Is 300RR too much power coming from a 350RR?

[pguerci]

Hi there, I look forward hearing from your experience and comments that might help me decide what to do next. I feel currently very comfortable with my 350RR Factory edition 2012, coming from a 450RR my2011 I found on this bike perfect power delivery for my ride style (average enduro rider I'd say, few races a year, same trail for fun), this bike goes great on race tracks but still feels heavy not easy to manipulate on slow nasty rocky trails (specially for riders with limited/average technical skills like me). So going for a new 350RR just to keep up with MY is an option I know is good.
However I'm willing to experiment on 2T, never was on the smokers world, so I'm evaluating going with a 300RR my2015 looking to have more fun and spend less effort on those nasty tracks mined with huge rocks like 40" tv screens, it also looks nice to ride on race tracks where speed rises on average.
Introduced that, basically my main concern is power, I wouldn't like to go back to 450 times when fighting the bike all the time and a mm in excess on the throttle blasts out your arms or wipes the bike, I forgot all of that with the 350, but I'm tired of such a heavy stuff on slow rides, o just getting it on the trailer. I've been reading a lot of reviews and pv or jetting adjustments, but I'm still concerned if 300 is too much power anyway.
Other concern is Sachs forks, I'm currently running Marzocci 48mm shiver PFP which is amazing (the faster you go the better it performs) so it will be a significant change, but as far as I've been reading Sachs can still be worked out to improve performance, probably never at the Marz level but still good enough for my ride.

Thanks in advance for all your contribution.

[ricoyam]

From what you're saying I don't think you'd be very happy on a 2T. The engine response generally is quicker and harder hitting making throttle control even more critical. I haven't ridden a Beta 2T and understand they have a torquey smooth powerband but often there is a "hit" where the engine comes on the pipe and it can be a difficult thing to deal with. I have a old KTM 200 EXC and if I don't ride it regularly it takes a while to relearn how and when to use the powerband.

4Ts are usually easier to ride especially when getting a bit lazy. The torque from the bottom of the rev range will get you out of trouble at times where a 2T would require more attention and finesse.

I love the 2T for tight trails where flick ability is all important but since I got my 430 RS the KTM doesn't leave the garage very often.

I hear you on the loading issues too. I have a three rail trailer but usually just load my Ford F250SD. Being a live-alone, if I can't load solo, the bike is worthless. Even with the big truck and the fact I'll be 60 in a couple of months, loading the 430 has been as easy as the 200. I haven't had the joy of having to load it caked with 50 pounds of mud yet but then post-rides there is usually another rider around that will lend a hand. While on this subject, is anyone running one of the new Ford Transits yet?

I love both the KTM and Beta but they are polar opposites in terms of riding styles.

[pguerci]

Thanks Rick for your feedback

[Timber]

NO a 300 Beta is not too much power compared to a 350rr. Based on your description of what you ride you will be kicking yourself for not going 300rr sooner. I've owned both bikes.....the 350 is only better when the riding is fast and hard packed. The only problem with the 300rr in the riding you are describing is pipe protection, 4-strokes can't be beat at that.

[twowheels]

You'll be fine on the 300RR - power characteristics are easily adjustable with the PV screw, the map switch (stock on Racing Ed, easy to add to RR), and jetting, or in very extreme cases an exhaust pipe.

The 300 is easier to boost over rocks and logs and the delta feels much lighter than the 16 pounds it has on the 350. The 350 will plow through more terrain and is generally easier to ride, especially at the end of a long day. Hard to mask the weight though.

[ricoyam]

Thanks Rick for your feedback

Well it'll be interesting to see what you think after you get whatever you get. I'm pretty sure if you get a new bike you'll be happy regardless. Seems like there has been steady improvement across the line each year.

[hawaiidirtrider]

You'll have some adjustment..4 stroke has a little more engine braking of course.. but a 300 rr is cheating. It's so mellow and easy to ride in the trail. It has better off idle low end.. It's smooth. There's some hit if you want it to hit but one can putt around slowly all day if one wants. You can adjust the power valve out to make the screw flush with the plate.. but even when mine was in the middle.. which is just a couple of turns in.. it is so easy to ride. Just watch some vids on youtube and you can see that Beta makes an easy 2 stroke enduro to ride fast or slow.

Scroll through some vids and find some 4t and 2t Beta vids.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... GAlbImWk4d

https://www.youtube.com/user/woodsrider117/videos

[pguerci]

NO a 300 Beta is not too much power compared to a 350rr. Based on your description of what you ride you will be kicking yourself for not going 300rr sooner. I've owned both bikes.....the 350 is only better when the riding is fast and hard packed. The only problem with the 300rr in the riding you are describing is pipe protection, 4-strokes can't be beat at that.

Yes, seems to be as I though, If I were thinking on racing only have no doubt the 350RR with Factory Shiver fork is the choice, bike is amazing on speed no matters the terrain you go or the size-shape of the obstacle, but since I'm not planning to race a lot, balancing maybe towards riding for fun instead (however still stuff and technical), I think I can live without those Factory Shiver forks. Pipe definitively is an issue, but I assume I can deal with that with some carbon fiber protection and extra care when riding.

[pguerci]

... The 350 will plow through more terrain and is generally easier to ride, especially at the end of a long day. Hard to mask the weight though.

What do you mean with this? Why you say the 350 is easier to ride? I would say is the other way around ...

[pguerci]

Scroll through some vids and find some 4t and 2t Beta vids.

Thanks for the vids, show nice riding with the 300RR.