300's - EX/C vs MX/C and 03 vs 04
I was wanting a 04 300 EX/C, but the dealers have told me good luck, there are probably none on the west coast. There are 300 MX/C's around tho and the dealer said they're almost identical. KTM's web site doesn't say too much about the differences either, but I noticed the MX/C has a close ratio 6 vs wide ratio 5 on the EX/C. I want to make sure that whatever I get has a granny 1st for nasty/tight uphills, etc, a tall last gear, a headlight, and plush suspension for offroad riding, which my KX 250 lacks all of. There is a guy with a used 03 300 EX/C I can get for 4500 if I act soon that is in pretty good shape other than a slightly crunched radiator on the R side. I'm not sure how much better 03's are from the 04's, but Dirt Rider articles make it sound like it is a profound improvement with their comments to the effect "the 04 is completely new and can't really be compared to the 03". I can put my name and wait for an 05 300 EX/C, I could buy an 04 MX/C and try to "convert" it to an EX/C, or I could get the used 03 300 EX/C for ~2000 cheaper. I'm leaning towards getting the used 03 so I don't have to wait for an 05 or get an 04 MX/C which I'm not sure how close it is to the exc or how much extra $ for conversion would be (not much articles on MXC or how it compares to EXC) Are there any differences other than the headlight and the trannies? Anybody have any experience on how much better the 04's are than the 03's (2000 dollars better?) and/or suggestions on my predicament? Comments are much appreciated!