KTM and Husqvarna weekend rider comparison

MKMX
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MKMX
Edited Date/Time 5/20/2021 8:07am
Sorry if this has been raised before, I couldn’t find anything.

Who has ridden the same generation KTM and Husqvarna back to back? IE a 350SXF and a FC350 (hopefully both stock or close to).

I know they have differences such as subframe, swingarm and suspension settings.

What did you notice between the two? Was there a big difference?
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whitechapel44 5/19/2021 8:30pm
5/19/2021 8:30pm
I've ridden a '19 ktm 450 sxf and a '19 husky fc450 both stock and currently own a 21.5 ktm factory edition. Biggest difference is throttle response between the two. The husky has a smooth linear power that can let you be a little more aggressive. Riding them back to back the ktm feels more peppy but not a huge deal breaker between the two. The only thing that would sway me is the huskys subframe, that sucker is fragile!! Saw one buddy have a small tip over in sand and his subframe cracked and another buddy cartwheel his bike and the subframe exploded and now he is anxious everytime he rides hard. Other than that they are fantastic bikes!
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Chippy
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Chippy 5/19/2021 9:26pm
5/19/2021 9:26pm
Rode a '21 FC350 before buying my '21 350SX-F

The bike was in map 2 when i rode it. Lots of power but a little aggressive for me and the track I was on. Suspension felt good.
Since I got the ktm I've been riding it in map 1 with TC on and like it a lot. Maybe the clutch I liked better on the husky but it's close enough that it could be no difference.

Also the composite subframe is why I did not go with FC.
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MKMX
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MKMX 5/19/2021 10:21pm
5/19/2021 10:21pm
Thanks for the input! Some good points to consider, I’m just trying to decide if I want to go the Husqvarna route or just stay with KTM.
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ktmwoods
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ktmwoods 5/19/2021 10:29pm
5/19/2021 10:29pm
MKMX wrote:
Thanks for the input! Some good points to consider, I’m just trying to decide if I want to go the Husqvarna route or just stay with...
Thanks for the input! Some good points to consider, I’m just trying to decide if I want to go the Husqvarna route or just stay with KTM.
Coming off six straight ktm 450 sx-f’s and 1 Factory Edish to the Husky now and will stay with Husky from now on as the stock throttle response and mapping suit me better right away. No MXA sprocket tooth swapping etc. Using ODI rogue lock ons with the medium throttle cam. Butter.
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Lightning78
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Lightning78 5/20/2021 1:27am
5/20/2021 1:27am
Between ALL the Husky professional riders both 250 and 450 and a the crashes they've had since the composite subframe....I can't remember even one incident where the subframe was damaged from riding hard, stiffer suspension or the multitude of big bad crashes those riders have had over the years with that subframe....not one broken or even damaged causing a dnf
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LungButter
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LungButter 5/20/2021 5:45am
5/20/2021 5:45am
Lightning78 wrote:
Between ALL the Husky professional riders both 250 and 450 and a the crashes they've had since the composite subframe....I can't remember even one incident where...
Between ALL the Husky professional riders both 250 and 450 and a the crashes they've had since the composite subframe....I can't remember even one incident where the subframe was damaged from riding hard, stiffer suspension or the multitude of big bad crashes those riders have had over the years with that subframe....not one broken or even damaged causing a dnf
That’s great, but it’s well documented that a ton of weekend warriors have broken them.

I have a friend on his 3rd one.
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GeorgiePorgie 5/20/2021 8:07am
5/20/2021 8:07am
Had a 17 husky 250f. And a 18 ktm 350. Felt like the husky just handled better. Apples to oranges though. Two different bikes....
PNWRider
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PNWRider 5/20/2021 8:29am
5/20/2021 8:29am
whitechapel44 wrote:
I've ridden a '19 ktm 450 sxf and a '19 husky fc450 both stock and currently own a 21.5 ktm factory edition. Biggest difference is throttle...
I've ridden a '19 ktm 450 sxf and a '19 husky fc450 both stock and currently own a 21.5 ktm factory edition. Biggest difference is throttle response between the two. The husky has a smooth linear power that can let you be a little more aggressive. Riding them back to back the ktm feels more peppy but not a huge deal breaker between the two. The only thing that would sway me is the huskys subframe, that sucker is fragile!! Saw one buddy have a small tip over in sand and his subframe cracked and another buddy cartwheel his bike and the subframe exploded and now he is anxious everytime he rides hard. Other than that they are fantastic bikes!
Funny you mention that...I had a choice of the Rockstar or FE 450...liked them both, but went KTM in large part due to my concerns over the Husky subframe.
wrc777
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wrc777 5/20/2021 10:14am
5/20/2021 10:14am
MKMX wrote:
Thanks for the input! Some good points to consider, I’m just trying to decide if I want to go the Husqvarna route or just stay with...
Thanks for the input! Some good points to consider, I’m just trying to decide if I want to go the Husqvarna route or just stay with KTM.
'21 and maybe '22 the Husky has 10mm lower suspension than the KTM. That is potentially a big difference. The Protaper bar that comes on the Husky and should be on the KTM almost covers the price difference between the bikes.
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