2002 300exc vs. 2003 450 exc?

[binthedirtnow]

A priority is the bike needs to be green sticker-able since I'm in CA. I know they both have power, but which one would be easier to ride on tight trails? And which on has the better handling/suspension? Again, I can't go with an '03 or later 300 exc because of the discrimination against 2 strokes in CA made after 2002, so is the 2002 300 exc have a good controllable powerband when the trail gets tight, and does it have good suspension like the newer ones? How about the 2001 300 exc? Maybe a 2001 or 2002 250 exc as compared to a 450 exc and 300 exc? I need the bike to be able to climb tough hills yet be easy enough to ride when the trails get tight without my arm falling off from clutching. Advantages of 450, 300, 250? Disadvantages of these? Please share your plethora of experience...
B.

 

[kelsorat]

No question here, go with the 300. Especially since you have the option of the EXC version with its wide ratio tranny. Advantages--- Ease of Maintenance, Low Cost of Operation, adaptable power for desert, woods, or even mx. The 450 is heavy, feels heavy, and like all 4 strokes,, is expensive to maintain how it should be maintained.

 

[xsnrg]

I have heard that the 450 is heavy and a handful in the technical trails for a day. The 300 on the other hand is always getting praised for having lots of low and high end power and being relatively light and nimble in the tight stuff compared to the big 4s.

 

[jlk_250]

There are lots of happy KTM 450 riders out there and the bike generally gets rave reviews in the mags. But the limited riding experience I had was enough to convince me that it is heavy, it feels heavy, and it would tire me out to ride it fast in the woods. I'm just not a 4s fan and the bike did nothing to make me buy into this modern "lightweight" 4s hype. So if you're a 4s fan, this is a good one. If you're not, I've always been impressed by KTM 250s and have heard good things about the KTM 300.

Jon
'01 GG EC300

 

[sloopy]

i have ridden both and i currently own a 04 exc 450. but if i were to buy the 450 or the 300 i would buy the 300. it does feel lighter, corners easier, climbs better, and way easier and cheaper to maintain. deffinately buy 03 or newer because the suspension is alot better.

 

[binthedirtnow]

Thanx guys. It sounds like the 300 is the way to go, but....I'm stuck with 2002 and earlier since I live in CA and I need a green sticker. So, how's the handlind and suspension on the 2000 to 2002 300's? How's the power band on these bikes? I rode a 2005 wr 250f recently and it was a really fun bike, how would the 2000 to 2002 300 exc compare to that in your humble opinions??
B.