450 vs 300R ????

[wa_ndro]

So I have the option here in OZ of picking up an excellent bargain on a brand new 2011 FSR 450 (old new stock) or a brand new 2013 300R.

Not sure what to do...been riding an EC450 for the last 6 years and love it, but starting to lean towards a 2 stroke after stalking through the forums...

Any one got any suggestions... Tough choice I know

[Jakobi]

Without a doubt the 300.. If you want a 450 I'd be looking at other brands (namely japanese).

Thats all assuming you don't mind riding two strokes and mixing fuel. The 2013 has a much much better chasis and suspension platform than the 2011. I'd buy it for that reason alone.

[Coop]

300 would be my pick 100%. Even with Japanese bikes the new 4T's are very expensive to rebuild if you do have an issue.

[wa_ndro]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm not really concerned with maintenance costs between the two.

I think I'm more worried about going for a 2 stroke and hating it after riding 4 strokes for so long, then being stuck with it.
Anyone out there made the switch recently? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Cheers

[husley]

Went from a beta 450 to a gg 300 little over a year ago. I was nervous about the switch, and even more nervous the first :30 of the first ride. But after that i have been very happy with my decision

I pretty much only ride 1st/ 2nd/3rd gear ST and the 450 was just a little big. The 300 vibrates a little more but IMO the switch was a good decision, it's just more fun to ride

[andoman]

I went from a KTM 520 with a 540 Big Bore kit to a KTM 300 XCW. Now a GG 300. I never looked back.
The 300 is the perfect 2 stroke transition bike coming off big thumpers because you can lug the 300. The torque of the 450 won't be missed because the 300 makes plenty of it.

[gasmonkey]

I have both.06fse,11300r with suspenders done on both.The 450 is a bloody good bike but you have to ring it to keep up with a fast moving pack.
The 300 can do it easily and leaves a huge grin on your dial.My pick if you had to have the one.

[Colemanian]

I came of a 450 yz and I can tell you a few pros and cons

Pros
Instant power, no more (less) downshifting to stay in the power
Many fewer stalls,
Much easier to start initially and doesn't flood out if you lay it over
Lighter feel, less tiring to race
It's a better woods bike in my opinion

Cons
Noticeably more engine vibs. Especially on a 300 ( all brands are this way on the 300)
Less stable feeling, in the rocky creek beds you'll notice more deflection off rocks
Most 2t bikes don't feel as good on hill climbs, kinda hard to stay in the ruts

In my opinion, your average weekend warrior/trail rider is more comfortable on a 4t, they are smoother, and build confidence quickly. Thats why the industry transioned to 4t. 2t bikes are tradionally more radical on power delivery, but modern bikes are more tame. If you want to try and race, or really push yourself to get faster, a 2t is less tiring and more, seat of the pants fun. If you are really used to 4t's then the transition to a 2t will be annoying. But nothing is more fun to me than a properly jetted/running smoker in the fast flowie single track. Hope that helps.

[Coop]

Wish you were in the Eastern US I'd say come take my EC250 for a day to try two strokes. With my torn bicep I won't riding for awhile.

I greatly prefer two strokes, they just fit my off-road style. I've had some 4T's and even have an XR650 now as well. But the Yamaha WR250 I had just didn't give me warm fuzzies haha.

[Simmo737]

Riding a four stroke... Going down to the food court at the shopping center for lunch... Clean easy and you know what your getting...maybe a touch boring

Riding a two stroke.... Going down to the chicken coop with an axe and 'getting' your lunch..a little less refined, a bit smelly but more satisfying and 'natural'..not boring.