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I have a 96 300exc. I weigh 260lb w/o gear. I have plenty of power in all conditions. It has good low end and really comes alive in the mid-range. It is not uncontrollable, but you have to pay attention if traction is good. The only time I hit the throttle stop is on the road or open field. I live in the east so the bike doesn't get to stretch its legs much. I couldn't be happier. I have thought about going back to a 4 stroke but I love the instantaneous zip of the 2 stroke. :)

Having said all that...you would probably be happy with either bike.

I've had the pleasure of riding both the EXC 300 and EXC 450--a 2004 and 2003, respectively. I would have no problem going with the 300--in fact, it would be my choice. It's lighter, and in my humble opinion, it's quicker than the 450--and I'm a big fan of four-strokes!

KTM has done a great job with creating a linear power band in both bikes. However, the '03 450 that I've ridden has been known to have an over-heating issue in tight, snotty conditions. The KTM dealer's solution... add a radiator fan to aid in cooling. The "fix" worked, however, it seems strange to hear the drone of a cooling fan while the bike's owner is taking a short trail-side break.

Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either bike; they're both well-made and offer state-if-the-art componentry.

Tom PS: I might add that both the 300 and the 450 are owned by extremely competitive riders. Both guys really put their bikes through the paces; and each bike has held up flawlessly.

2003 Gas-Gas EC 300
2000 Suzuki DRZ 400E
bicycle :laugh:

From what I've heard from people who have ridden the 300 EXC, if you plugged your ears so you couldn't hear the exhaust, you'd swear you were on a 4 stroke.

XRpredator said:

From what I've heard from people who have ridden the 300 EXC, if you plugged your ears so you couldn't hear the exhaust, you'd swear you were on a 4 stroke.

Click to expand...

Pred,
We like to think of our 300's as a three stroke. :nod:

Mine (gas gas) and KTM 300's that I have ridden are pretty much same. You can putt around in a gear way to high at very low RPM's and still roll the throttle on without a hic-cup.

The 300 is a nice model that fills a void between a 250 and an open class bike.

Mully

I had an '00 300EXC, friends have the 400 and the 450.
I did not buy a 400 after the 300- good power but a bit heavy.
E-start is great, though
The 300 is lighter and more powerful. the 450 is more of a beast in the woods. It will tire you out more than the other two. Of the three I think the 400 is the easiest to ride, the most tractor like. The 300 is the snappiest and lightest. The 450 is a heavier more powerful 300 with E-start.