I own a 2005 EC 250, considering a 2013 300

[Petrolburner]

My '05 is pretty ratty looking, but always dependable. I threw a new piston in recently since I didn't know how old the current one was. It was fine. It's got a lot of trick parts like a big tank, footpegs, skid plate, Fastway bark busters and burly radiator guards. I've only got about $2,000 in the machine total. I'm looking at a 2013 300 with an Oregon plate. I'd like to grab that 300 because it has a plate and I'd prefer a 300 to a 250 for my style of riding. What will I notice in the difference between the two chassis? Is the 13 lighter, better suspension and brakes etc that I would expect with 8 years of development? Is there much difference in the engines other than the 50cc and electric start?

Here's my Gasser:

[liv2day]

Can't offer much in the way of advice as I'm on a 200, but wanted to post as it looks like you're in the China Hat area?

I'd be interested in hearing how the current owner was able to plate the 300 in OR. I know it's relatively easy in WA, but our state is a pia when it comes to plating a dirt bike (unless it's a dual-sport).

I came off an orange 300 and I've ridden my brother-in-law's 250 a few times. If you like the power of the 250, you'll probably like the torque of the 300 - especially if it's jetted properly. The thing I miss the most about the 300 is how easy it is to loft the front to get over stuff. No issues doing so with my 200, just takes a bit more forethought...lol.

Good luck in your research!

[Petrolburner]

I have to assume it was plated since new. If the title says "motorcycle" instead of "off road" or something like that, it's easier to do. I'm not sure I want to spend $5 grand on a dirtbike though. I like my ratty old Gas Gas because if and when I crash, additional scratches aren't really noticeable.

[Petrolburner]

Oh and yes I'm in Redmond. That photo is from Cline's Butte OHV.

[memphis2857]

I went from an 05 300 to an 11 300. The chassis was so much better! Suspension was better. Motor was basically the same. A lot of the difference was probably due more to the fact of going from a clapped out 10 year old bike to a basically new bike with less than 10 houses on it. Oh and you won't need a master mechanics tool set to work on it anymore either.


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[Stoby]

I have an 01 and 09 and have had 05-06-07s Still have the 01 cause it was my first and favorite gasser up until the 09 -my new favorite. The 09 -Don't know why but handles better than any of my others. I'm pretty sure 09-11 are the same . I thought the 12-13s were considered to be not as good as the 11s or the new 14-15s. Haven't been on them but from everything I've read the 12-13s were a mediocre bike. A lot of people seemed unhappy with them. Not trying to ruffle feathers but that seemed to be what I heard around here and the mags. So your upgrade might not really be one. I'm waiting til I can afford a 14-15 . Just my 2 cents

[Wimpy525]

I had a 12 300 and currently have a 13 300. Once set up the 13 has been a great bike, took me a while to get it to where I like it but now it is one of the best bikes I have owned.
If you like to lug the 300 is for you, with HOP exhaust this thing just pulls in the bottom in mid. It signs off a bit up top but this has to do more with the way I have it jetted. I run all rocky, tight, single track and this bike works great.

[Dirt Dud]

I have a few older 200 /2005/2011 and a new 2015 300 for me since I am 6"1"the frame on the new bike fits me better . The new style is the best endure bike I have ever had . The bike is my first 300 it is like cheating compared to the 200 I have .

[Petrolburner]

I've heard that about the 12 and 13 being not quite up to par according to the magazines. What specifically is it about them? If it's the suspension, after a respring and revalve it should be good to go, which is something I might plane on, but I'm not super picky about bike setup. The big motivating factors are the Oregon License plate and the extra 50cc.

I'm only 5'8" and 150 pounds, my '05 seems to fit me just fine. I've heard their frames are smaller than most but I don't notice much difference between it and my big XR650R. Is the geometry on the '13 still considered 'small?'

[Petrolburner]

Research indicates the new Beta Xtrainer 300 may be the bike I'm looking for.


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