An ode to the 300...
Epic single track, from cross-country to hard enduro,
is what we ride when we’re not in the office. We find that
300cc 2-stroke cross-country / hard enduro bikes are the best for our needs:
ENGINE:
2-strokes have a higher power-to-weight ratio, immediate power delivery, and a simpler, lighter design compared to 4-strokes. 300's are a 'square' engine with an equal length stroke and bore. This bigger bore creates low-down power and torque for tractoring through technical terrain versus a 250 with a smaller bore, which needs higher rpms to access power.
FUEL INJECTION:
The first fuel injection TPI bikes had a host of teething issues, which had lots of riders fondly looking back to their older carbureted bikes for how they performed. But with the current TBI bikes, we have all the benefits of fuel injection, with a throttle feel that's better than old carbureted bikes.
SUSPENSION:
Out of the box, the suspension works well and is very plush for travelling through rough terrain.
GEOMETRY:
These 300's are off-road bikes built for compliance and traction, featuring a slacker steering angle and a longer wheelbase.
ELECTRIC START:
An electric start is great for all the random stopping, crashing, falling, and restarting during Hard Enduro. If you stop on a sketchy hill climb with a kick-start bike, you'll often have to restart at the bottom in order to get the bike running. With an electric start, you can start the bike in any situation, no matter how uneven the terrain.
