300 2t vs 350 4T - pros and cons??

snowpromod · Dec 7, 2018

Looking to setup my first snow bike, the bike will be used in the Midwest/East Coast (MI/Ontario/Quebec). Would like to set up a bike that has the ability to be plated for summer use on forest roads.

Bikes of Interest:
- Beta 300 RR 2 Stroke
- Beta/KTM/Husky 350 4 Stroke
- Yamaha WR450F - might add this to the mix
- KTM/Husy 500/501 - most likely out, finding much better deals on the 300/350's . .

How would the 300 2T compare to the 350 4T? Setup issues one way vs the other? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

rhino89523 · Dec 7, 2018

No actual snowbike time on any listed.

Snowbike setup hogs power, I would take double/triple what I have now on a CR500.

I would get the bike with the most power, two stroke is a little trickier to set up VS 4 stroke fuel injected, 2 stroke can be trickier to plate in some areas. my buddies with 17 up KTM 450's seem to be happy and they seem to work well...I have 2 friends with the 500 whatever KTM's one with a big bore kit and they seem to be happy as well.

2smokin · Dec 7, 2018

If you take the time to set up the 300, it should smoke the 350's. that being said it will take some time effort and $ to make it right. normally 450's arent more/ much more than the 350's. if you want minimal effort get a fuel injected 450 and keep it warmb with clean oil. and unless you go 17 and newer 300 prepare for some slightly annoying vibrations

CATSLEDMAN1 · Dec 7, 2018

GO LOW

I have tried a number of bike kit combo's for the snow. When all the snow dust settles, you just can't beat LOW END.

So the 300 smokers and the smaller 4 strokes just don't really quite put a smile on your face in the first 2/3 of our snow season. Its kind of like having a 125 as your go to tough trail log hopping bush wacking big rock ledges woods bike.
Yeah it can be done, but you will earn every thing you get. Still beats sitting on the couch, but if you haven't bought a bike for the snow yet, whoa go big and go low.

powdermuncher · Dec 8, 2018

Just for your information a KTM 350 will eat a 300 for lunch -- the rpm range is more than double that of the 300 that spread of power is overwhelmingly in favour of the 4 stroke. I love 2 strokes and may build one for ****s and giggles, but all out performance just goes to the larger spread of power although top end HP for both is similar.
I may build one just for the sake of trying to make it work better than what I have seen so far.
One fact is the 2 strokes do feel much lighter than the typical 450s.

M5- · Dec 8, 2018

Of all the bikes you listed above I would pick the 500/501. Here's why.

The 300, awesome single track bike, can be made to work in the snow but probably tough to plate for forest roads.

The 350, available street legal in wide ratio tranny EXC, not an ideal snow bike with the wide ratio but for flat landing probably not that big of a deal if you aren't pulling big hills in bottomless pow. As a snow bike you'd need to play with the gearing

WR450 = Turd

500/501 good power, street legal not a single track weapon but you can do it for short periods, pretty much the best all around 4 season bike IMO.

You get what you pay for.

M5

mk818 · Dec 8, 2018

I have a FC350 and it does well in the snow. If you get a 350 i would recommend the close ratio transmission versions (FX350 FC350 350SX and 350XC) Newer 350s make almost as much power as the 450s but you have to let them sing all day on the snow. I feel sorry for my motor after a day in the deep pow but i have no issues climbing right with my buddies who are both on 450s

Jaynelson · Dec 8, 2018

A few rides on KTM 350XC-F's and 350SX-F's over the last couple winters. If that is the bike you are leaning toward, they work very well. Not quite as much jam as a 450 or 500....but close. The KTM/Husky 350's make as much HP as anyone else's 450's did until the past few years. The 350 is a really nice motor, revs to the moon (which can be really handy on certain climbs on snowbike). You have to rev the guts out of it in the snow, but it works. Have not ridden a wide ratio XCW/EXC....I think they would give up a little mojo with these smaller motors. That said....if you are trying to have a nice single track bike in summer, that's where the 300 or a wide ratio bike will shine.

The 300....they seem to work just fine. That said....the only place I have ever seen a 300 2S make similar snowbike power to 350 or large 4 stroke is on Snowest. I can't see one "eating" a 4S without some serious modding. Maybe they're not all "set up right" ....maybe they're just not as powerful and its just internet stuff.

As said above...best all-arounder for a non-MX guy....500/501 hands down

Robster · Dec 9, 2018

More info needed

Answer depends several more questions answer. What kit you are gonna put it on? What year of bike are you talking about and how much do you weigh? What kind of riding are you seeing yourself doing and what elevation are you riding.

If you gonna use a TS or Camso kit I would recommend you going for a big 4stroke bike, since they are hard to turn around and are heavy as ****. If you have a CMX, Yeti or preferably a Tedesled kit you can go for a 300 TPI 2stroke and just enjoy the nimbleness of those combinations. Only discussion we have these days are what track is best for our riding conditions.

//Rob

iluv2fly · Jan 29, 2022

Jaynelson said:
A few rides on KTM 350XC-F's and 350SX-F's over the last couple winters. If that is the bike you are leaning toward, they work very well. Not quite as much jam as a 450 or 500....but close. The KTM/Husky 350's make as much HP as anyone else's 450's did until the past few years. The 350 is a really nice motor, revs to the moon (which can be really handy on certain climbs on snowbike). You have to rev the guts out of it in the snow, but it works. Have not ridden a wide ratio XCW/EXC....I think they would give up a little mojo with these smaller motors. That said....if you are trying to have a nice single track bike in summer, that's where the 300 or a wide ratio bike will shine.

The 300....they seem to work just fine. That said....the only place I have ever seen a 300 2S make similar snowbike power to 350 or large 4 stroke is on Snowest. I can't see one "eating" a 4S without some serious modding. Maybe they're not all "set up right" ....maybe they're just not as powerful and its just internet stuff.

As said above...best all-arounder for a non-MX guy....500/501 hands down

I have a 2017 ktm 300 with a RKT head, pipe, sx cdi, 38 keihin carb, red power valve spring and it runs amazing. On the big climbs down in mesquite nevada it will outclimb the 350 and most 450s. It does not take much at all to make a 300 run better than even the new 350s.

Jaynelson · Jan 29, 2022

iluv2fly said:
I have a 2017 ktm 300 with a RKT head, pipe, sx cdi, 38 keihin carb, red power valve spring and it runs amazing. On the big climbs down in mesquite nevada it will outclimb the 350 and most 450s. It does not take much at all to make a 300 run better than even the new 350s.

That post is a few years old, but I'll stand by it 100%. Guys in the states seem to like them....but here in interior BC where we have big steep mountains, and the snow is real deep, and everyone is switching to the 3" kits....everyone I deal with who has run a 2S snowbike ends up dumping them for a 450 or 500. Every single one. They all say how great the 2S runs right up to when they buy a 4S....then they never mention the 2S again and never go back. Not even 1. I work at a TS dealer and don't think I've seen a 2S bike with a snow kit all season. And we are talking LOTS of guys who also own KTM 300's for summer use...so they have nothing against them. On anything resembling stock-ish bikes, the 4S's make more power, and more useable power on a snowbike.

byeatts · Jan 30, 2022

snowpromod said:
Looking to setup my first snow bike, the bike will be used in the Midwest/East Coast (MI/Ontario/Quebec). Would like to set up a bike that has the ability to be plated for summer use on forest roads.

Bikes of Interest:
- Beta 300 RR 2 Stroke
- Beta/KTM/Husky 350 4 Stroke
- Yamaha WR450F - might add this to the mix
- KTM/Husy 500/501 - most likely out, finding much better deals on the 300/350's . .

How would the 300 2T compare to the 350 4T? Setup issues one way vs the other? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

we have both to compare. its not all about HP, Th 2T

snowpromod said:
Looking to setup my first snow bike, the bike will be used in the Midwest/East Coast (MI/Ontario/Quebec). Would like to set up a bike that has the ability to be plated for summer use on forest roads.

Bikes of Interest:
- Beta 300 RR 2 Stroke
- Beta/KTM/Husky 350 4 Stroke
- Yamaha WR450F - might add this to the mix
- KTM/Husy 500/501 - most likely out, finding much better deals on the 300/350's . .

How would the 300 2T compare to the 350 4T? Setup issues one way vs the other? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Its not all about HP, With a gearbox the RPM created will greatly enhance track speed, The 2T typically run at 8Krpm and the 4T 350 much higher RPM,s around 13K RPM which relates to increased track speed. In the same gear the 350 will have have an at least extra 6MPH track speed easily. I love 2 T and ride the 300 in the dirt but running full throttle the 4t will rule. I personally will chose a 350 over a 500 since the 500 signs off at low RPM typically 8500K, The over rev on the 4T is just awesome and the 450 is the best mix of power /RPM

eric82930 · Jan 30, 2022

This would only apply to a stock 300. they are 50hp or less. A 60hp 300 is a different ball game. See portgrinders build. It still will freeze up easier than a 4 though. And I'll stand by the 350 against an average 450 too. I've used one personally on a 120sx. I think the are 56hp now out of the box? That's plenty just don't be lazy. the over Rev will save you. It's crazy how fast it will spin the track at 13k in 1st or 2nd gear when it doesn't have the torque to upshift.

cbc76am · Feb 22, 2022

Having a modded 300T and a CR500 full mod, race gas only, and a 450 and 500 big bore 450 - there is no argument I can't personally speak to here. 450 4T - 500 big bore ideally all day long. Fuel consumption, RPM range per shift, low end torque - go 4T

Answ3r · Feb 23, 2022

I've had both 300 and 350. I like the 300 low end grunt in "spring" snow. But the 350 rev range gives it more climbing abilities in pow. It will challenge older 450s that's for sure. The 4T is easier to get setupped.

cbc76am · Feb 23, 2022

the largest component is the RPM range, 2T top out at 8500 or so and 4T go to 12k, that's 30% more per shift that you get out of the motor on each gear. it's a world of difference. My 75HP CR500 mod motor feels faster everywhere and your arms are smoked after a day on the snow - but in a drag race across a field or up a hill the 450s were right there neck in neck until I topped out in 5th and they were still in 4th. That combined with the 8 gallons of fuel it took me to ride the same as their 5 gallons. made the choice to turn the 500 into a dirtbike again easy.

byeatts · Feb 23, 2022

cbc76am said:
the largest component is the RPM range, 2T top out at 8500 or so and 4T go to 12k, that's 30% more per shift that you get out of the motor on each gear. it's a world of difference. My 75HP CR500 mod motor feels faster everywhere and your arms are smoked after a day on the snow - but in a drag race across a field or up a hill the 450s were right there neck in neck until I topped out in 5th and they were still in 4th. That combined with the 8 gallons of fuel it took me to ride the same as their 5 gallons. made the choice to turn the 500 into a dirtbike again easy.

accurate!

jrlastofthebreed · Feb 25, 2022

I had to make the same desicion you did a few years ago. For reference I ride in north Idaho, Montana. While I have a dedicated 450 snowbike i wanted a 2nd bike that I could use for both. I own a 300 beta and its set up for hard enduro, low power, lots of torque, cost of a top end. I decided that would prolly not be a good snowbike for me. Bought a 17 ktm 350 xcf. 6 speed, semi close gearing. lots of HP and good torque. It makes a great snowbike. Also makes a decent woods bike. My buddy has a beta 350 and it does well too. Betas are usually cheeper to buy and they come with more accesories (lights, fan, thermostat ect) from the factory. Downside it they don't have a ton of aftermarket stuff for them.

G-Force · Feb 25, 2022

I currently have a KTM 250XC 2t I use in the summer, and a KTM 450Sx-F I keep as a snowbike.
Thought of thinning the herd some and doing a 350XC-F for both. But that would mean giving up a dirt bike, and it took
forever to convince the wife I needed 2, so mixed emotions hahaha

Answ3r · Mar 11, 2022

cbc76am said:
the largest component is the RPM range, 2T top out at 8500 or so and 4T go to 12k, that's 30% more per shift that you get out of the motor on each gear. it's a world of difference. My 75HP CR500 mod motor feels faster everywhere and your arms are smoked after a day on the snow - but in a drag race across a field or up a hill the 450s were right there neck in neck until I topped out in 5th and they were still in 4th. That combined with the 8 gallons of fuel it took me to ride the same as their 5 gallons. made the choice to turn the 500 into a dirtbike again easy.

Switching to the 350 from the 300 and the ONE thing I love the most is how it sips 1/2 of the gas !

300 2t vs 350 4T - pros and cons??

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