GasGas EX350F Build: XCGEAR, SXS, and FMF Upgrades for Better Performance

The beginning part of 2025 has been crazy. Getting all these videos out from the GasGas build up has been tough. Before I left to race the Sumter National Enduro, I had to add a lot of parts to make the EX350F my own. These upgrades run the gamut of vibration damping, protection, and power.

XC Gear MAKO360

The XCGear MAKO360 is a dirt bike accessory that decreases vibrations at the handlebar, causing less arm pump and less fatigue on the bike. There are other handlebar vibration damping options, which I covered in another video, but the MAKO360 works the best for my needs.

When ordering a MAKO360 you do have a choice to make. You need to be honest with yourself with the type of rider you are, and how much damping you want because of that. The polymers that come with the MAKO360 are chosen based on the aggressiveness of the riding you do, and how you want the bars to dampen in those conditions. Typically the faster riders are going to want the bars to move less in their hands, and since they slam into more trail objects, they need stiffer polymers for this. Slower, less aggressive riders, desire more damping to help combat fatigue and vibrations more. Choose Wisely. I’m kidding, the polymers don’t cost that much, and if you want more or less damping, you order a different set and swoop them out. Easy peasy.

I ran the orange 360 polymers up until last year. As I got faster on the Sherco, and started attacking more objects, I started feeling the bars move more in my hands. This could have also been worn out orange polymers, but I asked Lance about moving up to the red 360 polymers and he laughed at me. I did it anyway and it was the right decision.

SXS Factory Overlay Skid Plate

The SXS Skid Plate that I have on the GasGas is a newer product from SXS. It is what they call their “factory overlay”. SXS installs their UHMW (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) slide plate onto a KTM/GasGas/Husqvarna factory skid plate. This creates robust protection for the frame and the engine, while also making installation a breeze due to the stock frame mounts.

The SXS plate I had on the Sherco was a bit different because it was hand crafted by Jon at SXS. This is a lot of bending, and molding, of the UHMW. It was also harder to install over time as the bolt holes somehow ALWAYS seemed to magically move. This factory overlay setup has been a slick looking piece of protection for the GasGas EX350F.

FMF Powercore 4

The FMF Powercore 4 slip-on exhaust was purchased primarily for the spark arrestor capabilities, and secondarily for the power increase and good looks. I went with steel, over aluminum/titanium, due to cost and durability. We all know I crash, and right now a few ounces saved on a slip-on exhaust isn’t going to help me.

I also didn’t buy an entire FMF system due to cost. One, it’s expensive. Two, the power increase right now in the areas an entire system would give me isn’t needed. I am still getting comfortable with the bike I have underneath me. As I keep getting more comfortable and balanced, we’ll see if ‘more power’ is needed in a way I can’t already achieve with the GasGas+ app.