which isn ’ t really a problem with the quality hydraulic unit that ’ s fitted . However , I found I easily improved on this issue by gearing it down ever so slightly , putting a 51 tooth rear sprocket on . This gearing change not only improved things in tight , technical riding , but also made it a lot better in the open where the 300s could often feel like a smaller displacement bike . The scenario would be , you ’ re flowing along in 4th or 5th gear , but then the bike comes under load from a hill or a soft spot and the bike kind of bogs down and feels very short on bottom end power . But gearing it down keeps it up a bit higher in the revs , and just pulls straight through and feels crisper to respond .
CHASSIS As has become the norm from KTM , the chassis
is top-of-the-line , with slim ergonomics and a race-y look . The 300 has a light and nimble feel , which makes for a very playful bike . Whilst it now weighs almost the same as the 350 fourstroke , when riding it seems like there ’ s a far greater weight difference , as the 300 just seems to skip along in comparison . I ’ ve swapped the forks for WP Cone-Valve , and they work well for the slow-speed tight bush sections where plushness and absorbing small impacts like roots and rocks are the priority . They provide a good level of comfort in these areas , but become a bit soft when speeds increase . The PDS shock is a big plus for me . I know there are people out there who will shout “ linkage is better ” until they ’ re blue in the face ,
KIWI RIDER 31