I've got the blessing from upper management!

[Loosenut]

Matt,
I'm on my 3rd 300cc two-stroke after a few 250s. After moving to California from Texas, I wanted more torque out of my next bike. I chose my 2000 XC300 and never looked back. I ride my 300's a gear high and carry my momentum. However, when I'm feeling the need for speed, it's only a clutch pull away. On my '05 EC300, the bike was smooth with much more top-end than my 2000, but less low-end and midrange. I really liked bike on the tightest of trails, but missed the low-end power in the hills and mountains. Now, with th RB head and a gearing change and I'm more better happy!

[MattR]

Loosenut,

Since you rode both 250 & 300, do you feel more tired after riding the 300? I'm curious if the extra torque of the 300 also tires your body from the tugs [see Kim's post].

[GMP]

Matt,

All else being equal, the 300 will yank harder when you crack the throttle. It really depends on your style, if your going to race or just trail ride, and how tight the terrain is. More off idle power makes a bike feel less agile, and if its tight your constantly on/off the throttle, so you have to be carefull what gear your in. Coming off a 200, especially if you feel you improved on it, I think the 250 would be a more natural change. For more open west coast stuff, big elevation changes, or more casual technical riding I'd get a 300, but here in the east the 250 is more than enough and does everything well. From what I understand of Michigan its a lot like our south Jersey pine barrens(sand, whoops, and tight pine trees). The bike has a very agile, confidence inspiring feel to it.

[LAWMAN]

I agree w/ Glenn's comments. I'm coming off numerous KTMs; the last 1 was an '07 300W. compared to that, the GG 300 feels like a trials bike. I rode a GG 250 also b/f buying this 1; it is a little easier to flick around, but I decided I'd miss the extra torque in the mountains. no regrets here; the 300 is smooth & linear, just a little more yank than the 250 up until the upper revs, then it signs off sooner. you really can't go wrong w/either 1.

[MattR]

The way I ride my 200 is by braking slightly into corners with the motor still spooled up (light slipping of the clutch). Then, transitioning out of the corners with the motor already in the meat of the power again. I run a gear higher than you would initially think. This has allowed me to maintain momentum and flow through the woods.

You guys are probably right, the 250 is the better transition for me. I don't see myself chugging the engine down low like a 300 should be ridden. I would probably end up catapulting myself into a tree if I ride the 300 like my 200.

[GMP]

Thats why most of the top national pros on 2-strokes ride 250s. Beleive me, the '07 250 is a smooth, fast bike.

[SpeedyManiac]

Originally Posted by MattR

The way I ride my 200 is by braking slightly into corners with the motor still spooled up (light slipping of the clutch). Then, transitioning out of the corners with the motor already in the meat of the power again. I run a gear higher than you would initially think. This has allowed me to maintain momentum and flow through the woods.

Get a 250 if that's how you ride.

Just curious, where'd you learn that technique? That's what the euros do to go so fast in special tests at the WEC and ISDE. I'm trying to train myself to ride that way...not the easiest thing to do when I primarily ride super tight and technical woods.

[MattR]

Originally Posted by SpeedyManiac

Get a 250 if that's how you ride.

Just curious, where'd you learn that technique? That's what the euros do to go so fast in special tests at the WEC and ISDE. I'm trying to train myself to ride that way...not the easiest thing to do when I primarily ride super tight and technical woods.

My riding has totally changed since getting my 200 last January. I rode all winter and I believe this is what prompted my riding style. When I first got on the 200, I rode it my old way of point-shoot in and out of corners (lots of on/off throttle). I ended up spinning my rear tire way too much that way. So I migrated into my current technique to control the power. Also, my 200 is geared low and I start off in 2nd gear. If I end up shifting down before the corner, I'm wasting more effort since I have to quickly shift back up after the corner. For me, it was better to just leave it a gear higher and learn to modulate the clutch/throttle/braking ratio.

[Loosenut]

Matt, your riding style isn't that much different than mine. In tight single track, I get away with 3rd and 4th gear in all but the nastiest trail. The reason is that extra torque the 300 provides. It power feels very XR200R until it starts to come onto the pipe, but there is plenty of warning before the fury is unleashed. I find the extra power also makes lofting the front end effortless, so log crossings and unexpected trail hazards can be wheelied easier. So, I find the 300 a much better tool than a 250 for my riding style. I use momentum as much as possible to keep the engine off the pipe but in the meaty power it makes prior to the zing zone. The bike is smooth as can be when short shifted.

That reminds me of a ride a few years ago. It was a Hayward Honda's customer appreciation ride at Elkins Flat in Sierra Nevada foothills of NorCal. Conditions were prime from rain overnight. I rode behind a couple guys on CR250s. They were good riders and on the gas hard. There wasn't much roost which was lucky for me. The CR guys could move earth. The funny thing is that I wasn't riding hard. I was braking way later than the CR guys and with the excellent traction I could rail the turns with some confidence.

You can't lose with either the 250 or the 300.

Mike