Let me preface this by saying that I don’t profess to be any kind of an expert on this subject matter nor do I share what I’ve done to my bike as an example of what others should do to their bikes. That is a personal preference and up to each individual and their riding needs. However, as I searched for modification information for the new FE350 (both on line and at the dealers) I found very little information because they are so new. Given that, I thought I’d take the time to share my experience with this bike that perhaps others may find some part of this helpful.
I Bought the bike new about 3 months ago.
Motor: Stock power was strong in the upper RMP range. Found the power too weak for my preference in the low to mid RMP range. Added a full FMF exhaust system; had bestdualsports do their “magic mod” to my ECU and installed their “Grunt.” These mods did make the bike stronger across the RPM range, but they only made a “small” improvement in the bottom and mid RPM range. It wasn’t nearly what I was hoping for. I installed the 390 big bore kit from Thumper Racing along with the KTM 350SXF water pump impeller kit for added cooling. The 390 kit provided that extra boost in the low and mid RPM range that I was looking for without sacrificing any of the power in the upper RMP range. Thumper racing provided a new map for the 390 kit that worked great. However, you cannot install it on top of the stock map. The European map must be installed first and then the Thumper Racing map can be installed. The stock map is locked and does not allow adding the Thumper Racing map. I also had to undo the “magic mod” after installing the Thumper Racing map so it didn’t run too rich. With the 390 kit installed I was able to go to a 14 tooth front sprocket which provided a gearing ratio that works better from my riding area (Utah with single track, but also open desert as well). It still has sufficient power in the low to mid RPM range in all gears. It now has a top speed of 90 MPH, pulls long steep hills strongly in 2nd gear, and handles tight, slow technical sections in 1st easily.
Suspension: After breaking in the suspension I found the forks to be too soft particularly in the mid stroke. When driven hard and committing weight to the front wheel the forks would tuck and dive dramatically. Not a good feeling. I had PG Suspension redo my suspension. They replaced the stock .42 fork springs with .455 springs and re-valved both the forks and the shock. We kept the stock shock spring (5.6). I weigh 175 lbs. This made a huge difference. In hindsight this is the first mod I would do to the bike if I was doing it over again.
Lighting: The stock headlight is extremely poor. It will get you back home in the dark, but you cannot ride at speed with it. I added the Baja Designs Squadron light and it works great. The stock electrical system handles the Squadron just fine. However, Baja Designs does not yet make a mounting plate that allows the Squadron to mount inside the stock Husky faceplate. I bought the mounting plate they sell for the 350 KTM model and then modified it to fit. It took some drilling and cutting and filing on the KTM mounting plate to make it work, but it turned out nice. I also installed a dimmer switch from Baja Designs for the Squadron. The Squadron is so bright there is no way to ride on the street at night without dimming it. I also installed the “Just Barely” street legal lighting kit from Ryco Motorsports Inc. It was “plug and play” and is a nice product.
I’ve installed other mods that most are familiar with. Cycra hand guards. Scotts Damper (sub mount). Low rise Evo bars (to help offset the sub mount). Tubliss system in front and rear tires. TMD skid plate (which fit great and also worked with the oversized water pump impeller kit). BRP vibration reduction bar mounts. Rekluse 3.0 core EXP auto-clutch and Pro Moto rear disk guard.
At this point I couldn’t be happier with this bike. I hope this was helpful.
I Bought the bike new about 3 months ago.
Motor: Stock power was strong in the upper RMP range. Found the power too weak for my preference in the low to mid RMP range. Added a full FMF exhaust system; had bestdualsports do their “magic mod” to my ECU and installed their “Grunt.” These mods did make the bike stronger across the RPM range, but they only made a “small” improvement in the bottom and mid RPM range. It wasn’t nearly what I was hoping for. I installed the 390 big bore kit from Thumper Racing along with the KTM 350SXF water pump impeller kit for added cooling. The 390 kit provided that extra boost in the low and mid RPM range that I was looking for without sacrificing any of the power in the upper RMP range. Thumper racing provided a new map for the 390 kit that worked great. However, you cannot install it on top of the stock map. The European map must be installed first and then the Thumper Racing map can be installed. The stock map is locked and does not allow adding the Thumper Racing map. I also had to undo the “magic mod” after installing the Thumper Racing map so it didn’t run too rich. With the 390 kit installed I was able to go to a 14 tooth front sprocket which provided a gearing ratio that works better from my riding area (Utah with single track, but also open desert as well). It still has sufficient power in the low to mid RPM range in all gears. It now has a top speed of 90 MPH, pulls long steep hills strongly in 2nd gear, and handles tight, slow technical sections in 1st easily.
Suspension: After breaking in the suspension I found the forks to be too soft particularly in the mid stroke. When driven hard and committing weight to the front wheel the forks would tuck and dive dramatically. Not a good feeling. I had PG Suspension redo my suspension. They replaced the stock .42 fork springs with .455 springs and re-valved both the forks and the shock. We kept the stock shock spring (5.6). I weigh 175 lbs. This made a huge difference. In hindsight this is the first mod I would do to the bike if I was doing it over again.
Lighting: The stock headlight is extremely poor. It will get you back home in the dark, but you cannot ride at speed with it. I added the Baja Designs Squadron light and it works great. The stock electrical system handles the Squadron just fine. However, Baja Designs does not yet make a mounting plate that allows the Squadron to mount inside the stock Husky faceplate. I bought the mounting plate they sell for the 350 KTM model and then modified it to fit. It took some drilling and cutting and filing on the KTM mounting plate to make it work, but it turned out nice. I also installed a dimmer switch from Baja Designs for the Squadron. The Squadron is so bright there is no way to ride on the street at night without dimming it. I also installed the “Just Barely” street legal lighting kit from Ryco Motorsports Inc. It was “plug and play” and is a nice product.
I’ve installed other mods that most are familiar with. Cycra hand guards. Scotts Damper (sub mount). Low rise Evo bars (to help offset the sub mount). Tubliss system in front and rear tires. TMD skid plate (which fit great and also worked with the oversized water pump impeller kit). BRP vibration reduction bar mounts. Rekluse 3.0 core EXP auto-clutch and Pro Moto rear disk guard.
At this point I couldn’t be happier with this bike. I hope this was helpful.
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