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]

ehh/???

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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[shang]

I think the 2012 and up bikes are physically bigger. I have a 13 and after getting the jetting set up right and the suspension done by a local tuner, this thing is a WAR MACHINE!! I can hold a much faster trail speed than any other bike I've owned. I feel like I have a ton of control, and like a lot of others have mentioned about the heavier chassis, it feel planted. It climbes like a goat too. I hold second up some really steep rocky technical climbs and sometimes up shift. I love the bike.

I'm not sure how the Beta X-trainer compares to the Sherco X-ride, (I think that's what it's called) but I have a friend that bought one for his wife and was a little disappointed in it. It's fun, but not a fast paced trail slayer like he was hoping.

 

[Dirt Dud]

I am not sure about the X trainer but the Xride is a blast to ride but has a trials engine so it is not a race bike at all . I own one and it is a great bike to go anywere on but not race around on . The 2015 300 is a great race / trail bike by far the best enduro bike I have ever owned .

 

[Jakobi]

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?'

I think the 2012 and up bikes are physically bigger. I have a 13 and after getting the jetting set up right and the suspension done by a local tuner, this thing is a WAR MACHINE!! I can hold a much faster trail speed than any other bike I've owned. I feel like I have a ton of control, and like a lot of others have mentioned about the heavier chassis, it feel planted. It climbes like a goat too. I hold second up some really steep rocky technical climbs and sometimes up shift. I love the bike.

Agreed.

I had a 2010 EC300R (Ohlins 888/Sachs OC) which I put a load of hours on before giving it a birthday will all the bells and whistles (250cc S3 race ported cylinder, S3 head with custom TSP machining, TTX shock and inserts for the forks, resprung with several revalves on the shock, Motosportz damper). You'd wonder if it gets much better, but then I bought a 2013 250R.

I'm only 175cm with shortish legs and find neither bikes 'tall' persay (not that a tall bike worries me that much anyway). Many bag the 12+ chassis as it doesn't have the tightest turning circle, nor is it the lightest chassis out, but what you give up there you gain in stability. Ohlins 888 revalved resprung. Marz 48cc w/ PFP were good while the lasted. Fitted with KYB SSS now, revalved and resprung.

I never had any bad feelings towards the 10', but the 13 would be my choice between the 2.

 

[Petrolburner]

I am not sure about the X trainer but the Xride is a blast to ride but has a trials engine so it is not a race bike at all . I own one and it is a great bike to go anywere on but not race around on . The 2015 300 is a great race / trail bike by far the best enduro bike I have ever owned .

The Xtrainer is much more like a regular enduro bike. It has a smaller frame, and a power valve and pipe tuned for a more linear power band. I would rank them in the order of trials bike --> Sherco X-Ride --> KTM Freeride--> Beta Xtrainer--> Beta 300RR


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