 2024 450 sxf was too good to pass up.

[@mxengineer1]

Yes there are some really good rebates/deals on '24 Austrian bikes now. Congratulations on your new 450SXF! You should get a Connectivity Unit Offroad for your bike - minimize engine braking as it really frees up the bike and it feels lighter in motion too. has 60hp every been so easy to ride!!?? Enjoy your new KTM!

[@coffmansdepth7927]

Received my CUO today and installed. What setting are you using for engine braking? 1 or 2?

[@mxengineer1]

@@coffmansdepth7927 I go minimum engine braking (set to #1).

[@SteveHofsaess]

do you prefer the spring forks compared to the 23 air forks ?

[@mxengineer1]

I like the lightweight and adjustability of air forks. However I still prefer the overall feel of spring forks so most of my Austrian bikes that come stock with AER forks end up with a WP spring fork. These latest WP spring forks are very good as are the latest WP AER forks

[@SteveHofsaess]

@@mxengineer1 thank you,, I have a 2019 excf and a 2023 xcf,, intermediate / beginner rider, everyone tell me the xcf is very harsh and flames out often and the bike is for wide open desert riding and I should sell it, but you last video shows that I can tame the beast, any feedback

[@mxengineer1]

@@SteveHofsaess You can get the new Connectivity Unit Offroad for your '23 350XCF. Also take your bike to the dealer and hook it up to the XC2 tool and see if there is a map update available (there should be). The '24 model year KTM/Husky 350's came with an updated EFI map that runs better and may help reduce your stalling issue. For harshness use the MyKTM app and the '23 350XCF to the garage section. Use the chassis section for your bike and check the suspension clicker recommendations for Enduro/Classic. You might be surprised to find how open the clicker recommendations are and also lower fork pressure. Can really improve the plushness of your bike. Give it a try!

[@jackieonassis7438]

mxengineer1 thank you for your videos!! Do you have any experience on the 2024 350xcf? Do you think the chassis changes for 2025 are significant/make a difference?

[@mxengineer1]

I've ridden a few 23/24 350's (SXF and FC) models back to back with my 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition (new chassis) and '25 350XCF and perceptive riders will notice better lean angle traction and little more comfort (mostly from the rear) on bump impact and hard pack choppy conditions on the updated 2025 chassis. For me the chassis changes are noticeable and make a difference and are worth the extra money. Less picky riders may not notice any difference between the 24/25 models. There are some decent rebates and deals out there on 24 model Austrian bikes so perhaps take the savings and have the suspension dialed to your liking and buy the 2025 engine mounts and be close to the 25 model?

[@jackieonassis7438]

@@mxengineer1 I am a very picky rider, and I am on bike number 50ish now. Not that I have had a lot of bikes, just been riding for 30 years. That is a great suggestion regarding the engine mounts. The rebates on 2024's have caught my eye. My son's 2023 handles infinitely better than my 2019. If I do not pull the trigger on a '24 with rebates, I will pick up a '25 in fall of '25. After thinking about it, sounds like the improvement of the '24 will be huge over my 2019.

[@mxengineer1]

@@jackieonassis7438 Fun to dial a bike in to your liking and when the price is right that makes the effort worthwhile. Being an engineer I am attracted to the latest design or "improved" design though newer is not always better and often times just different!

[@jackieonassis7438]

@@mxengineer1 I sprung for the 2024 KTM 350xcf. First new bike that I have ever purchased. I got an unbelieveable deal but... I regret it. I can't believe how many things need to be fixed on the new bike. The unbranded wheels are garbage (where are my Excel wheels?), it stalls easier than my old 2019, the exhaust is ridiculous: incredibly heavy and loud with no spark arrestor available through power parts. The filter cage has the requisite built-in backfire screen as most 4t's do from the OEM (upgrading that right away). The clutch pull is much stiffer than my 2019. The handling is terrible and the back end does not track straight or hold a line. Race tech spring calculator shows why the handling is garbage; shows that the bike needs lighter springs in the front and heavier springs in the back. Runs very hot, radiator fan is not optional on this bike, the mapping must be terribly lean. I never would have bought this bike if I had known all of that. There are over $1200 in fixes needed before I even touch the suspension or buy protection parts. F*$#@!!! One good thing is the factory skid plate. If anyone wants this turd, let me know. It has 3 hours on it.

[@emberspirit7502]

name your oil pls

[@mxengineer1]

I run Motorex Power Synt 4T full synthetic 10W-50 oil in my KTM 4-strokes

[@emberspirit7502]

@@mxengineer1 i use motul 300v,do you think its good for motorcross ?,thanks you.

[@mxengineer1]

@@emberspirit7502 Motul makes excellent products but I have no experience with 300V but based on Motul's website looks to be very good engine oil. I run the manufacturer's recommended lubricants on my own motorcycles.

[@ReluctantNomad]

How much do you weigh? That looks like Kansas. Nice vid!

[@mxengineer1]

I am 6'2" 190 lbs and it is always a beautiful day in Ohio when I get to ride my dirt bike!

[@bobcheesemin]

Isn't that the Sxf model haha, shouldnt the xcf models have bark busters

[@mxengineer1]

Yes the XCF models come with orange hand guards - just have not installed them yet.

[@bobcheesemin]

@@mxengineer1 👍

[@mark_Hershey]

Can you compare the 350 to the 300tbi?

[@mxengineer1]

I will soon!

[@SurfJdog]

Is there something new with the fuel pickup location on the 2025 compared to the 23/24?

[@mxengineer1]

No change for 25 model year.

[@johnkling3537]

Wheelies, Wheelies, Wheelies 🏆 Four banger in the woods 🚀 Wally & Wheelsports is the best 🍀

[@mxengineer1]

Wally is a legend!

[@jamesking4225]

I was sure hoping you were going to buy 25 Husqvarna TE 250 for review lol

[@mxengineer1]

I hope to get a ride on a new 25 Austrian 2-stroke soon!

[@brutus6328]

I think I've been following you now for a year? Possibly? Maybe more? Anyway......I could have predicted this! LMAO I knew this was going to happen! hahahahahahaha I've lost track 7 or 8 bikes ago! I keep saying, you have to shoot a vid of your garage with all these bikes. Let's see new YZ 450, old trusty KR 350, FE 2024.5 KTM 450, W. E. CR 450, the Beta 300RR, the badass Husky TE 300.....hmmmmmmmmmmmm what am I missing? LOL BTW, Still haven't been able to get the bike hooked up and out. Far too many people dropping of heart attacks and crashing into each other on the roads so work is killing me (not to mention the shortage of EMS workers we have here in Austin) It's all because the city snubbed their nose at us and refused to give a raise after 8 years (and tried to defund the police as well). The spokesperson was on TV saying there's gonna come a time real soon when you call 911 at 2 am and you're told "We have nobody working and the next crew comes on at 6am.....Good luck!" Point being I'm over worked! Rant Over! LMAO LMAO LMAO

[@mxengineer1]

Glad you enjoy the channel - thanks for watching! Bikes come and go with me! Thanks for your first responder hard work!

[@brutus6328]

@@mxengineer1 I certainly do enjoy the channel! I've learned so much about all different bikes just by watching the back to backs. And......although not necessary, I do appreciate the "thanks" regarding my job. IMO EVERYONE's job is important.

[@pipefitterdirtbikerider3013]

Have you turned on quick shift?

[@mxengineer1]

Yes I've used it and it actually worked well on this bike - better than it did on my 23/24 450 Factory Edition models. Maybe KTM updated the software for quick shift?

[@ESTTAVON28]

The 2025s have a spring fork ? No more air ? Same with the sxf models ?

[@mxengineer1]

The 24/25 Cross Country models have a new WP spring fork (and slightly different setting for 25 model year to go along with the updated frame). SXF models still have AER (air) forks for 25 model year.

[@ESTTAVON28]

Oh wow 😊 how do you like the spring suspension versus the air forks?

[@ESTTAVON28]

If I was wanting to get this bike for Moto, would it be better just to get the SXF version or to get this version since it has a spring fork?

[@brutus6328]

@@ESTTAVON28 I have a '23 SX-F 350 and can tell you that the SX-F is truly an all out moto bike. It's a BEAST! There's a fair amount of differences between the two. The gearing is different, and the CX-F has a 6 speed versus 5 speed SX-F. Maybe this will help you maybe not......I am an intermediate Vet rider getting back into moto. I also like riding trails. If I were to do it over, I'd buy the CX-F because of the gearing, 18" rear tire, larger gas tank etc. I may be wrong but the CX-F can likely do moto close to the SX-F, but the SX-F FOR ME, is tough in the slow trails likely due to it's gearing and transmission. Lastly, softer, more plush suspension on the CX-F. MX engineer1 is a true expert in this area so hopefully he can answer you better, he's helped me TREMENDOUSLY! Plus he's the KING of WHEELIES! hahaha

[@brutus6328]

@@ESTTAVON28 You could also get the SX-F (I think they are a little cheaper than the CX-F) and drop a WP 6500 kit in the forks (approx $1200). People rant and rave about that kit for the price. Again, this is if you're really looking for an all out moto bike.