FE/FC Would I be underwhelmed with a FE 350 / TE300 ?

[HarleySteve]

My previous bikes were both race version SX 250 two stroke and a KX 450 , but now eight years later I have kids and I've slowed down. I still like to rip it up with my buddies on occasion, but will also be riding with the wife and kids too. I do know I want a enduro type bike with smoothed out motor and softer valving so I was thinking a FE 350 or TE 300. Any input would be appreciated as I have not ridden either bike before.

 

[ohmygewd]

Depends on whether you like a 2T or 4T?
The 350 will certainly give you that truly in between 250 and 450 4T bike - it rev's pretty high like a 250 but with more grunt but not like a the 450 in terms of out right torque but definately easier to steer, of course it depends on your riding environment.

I'm an old and still headstrong 2T rider and whilst l love the 300 2T's, my current fitness and ride time doesn't allow me to really enjoy a 300 2T, simply l can be lazy on the 350 4T, probably more if l had a 450. However, if that wasn't the case, if you know how to ride a 2t it's probably better in the fun factor and commanding your attention.

The flipside is the 300 will always be an easier bike to maintain for the home mechanic, just the nature of a 2T.

Weight wise, really is ball park and whilst l can feel that slight topend heaviness in comparison to a 2T, it really isn't noticeably.

Range wise, the 350 will give you a better range than the 300 2T.

Traction wise, this becomes murky as the 350 will flame out easier than the 300 but again, if the rider is more 4T orientated he/she may say the same about the 300.

Honestly mate, you could not go wrong with either bike!!

 

[Brapman629]

The FE350 is so buttery smooth. For me it is a do all easy to ride bike. I came off a 250sx and really don't have much regret. It did feel heavy to me until I got some seat time on a 450xcw. 350 feels very nimble. Like ohmygewd said if you can test ride both that would help.

 

[sned2502st]

I just bought a FE350. At first when I was breaking it in and taking it easy I thought this bike was weak. It definitely doesnt have a lot of bark, until you get it broke in and finally twist that throttle and wow, it goes. It will go as fast as you need but when riding easy it is a pussy cat. Very easy to ride bike with the ability to go race speed. A couple people I know say a pipe and remap makes it a different animal, but then it is loud as hell which I hate. Stock the bike is quiet and would be good to putz around on with the family.

I didnt ride the white 300 but I demo rode the orange 300XCW last year. That is the bike I was going to buy but decided to go with the fuel injection and 4 stroke for a change. If all i did was hare scrambles and enduros I would have got the 2 stroke, but I trail ride in Michigan and out west from time to time and thought the 4 stroke would be better for that. Tough choice.

2 stroke if you race mostly

4 stroke if you just play ride mostly

Both will do either just fine.

 

[reveille]

300 2 stroke sounds like It would fit your MO. It's easier to maintain and will run cooler if riding slow with the family following along. The 300 will lug along slowly with no problems and rip if you want to rip. My 2 cents worth

 

[Scott Howard]

I have owned a 300 2T in the past, I currently have a FE350s and I love it. Both these bikes are awesome. Find a way to test ride both of them before you decide.

 

[Michael Ryan]

I have a 2015 KTM 350 exc 6 days and a 2016 TE 300 ....the 350 is easier to ride longer and smoother . The 350 definitely likes to rev and I feel more comfortable on it than the 300 through tight single trail, its so torquey and confidence inspiring...
The 300 is a FUN FUN bike. Its light and hauls, its so flickable and brings a smile to my face every time I twist the throttle...I am using it more to cross train in extreme enduro's....
I struggled to pick which one I wanted..so I got both but...if I were to pick one I would choose the TE 300 . I grew up on 250 motorcross bikes and for the ease and cost of maintenance along with the weight of this bike and its abilities I would choose the 300 !
Either way you won't be disappointed, power wise and handling you will be happy with either, but giving your past history the 300 seems the most likely fit power wise.

 

[shawbagga]

I have a 2015 KTM 350 exc 6 days and a 2016 TE 300 ....the 350 is easier to ride longer and smoother . The 350 definitely likes to rev and I feel more comfortable on it than the 300 through tight single trail, its so torquey and confidence inspiring...
The 300 is a FUN FUN bike. Its light and hauls, its so flickable and brings a smile to my face every time I twist the throttle...I am using it more to cross train in extreme enduro's....
I struggled to pick which one I wanted..so I got both but...if I were to pick one I would choose the TE 300 . I grew up on 250 motorcross bikes and for the ease and cost of maintenance along with the weight of this bike and its abilities I would choose the 300 !
Either way you won't be disappointed, power wise and handling you will be happy with either, but giving your past history the 300 seems the most likely fit power wise. View attachment 67930View attachment 67931

U bn riding Mick? Tis the season!

 

[Michael Ryan]

U bn riding Mick? Tis the season!

Hey Shawery, haven't been out as much as I'd like. Im back offshore in a few days time but will have a few weeks off again so keen for you to show me down south bro !! I know we've spoken about it but really keen to head down !

 

[shawbagga]

Roger that u got me number mate!

 

[hhdwtmtw]

Do what I did. Buy both ( A 4st and a 2st)
The thumper for long rides and the smoker for tight gnarly stuff. My favourite is the TE300. It does 300 smiles per hour.

 

[Broad Arrow]

It's the same dilemma I faced when buying a new Husky - TE300 or FE350. I was all set to buy the TE300 and at the last moment bought the FE350. No regrets. I use it for trail riding, single track, non-competitive events, and following the kids around the bush. It performs well in all scenarios.