KTM dirt bike help

[killerniceguy]

I know it is a monster forum but there are a lot of people on here with a lot of experience....If this is in the wrong spot please move it.

I am deciding between two KTM's for my first dirt bike.  Bike 1 is a 2005 KTM 300exc and bike 2 is a 2006 250sxf.  Both are in equally as good shape and both have been ridden, but very well maintained.  The guy who is selling them has numerous Ducati's and other KTM's in the fleet all on the "no expenses spared" maintenance program.  He is the only guy I would buy a used DB from.

Cost is not a deciding factor for me, suitability is.  Like I said I have never ridden a DB before.  My intent is do some trail riding and perhaps attach a snow track (http://www.explorermoto.com) to it for winter duty.  I am looking for something that will offer me enough power so that I wont get bored.  I plan on doing most of my own work and have sound mechanical ability.  I guess at the end of the day this might come down to a 4 stroke vs 2 stroke debate.  Thoughts?

KNG 

[JustDucky]

IMHO, of the 2, the 300 would be better suited to lower speed trailwork.  But be warned the 300 will bite if you get hamfisted with it.  The 250 sxf is a motocross model and you will likely dislike the tall, track oriented gearing for off road use.  Good luck and enjoy.

[Link]

Go with the 300 a much better trail bike than the 250 plus the maintenance on 250 4strokes is expensive and time consuming.

[TAftonomos]

I would go the opposite of those 2, and recommend the 4 stroke.  If you do go with the 300, get the heaviest flywheel you can and install it.  Not that a 300 is "peaky", but it will tame down the hit it's got on the top.

A 300 is quite a bit of 2 stroke to start out with in the dirt.  I started with a 525 (also kinda big), but I'm 6'5" and 230, so I need something to move my fat ass.

The 4 stroke valve adjustments are cake...to me much easier than changing a top end on a 2 stroke.  Just put good oil in it often, check the valves as recommended, and go ride it.

[killerniceguy]

Thanks for the advice.  I am leaning to the 300 at this point.  I have read a few times people call it a "three" stroke as it is the best of both worlds.  Will keep you posted.

Jeff

[skxf430]

For a first dirt bike, I would go with the 250.  It is plenty powerful for a newb and it will make the riding experience a lot more enjoyable.

A 300cc 2 stroke maybe a handful. 

[JustDucky]

One important thing to keep in mind when considering these 2 specific bikes beyond the 2-stroke / 4 stroke debate.  The 250 mentioned is a motocross/supercross model (sxf) with a wickedly tall 1st gear - from riding with other motocross bikes in the woods (CRF's, KXF's, etc) my experience has been that unless you are ridiculously fast, even in the tight stuff, the motocross bike guys spend a lot of time stalling, kicking, clutch slipping, overheating, etc. through the slow and/or tight stuff.  Kinda takes the fun of it for a beginner.

FWIW, if the 4 stroke was an exc, xc-w or xc-f, I'd recommend the 4 stroke instead.  But alas, we were not given that option to consider.