2025 KTM 350XCF vs 2024 Beta 300 Race Edition Back to Back on a Short Woods Loop

2025 KTM 350XCF vs 2024 Beta 300 Race Edition back to back on a short woods loop. Two of my current favorite dirt bikes: 350 Thumper and 300 Smoker! 4-stroke vs 2-stroke! Which has the better lap time? Let's ride them and find out!
2024 Beta 300 Race Edition Lap Time 2:46.3
Old school simple carb and mechanical power valve still runs great! Super smooth power with a full flywheel feel that is easy to modulate. The new dual spark plug head helps give the engine a slightly sharper low to mid throttle response and might run a little cleaner too. This just might be the cleanest running 2-stroke I've ridden to date - even better than my TBI TX300.
The KYB suspension has a woods focused setting that is plush and controlled and responds well to clicker changes. The seat is classic Beta - thin and hard but somehow seems a little better for 2024 model year. Smooth linear power, KYB suspension, quick agile handling: the Beta 300 Race Edition is a very fun bike!
2025 KTM 350XCF Lap Time 2:41.5
350's have long been my favorite overall combination of Power/Weight/Handling and this updated chassis and the latest 350 engine continues the tradition. This is the best stock 350 engine I've ridden to date. I've ridden a '23 350SXF many times but this 25 350XCF engine seems to run a bit smoother at the initial turn of the throttle and feels crisper and a little stronger in the mid range and continues to pull from mid to top. One of the best overall 4-stroke dirt bike engines available today and with the Connectivity Unit Offroad the power character can be dialed in. For this ride I used the Gravel/Wet power map with throttle response and engine braking both minimized and Traction Control maximized. This combination made for a very smooth initial throttle response - great for woods riding. The latest XCF suspension setting feels very good. Plush enough for off road and enough hold up to work well for slow Vet moto.
Here is my first 5 hour ride impression on the 25 KTM 350XCF....
• Best Do it All 4-Strok...
Here is a recent trail ride on the Beta 300 Race Edition...
• Best 300 2-Stroke! 20...

[@PrimalEnduro]

I think factory riders are jealous of the number of new bikes you get per year!

[@mxengineer1]

So many cool new bikes available today!

[@johnkling3537]

Back to Back 🏆 more Wheelies 🚀

[@mxengineer1]

you know it!

[@jasonclark4949]

So I have a question for you. I have a 2024 KTM 350 XC-F, 890 ADV R, and a 300 XC-W. I need to narrow it down to 2 bikes. I am thinking the 2025 KTM 300 XC-W Hard Enduro and the 2025 KTM 500 EXC-F Dual Sport. What are your thoughts on the those two compared to the three I have? I love your videos, you're super knowledgeable, and provide honest opinions on the bikes you have or have had. Keep up the great content.

[@mxengineer1]

You have a nice variety of bikes!!! I had a 790R Adventure and it was a very capable bike though when taking it off road it took so much effort I effort I wondered why I wasn't riding my tagged 300 smoker or 350F...so I sold the 790R. From my experience your 300XCW/500EXC-F combo sounds like it will give you a great combination of (2) very capable bikes. The question is how much do you ride the 790R and where do you ride it the most? The 500EXC-F will be way more capable off road but less comfy on road compared to the 790R. 300XCW Hard Enduro...I want one of those!!! Let me know what you decide!

[@coffmansdepth7927]

Those Beta 2 stokes sound amazing! Got me thinking that might be my next bike. Good to know Pony Powersports carries them.

[@mxengineer1]

Beta 300 engines run so clean and crisp with smooth power - all with the simplicity of a carburetor and mechanical powervalve!

[@mikehudgens7007]

What a great comparison - your previous video from last week got me thinking and I hit the track 2 separate days and 4 bikes and did some lap times day one was my 21 factory edition 450 vs my 23 sx 250 smoker and the 450 was 4 seconds a lap faster although I felt way faster on 250 and it just felt faster and day 2 was my 24 beta rx 300 vs my 92 KTM mx 500 and as expected I was almost 10 seconds a lap faster ony beta as the 500 is a beast although imo the best 500 2 stroke I have ever ridden/raced and overall order was 450 300 250 500 and the 450 was average 1 second a lap faster than my beta and I had the most fun on the 250 - go figure

[@mxengineer1]

@@mikehudgens7007 Back to Back rides and lap times are FUN!!! Great way to get a feel for the different characteristics of each bike and also see which one you are faster on for that day! Try more back to back rides and see if you are consistently quicker on one bike. You have some fun bikes to ride...especially that 92 KTM 500MX..BEAST!!!

[@diannwille4143]

I hope one of these days Yamaha can finally come out with the Yz350😮

[@mxengineer1]

I wish both Yamaha and Honda would build a 350F!

[@RobPafford]

4 stroke seems to consistently set the faster lap time ! I usually have one of each, but agree the 4t seems to have the edge with that planted feel!

[@mxengineer1]

I always have a 350 thumper and 300 smoker in the garage!

[@johniron88]

How you like the cuo unit on the ktm? Plan on getting one for my fx350

[@mxengineer1]

Highly recommend the CUO unit for the Austrian 350/450 bikes. You only need the $190 CUO unit itself if you do not plan on using LITPRO. Minimizing engine braking helps free up the bike with any of the maps. Dial up for deep loam or dial back for woods riding the throttle response. Here is a video I did for the 25 350XCF for woods riding.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZiQpqqEbauEo5o

[@johniron88]

@@mxengineer1 awesome. Thanks dude. Lovin your content 👍🏿

[@Weekendwarriorsmoto]

I have both bikes (you subscribe to our channel). I’ve had the beta suspension out for tuning so I’ve been riding the 350 the last couple 10 days. I love that 350. Today, it was open and dry and the bike was a beast. All my buddies were on two strokes and that 350 crushed it. That said, I put the RK Tek head on the beta and the suspension just got reworked front and rear. The forks now have a floating mid valve. Stay tuned I think they’re great upgrades and I love that beta. Great combo you have there!

[@mxengineer1]

Yes you have a great channel and I enjoy your videos! I always have a 300 smoker and 350 thumper in the garage!👍

[@Weekendwarriorsmoto]

@@mxengineer1great combo for sure. Love your videos!

[@stevegoatley560]

So...if you had to ride that lop for 2 hours what would your choice be?

[@mxengineer1]

Tight technical trail 300 smoker. More open flowing trail 350 thumper. Both would have comfy suspension for 2-hour rides!🤣

[@Joe-pb3lx]

well it was fun while it lasted......i think i like the broken up intros anyway.......its like your trademark

[@mxengineer1]

Ha! Gotta love technology!

[@huntergable9029]

I saw you did a few videos on the Stark a while back. What are your thoughts on the Stark vs the 350?

[@mxengineer1]

I will post a back to back ride of my 25 350XCF and Varg from KickIn Roost MX soon!