KTM 300 EXC TPI 2020

[Bob_Defly]

I'm thinking of getting a new KTM 300 EXC, but have never owned a KTM before, although the reviews of this one seem good.

I tend to err on the side of reliability, so usually go with Japanese bikes. Is there anything from the Japanese manufacturers that is as good as the KTM that I should be considering?

P.S. I'm not looking for an MX racer, just something to do fast forest trails.

[Krikkit]

Does it have to be 2T? Yamaha's range was looking great when I was ogling them at MC live.

There's Fantic as well, but I bet they're not as robust as KTM.

[foxsasha]

KTM/Husqvarna (fundamentally the same bikes) are the market leader in enduro bikes, no one else is on a par, Japanese or otherwise

[rodericb]

Wow, the options list is extensive

[Ox88]

KTM have some rock solid bikes - was reading a trip log of a kiwi that took his 500EXC on an epic 140,000km RTW trip with no real maintenance issues.

If you have time a good read esp in these current times - https://advrider.com/f/threads/new-zealand-rtw-and...

Edited by Ox88 on Sunday 19th April 09:56

[Andybow]

The 300 is a lovely engine which can scare the crap out of you when the trails get interesting. Never had a problem with any of my Exc bikes, just maintain them to the book and all’s good.

[Steve Bass]

Best enduro/fun bike in the world, ever.

Fit a softer spring in the PV mechanism to soften the power if you're just scratching about and a Rekluse cluth to make it look like you're a pro.
Easy as there's no premix, simple autolube.
Engine is torquey compared to the 250. it makes the same headline power but dollops of grunt. Forget about 2T's of yore being all revvy and peaky, the 300Tpi is incredible. More like a trail bike with the PV softened. But it rips like a mad thing at the top if you hold it open....
A good friend runs a 2016 beta 300RR which is the same engine pre autolube and it's a joy to ride.Only difference is the beta has an adjustable on the fly PV whereas the KTM requires a spring change.
As for reliability, i've had zero issues with any of my KTM's, unlike others I can mention...

Usual 2T caveats apply however.... Only use the very best oil always and you'll be rewarded with excellent reliability.

[Hungrymc]

I've had no issues with my 2015 350exc... Its been faultless and very tough. (I've squashed the rads a few times so it now has very robust rad guards on it)
My 13 year old lad has an older 200exc is about 2012 (2 stroke) and its a fabulous bike. Loads of grunt from no revs and plenty of power for quicker trails and it weighs so little.

I can only imagine how much of a monster the 300tpi is. Its only the fact that green lanes near me are fairly sparse and so it takes road miles to link them up and make a route that keeps me on a 4 stroke else I'd be on one.