Getting a new bike...advice? KTM EXC 300?

[ImGoingRiding]

Hello all,

I am now 39 years old, and I haven't ridden much in years. I spent the first 21 years of my life on the likes of Honda's XR80, XR100 (80'), XR200 (82'), CR250 (85'), and short stints on a few others. Mostly riding in the countryside, with some time on MX tracks, Hare Scrambles, and Enduro.

I've got the fever to get back into riding. I've been in touch with some old riding buddies who have experianced Honda CR 500's, XR 250's, and they have favored KTM lately.

Their current advice to me is to get a used KTM 300 XC-W, with the idea that it will handle light duty play on a local "backyard MX track", trail riding, and some time in the woods.

I like the idea of KTM primo suspension. I am kinda debating between 300 two stroke, or 400-450 four stroke.

I am looking for advice from folks who have had saddle time on different bikes, including KTM's.

Should I simply stay KTM and ignore all the others?

 

[ImGoingRiding]

I'm looking forward to your advice. Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

What's wrong with a GasGas EC300? Has better suspension (linkage!) and is a quality bike (just as good as a KTM). Also, resale on Gassers is lower so you could pick up a late model EC300 (2005 or newer) for fairly cheap.

 

[DWreck]

I love 300's. Gas Gas or KTM you can't go wrong.

The KTM 400-525's are nice bikes. I enjoy riding them but when I get aggressive the extra weight wears me out.

 

[BSWIFT]

The 300XC-W is a great bike. Could be the best all around production woods bike. The GASGAS is very comparable but has quite a few "off the shelf" parts. I think that the GASGAS has a smoother power delivery and the suspension is plush. Both bikes are really good.
I've owned both 2 stokes and 4 strokes and currently ride a YZ250. This particular bike with suspension mods and tall seat foam is the overall best performing of the bikes that I've had. The Mamba(do a search) was too much bike for me. The YZ426F and YZ450F were both brutal power houses and I think the those three bikes stretched my arms a few inches.
Not sure of how big or small you are but don't count out the 250 two strokes.

 

[SINGLETRAC]

Im 37 And Ride A 06 300 Xcw, I Love This Bike !! Did Some Small Mods To The Front Forks. Other Than That The Bike Has Been Super For Me. I Mostly Woods Ride Here In Tn, And Some In Ky. The Bike Is A Virtual Woods Tractor, For My Money You Cant Beat A Two Stroke, Can You Say Inexpensive ?? Hope This Helps.

 

[Jeromeo]

I'd stick with the hondas. Why switch. Sure Ktm's are nice bike but they have an even nicer price tag on them. I ride a yamaha but I like honda's as well. I really enjoyed riding the CRF 450. Beautiful bike with TONS of power if you need it. Plus honda's good name. THEY NEVER BREAK DOWN!!! well I wouldn't say never but they are very reliable. Unless you are racing in open class then I would suggest sticking with your honda.

 

[Jeromeo]

also consider what dealers you have nearby. GAS GAS I don't think is the best idea because personally I don't know any dealers near me who carry them. I have one dealer that carries KTM but that's it. Honda's are all over. As well as yamaha

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Have you ever ridden a CRF450R in the woods? Not fun. And the CRF450X is heavy, PITA to start when the battery dies and needs mods to make competitive power.

The GasGas dealer network is expanding and parts are never an issue. The bikes don't break down so the only parts you need is crash damage. GoFasters has any part you'll ever need in stock, and shipping is fast and easy.

The KTM is a good bike, but the GasGas is even better. Either way you'll be happy, but keep in mind that anyone that gives a GasGas a try usually ends up buying one (especially KTM riders).

I would definitely recommend a 300 two-stroke for you. The 300s are great machines.

 

[SINGLETRAC]

I Agree With Speedy, Buy A 300 Two Stroke, And A Bigger Helmet, The Helmet You Have Now Probably Wont Be Able To Cotain That 300 Two Stroke Grin !!!!!

 

[fastrider11]

300 xc-w

I race hare scrambles with a 250 2 Stroke i know some people that came off a 450 xcf-w and went the 300 and they said they will never go back to a 4 stroke. GO WITH THE 300 :cool: :ride:

 

[2 strokes for life]

The 300 might just be the best open class tight woods racer out there. I would definatly go for one.

 

[mbaird]

2 strokes for life, I was curious as to why you recommended rwild against the 300xcw
earlier today, yet here you state that it may be the best woods bike available ?

He stated that he likes tight woods, technical terrain and hills. A 300 XCW is perfect
for all of that.

I do understand that you may be thinking of the extra money he willl spend , but I
went thru the same dilema this spring and chose to throw a bunch of money at my
CR250r ( suspension and engine mods ) That was a mistake in hindsight.
The XCW250 I rode last week was hands down the best bike I've ever riden for my
style of riding (idaho single track,creeks , monster and technical uphills, woods and
enduro races )

Not trying to bust your chops, just curious.

 

[2 strokes for life]

mbaird, I actually said the open class 300cc 2 stroke is awsome, not the KTM 300XC-(W). I am not really big on blending in with the crowd of people ridding KTMs. Thats just me. Thats why a wear shorts in -24C. I would rather have a Gasgas or TM 300 2 stroke for the fact they are very different. There was a time when i thought KTMs were the only good stock 2 stroke woods bikes until i rode some Husqvarna WR250 and Gasgas ECs. I will admit that that KTMs have there place (such as the mini class and Dakar) but for me i would rather have a bike that stands out in a crowed or just get a white KTM.

So, there great bikes just not for me. Thats why i would rather sudgest a different bike befor a KTM. Just me thats all.

 

[Jeki Nweman]

In Italy Ktm 300 is a common bike! It's very easy better than a 4 strokes but I think that Ktm has a big big problem on "Pds" suspention! I don't like it! When I raced with Ktm 125 i was always afraid! now I race with a Husky 250 2s... and I'm very satisfy!

 

[2 strokes for life]

I think you mean WPS suspension.

 

[Jeki Nweman]

No no...
the rear suspention linkless system,
it's colled PDS here (Progressive Damping System)...


Even so WP, in my opinion, aren't good forks :|

 

[mbaird]

2 strokes fro life, I can understand being unique. Thats why I have been a Mopar guy
since long before they became cool. And your right about the sea of Orange (you should have seen all the KTM's in the Idaho City 100) , but for a 118 mile event or ride that covers the type of trails we have out here I would rather blend in than drop from exhuastion on my CR.

If I were MXing I would probably prefer the CR , but I dont MX.

 

[2 strokes for life]

Grate point. I still think there is a bike that can do it all better thn a KTM and we have just not seen the light. I would love a bike that was awsome at both MX and Hare Scrammbles seeings thats what i race.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Blend in and get a KTM. Or do some more research, some test riding, and realize that GasGas makes a superior product and buy one. Be different. Don't be a sheep.

 

[flyingfuzzball]

Blend in and get a KTM. Or do some more research, some test riding, and realize that GasGas makes a superior product and buy one. Be different. Don't be a sheep.

the problem with gasgas is that (now im assuming i went to the right website though i might not have which seems pretty probable) is that there are only like 3 dealers in the US.

http://www.gasgasmotos.es/eng/frame.htm

even if that is wrong i dont know of one GASGAS dealer by me or in my area.


also dont you think there is a reason you see so many KTM's?

 

[2 strokes for life]

flyingfuzzball, i find the Gasgas just as good as a KTM but i like being different like SPEEDY. There are not alot of dealers but the ones you have are great.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

There's actually quite a few dealers in the USA. I actually get my parts either through the western canadian importer or from GoFasters in the USA. GasGas dealers are usually hardcore riders themselves, so they tend to put the average dealer to shame in terms of parts stock and service.

GasGas is like KTM 6-7 years ago, only with linkage. :P

 

[blmmx]

go for a 4-stroke