ec300 or ec450

[fkmf6]

help me decide please. am looking at buying 2010 gasgas ec300 or ec450 and cant decide. i have been riding 2strokes for 30years but recently rode my mates 06 450fsr and was an absolute weapon however in saying that my mates ktm300 is pretty quick and nimble in comparison. i do have a soft spot for 2strokes but seems to me that everyones going 4strokes for reliability. i am a weekend warrior so to speak but not racing. any feedback would greatly be appreciated from anyone that has ridden both bikes. please no 2stroke or 4 stroke haters just need good and honest opinions on either bike as this is a decission i have to live with for a while thanks
jim from australia

[HuskyDude]

Hey Jim,
You're come to the right place but everyone is gonna give you different answers for different reasons. In the last few years I've gone for a DRZ250 (4T)to DRZ400 (4T)to TE510 (4TFI still love this one) to WR125 (2T)and now on a EC300(2T). All the bikes were good, all for different reasons. I guess the quest for the perfect woods weapon has landed me with a new EC 300 and not cuz it's my current bike but I must say out of all, the 300 has put the biggest smile on my face.
It's lugging capabilities far surpassing all other 2t except my TXT 280. It's the closest 2t that performs as a 4t that I've been on. I've tried a few KTM's also (not proud of that but...) and a newer RMZ 450.
IMHO if you're after a woods bike only, stay with what you know a get another 2T.
If you are after something a bit different maybe try a 4t (I would stay with a FI4T) at the very least you'll know how they work and will be able to form your own opinion on what's best for you.

[roostafish]

I'll admit it before someone calls me on it. I'm a four stroke hater. Not because they don't work, but because working on them is so darned expensive and overcomplicated.

I don't think you could go wrong with choosing a new bike, however, here's the reason I would choose the 300 over the 450: #1, Price. Cost to own and cost to maintain, hands down, the 300. #2, performance, the 300 weighs less and feels lighter on its feet.

I would choose the 450 over the 300 if you can't kickstart a bike, or if you don't want to deal with a carburetor. FI is awfully nice. If you ride in more open terrain, the 450 is heavier and more planted for high speeds.

[dgstandard]

I have a buddy that loves his '07 ec450 - he can climb like a goat with it, knows how to work on it and the bit extra weight doesn't bother him a bit.

I like the 300 because it is relatively simple to work on and lighter.

Hopefully you can try them both out!

[fkmf6]

Originally Posted by HuskyDude

Hey Jim,
You're come to the right place but everyone is gonna give you different answers for different reasons. In the last few years I've gone for a DRZ250 (4T)to DRZ400 (4T)to TE510 (4TFI still love this one) to WR125 (2T)and now on a EC300(2T). All the bikes were good, all for different reasons. I guess the quest for the perfect woods weapon has landed me with a new EC 300 and not cuz it's my current bike but I must say out of all, the 300 has put the biggest smile on my face.
It's lugging capabilities far surpassing all other 2t except my TXT 280. It's the closest 2t that performs as a 4t that I've been on. I've tried a few KTM's also (not proud of that but...) and a newer RMZ 450.
IMHO if you're after a woods bike only, stay with what you know a get another 2T.
If you are after something a bit different maybe try a 4t (I would stay with a FI4T) at the very least you'll know how they work and will be able to form your own opinion on what's best for you.

out of 3 replies i have come to the conclusion that you all love the 2t, in saying that arent they meant to be fazing these out soon

[noobi]

Originally Posted by fkmf6

out of 3 replies i have come to the conclusion that you all love the 2t, in saying that arent they meant to be fazing these out soon

God I hope not.
Nah, none of the Euro brands have shown any possibility of phasing out the 2strokes like the japs have

[Todd5774]

no chance of the 2 stroke fazing out in europe, very popular over here, Ktm and even Husaberg are supposed to be bring out a FI 2 stroke next year, so there is a company thats progressing forward with the 2stroke.

[ggg]

if you have always been a 2S guy why change?? unless your getting old and want a easier ride and your more open trails now then maybe the 4S is the way to go.

[GasGasDreamer]

for me, my two strokes allow more riding time because they are easier to ride, easier and simplier to work on, cost less to buy and maintain, and smell better.

[bergerhag]

What I really like with the fuel injected FSE, is that I never have to worry about jetting, it runs perfect all the time. Dont need to mess with premix either. And the FSE engine is solid, doesn't need all that work. Just check valve play once in a while.