changes . The bike feels lower and longer , too . If the spec sheets aren ’ t lying , then it ’ s all down to the engine dynamic .
Mapping Being an out-of-condition , out-of-practice clubman rider I found the soft map my preference – definitely helpful in the slippery conditions . In this mode it didn ’ t feel to need the traction control , it was entirely controllable just on the throttle . The two maps certainly bring very different ride experiences , the hard map suiting fast , race conditions , for instance riding sand . The soft map felt suited for either hard enduro , or slippery conditions , or simply taming the beast enough for a clubman not to injure him ( or her ) self . In all aspects , though , the XE 300 feels , sounds , even smells like a thoroughbred competition model , I think only a die-hard twostroke enthusiast would be choosing this model for trail riding . Is it better than a KTM 300 EXC ? There was never a chance we could establish that at this test . Not on this track , in these conditions , with this rider . But for sure the bike is impressive . It ’ ll need a comparative test to be conclusive .
42 KIWI RIDER