Back to back ride today on a 22.5 KTM 250SXF Factory Edition, 22 Gas Gas MC350, and 22.5 KTM 450SXF Factory at the Briarcliff C-track. Riding bikes back to back is a great way to understand the characteristics of different bikes. The 250 Factory Edition has the new stock AER forks from the '22 GG MC350 and an Akrapovic slip on muffler with spark arrester installed. The Gas Gas MC350 has a WP6500 cartridge spring fork kit, Race Tech bladder kit in rear shock, full Yoshimura exhaust, Nacstar wheels with Pirelli Scorpian MX32 Mid/Soft tires. The 450 Factory Edition has WP Cone Valve spring forks. I had a total right hip replacement this summer so riding easy on the C-track and no jumping but still able to get a feel for the different characteristics of each bike on this track today. My thoughts on each bike.....

The 250SXF is all about compliant chassis and plush suspension (even with the stock MC350 AER forks). The engine makes smooth broad power that needs lots of RPM's (like all 250F's) to go fast, especially in the soft dirt. The Akrapovic exhaust is quiet and gives the bike a slightly stronger low to mid response compared to the stock pipe and still pulls well on top. The 250FE is playful and feels agile and lightweight in motion.

Next up was the Gas Gas MC350. The full Yoshimura exhaust system really woke this bike up! Quicker throttle response and more power everywhere. Makes the MC350 more fun to ride. The WP6500 spring forks feel great with a plush and absorbing ride and good bottoming resistance. The lighter weight and more compliant frame of the MC350 is noticeable and may be preferred by some riders over the '23 KTM chassis. 350's are such a great overall combination of Power/Weight/Handling and the perfect Vet rider bike.

Finally the 22.5 450SXF Factory Edition which is all about the engine. How does 60hp feel so easy yet fun to ride. Responsive and almost barky (especially in Map 2) yet controllable and so connected to your right hand. The WP Cone Valve forks are plush with a friction free movement that absorbs the chop. The WP CV forks are so good it makes the rear shock feel a bit over damped. 450's are the flagship motocross models with lots of engineering and development focus and it shows. This 450 Factory Edition is very fast, fun to ride, and feels impressive even at slow Vet rider speeds.

Things that stood out to me today:

The 250FE suspension is plush and the chassis felt compliant and with the Akrapovic muffler the power low to mid power is livelier. Maybe my new favorite 250F.

The MC350 was the most fun to ride today with great suspension, responsive engine, and lightweight feel.

The 450FE motor changes really stand out on this bike and it still amazes me how fun and easy a 60hp dirt bike can be to ride. With a more compliant rear shock this bike may give the 350 a run for the money as my favorite overall.

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