I have a 2014 300 Exc and a 23 Husky TE300. The engine on the 14 kicks the shit out of the 23 but the 23 handles like it's on rails compared to the 14 (with cone valves on both).

There's absolutely nothing wrong with my 14 as a bike but the age means the starter is unreliable and the clutch is dragging a bit. I'm faster on the 23 but I enjoy the 14 engine more. I don't think you can beat a carb.

 

Look for a 2017 300 EXC. This will be carbed but has the later, more reliable starter motor and a balancer shaft so is smoother, win, win. You can then sort the clickers fairly cheaply too with a nice set of CC forks from an SXF.

 

The 17 bikes seem to make really strong money, I can get a 19 300 for the same price as a 17!
Plus my days on Jap 2 strokes tells me the Mikuni is a fiddly finicky piece of s**t.
So you factor in a Keihin...

I'd like to ride a TSP equipped 300 because I've heard they bring the old carb bark of the bottom back to the bike.

 

I'd like to ride a TSP equipped 300 because I've heard they bring the old carb bark of the bottom back to the bike.

They don't. They are much better than standard but still nothing like a carb. I have the TSP low compression head and remap on my husky.

I agree that the 17 would be the best buy. Or consider a Beta.

 

I don't think I'll ever get rid of my 17, mine is a 250 not a 300 but that was what I wanted. I've ridden a few pre 17 250/300s since I've had it and although I don't remember my 2012 being bad, every one I've ridden has been so vibey. Even one I rebuilt for a mate, think it was an 09, it was a lot better after but still like a wacker plate compared to mine. Tbh I think the reason he sold it was because he rode mine lol.

Also people are quick to slate the mikuni, after it was properly setup I've been pretty happy with it in all honesty. Same mate I rebuilt the 09 for asked if I could set his up the same as mine. It doesn't feel fast, it's so smooth though.

 

So if it were your money and you had to choose between a 2015 exc 300 for £3000 and a 2017 exc 300 for £4500 you would spend the extra 1500 for the 17?
Gonna take you guys at your words as you have all ridden, owned and experienced these bikes.
My only point of reference was a 18 300 and I hated it as I've already said.
Felt more like a a heavy 200 with a kilo of rotating mass stuck under the fuel tank 🤣

 

I would definitely buy the ‘17. I have a brand new ‘24 TBI, if a ‘17 came along at the right money I’d buy it.

 

It was an easier decision for me as mine was £4800 when i bought it from fowlers 5 years ago, I'd say £4500 is £500 too dear myself. But they're worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it I suppose! But yes I'd definitely go 17 over a 15. I have ridden an 18 husky 300 tpi the power on that was really strong. There's something wrong with his suspension though and it near on broke my thumbs going over bumps lol but I thought it was a really good engine myself.

 

I’ve not ridden it yet, still got it in bits in the garage, doing a few bits. I’m keen to get out on it but I like the simplicity of a carb. With the ‘17 I guess it’s kind of ’there if I need it‘ and it’s pretty much failsafe.

 

It's interesting reading all the experienced views on all the different years and various differences. As a new rider I've nothing to compare to and spend most of my time clinging on and surviving to be able to form any other view than "jesus why did I buy such a powerful bike" 😂

 

Nobody listens! Most people think their balls are bigger than their ears. They ain’t and never will be. Best thing is get a 125 2t. Ride that until you never get overtaken. Then move up. Getting overbiked early on holds you back and creates bad habits you may struggle to get rid of. 125s only teach good stuff.

 

So, would this be a 2017 bike on a 2018 plate?
Quite fancy a 250 myself.

Kev

 

For the lanes my 250f is ideal