I was set on getting the 2012 300xc-w then I heard about this 2012 350xcf-w. Has anyone have a opinion on these 2 bikes or better yet ridden the 2? Currently i have 08 KTM 450xc-f and ride technical trail and wont a more technical bike then the 450. also of the 2 stoke 300 how does that bikes jetting do when changing altitude be 3000 ft but leaving the jetting the same? never had a 2 stroke not sure how versitile the jetting is on them.

Thanks

I've been riding a 12 350xcf-w since june, love the bike. In tight stuff it's very fast and flickable. I can't compair to to a 300 but it feels about the same in the tight stuff as my buddies 250 2t and a lot lighter than my other buddies 450x.

I have both bikes (2012 350EXC-F & 300 EXC) and both are great bikes which empahasize the characteristics of their bretheren (2- and 4-strokes) yet crossover nicely in the others realm. In short:

300EXC strong points:

.) yet even lighter if only by a little (6lbs)
.) feels lighter in the front and so it is easier to lift the front wheel over obstacles
.) easier to balance for me
.) LPM bike = least possible maintenance bike

350F strong points:

.) almost double the fuel range
.) longer powerband with no surprises
.) no jetting hassles
.) less vibration

Both bikes have major, but similar modifications including identical sets of aftermarket suspension. The 300EXC has been jetted with the Suzuki NED*/NEC* needles and has a modified SXS head with the green PV spring for the smoothest, 4-stroke like power possible, 350EXC-F is remapped for snappier, 2-stroke like power

As you can see I tried to build the perfect bike for me - which obviously is something between the classic 2- and 4-stroke - and ended up with two very similar, almost perfect bikes

In reality you can't go wrong with either

Michael

Thanks for the reply's, how do you feel about the lower compression on the 350? Still have enough power?

As best as I can tell the 350xc-fw has different cams for more low-end , than the 350 xc-f here in the states. I have a 2100 250xc that I love, but am considering  the 2012 350xc-f with the 400 cc kit installed. All the xcf-w's have too soft of a suspension for my type of riding...

thats 2011

bkreyche said:

It has enough power on top and a lot more bottom than the 350sxf.  I own both.  Of the 350´s, it is the best engine in my opinion.

bkreyche said:

I agree the bottom end actually feels stronger than on the SXF, but flywheel may have an effect here. The 350 EXC-F engine has lots of potential though and a "simple" remap of the ignition mapping will give a much stronger feel down low. I also had the compression increased a little, but IMO that mod is not worth all the hassle. In the end it is nitpicking on a high level - the engine is already very good stock, if you want more bottom then get a 450/500 or 300 two stroke.

Michael

Drehwurm said:

I still wanted a bit more bottom end on my exc-f and got the TR big bore kit.  The bike is simply perfect now!

My feel on the motor is if you're over 200lbs go for the 450, I'm right at 200 with gear on, and the 350 has pleanty of power (especially from comming off a 525). the xcf-w has a smooth bottom to mid and the top hits pretty hard, and will hit the limiter in 6th with stock gearing at 102mph.