Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on June 17, 2009
Thought I'd write something for those considering KTM 300. I am an expert level rider with 30 years riding experience. Been on a 300 for some time now. Let me first state that I love the bike. It is extremely fast - beats my buddies 4-stroke 525 in drag race. It is light and very agile. That...
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Thought I'd write something for those considering KTM 300. I am an expert level rider with 30 years riding experience. Been on a 300 for some time now. Let me first state that I love the bike. It is extremely fast - beats my buddies 4-stroke 525 in drag race. It is light and very agile. That said, this is not a bike for a beginner - nor someone who wants an easy ride. The bike begs to be run hard, and is more racer than cruiser. The bike deflects off rocks/roots more than absorbs. Rider must stay on top of it. When racing, this bike has the capability to give you that extra 5% of speed to be faster, but you definitely work for it. For those of you who are advanced riders - suspension is adequate. Forks tend to be a little stiff to initiate movement even at lowest setting. Rear spring sags and increased spring adjustment to reduce sag results in limiting full travel well even at reduced comp. Stock seat should be renamed Rock Seat- brutal. Fuel range about 60 to 85 miles depending. Maintenance has been fair. Seems to chew through piston and rings quicker than other 2stokes I've had - but greatly related to performance. It will overheat / boil radiators. If you buy or own this bike, be very careful to get the air filter fully seated. It's tricky and when not placed leaves a gap in back difficult to see, but tragic to engine. (trust me on this). On the fun side, did I mention it is fast? Wheelies are instant with a twist. I'm running FMF pipe with TC2 silencer and it's reasonably quiet. Its a great stand-up bike - I ride it mostly standing. It turns quite sharp, so navigating tight switchbacks is good. It will bog extremely low and pull out - making power to ground and climbing great. Balance, steering are excellent. Build quality is KTM top notch. Brakes are best in class. I've ridden about all other top end bikes and still get a smile when getting back on this one.
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