2023 SML 450 Shootout | In Depth

The 2023 KTM 350 SX-F

FOURTH PLACE

2023 KTM 350 SX-F

Test Rider Scores: 6-4-3-6-7-3

Throwing the mid-sized KTM 350 SX-F into the mix this year was certainly interesting. A few of our test riders had never ridden a 350 before, and to say that they didn’t know what to expect would be an understatement. The latest version of KTM’s uber-popular machine is better than it has ever been, boasting far more power than its predecessors and more than riders might expect from a machine that is 100cc smaller than the rest. The 350 SX-F’s engine is quick-revving and seems to have no ceiling as far as RPM is concerned. The 350 boasts a decent amount of low-end – much more than any 250cc four-stroke – and really comes to life in the middle of the powerband. Once on the pipe, it never seems to sign off, and it can be revved out in every gear just as far as the highest-revving 250.

Thanks to the engine’s snappy powerband and low-friction feel, it in turn gives the bike a light, nimble handling character. The 350 SX-F weighs only one pound less than the more-powerful 450 SX-F, but on the track, it feels 10 pounds lighter than its big brother. Where the larger machine’s more substantial powerband makes the 450 SX-F feel heavy and cumbersome to maneuver on, the 350 SX-F is as agile as a two-stroke might be. 

The 350 SX-F’s suspension package doesn’t vary that greatly from the 450 SX-F’s, but thanks to the aforementioned handling character yielded by the smaller engine, the WP fork and shock also seem to work better. All told, the KTM 350 SX-F is a weapon that is often overlooked by hard-core racers, but it is very much deserving of serious consideration regardless of a rider’s racing vs. riding ratio.

Pat Foster on the KTM 350 SX-F

“The KTM 350 is just downright fun, especially in the map 2 setting that makes the power feel quick and exciting, which urges you to be aggressive. The mid-range power is seamless and the engine revs so far that it is hard to find the rev limiter. While it doesn’t have as much grunt as a 450, this power delivery is likely better suited to most riders than any 450.” – Foster

“I love the stiffer chassis on the 350 SX-F. Although it is the same frame as the 450, the engine character makes the bike feel lighter and more nimble than the larger machine. Cornering feels easier and the bike is livelier all around.” – Foster

“I do wish the KTMs came with the Pro Taper handlebars like the Husqvarnas. That would be one of the first changes I would make. to any of the KTMs or Gas Gas bikes.” – Foster

“I think more racers should seriously consider the 350 SX-F. Sure it is down on power buy who can use all the power a 450 has to offer, anyway?” – Foster

Rene Garcia on the KTM 350 SX-F

“The 2023 KTM 350 SX-F has much better low-end power than the bike has ever had in the past! On top of that. the thing has great mid-range and top-end power. It’s an easy engine to ride with; it has great power that is easy to control.” – Garcia

“The bike pulls like a small 450 but handles like a 250. It combines the best of both worlds and I think it can be effective racing against 450s on all but the deepest of tracks.” – Garcia

“I think that ego is what keeps most racers from choosing a 350. The funny thing is, I bet that the majority of riders would go faster on a mid-sized bike because they can make good use of more of the power.” – Garcia

“I love the ergonomics of the bike. The KTMs feel slim and nothing snags your legs or boots.” – Garcia

Donn Maeda on the KTM 350 SX-F

“As soon as we decided to include the KTM 350 SX-F in the 450 shootout, I knew that it would surprise a lot of our test riders. I’ve been a huge fan of the 350 since it first came out, but the 2023 bike is out of this world.” – Maeda

“My favorite thing about the 350 SX-F is how easy it is to ride. Since the power is not intimidating and hard to control, I can ride the bike more aggressively and with greater control. I feel that I can circulate the track just as fast on the 350 as I can on any 450.” – Maeda

“The 350 SX-F has the lightest feel of all the bikes in the shootout. It goes where you point it and stays stable at speed, responds well to mid-air corrections, and tips into corners with almost no effort.” – Maeda

“I’ve raced the 350 several times with great success. On shorter start straights it can actually be an advantage as it launches off the line straight and with less wheel spin. I’ve only encountered a power disadvantage on the long start straight at Glen Helen.” – Maeda

Kyle Puerner on the KTM 350 SX-F

“I have always liked the KTM 350 SX-F but the new 2023 engine is amazing; it is so much faster and has great low-end power now, along with good mid-range and plenty of power on top. I would love to see how this bike works at a track with big hills like Glen Helen.” – Puerner

“This bike feels so light! It’s only one pound lighter than the 450 but it feels much. much lighter. The bike corners amazingly well.” – Puerner

“I feel right at home on this bike and find it to be extremely comfortable and easy to ride. The fork has a harsh feel on slap-down landings, but overall I am very impressed with the bike as a whole.” – Puerner. 

“The first thing I would do if I bought this bike is changing the handlebars and grips. I like the Pro Taper bars that come on the Husqvarnas, and wish KTM would make the switch.” – Puerner

Brian Smith on the KTM 350 SX-F

“The KTM 350 SX-F is a great bike and I can see how many people would like it, but for me it is low on power and doesn’t have enough grunt to get over the jumps.” – Scrub Daddy

“The bike corners very well and I feel like it leans over really nicely. This helps me to get through the turns better than I normally might, but I still miss the 450 power to blast out of the turns.” – Scrub Daddy

“The bike’s handling and suspension are nice but overall a little bit soft for me. The bike is very stable at high speed and I feel like I can trust it.” – Scrub Daddy

“I feel comfortable with the layout of the bike and I think it fits me well, but I would change the handlebars right away. I would also look for some more power with an exhaust system.” – Scrub Daddy

Kyle Vara on the KTM 350 SX-F

“I love the free-revving and fast feel of the 350 SX-F. The engine pulls surprisingly well all the way through the powerband, and I feel that this bike is very easy to ride quickly.” – Vara

“The bike is very stable in a straight line, yet it corners great. I feel that the forks are a little soft which gives the front end a harsh feel.” – Vara

“I was right at home from the moment I sat on this bike and I love the KTM ergonomics. The footpegs are large and feel just like expensive aftermarket race pegs. I like the bar bend and height. I feel like the bike needs a more aggressive seat cover.” – Vara 

“If I weren’t worried about racing, this would be my first choice because it is so fun and easy to ride. To be fair, the smaller engine doesn’t really feel like a disadvantage because it makes the bike so much easier to ride hard.” – Vara