The largest and arguably the most popular displacement for off-road two strokes are the 300cc-powered machines. These are popular due to their plentiful power and torque, light weight, and ease of maintenance. Here are the 2020 two-stroke dirt bikes from KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, GasGas, TM, and Sherco.
With model names dedicated to iconic off-road races such as the Erzbergrodeo and International Six Days Enduro, enduro devotees have a couple of two-stroke KTM models to choose from that are geared for the roughest terrain. The returning KTM XC-W Six Days represents the ISDE with Six Days logos located on the rims, silencer, and handlebar, dedicated Six Days graphics on the plastics, as well as a Six Days seat. The dirt bike features TPI (Transfer Port Injection), a WP Xplor fork, front axle puller, skid plate, a Supersprox Stealth rear sprocket with an aluminum inner ring and steel outer ring, solid rear brake disc, and floating front brake disc. The Orange Brigade’s go-to color is featured on the anodized CNC-milled triple clamp, frame, and chain guide.
The new-for-2020 KTM 300 XC-W Erzbergrodeo celebrates the 25th year of the event with exclusive graphics. It is ready for Erzberg with pull straps, chain guide bracket protection, front and rear disc guard, skid plate, radiator protector, and closed hand guards.
Both are based on the XC-W, a model that has been updated with a new exhaust system, new CNC-machined exhaust port window, new Pankl six-speed transmission, and other changes further explained in our previous coverage.
Another two-stroke 300cc machine from KTM is the 300 XC TPI, which has already been reviewed. More about that model is detailed here.
2020 KTM 300 XC-W TPI Erzbergrodeo: $11,299
2020 KTM 300 XC-W TPI Six Days: $10,999
2020 KTM 300 XC-W TPI: $9,999
2020 KTM 300 XC TPI: $9,999
Husqvarna’s 2020 two-stroke 300cc models include the TX 300i and TE 300i. In addition to the fuel-injection update, the TX features a newly developed cylinder and a new corrugated header pipe. For 2020, the TE’s engine is lowered one degree, which is designed to improve traction and feel. Additionally, it has a fully machined exhaust port window and a new water pump casing for optimized coolant flow. A new aluminum mounting bracket on the muffler along with different internals and less dense packing material allow for more efficient noise damping and a claimed weight savings of 7.1 ounces (200 grams). The blue frame on the TE is also new and has increased longitudinal and torsional rigidity.
2020 Husqvarna TE 300i: $10,099
2020 Husqvarna TX 300i: $10,099
Like the 2020 Beta 250 RR, the 300 RR is equipped with a counterbalancer that reduces engine vibration and is claimed to improve the power delivery. Beta’s 2020 RR and RR-S models also feature a new frame with redesigned geometry and rigidity, a different fork design, a new shock, and a larger capacity fuel tank (2.55 gallons for two-stroke models). You can read more about the significant changes to the Beta 300 RR and other 2020 models in our release coverage. MSRP of the 300 RR is $9,199. The Race Edition is available for $9,499. The Xtrainer is another 300cc two-stroke offering from Beta, and also has the new counterbalancer. Additionally, it also features an exhaust system with a smaller expansion chamber that is designed to provide more torque and a smooth power delivery. The Xtrainer carries over the same brake package as seen on the larger RR models.
2020 Beta 300 RR Race Edition: $9,499
2020 Beta 300 RR: $9,199
2020 Beta Xtrainer: $7,699
The 300cc two-strokes GasGas available for 2020 include the EC 300, EC Ranger 300, and XC 300. The EC 300, like the 250cc model, has a new cylinder head lending to a more linear delivery of torque throughout its range, as claimed by the manufacturer. The 2020 EC models incorporate a 28.6mm-diameter handlebar, which provides rigidity to the steering column. Fitting for a 300cc two-stroke, the EC Ranger is said to have a stronger bottom-end pull, thanks to its new cylinder and cylinder head. The EC Rangers can also attract an array of riders with its lowered seat height (a claimed 40mm lower than the other EC models).
2020 GasGas EC 300: $9,299
2020 GasGas ECRanger 300: $7,899
2020 GasGas XC 300: $8,999
Aside from the $9,645 price tag on the carbureted 2020 TM EN 300 ES, the fuel-injected EN 300Fi ES and EN 300 ES share similar features such as: a KYB 48mm fork, TM Racing shock, CNC triple clamps, clear fuel tank, five-speed gearbox, electric start, 21-inch front wheel, and 18-inch rear wheel. Further, according to the press material, the 300Fi has new ECU maps, increased capacity radiators that can be fitted with an optional electro-fan assembly, a claimed increase in cooling circuit performance, and improved sliding capability of the fork. In front of the handlebar, a full LED headlight is surrounded by a new headlight mask. New fork protectors and graphics are also seen on this $9,995 fuel-injected machine.
2020 TM EN 300 ES: $9,645
2020 TM EN 300Fi ES: $9,995
Three two-stroke models emerge for MY20 from Sherco including the 300 SE-R, 300 SE Factory, and 300 SC Factory. In our review of the 2018 300 SE-R, we found that while it was a little “too much motorcycle” for the tight trail, it did have a smooth and torquey power right off the bottom that pulled controllably hard through the midrange. A test of the 2020 machine will see if this still holds true, but in the meantime, the manufacturer claims it has improved engine performance with increased torque and a more linear power delivery. Also, the lightened chassis is improved for more flexibility. The 300 SE-R is equipped with a WP Xplor fork and WP shock, while the 300 SE Factory is equipped with a KYB fork and KYB shock. If you are looking for a 300cc two-stroke that is oriented more toward cross-country riding and racing, the French manufacturer’s 2020 300 SC Factory is one of the three different displacement options of that model.
2020 Sherco 300 SE Factory: $9,899
2020 Sherco 300 SE-R: $9,299
2020 Sherco 300 SC Factory: $9,699
