KTM 300 EXC And KTM 400 EXC - Sibling Rivalry

Battle of the Middle ClassWho would have thought that in a few short years the four-stroke revolution would put such a damper on the two-stroke off-road bike's development and sales? Well, there are those who still prefer the sweet smell of premix in the morning. So the question is, is there a best 300?

KTM has an upper hand here based largely on the size and strength of its dealer network. Kind of a new position for the orange brand, huh? And for sure, we've grown extremely confident with the durability of the KTMs over the years, mostly due to exposure. Gas Gas, on the other hand, is a relatively new player, yet we haven't had any issues with the two-stroke bikes we've tested. And its 300 has been going strong for six months now with little, if any, maintenance. But one thing is for sure: The KTM has a slightly higher level of finish.

When riding these two bikes back-to-back, it is clear that both aim at accomplishing the same goal from a different path. The Gas Gas has a sharper edge. The suspension is a bit stiffer, giving the bike a more planted and solid feel. It is more stable and, surprisingly, still turns really well, better than the KTM. It has an MX-like poise without the continued MX stiffness as the bike gets into the stroke. The KTM is a little more vague in handling, which relates directly to suspension. Softer overall than the Gas Gas, the KTM has a slight wallow when being pushed hard at higher speeds and can use a steering damper in those situations. Here's the trade-off: At a trail pace, the KTM is happier; and the Gas Gas prefers racing speeds. There is a slight midstroke harshness to the Gas Gas, whereas the KTM has to deal with bottoming. Neither issue is critical enough to cause much concern, but there is a difference nonetheless.

Power characteristics also follow different lines. Both of these bikes are masters of the bog. They will run without opening the power valve and squirt along the trail just fine. Overall, the KTM has a stronger torque feel but doesn't come on as hard when you finally unleash the ponies. The jetting on the 236-pound Gas Gas is more crucial, reminding us of older KTM 300s, as it will load up a bit more easily if run down low for a long time. When the Gas Gas comes on the pipe, it is a faster pull and revs out further than the KTM, with a louder exhaust bark, too. Bonus points to the Gas Gas for a perfectly light clutch pull controlling the six-speed tranny that adds even more versatility.

So it comes down to picking your weapon. They'll both cross the line well, as we won a race on the KTM and had plenty of fun trailing on the Gas Gas. For sure, the KTM is a safer bet in popularity and number of dealers, but Gas Gas seems to be coming on strongly. Neither 300 has a performance advantage or fault that ranks it as better or worse than the other. Read it how you like; we're calling it a draw. -Jimmy Lewis

What's Hot!The 4OO has a long, usable spread of power that begins at idle and ends at the moon.The 3OO has the most-usable two-stroke power delivery ever, but there is that "hit" die-hard two-stroke riders love.KTM really pays attention to making off-road bikes slim and easy to move on.You will never complain that the brakes are weak! Touchy, maybe, but never weak.The 2OO5 chassis and suspension changes pay off big for the off-road models with better handling.These bikes hold up amazingly well for many hard off-road miles.Fully off-road-equipped on the showroom floor; add gas and hand protection and go race.

What's Not!In the desert, you can almost feel gaps in the 3OO's trans and will really miss having a sixth gear.The 4OO is amazingly light but still heavier than a two-stroke.The kickstand is superbly light and unobtrusive, but the foot sinks into soft ground.