I owned a KTM 450 EXC previous to the 300. I liked it a lot, but everything about the 300 is better.
It feels *much* lighter, has as much if not more power, lugs way down, even better than the 4-stroke. It has much more controllable power down low, great for making it up those steep, twisty, rutted, muddy hills. But snap it up and go as fast as you want.
It is very configurable to your wants. A bit of jetting change, adjust the PowerValve and use a MAP switch and you can make it almost anything you want.
Brakes are great, strong but with lots of feel. Handles really well- corners much better than the larger bike (for me). Suspension is working really well, with easy adjustments that make a substantial difference. I generally ride in the woods, but a recent trip to eastern Oregon and deep sand just requried a few extra clicks on the fork compression to make it work quite well. I think quick PV adjustment would have been good- getting harder hitting power down lower. In the woods it is nice to have a bit more mellow power down low.
The bike starts super easy with the kick- and the e-start is very handy for those times being in an awkward position.
Maintenance is quite easy- plus WAY less to do then on the 4-stroke.
What don't I like?
Stock the alternator/e-start cover comes with a drain hole on the bottom. That may be just find in dry places, but here it can get pretty darn wet and muddy. This allowed muck inside the cover. I sealed it and run about 2oz ATF.
The stock muffler doesn't have a spark arrestor (it should).
PV pin should be welded from the factory
Pretty nit-picky stuff. Nothing a couple of hours in the garage can't fix.
Anyone looking for an excellent off-road bike, with tons of low end power, still great top end, light with excellent suspension and handling will be very happy with this bike.
Upgrades/Accessories: FMF Q-Stealth muffler
KTM aluminum skid plate
Enduro Engineering front/rear light kit
Sicass handlebar switch plus flush mount turn sigs and custom wiring harness
MAP swtich
Motoz tyres (highly recommended)
Handguards with turn sigs built in
Welded powervalve pin
Sealed e-start housing
Reviews are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty and should be considered entertainment only. Reviews should not be used for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to, making decisions about any referenced vehicles, products, modifications or other information.
