THE new EXC 300 has arrived and is available in either kick start only or with both kick and electric start. At a time when four-strokes are making a big impact on the enduro scene and Honda has announced the death of its two stroke range at the end of ’07, KTM has gone the other way.

The EXC300 is nothing new to the market but the new electric starter of the ‘E’ version brings with it convenience and appeal that has previously been lost to the four-stroke competition. Add to that the weight and cost advantage and this bike really stacks up against the high tech competition with some good old fashion simplicity mixed with modern day flair.

The 293.2cc water-cooled two-stroke engine has had some internal changes done to improve combustion and cooling. There’s a new V-Force reed valve, a lighter piston and revised carby settings. The power valve continues with the choice of three springs that change the nature of the beast from smooth and tractable through to a peak horsepower flyer. The choice is yours with the change of a spring. This year a new dual curve ignition system effectively increases the choice to six different power characteristics by giving two electronic power curves on each spring setting.

The power valve spring can be changed to suit the type of riding you are going to be doing before the event, but the power characteristics can be refined on the go simply by connecting or disconnecting a wire joiner or optionally at the flick of a handlebar mounted switch that can be installed giving either the ‘performance’ or ‘soft’ curve option.

As an example you could set the engine up for hard hitting power on say an open motocross track and then if it starts raining on the day or during the event you could soften or smooth out the power delivery at the flick of a switch to help increase tractability. The changes are noticeable but make no mistake on either setting this is still a potent machine. The soft option may feel slower the way the power comes on reducing wheel spin but could easily end up giving much better lap times by allowing better traction, control and balance.

The grey selector wire is mounted under the tank but we easily rerouted it to sit in front of the left radiator for easy access. The optional handlebar switch would be much more convenient. A lot of trail riders will probably set and forget, but for competitors trying to get the ultimate setup this gives them choice.

Two-stroke power has been spread over the rev range a lot better over the years but the modern four-stroke has really raised the bar in recent times with much better control at the throttle. Hence this has been a way to bring the naturally wild power under control yet still retain the weight advantage and simplicity of the two-banger.

Of course the option of electric start is the real big news for this model. The lightweight Bendix starter system uses a battery mounted in the airbox which adds around a kilo to the 102.6kg kick-start only model’s weight even though the claimed weight remains the same. We feel the convenience when you are stuck on the side of mountain is more than worth it allowing life to be fired into the engine easily, although is you’re on a budget you might decide spending the extra $700 for an electric leg isn’t worth it.

Drive hooks up to a five-speed gearbox with a good spread of revised ratios through a hydraulically operated clutch that is an easy two-finger operation and allows good control and input from the engine.

Access to the foam air filter is achieved conveniently without tools by removing the left side cover. Fitting a solid bash-plate to protect the engine casings and the vulnerable pipe is a good idea and could save you a lot of money later.

The chrome-moly frame carries through from last year using an alloy sub-frame. The familiar linkage free White Power PDS rear suspension gives 335mm of travel and WP 48mm upside down front forks use a new alloy internal spindle to reduce weight and increase comfort levels on its 300mm of travel.

The rims are black this year following the current trend on the MX machines. As you would expect there are new 2007 graphics complemented by a comfortable seat and functional and neat tail light and number plate mount. The excellent tapered alloy Renthal handlebars continue as does the slim backlit digital display unit. If you want hand or brush guards you will have to option them or add them yourself.

An active ignition system means there is no key, instead using the lockout kill switch and start button as used on the electric start four-stroke EXC models. Ignition controls are lightweight and functional but bring a disc lock or chain if you want security when you leave the bike.

The Brembo brake system gives excellent feel and control using a twin spot floating hydraulic caliper on the front and a single spot hydraulic on the rear with wave discs fitted this year to help reduce weight. Often we’ve found KTM’s rear anchors a little over sensitive with a tendency to lock up, but we had no such problems with these ones.

The 8.5 litre tank has good range and hangs nice and low to keep the centre of gravity where it has the least effect but means you’ll have to remove the seat and tank to work on the engine (four screws and fuel hose).

The riding position for the tall blokes feels a little cramped with the high footpegs making regular transition from sitting to standing a little tiring, but regular KTM jockeys will find it all business as usual. Same goes for the steering that tends to feel fast and light with feedback that’s a little vague. Although we never had any problems during the test, the steering felt nervous at high speed where a jolt could set it off into a scary headshaking fit. Despite this the steering is direct and accurate. A steering damper has become a good cure and peace of mind for those who have experienced a scary moment from a KTM front end.

No complaints from the suspension with plenty of compression and rebound damping adjustment available. The ride is reasonably firm and smooth with factory settings which are generally set for the 70 to 85kg guys and never felt like it wanted to put a foot out of place.

There are those that love the four-stroke and those that love the two and each have their virtues and failings. This bike carries the advantage of low weight and simplicity and fights back against the four-stroke tractability with multiple power curves to suit the rider and conditions and adds the convenience of electric start that has won so many fans.

The adjustable power curve is great for customising the nature of the engine for conditions, but it is still a compromised and fiddly answer to many of the more flexible modern four-stroke engines that put all the smoothness and tractability at the throttle for ultimate control at the flick of a wrist. For those that reside in NSW the 300 just slips into the cheaper rego category adding to the already healthy cost advantage over the 450 and 525 at purchase. The cost and inconvenience of premix oil and fuel is a negative. Direct oil burning competition is getting thin on the ground from any brand now and it will be interesting to see who, if anyone, will fight back like KTM have with its 300. Either way it’s a great bike that is capable, handles well and is fun to ride and for a great many that is all it needs to be. If the two-stroke advantages suit you then this bike has a lot to offer.

The kick start model retails at $10,995 + ORC but for another $700 you can have the ‘E’ model with electric start at $11,695 + ORC. KTM has increased warranty to six months parts and labour this year from three months