450 vs 350: 2024.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition vs 2024 Husqvarna FC350 Back to Back!

2024.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition vs 2024 Husqvarna FC350F back to back! Two of my current favorite 4-stroke dirt bikes. Does the updated frame on the 24.5 450FE feel more compliant? Is the 24 FC350 lowered chassis noticeable? Let's ride them and find out!
Here is my first ride impression on the 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition...
• 2024.5 KTM 450 Factory...
Here is my ride impression on the 24 Husqvarna FC350....
• 2024 Husqvarna FC350 R...

[@bcoffroadriding7001]

That 350 sounds like a great bike, it will be interesting to see how it responds to the updated more compliant frame that the factory edition has now.

[@mxengineer1]

I was hoping for a more noticeable change in compliance and bump impact feel with the new chassis but have less than 2 hours ride time on it so far. Will back to back my 24.5 450FE with my son's 23 450SXF and see if we can tell notice any difference.

[@RideFishHunt]

Great comparison, 350 definitely sounds like it spools up quicker. Curious if you ever took out the spark arrester out of the 450? I know with mine out it definitely has more low end power.

[@mxengineer1]

Yes the Akrapovic slip on muffler that came on my 24.5 KTM 450FE has the spark arrester installed. I like the quiet sound of the Akrapovic with SA installed. I can install the more aggressive throttle cam, vented airbox cover, 2-stroke air filter cage, and turn up the response on the CUO if I want the 450 to be more lively. It is impressive KTM makes 60hp at the rear wheel so easy to ride!

[@Joe-pb3lx]

nice vid......i went to the honda store and twisted the throttle of a '24 crf450......the throttle is way quicker than my xr200.....id like to have that throttle

[@mxengineer1]

Maybe you can get ODI bolt on grips and throttle housing and use a quicker turn throttle cam on the XR200?

[@Joe-pb3lx]

@@mxengineer1 .......maybe, ill have to look into it......thanks man

[@JOEMAMA.95]

Hey mx. I need your help. I'm looking at a 2024 125 2 stroke but. I'm scared to get one with everything I heard. Like ppl say when your not on the gas you should pull in the clutch all the time or it'll let oil go into the engine? Is that actually true. And is that fixed with the 2023 models or?? And I heard ppl say when your not on the pipe on a 125 its not good for it. Idk this is everything older models ive heard on. But I'm wondering if it's the same with the 2023-2024? Pls help🙏🏻

[@mxengineer1]

There seems to be more than a few rider and even magazine test complaints on the 23 KTM/Husky 125 TBI (throttle body fuel injected) engines running inconsistently. I've ridden a few around the shop after setting them up and they ran OK but don't have enough seat time to make a good recommendation. I have owned a 2020 Yamaha YZ125X and 2022 KTM 125XC and both of those bikes were old school carb and ran great. 125's do demand a lot of throttle/clutch/shifting to keep them in the narrow power making RPM range. They will not lug around however they can run fine at mid RPM's - just not making much power. Here is one of my KTM 125XC ride reviews.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX2kcoZmpM92r6s Here is a tight slow woods ride on my YZ125X: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goO4nWSgnMurqrs

[@JOEMAMA.95]

What's the changes in the 2024.5 ktm 450 sxf? Is it just looks. Because I'm wondering if I should choose the 2025s or just get a 2024? 😔 New frame is a big thing😭 thought I'll be able to put the 2025 plastics on the 2024? Would that work or is the bolts different and mounting

[@mxengineer1]

There are updates to the frame around the rear shock upper mount and around the headset area. The linkage bolts are smaller diameter also. The shrouds have slight changes but the mounting looks the same to me. There are big rebates on the 2024 KTM 450SXF's till the end of March so that model may have some significant price reductions. Here is more info on the 24.5 450 Factory Edition changes... www.ktm.com/en-int/models/mx/4-stroke/2024-ktm-450-sx-ffactoryedition.html

[@JOEMAMA.95]

@@mxengineer1 I'll ask ktm to let you know. But would the 2024 be a 2025 then if it fits? Not exactly but the look Yk?

[@mxengineer1]

@@JOEMAMA.95 This year's 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition is like an early release of the 25 model. The 25 45SXF should have the updates (frame/shrouds/linkage bolts etc). The plastic should fit between the 24/25 models.

[@JOEMAMA.95]

@@mxengineer1 yeah just heard and it does such a W I don't have to pay more bc the price's have been going up crazy every year