2023 KTM 300 vs Husqvarna 250 Two Stroke

#motocross #sports #outdoors #adventure
Motocross Action takes the 2023 KTM 300cc two stroke and the 2023 Husqvarna 250cc two stroke to see which bike performs better on the track. These bikes are only separated by 50cc and share a lot of the same components. Both bikes are now fuel injected with electric start, have map switches, new body work, a new frame, new swing-arm, new air box, and more. Which bike did we get a better lap time on? Which bike would be best for a vet rider? Which bike would better suit a pro/intermediate rider? We answer all these questions in this video and give you a winner!
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[@motoxmatt]

Looking forward to the full tests for each bike. Great job and thanks Josh!

[@highschooljohnny]

Love these kind of vs videos....keep em coming!

[@georgecarmel6114]

If the AMA would make the 300 legal, that would be great to see it complete against 450's.

[@YZFMX256]

The 300 is more than capable of competing with the 450’s. I saw Jacob Hayes was almost 2 seconds a lap faster on the 300 than the 450 and 1.2 sec faster than on the 350sxf.

[@georgecarmel6114]

@@YZFMX256 Awesome! I'll bet on a tight twisty and rough track it would be easier to ride too.

[@YZFMX256]

@@georgecarmel6114 iirc the video vital posted of it was at perris raceway, and there was a lot of tighter turns and Jacob was saying it was easier to ride the 300sx on the tighter insides than any of the 4 strokes. He even said if he was going to buy a bike race or just to have for fun he would choose the 300sx over any of the bike.

[@georgecarmel6114]

@@YZFMX256 The 300 must be good if it gets praises like that from a pro.

[@derkbrock5996]

Make the 250 legal in 250 class at the very least at the privateer level

[@redridingreen8567]

Great video Josh! Loved hearing those 2 strokes sing. Hope you produce another video riding the 300 around more 450s. I’m sure others are also curious how these bikes perform with the different stock map settings. Looking forward to a more in depth article.

[@motonorcal9938]

Two-strokes are by far the funnest bikes to ride, you can tell from this video. They sound badass too.

[@Buy_MadeinUS]

What maps did you prefer today on both bikes? Thanks

[@spacejaime]

Josh - take them to Pro Circuit's dyno (as usual), and please give us the complete powerband curves of each. Peak only (per MXA tradition) is not significant here as the 300SX will have a fatter curve all across the bottom/mid range than the 250. I'd love to see that difference. I'm guessing peak is a about 3-4hp more on the SX?

[@j-sammys5549]

Awesome video guys. Can't wait for the 2023 250 2T shootout. Cheers

[@mxengineer1]

Great video! Always fun to ride bikes back to back and take lap times. Nice to see KTM/Husky still developing all new 2-stroke engines. It is interesting how different the all new KTM chassis feels with a 250/300 TBI engine instead of a 4-stroke. My '23 KTM 300XC felt very compliant and plush from the first ride compared to the '23 KTM 250/350/450SXF's I've ridden. There are new EFI maps for the '23 250/300 TBI bikes so please keep us updated on which map you are running.

[@YZFMX256]

There’s already new maps? I was told 2 weeks ago when i bought my ‘23 300sx other maps weren’t available yet. Also what octane fuel are you running? For the first fill up i ran 93, but noticed it has a high compression piston, and I’ll be using renegade race fuel from here on out.

[@edwardstroko4665]

I read somewhere else about new maps being out already

[@XecuTionNxx]

@@YZFMX256 93 is fine. Can mix 93 and race gas if you want but all race gas for a stock 2 stroke is a waste of $.

[@andrewpereira1117]

Should be map 104

[@mxengineer1]

@@andrewpereira1117 Yes the updated map for the '23 300XC/SX ends in "104".

[@tommywallbanger]

Cool video. I like how you talked a little then showed track footage. At first I was wondering why not do the Husky 250 vs the KTM 250 but I guess they're so similar anyway. I would like to see the 300 2 stroke against a 450 4 stroke whether it be a KTM, Husky, or any of the Japanese bikes. I'm curious how it would do. I guess it would be different depending on the track and I know the 300 would be a little under powered especially on the start but still I would like to see how the 300 handles the 450 4 strokes.

[@gregroybal348]

Excellent job Josh!!! Have been looking forward to all test with the 300sx for set up ideas, I have 8 hrs on my 300sx it is getting better to ride as I get closer to 10hr break in, I really enjoy riding this bike!!! MXA is doing a fantastic job of testing a lot of two strokes 👍👍👍

[@markallen6818]

Both of theses Bikes sound awesome.The riders gave them a good workout and looked good doing it.

[@jeffgongas7808]

Great video. But why not compare the KTM 250 vs KTM 300 since the philosophy of those bikes are the same, just 50cc difference as opposed to the Husqy brand that has a little different philosophy. Some detail and opinions on the differences in maps would also have been appreciated. Keep it up! Waiting eagerly for the KTM 250 SX vs KTM (or any brand) 250F comparison.

[@mikebrown41182]

Stabil video som vanligt Josh! Alltid kul med back to back, hoppas vi får se dig nästa år på en 250 2 takt fuel injected i AMA nationals på samma sätt som du gjort några one of races på de olika 450 maskinerna!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

As someone who raced a fully pro-circuit modded CR500 making well over 70HP back in the day , give me the 300 all day every day.

[@YZFMX256]

Vet 30+ rider, and i can confidently say I’m more comfortable on the 300sx than the TC250, at least on an Mx track, we’ll see how it does in the woods when i race a gncc. The lugability of the sx is similar to the xc, over the weekend i rode at a tight local indoor track and was able to run 3rd without it wanting to stall at all, even in sharp 180 turns.

[@medjoolmaker]

300 is faster than 250, who woulda thought?! 😮

[@aaronthiessen1922]

Thank you for another awesome vid

[@yota4004]

doing a great job Josh!

[@greensocks4507]

300 please. I'll go orange. Need to downsize from my KX500. Thanks for the post.

[@joeyholthusen6495]

The one with the 500cc kit installed in it coming soon! That's the one I'd love 😍! BRC in Canada makes it for them....come on. Get on together and show off a monster 👾 500cc 2-stroke!

[@ericmorris1056]

Do thay ping like the 125 ?

[@caydenthompson126]

I hope Husqvarna comes out with a TC 300 next year. I would buy it. Do you know anything about that Josh?

[@harleyrider9640]

2-bangers forever baby

[@CR250rSMITH]

bike prices are outrageous, crazy to think that people will buy them at any price point

[@daneg]

there's an up-charge for Euro bikes across the board. but now that KTM is "modernizing" their 2-strokes with electric start, powervalve/mapping, and fuel injection, the price gap between 2-stroke and 4-stroke is getting smaller (in a bad way for consumers). imo, keep the 2-strokes simpler and cheaper. on the other hand, the new changes KTM is making are said to create much more usable power and they're more fuel efficient (less unburned fuel to contaminate the environment). so I guess there's that. imo, if you're buying a 300/350 2-stroke, you're doing it more for fun and local races, so there's probably no great need to turn it into a 4-stroke clone.

[@tdubbs934]

My 23 tx 300 was $13004,00 out the door. Ouch

[@jamesdavison5755]

id like to see a dyno run comparison between 250 FI 2t and 300 FI 2t

[@chris-vj5wu]

Im loving that KTM 300!Thats what i like about KTM.Always trying new things and setting the bar.Nothing like the smell of mixed gas and the sound of a 2 stroke.

[@sensas5]

Please make a sx 250 2022 vs sx 250 2023

[@jake_perry2838]

I couldn’t decided between these 2 bikes so thankyoy I can’t wait to watch 😅

[@JesusPrince99]

I still can’t decide want a 250 but I’ve never riddendirt bikes before only quads but I love the sound of the 2 stroke so I’m in between the 24 Ktm 250Sx and the Husqvarna 250 but can’t decide both look like they’re great bikes I think it would have to do with preference/ which you like better

[@kengordon9331]

I miss my 2013 yz 450 but my next bike will for sure b a 2skie

[@kennethhewish2455]

Both bikes look fantastic as all rounders and definitely heading in the right direction for the sport.

[@jamieargent7139]

All the bikes these days are good there is no loser everyone hates my new rmz 450 no electric start got it cheap suspension done for my weight not even dialed in and everyone is amazed how good the bike does being followed or watching it threw a section key is dial bike to you get seat time and comfortable enjoy

[@davidgrunklee8407]

No mention of braktec on husky vs magura on ktm?!

[@TheSiliconeslick]

57 HP in the KTM, got damn that's torquey torquey torquey

[@googlemehbro]

Are the protapers (handle bars) OEM on HUSKY but not on ktm?? And my favorite bars are Renthals. I was hooked and didnt think it would beba night and day difference.. Rm125 witth renthal bars.

[@nitrozack3062]

Are they the same engine just 300 has bigger bore or?

[@thedirtbikingyeti1353]

I have a 23 300sx with a fmf pipe on it. This thing is a beast just wheelies on command.

[@corey-em8kn]

I haven't got my fmf on my 300 yet, could you tell a difference from the stock pipe?

[@thedirtbikingyeti1353]

@@corey-em8kn Yes I did notice a difference. Tad on low end but mostly mid range.

[@Ranger4444]

Josh, can you run the 300 on 93 pump gas without issue? That is my $20/gallon question. Thanks for the review.

[@skidjs]

Yes.

[@YZFMX256]

Yes i have 93 in it right now and runs fine, but after reading it has a 13:1 compression rating, I’ll be switching to renegade 102 race fuel.

[@jeffgongas7808]

Not apples to apples, but we have a 250 SX. We have been testing with 110 and 100 with an advanced rider. Seems to be running a bit hotter than I like with the 100. Will be going back to the 110. An average rider or slower will probably be fine with 93 pump. Someone that truly rips, I would recommend starting with higher octane and working your way down based on our experience so far.

[@skidjs]

Manual states 95 ROZ. So, "EU ratings are 95/98, which are equivalent to US ratings of 91/93. So, EU 95 octane = US 91 octane and EU 98 octane = US 93 octane."

[@edwardstroko4665]

@@YZFMX256 I’m not really a bike guy but I do ride them sometimes but mine is a kx250f. I didn’t know fuel made a difference in 2 strokes!! My son has a kx 85 and we both just got Raptor 700R SE’s

[@MegaStreet11]

I don't know why, but I hate it when they do the snake up the hill. Like just go up the hill.

[@ELBROCO21]

They share same frame?

[@daneg]

the pitch seems tilted in this comparison since you have a lot more experience/time on the KTM. that said, it's almost the same bike with a bit more umph, no? what I'd like to see is a versus between 300SX and the 450 thumpers. i'm sure I can already find this on YT. but that was my first reaction after watching this. 😁

[@Corteum]

Do the same comparisons, but with the 300sx and a husky 250 4-stroke.

[@daneg]

why? without the displacement advantage, 4-strokes would get smoked (especially by a pro who can handle the higher learning curve of a 2-stroke).

[@Corteum]

@@daneg but 4strokes are easier to ride because of the broader torque availability. so it kinda balances out

[@daneg]

@@Corteum not even remotely true for intermediate-expert riders. maybe for novice and vet. for a 4-stroke to be competitive with a 2-stroke (at any level tbh) it needs greater engine displacement. putting a 250 4-stroke against a 300 2-stroke would be a slaughter. edit: also, the new KTM group 2-strokes with fuel injection and electric power valves, etc. ride more like modern 4-strokes in terms of power delivery. the proposed shootout wouldn't even be a contest.

[@Corteum]

@@daneg Maybe they could make it work similar to how GT3 race cars are mixed (lambo, ferrari, porsche, bmw, mercedes, etc), having different engines, but they somehow manage to make the racing competetive. can do it also with mx

[@daneg]

@@Corteum the AMA, manufacturers, and governments are in collusion to eliminate 2-strokes (for environmental reasons mostly). competitive balance will never happen at the top levels (pro racing). the highest displacement they will allow a 2-stroke is 250cc in the 450 races. likewise, you'd have to run a 125cc 2-stroke in the 250 class. however, most local races are "250-Open," which would allow you to race your 300/350 2-stroke against 450 4-strokes. and that is more fair. but unless they can make 2-stroke engine burn fuel as efficiently as 4-strokes, I don't think you're ever going to see competitive balance...at least not for the premier AMA classes. and those are the "heroes" who sell the bikes to the masses (as it were).

[@dustinwb3522]

That husky looks nice af

[@oreng_gunung]

Awesome 2 stroke bike

[@Corteum]

Is MXA able to get pro riders to test ride some of the bikes? Get some together and test the 300sx against 250 4-strokes and 350 4-strokes. do some track battles. time attacks. 🔥🔥🔥

[@eric6rock]

After being hyped and seeing the bikes in person… I want 2023 Husqvarna TX 250 😢 The 300 uses 450 frame and 125 and 250 uses the 250 frame. Though I’ve never ridden it I heard they run well. But humbling myself down to a 250TC and make my own TX. Heritage Edition is a must!!

[@MR.TOYBOX]

The KTM 250xc and KTM 300xc are the exact same bike literally every single bolt to the frame is the same. The only difference is the bigger piston and Bore on the 300. The Frame is the same on both bikes.

[@eric6rock]

@@MR.TOYBOX so I actually got a 125 🤦‍♂️🤣 Accidentally fouled the plug on the Husqvarna 2023 TBI just don’t put on green map on 125 because it runs leans as it requires 40:1 fuel mixture. Only rode it for an 1 hour until I put on green map it didn’t really dent my savings but I was hurt coming back and not riding the bike for hours 😪. New tech won’t always be great do a lot of research before getting this 250s and 300s run more lean the 125

[@MR.TOYBOX]

@@eric6rock My bike requires 60:1. I ran both green map and the white map and it ran flawless. So far all of the Videos on the 23 ktm 250xc have been nothing but high praises for the bike. In fact not one single video on youtube about the 23 ktm 250xc running lean or any issues for that matter. Not saying it cant happen or has not happened but so far the feedback is awesome and I have about 2 hours on mine so far.

[@josepharagon108]

You get a one?

[@shippsdip]

Awesome.

[@ryanfaenza9529]

Ktm 300 sx vs yz 250 vs tc 250 ✊🏻

[@duckdiver5549]

you boys are ripping!

[@barnescycle]

So unless glen helen is making small changes to there track this is the fastest lap time I've seen Josh Mosiman make, the 250vs350vs450 gas gas video your was almost 10 seconds slower a lap on the 450 ?

[@duffyrides]

Good job with the video Mosiman ! I have the 23 250 XC. It's an amazing bike! Would recommend any of these new TBI models to someone lookong for a 2 stroke this year.

[@YZFMX256]

Rode the 2022 xc 300 tpi at Ironman gncc and it was nice, no hit at all to it. Finally rode my 23 300sx and wow the difference is night and day

[@duffyrides]

Yes the TBI has some proper power ! I’ve got mine posted to my channel and will be releasing some reviews and setup tips etc.

[@YZFMX256]

@@duffyrides I’ll be waiting to check it out! I should have some GoPro footage soon if mine, ill be doing a review on it in all aspects of riding. I’ll be doing a video on how it handles arenacross, motocross and GNCC style racing!

[@TORKiT]

Who was riding the Husky?

[@Shifty_Malone]

Doesn't Husky have the 300 model? Also, you forgot to mention how tall you are in this video

[@caydenthompson126]

Yes the TX300i. It's a crosscountry bike.

[@Zbubba]

Husqvarna 🤤

[@davidinLA424]

Love the Axell Hodges single to wheelie homage.

[@Moffcrypto]

the height difference is the biggest difference and thats not mentioned

[@kylewaters7409]

When I die just play 2 stroke noises at my funeral

[@FeelTheFlaw]

AMA, make 250 2 strokes legal in 250 class, privateers would appreciate that.

[@mx2598]

Bel video per stupende moto

[@markkus1134]

What’s up with the KTMs blowing up! I’m talking brand new TPI bikes pistons blowing to pieces!

[@buttfarmfilms3620]

Old maps dont give oil on startup and people start them straight into rev limiter

[@caydenthompson126]

@@buttfarmfilms3620 What do you mean don't give oil on startup? These bikes run premixed.

[@andrewpereira1117]

Hes talking about tpi bikes

[@MrPPrice-on8eq]

Video is sped up. I don't like that 😮

[@jamesal0]

1. who cares about the suspension on two almost identical bikes, like what C grader doesn't have their own tune. 2. Which bike is faster from the gate to the first corner - that's where most races' are won or lost. 3. Does the 300 keep pulling when over rev-ed or does it sign off early compared to the 250.

[@hencetirta7633]

husky much better

[@gang6009]

I'm getting a Husq because it's cheap

[@rokuabtor6834]

Wrong, Husky's better... 👻

[@mattjones1792]

Neither Yamaha is

[@BAYAREAMX]

@@mattjones1792 lol Yamahas old ass tech? No thanks

[@vwgtdturbo]

guys not buy ktm bikes,when you want good bikes with durability buy yz,kx,cr,rm two strokes!

[@YZFMX256]

lol what😂 my 04 rm250 had more motors blow up than any other bike I’ve ever owned.

[@XecuTionNxx]

@@YZFMX256 same with my yz 2 strokes lol rode them from 06-18. Junk when the dealer started selling the bikes with a 'free top end' kit I was done lol over to ktm I went. Never looked back.

[@vwgtdturbo]

@@YZFMX256 i ride rm 250 ,2008 best twostroke engine of history.

[@YZFMX256]

@@vwgtdturbo yeah if you like the cranks going out constantly

[@vwgtdturbo]

@@YZFMX256 i use 2 feed gaskets lower compression, lower force on the crank.

[@oliverdurgen5953]

i must have missed the part where they talked about the new engine and EFI... because surely they would talk about that, eh?

[@MR.TOYBOX]

Is there any Data to back up the 10 hour break in Claim on the new KTM's? Or is it just a myth?

[@daffyduck9901]

Air boxe is a easy fix with either a jigsaw or a drill.

[@ONSLAWTT]

There's nothing I love to hear more than the screams of a 2 stroke

[@davidgledhilljr71]

YO FELLAS. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE POWER CHARACTERISTICS? LAP TIMES ARE NOT AT ALL DESCRIPTIVE. WE ALL WANT TO KNOW WHAT THAT SEXY 300 IS LIKE?! WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO FEELING WISE? WHICH HAS BETTER LOW MID OR HIGH? IS THE 30O SIGNIFICANTLY MORE POWERFUL? HOW DOES THE FUEL INJECTION FEEL? DESCRIBE PLEASE. KEEP SHREDDING. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE 300 MODIFIED. CAN A 300 STICK WITH A FO FITTY ON A MOTORCROSS TRACK?THANK YOU GUYS!