Planning on buying a new 300cc off-road bike in the next couple days/weeks but having a hard time nailing down exactly what I want. Would like to hear some opinions especially those that may have experience on a couple or all these bikes. The bike will be used for approx 70% 2nd-3rd gear weekend trail riding, 20% Hare Scramble racing, and 10% for the occasional time I make it out to a moto track. I don't want PDS, so xc-w is out.
-24 Beta 300 Race Edition
-24 Husky TX300
-24 Husky TE300
Leaning towards Beta because of the simplicity of the carb. I like the theory of TBI if kinks have been worked out and parts availability is good....but I keep hearing of issues and I looked on Rocky Mountain and a lot of electrical parts are on backorder. Both dealers comparable distance. Price is also similar between the 3 bikes.
I have yet to ride a 300 RE, but I do own a 480RR and I absolutely love it. Very stable and turns really well. I noticed they are a bit picky with sag, I keep mine around 102mm, seems to be the sweet spot. The great thing is Beta will 100% stand by their product and make it right if something does go wrong.
It was literally impossible to get parts for the 300’s from Ktm or Husqvarna earlier this year and most of last year. Clutches, pistons, gaskets, cylinders, everything was on back order indefinitely.
I would definitely check on regular consumable and replacement parts before buying one of those bikes, and ask the dealer how many issues they are seeing. There are thousands and thousands of people racing them without issues, but I’ve heard of crank issues, piston issues, electrical issues, and more.
I moved back to Yamaha (450) based on my experience with Husky last year, their lack of support, even in areas where there were some known issues.
I’ve never ridden a single beta, but I’ve heard great things about their customer support and people race that 300 with success every where. Probably can’t go wrong, but I’d go KYB before WP, and you literally can’t go wrong with that Keihin carb.
I own a 24 TX300, have ridden a 24 TE300 and if it were my money I'd buy the Beta. I've had three TBI Austrian brand 2stks in the last 20months and haven't had any issues with any of them but for the simplicity and KYB suspension I'd go with the Beta. Smoother power than the TX, carb and good suspension. If I didn't have a war pension tied up in my Husky I'd buy a Beta tomorrow.
The TX/XC have a lot more rip on top than a Beta or the TE/XCW. If you are riding in deep sand that might be useful. For slicker, hard packed trails it is not always the best thing.
The Shop
And a Sherco se300? Like Beta, carburettor, great suspension KYB and solid and stable frame!
I went with a 24 TE300. I don't need all the extra power the TX has, and I would rather have the flywheel weight and the bigger stator. Doing some heat cycles and set-up this week and will have the true maiden voyage this weekend. I ordered a few guards, an oil injection delete kit and will just pre-mix gas, also got a TPS ERM so I can update map and read/clear codes without dealer. Thank you everyone for the input. I'll report back after a ride or two.
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