Ultimate Light ADV Build? 2022 KTM 350 EXC-F. Its finally done!

[@mikeisland7382]

Beautiful build. Shame the manufacturer's can't seem to realize that this is what buyers want out of a dual sport.

[@hagestad]

no they don't. rear shock issue still not fixed ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6PHiZiYbtp-iLM

[@TheIdlesurfer]

I have a similar set up on my 2016 FE350. I don't see many bikes like mine. Ultra light off road touring is really niche. I don't blame manufacturers for not building bikes like this. You'd buy one, I'd buy one but we are a tiny market. We'll buy the base model, do the tank, seat and maybe an adventure tower, and something for luggage. Kove are trying to build this bike. Still, 40kg heavier than my FE350. I like 5,000 km oil changes on the Kove instead of every 3 days on the FE350. But do I like it more than 110kg dry v 145kg dry? Let's see how well the Kove 450 sells.

[@mikeisland7382]

@@TheIdlesurfer I don't know that it's so much ultra light touring as it is just being properly set up for dual sport riding. I have a similarly set up 450L and ride with 3 similar KTM500's, a DRZ and a XR650R. All with tanks, seats and other mods. The build in the video is of course next level and I don't mean to take anything away from it. As for the Kove I'll admit I'm suspicious of the service interval considering the power output with regards to the displacement.

[@TheIdlesurfer]

@@mikeisland7382 true, but I guess you're not in Europe. Over here in Western and Central Europe you'd always be within 100km of fuel, but most of my riding buddies have bigger tanks, a rack and a Seat Concepts seat. So I guess I agree your main point. However, my bike is racing enduro which happens to be a very good dualsport. My FE350 was pretty good out of the box for European trails, until I got into Northern Finland, but a bigger tank makes for a less anxious ride. I think the Kove will be pretty good on oil changes, as that 450 lump is in the Fantic Caballero and it is proving reliable. Still, 145 kg.

[@JohannesDalen]

Now that is what I call a lightweight adventure bike! Hope the trip goes well, sounds like an adventure of a lifetime!

[@missinglinq]

Every time I hear an FMF it makes me smile. Best sounding exhaust.

[@Ivan_1986]

Bro, you did a great job on your bike. I have not been riding for many years, but watching this makes me want to get back on the roads. Enjoy the ride!

[@code4performance]

Thank you!! It’s a fantastic bike.

[@greatfallskam]

Love to see more about KTM 350 EXC-F for these type of trips vs.the 500 EXC-F.

[@fbr767]

When I bought me EXC new in 2014 I went with the 500 because all of the magazine comparisons favored the. 500 over the 350. I have found that the EXC has a very docile power band compared to XC-F. The 500 doesn’t tire me out, in fact, when I do get tired I think it’s easier to ride than a 350 because there is plenty of low end to chug it.

[@MotoRidesVietnam]

I got the 2015 ktm 450 exc-f. Good good bike! Depends on your needs and size too I guess. No 500s available where I live and only 7 ktm 450 street legal. Was lucky to get one!!

[@triglavbog7527]

Greetings from Serbia. You are the man ! Thanks for these videos, it helps us noobs !

[@code4performance]

You are very welcome!

[@mikepeterson5199]

Got a 2019 450 six days.going to get some of the same gear.nice build.

[@realkj6637]

good build.. can you explain to us, do you increase oil capacity for longer maintanance periode.. because this bike only hold 800ml oil capacity. many thanks before

[@DavidDacaro]

I put the taco get on my 22 500 and holy crap the bike is soooo much better now. Fast, responsive, smooth, power everywhere, a hill climbing freak! Best choice I made, maybe was good to have rode the 500 for 1.5 years first stock to get used to it. With the ECU mod now, I can hardly wait to get on the bike, it's like it keeps feeling new to me, that's what's so compelling about that upgrade. Should mention I did the billet end cap with silencer plug. I didn't get an fmf cuz the stock pipe with cap is more rugged for adv stuff I do.

[@wfodavid]

REKLUSE! Nice job. One thing I've learned over the years is we (me too) buy so much stuff for the bike that we just end up adding so much weight. Thats what makes riding so much less enjoyable for me. If you're a hard core off road rider Id say got for it but if you're not save your money.

[@Mephiston21]

I feel you for sure, biggest thing for me and probably a lot of guys is I’m riding solo in the mountains a lot, willing to sacrifice the added weight to protect all my components so I can get home.

[@extremerc76]

Is there anyway to add a kickstart to the new bikes? I have one on my 15 with a capacitor setup to start with no battery… just in case. I’d be nervous as heck to go in the woods without it!

[@zzxx33mh]

.. Remind me to make my WR450F 2021 to light adventure bike.. Thanks & looking for more posts..

[@HighSpeedTV]

great video! I also have a 350 and have a GET on order from Taco. Ive heard nothing but how amazing it is on the 500's, but no one really talks about the three-fiddy's. Glad to know the results are the same on both bikes!

[@code4performance]

Thank you for commenting. You will not be disappointed with the GET! Enjoy the bike!

[@DC8223]

looks awesome! nice job 🤙🏼

[@daryljohnson6333]

Beautiful build, that’s the bike for sure! I’d highly recommend case and clutch guards. You’re going to be dropping the bike a lot and it’s inevitable you’ll hit the case. Especially up here in Northern Idaho the rocks are sharp edged. Good luck man. We’ll follow along as you progress on the TOI!

[@code4performance]

Daryl, thank you very much for the encouragement. You must have read my mind as I have installed case guards after the video. My departure date is fast approaching and I cannot wait for the adventure of a lifetime!.

[@Lowdown13blues]

Love to see vids of that trip !

[@code4performance]

I’m going to do my best to capture the adventure. Riding the T1 solo is a big deal and dealing with extra equipment such as a go pro can be plenty. Thank you however.

[@Lowdown13blues]

@@code4performance anything will be very welcome !!!

[@paulofoliveira]

Love it, its amazing, to be 100% perfect, it just needs better tires 👌

[@code4performance]

It is always nice to hear a positive comment. Those tires are long gone for sure. Thank you!

[@charliemccallum5660]

Nice job! Cleanest bike build I’ve seen on KZbin. Hope you do a video series on the TOI. The Ride with Knights series is the best I’ve seen 👍🏻

[@code4performance]

Thank you! I will hopefully do a series on my experience. The RWTK is by far one of the best series on the TOI. He put a ton of time into editing. Appreciate your comments.

[@PaulArmada]

Killer build. Looks like you spent a lot of money.

[@code4performance]

Plenty of $$$ for sure, but worth every penny. The bike performed flawlessly for my Tour of Idaho trip last summer. Still have it, adjusted the valves and a few other maintenance needs, but its such a fun bike to ride. Thank you for watching,.

[@RenderedInept]

Nice build, I was contemplating this bike but went for a full off road for now, I didn't realize it was emission choked, 350's make really good power otherwise so the GET programmer fixies this at a substantial cost to the bikes purchase price...Maybe in the future I will reconsider.

[@sparkypks]

When you went with Samco, did you do the thermostat delete? The Samco clamps are so wide that I found it impossible to get the recommended 10mm hose extension. What did you do?

[@code4performance]

Yes, I did the delete. It will run too cool if you are riding in a cooler climate, so watch your temps to you run the engine at the temp where the ECU keeps the fueling correct. In hot climates or summer riding, it is no problem. The Samco clamps are wide and if you try and get 10 mm of hose protrusion, it will never work. Just make sure the clamps are square and you have the hoses seated fully on the outlet nipples. Make sure the clamp top edge is below the bulge of the outlet nipple. Samco hoses are a great upgrade for sure, well worth the money. Thank you for watching and replying.

[@sparkypks]

@@code4performance thank you!🙏🏻

[@herbiesnerd]

Just pulled the trigger today. I bought a 2022 350 EXC-F today for my kid to ride with me. I have an FE501S. Will be doing many of your same mods.

[@code4performance]

Let me know if you have any questions. Glad to help where I can. Congratulations on the new bike

[@Insaiyanrider]

Which do you prefer the KTM or the husqvarna?

[@glittlehoss]

How technical can you go on this bike on single track mountain trails?

[@code4performance]

I completed the Tour of Idaho on this bike in 2022 which consists of miles of single track trails with some being technical. Now I will tell you it is not a hard enduro bike with how I have it set up. Could it be, yes but there are much better bikes for super technical trails. When it gets gnarly I take my 300 2T. Hope this helps. Thank you

[@MilitaryMobility]

Hi, nice video. What type of folding mirror do you have? Do you like it; high enough to see traffic and not your arm, vibrations, etc? We have a 2021 KTM EXC-F 350 as well and love it.

[@code4performance]

The mirror is a Double Take brand, model is their Trail mirror, retail $25. It is only 2" in diameter and mounts to the handlebar with a zip tie. It is really hard to see behind you without moving your body to the side. Its really only there to be able to pass a DMV inspection if necessary. Small enough to not get in the way on the trail however. No vibrations at all.

[@motofunk1]

Could you have used the O2 sensor with the GET ecu to create an adjusting closed loop system?

[@code4performance]

Not with the GET. Look into Taco Moto's videos on YT, he explains it well.

[@ADVdiary]

Beautifully built

[@code4performance]

Glad you like it! Thank You

[@joe2_515]

Now that's an adventure bike! I was wondering about an oil cooler?

[@code4performance]

I don’t know where you’d mount a cooler or anyone who makes one for these bikes. Good idea though

[@mikepeterson5199]

No oil cooler needed for that bike.

[@tru3sk1ll]

Who does the "de-smog" and how much does that cost? I assume you are in California, if not I hear it's a pain to de-smog the Cali bikes

[@code4performance]

The kit can be purchased from Taco Moto Co. Look them up on the internet for current pricing and options. I am not in California, thankfully, so emissions are not an issue in my state. Thank you

[@tru3sk1ll]

@@code4performance Thx for the info!

[@code4performance]

@@tru3sk1ll very welcome. By options I meant you could unplug some of the emission devices and leave them installed or go the full delete method as I did and take as much of the stuff off the bike and clean up the hoses routing and wiring. A good addition is to remove the charcoal canister in the frame downtube and install in its place, the KTM coolant overflow kit. Taco Moto is a great source for all you need. Cheers !!

[@robertswank1038]

Beautiful bike!! I feel like I overload my 690 doing BDR’s with all my camping gear and such….Leaves me wondering if the 350 will be enough bike to haul everything required for a week of riding????

[@code4performance]

Robert, thank you for the comments. The TOI T1 is about resourcefulness and finding what you might need along the route. I won’t be camping each night….hopefully, but staying in a different town each night as I progress north. I’ll only take one set of riding gear and something light to wear in the evening in town. Aside from snacks, tools, flat repair items, saw etc, some extra riding socks, gloves, gore Tex shell, that’s about it. Super light for sure. My bucket list Bike next is an adventure bike like a KTM and do some camping and exploring. There are some good videos on YT about the Tour, check ‘‘em out. Thanks again

[@TheIdlesurfer]

My FE350 will take light camping gear, but you do need to go pretty minimalist. I'm lucky enough to have an adventurised FE350 and a similar 701, Nomad Adventure tower, decent seat and luggage racks. For longer hauls with camping gear, the 701 with uprated suspension is really good but for technical stuff the 350 is hugely better. In my not especially talented hands the 350 is a lot easier to ride but if I were buying now I'd be FE350 plus 701= FE501. a good mate and riding buddy came up with this formula and I think he's right. I'll find out as I chase him across the Pyrenees TET in France and Spain later this month on the 701. I may regret not choosing the FE350.

[@harleyultra1500]

What is your top speed and top “comfortable highway speed”? Thanks for sharing!

[@code4performance]

Tough questions to answer but I can tell you it will hit 80 in stock form and probably a bit faster. Comfortable highway speed is 55 with the knobby tires and balanced wheels. You could gear it higher to obtain a more comfortable highway cruise speed and run a true DOT tire applicable to more road use. Honestly, I built this bike for trail riding with the highway/road use to get to and from the trails. Hope this answers your questions. Thank you for watching!

[@timmoore6656]

Excellent job on the wiring. Do you feel like the 3.9 is too heavy? People complained about it wanting to torpedo when leaned over.

[@code4performance]

Tim, thanks a bunch! I wanted the larger tank for my plans with the bike where it will be used primarily for long day outings and not racing. I would agree, the 3.9 is a lot of tank and without going stiffer on the fork springs it could have the potential to cause the forks to be lower in their travel and thus add to the wash out feel. Hope this helps

[@michaelthompson1720]

Well done! Looks like a ripper!

[@code4performance]

Thank you for watching

[@glittlehoss]

Why no recluse clutch?

[@code4performance]

Its personal preference really. Rekluse clutches are great for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@sv_russu]

Very immaculate

[@VagTechKarl]

Hey man, I am actually up in Idaho myself, I would love to know more about how I can attend this tour of Idaho. Is there a website or group?

[@code4performance]

PNW - Yes, visit www.motorcyclejazz.com/ There are a couple versions of the Tour. T1 is the south to north route, which I am attempting. The link will allow you to see the different versions and learn about the rules, etc. Thank you

[@charlesb4267]

I expect I would not be the only one who would be curious to know, what prompted your choice in the 350 over the 500 since the weight is hardly any different. I would expect the 500 to be more fuel hungry or at least older carbed bikes of any brand would have had that not in their favour.

[@code4performance]

Charles, great question. I am not a huge guy in stature, so the 350 has plenty of grunt for me. With that being said, after several, long days on the bike, the 500 might become a handful when you get tired. The two are close in weight as you mentioned so that had nothing to do with my choice. If you are riding slab frequently, commuting to work and town and even long desert riding, the 500 might be the best fit. I cannot comment on fuel economy, but would think they are close to the same. Perhaps someone reading can offer more input on fuel mileage. Thank you for watching.

[@charlesb4267]

@@code4performance For sure it all comes down to the power requirement due to weight being packed and if its used on road at higher speeds or that is not the intent. Myself, have not been using a bike for some years but would have liked more power then my 500 at the time put out, air cooled and older technology .. no computers on it, that's for sure. I wish they put a kick starter on these newer bikes, that is one thing that would bother me buying a current off/on road bike to not have as a backup. Besides, it was always a good laugh to watch others try to start my bike !

[@deltabravo1257]

Which RAD Guards are you running? I have 7602 Racing on my 450 EXC-F Six Days. I hate them because they block too much airflow and my fan runs almost non stop after I installed them.

[@code4performance]

I’m using the bullet proof designs guards. In fact they are the only brand guards I’ve used on any of my bikes. Great product in my opinion.

[@mobyhunr]

15 hour oil change and 600 mile valve adjust!!! keep reeds in for low end back flow prevention due to cam overlap

[@fbr767]

Did you have the stator rewound for all those accessories?

[@code4performance]

No, shouldn’t be an issue. Very little draw with any of those accessories running.

[@Radmountainbiking59]

Wanted to know what the seat height is and also the dry weight of the bike withought the mods.

[@Mephiston21]

Both of those can be easily found with a google search.

[@Radmountainbiking59]

@@Mephiston21 Aaallllriggghhhht.

[@deltabravo1257]

Who makes the aluminum tank fittings that you mention?

[@code4performance]

Taco Moto or Slavens sell their own version but accomplish the same idea. The quick disconnect is a CPC brand and the filter is a Golan brand. All of these can be purchased as Slavens Racing or Taco Moto Co. Thanks

[@brettbenoit454]

Nice build. I have a 2014 350 XCF W. I built it for single track. How did your Tour go? Day 1 is a lot of miles..

[@code4performance]

Tour went very well. Finished the ride entirely. Bike performed flawlessly. Would highly recommend a 350 for the Tour. Thanks

[@meder07]

Re: sicass headlight switch and motominded setup. Do you have any issues going from lo to hi and vice versa? I lose the headlight for a few seconds. Very disconcerting in the dark. Have contacted MM but they didn't have a solution at the time. Thanks for the detailed review.

[@code4performance]

So far I have not had any issues. Double check all your connections and make sure they are clean and tight. One thing to try is swap back to the OEM switch and see if the problem continues. At least you can eliminate the switch if it does. With the supply issues and possible quality control issues, it could be an issue with the light. Hope this helps.

[@meder07]

@@code4performance Yep, tried everything. Went back to the original switch.

[@hammy7139]

Nice build! It will treat you well. Good luck on the TOI. What’s your team name?

[@code4performance]

Thanks Craig! I have watched your "after video" of your bike and gear and learned plenty from it to help with my planning. I'm riding solo, team name is Blue star.

[@code4performance]

The chainsaw rule this year has me changing the set up significantly. As soon as my saw mount gets here I will be changing the front of the bike from what I have in the video. We should chat sometime off the comments, love to get some tips and ideas!

[@hammy7139]

@@code4performance Awesome! Solo is a whole different animal. Be careful and let me know if you need anything at all. I’m excited to watch you ride.

[@hammy7139]

@@code4performance let me know, feel free to call me. I don’t agree with the saw requirement but it’s not my baby. There is no way you can saw your way through the TOI, way too much dead fall.

[@code4performance]

@@hammy7139 shoot me an email with your contact info : [e-mail].

[@dirtwasp09]

you forgot fork socks , keeps seals alive longer

[@Tacoexplorer]

Curious why you went with a KTM vs the Husky FE 350s?

[@code4performance]

No reason in particular. Either bike would be great. I've just always been an orange bike guy.

[@ronlawson5819]

Sweet ride

[@aaron1015]

Nice build!

[@code4performance]

Thank you

[@ivanwilliams7679]

Looks like your missing a clutch cover guard. Polisport make a good one. You don’t want that brake tip poking a hole in your clutch cover or your ride is done. Had it happen. Cheers have a good ride

[@herbiesnerd]

I just made a new list! I have a 2021 FE501S and have done many of your upgrades, but not nearly as complete as yours. Question: Why did you eliminate your blinkers? The Exc-F is the street legal model, correct? Consider doing what I did. I installed the Sicass rear blinkers that mount along the subframe below the fender just next to the taillight. Super clean. The front blinkers I have are also Sicass. They are built into my Sicass handguards. It requires a Sicass blinker relay and that’s the only addition. Front and rear blinkers do not stick out at all and are very visible when activated. I’m ordering that dash!

[@code4performance]

Thank you for the comment. As far as blinkers go I did not eliminate them, but used the Taco Moto Co fork wrap front signals and their Tidy Tail replacement rear brake/tail/blinker led light. Super slim and gets rid of the stock mess from the fender. It is still street legal as well, although may not be in every state. Sicass stuff is good as well, but I liked the slimness of how it’s set up now.

[@bankaydin]

No Tokyo Offroad capacitor?

[@code4performance]

It’s in the right side air box cover area.

[@fbr767]

Map 2 is softer? On my ‘18 350 XC-F with stock ECU, map 1 is standard and map 2 is advanced.

[@code4performance]

It has a GET ecu from Taco Moto. Map 2 is considered the softer or tamer map.

[@davegriffin9083]

Beautiful! Now go put a hundred thousand miles on it!

[@cryptohammer2400]

Have you dino’ the bike with the get?

[@code4performance]

I have not. Not a bad idea, unfortunately, I won’t have a baseline from stock to compare to. The get is considerably noticeable in power delivery and overall performance. Not to mention the traction control in map 2 is sweet.

[@cryptohammer2400]

@@code4performance yeah it would still be cool to know what it’s pushing out now

[@cryptohammer2400]

@@code4performance beautiful bike by the way. I will be copying some of the parts 😂

[@code4performance]

@@cryptohammer2400 let me know if you need any help or suggestions on where to pick up parts.

[@wipperwils2111]

Spark arrestor. Why doesn’t KTM ever hear us on that topic?

[@AbsInABox]

Sick!

[@code4performance]

Thank you very much !!

[@ogasi1798]

beauty

[@patfrazer]

Would like, but oil change every 1000km, compare to 10,000km with my CRF300 Rally or my old 690, less interresting :(

[@kakudmi]

Two, please.

[@patrickbaird7416]

It’s a fire breathing dragon.

[@kevindouglass5175]

So now that you have the opportunity to ride the bike for awhile. What do you think the pro's and Cons are ? I do realize that there are lots of Pro's . But more interested in the Con's in your opinion Thanks

[@code4performance]

Kevin, I am going to do an update video in the next few weeks to show some changes I needed to make to comply with the Tour of Idaho rule changes for this year, stay tuned. In the meantime the only Con might be if you plan on weighing this thing down for longer trips and camping off the bike, you might be disappointed in the lack of enough power. Especially if you are a large stature rider. Where I am not carrying any camping gear, it has plenty of rip to still loft the front wheel lug when I need to and clip along on the slab. As mentioned in this video, this bike is for the TOI T1 ride, which is 13 days this year and I will be staying in a different town each night so carrying camping equipment is not needed, just enough to get by. IF you plan on camping off the bike for a multiple day ride, a 500 would be the way to go in my opinion. The PRO of the 350 is this thing is a very capable trail bike for a days ride in the mountains, unloaded. It is really just a 350 XCW-F in the end....mostly. CON is stock suspension IMO. A good re valve/re sprung if necessary, is some of the best money spent on any bike. Another CON is how the bike is set up from the dealer as far as tires go. From KTM they do provide rim locks for you, but they are not installed from the dealer. Change out the OEM tires to something better and add rim locks right away so you don't spin a tire on the rim and tear a valve stem....... I feel a fully packed and ready to depart video would be great for viewers to see it in Tour ready condition. Please feel free to hit me up with any questions at [e-mail]. Thanks

[@kevindouglass5175]

@@code4performance Thanks for your insight and quick response. I look forward to your next video Cheers

[@Z0ttMonte]

why not a 450 or 500? I mean they are not really heavier. Sure for real enduro a 350 is good but that long distance?

[@code4performance]

Personal preference mostly. You are correct, the weight is very close. That long of a distance is exactly why I went with a 350.

[@Z0ttMonte]

@@code4performance but isn't a higher ccm better for long distance?

[@MrRonronnj]

can you share the total cost?

[@code4performance]

Just an estimate and without the cost of the bike, $6500 in products and suspension tuning.

[@Broxty]

@@code4performance Jebus!

[@boringsoaring]

LOL

[@Bischlarbo69]

@@code4performance Holy phuck

[@captsam54]

When Can I buy it from you?? lol...

[@code4performance]

lol. Well it will be for sale after I attempt the Tour of Idaho on it this August.....

[@captsam54]

@@code4performance Well I can't now as I just bought my own.. Will be adding many of the mods you have done.. Thanks..

[@chiptaxfree]

@@code4performance are you serious about selling this thing after august?

[@boringsoaring]

So $6500 in upgrades, seems ridiculous

[@code4performance]

Steve, ya it's plenty of $$$, but nothing on it is bling, it has a purpose. Suspension, for example, is one thing many riders will tell you is the best money spent on any dirt bike. The ECU which is a $1k with all the options, really makes the bike perform as it should with the added feature of traction control. I could go on about each accessory, but hope this helps many understand. Thank you!

[@repomannv]

I usually ignore zero value add comments like yours, but I'll play along - when I first saw the mods, I figured about $8k in upgrades, that its really $6500 seems pretty reasonable to me; I have some of the same parts on my 350 EXC-F and echo the opinions expressed in the video (Get ECU, suspension tuning, GPS unit in particular). You seem to be hung-up on price, which makes me surprised you're watching a KTM video at all, as you don't buy a KTM if you are price sensitive. What I appreciate here is the author going through the intended use of the bike, and then highlighting the mods to make it better at doing that. This was helpful to me.

[@code4performance]

@@repomannv thank you for the comment and honesty. Sometimes people get it and I appreciate your understanding

[@jaydee3505]

Damn that’s ugly!!!!

[@brianlarsen9216]

I also have a 22 350 and on the fence between the IMS 3.2 and the Acerbis 3.9. I like the fact the IMS has the brass fittings. Any issues with Acerbis?

[@code4performance]

@@brianlarsen9216 thank you for watching. I’ve had no issues with the Acerbis and the bike has nearly 3k miles on it with the tank. Fit and finish are great and imo a bit better than the IMS. Hope this helps