200 or 300 EXC? Want Pep&Zip

bodi · Mar 16, 2004

I am 5'8'' 150lbs. I am getting back into riding after years. I want a zippy, responsive bike that I think only a 2 stroke can provide. However I want to be able to lug around in low RPM's as well. Is the 300 quick, responsive, and receptive to reving, or is it more smooth like a 4 stroke. Can anyone describe the difference in the riding experience of especially the '04 models. Thanx in advance for any responses. Those of you who contribute do a great service for us "nubies" who need accurite feedback for major purchases. When I do become a member of the KTM family I will contibute as well.

HeHateMe · Mar 16, 2004

At your height and weight I would steer towards the EXC200. A fine bike that rocks. A little more hit than the 300, but the 300 pulls MUCH harder. You can lug it around for sure. At 150 lbs, you could lug the 200 as well. The 300 is fast! The 200 is as well, just not nearly as much pull as the 300. Both rev.

HHM

bodi · Mar 16, 2004

2 stroke zip

HeHateMe said:
At your height and weight I would steer towards the EXC200. A fine bike that rocks. A little more hit than the 300, but the 300 pulls MUCH harder. You can lug it around for sure. At 150 lbs, you could lug the 200 as well. The 300 is fast! The 200 is as well, just not nearly as much pull as the 300. Both rev.

HHM

Thanx. Am I right about the zesty responsiveness of a 2 stroke, or have the 4 strokes caught up in performance. For instance would a 450 4 stroke be just as zippy? I know they have more top end, but I'll gladly sacrifice some top-end for instant response.

2strok4fun · Mar 16, 2004

bodi, have you concidered a 250 exc?

I am 5'9'' and 145 and have a 98 250e, it isnt as pipy as a 200 but can grunt thru anything. The 300's seem to have a little more hit and rev than the 250, which may not be a bad thing. IMO the 4s' are still more work to move around for small guys like me.

bodi · Mar 16, 2004

Ktm 200/250/300

2strok4fun said:
bodi, have you concidered a 250 exc?

I am 5'9'' and 145 and have a 98 250e, it isnt as pipy as a 200 but can grunt thru anything. The 300's seem to have a little more hit and rev than the 250, which may not be a bad thing. IMO the 4s' are still more work to move around for small guys like me.

Thanx for reply. I too lean toward 2-strokes. I love the hit. In the mag test rides the '04 250EXC had a surprising lack of bottom bowerband. The 300 got good reviews but I felt two things concerned me. The 300 has really wide gear spacing and heavy fly-wheel which takes the spunk out of the bottom end and the hit out of the gear changes, making it more 4-stroke smooth power. I like the jolt of a two stroke. From what I hear the 200EXC is light-feeling, and quick with bottom end pull. The only flaw is that it signs of early. Plus I'm only 150 lbs so I fear the 300 will eat me up in torchy tight situations. If the 250 had more bottom end it might be great, but I'm afraid I'll eventually want more power than the 200.

evenslower · Mar 16, 2004

I would call the 300 anything but peppy or zippy. More like torquey but explosive. Its very ridable and "gruntable" but you'd better have it pointed where you want to go when you get happy with the throttle cuz it gets moving in a hurry. That said, I enjoyed my 300 while I had it but I think my next KTM will be a 200SX. Maybe this fall.

2strok4fun · Mar 16, 2004

I cant comment on the 04, havent ridden one yet. my 98 will grunt with the best of them.

as far as the flywheel and gear spacing, the 3honey has the nads to pull it.

HeHateMe · Mar 16, 2004

bodi,

I have an 04 300 and it rips. I have ridden EXC250s as well and they pull real well, though not nearly the pull of the 300. I will say though that the magazines are not always right. The 250 has plenty of low end. The 300 pulls well from above idle and kills the midrange. I just came off of an 01 EXC400 and they have a ways to go to catch the 2 strokes, though it was a great bike. I have a couple buds who have the NEW 250 4 vstrokes and they lack ANY bottom. They pull well in the middle and on top, but they are consistantly 20 or so pounds heavier than the 2 strokes. Reliability is also an issue with the new 250f's

HHM

fuzzy · Mar 17, 2004

Haven't heard the 04 250 review either. I know they came out with a new 250cc engine this year. If it has no bottom then they ruined it. As 2st4fun said, a 98-03 250 is one hell of a bike!

Sounds like you'll want a 200 though. There are a few mods you can do to make them "luggier"

bodi · Mar 19, 2004

Mods?

fuzzy said:
Haven't heard the 04 250 review either. I know they came out with a new 250cc engine this year. If it has no bottom then they ruined it. As 2st4fun said, a 98-03 250 is one hell of a bike!

Sounds like you'll want a 200 though. There are a few mods you can do to make them "luggier"

Sounds good. A torque pipe and gearing change, or something else?

200 or 300 EXC? Want Pep&Zip

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