KTM/Husky 350 and 450 longevity

[jrlastofthebreed]

Kind of off topic but I'm looking at getting an 18-19 450 ktm/husky and a 14 or newer 350. The 350 would be my dirt and my wife's snow bike, and the 450 would be a dedicated snow bike.I have ridden Honda and Yamaha my whole life and love the reliability and long run time between top ends. 100-200 hours? Are parts really that much more expensive? How about other maintenance issues? I also heard from a friend that the 350's werent lasting very long? Any knowledge would be appriciated

 

[eric82930]

The 350's are as reliable as anything out there. I had a few and even snow bike one. one stock piston went 400 hours. Never needed valves adjusted but timing chain stretched and skipped at 400 hours. Luckily it Didn't hurt anything but it should have destroyed the top end.
The 350 is hands down the best choice for a good dirt and snow 4 stroke. I really dislike 450s in the dirt. Parts aren't that much more but if you just want cheap parts by a Honda not a Yamaha.

I bleed orange but honestly in the last 3 years all 450s are estart and kawi even has a real clutch now so for snow I wouldn't say the ktm 450 has much advantage anymore. There were years they seemed to make the best power on the dyno but riding them they don't feel any better than the best jap bikes so you could certainly justify saving a few bucks on a jap 450.

 

[wwillf01]

Seems ktm bikes can handle the power better long term from talking to engine builders and having one myself.... the clutch design and crank are pretty bulletproof. Think about that if you are adding big hp the crank does not have to be touched in those years.

 

[JimBridger]

I'd recommend a 17 or newer 350. Better power and suspension. Buddy had a 16 350. It had close to 300 hours. Needed new valves around 150, but limped it to 250. Put in new valve seals @250 because it was blowing smoke. Had 3 top ends put in it, but was always reliable. Did the tour of idaho (1600 miles in 8 days) on the second topend with no problems. I would recommend top end interval at no more than 80 hrs and probably better at 50 on a snowbike application. Singletrack riding the 350, 100-150 hrs on a top end is no problem. Replacing a 350 topend is one of the easiest dual cam 4 strokes I've ever rebuilt.

 

[wwillf01]

That's a good point checking valves and top ends are so simple on a ktm... well designed...

Sent from my SM-F900U using Tapatalk

 

[jrlastofthebreed]

I'd recommend a 17 or newer 350. Better power and suspension. Buddy had a 16 350. It had close to 300 hours. Needed new valves around 150, but limped it to 250. Put in new valve seals @250 because it was blowing smoke. Had 3 top ends put in it, but was always reliable. Did the tour of idaho (1600 miles in 8 days) on the second topend with no problems. I would recommend top end interval at no more than 80 hrs and probably better at 50 on a snowbike application. Singletrack riding the 350, 100-150 hrs on a top end is no problem. Replacing a 350 topend is one of the easiest dual cam 4 strokes I've ever rebuilt.

Funny you should mention that lol. The tour is in my future! 2021 is our goal.

 

[JimBridger]

It's a cool deal, but Martin is a weirdo. Buddy says he wishes he would have just done it with support, skipped the logging roads and enjoyed it. Lol

 

[GlennRMK]

Everyone I know has had good luck with the motor.

My 19 Husky 450 has trouble popping out of gear occasionally(2nd gear usually). I know several others with 16s and 17s with the same issues.

Never came across it in researching but wish I had gotten a Yamaha or Kawasaki instead.

 

[JimBridger]

I've had awesome luck with yz450's. I've had 5 since 2006, never had any major issues.

 

[mk818]

I had a 15' husky 350 with 100 hours on the snow & dirt combined. I was close to the rev limiter all day in the snow and it was a blast. I am a lighter guy and i would pull past my buddy on a 17 yz450.

 

[mlyamkaw]

It's a cool deal, but Martin is a weirdo. Buddy says he wishes he would have just done it with support, skipped the logging roads and enjoyed it. Lol

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