TE/TC So, what would you buy and why?

Yep, and high pressure direct injected....NOT!

Soooo, now I'm really unsure of what I want to buy..Hehe I found a 2015 Beta 250RR new at a dealer in Iowa. They are also a Yamaha dealer. I'm looking to trade my Super Tenere to make the new bike happen. I've had two trade offers of 8k which is very fair IMO. The OTD prices on the 2015 TE300 and KTM300 have been under that so I'd have a credit towards a tall seat, air filter, spark plugs, ETC. I'm hoping the Beta deal may be even better and if so I might be persuaded to go Italian red again. I just don't know about the ergos for my height though. I'd really have to get creative with the Beta.

KTM history shows that SX (And now FC/TC) get the new stuff first.... There is a new 250/300 motor and bike out there. SX models have been seen and on an interesting note.... A new generation 300EXC/XC-W was tested at Erzberg this year. We should see a new woods version of the 125/150 bike next year, as we got all new 125/150SX and TC125 this year. There will most likely be a new 250SX and TC250 next year, possibly a new 250/300XC. KTM did the all new 4T XC-F's at the same time as SX-F models.
All new 250/300EXC/XC-W and TE250/300 next year, are a longer shot....

So my personal good bad list so far.

Good:

2015 KTM 300 XC W

• A bit lighter at 225 lbs
• OC forks - easy to setup for me
• Extra tall seat available
• Tons of aftermarket parts available
• Better resale down the road(Historically)
• Aluminum subframe

Bad:

2015 KTM 300 XC W

• • Smaller fuel tank than the Husky but a 3 gal is available
  • PDS? Probably not a biggie
  • No billet triples like the Husky

Good:

2015 Husqvarna TE300

• • 2.9 gal tank standard
  • It's not orange
  • Linkage rear
  • Billet triples
  • On/off light switch and better computer IMO
  • Dirtstar rims

Bad

2015 Husqvarna TE300

• • 4CS forks
  • Plastic subframe is heavy and flexes a bit much IMHO
  • Tall seat options are still way too short for me, ergo wise. No other after market extra tall seats available. I guess I could go custom?

I don't have any direct experience with a Beta 250RR but I did sit on one and it was small for me. I'll do some web study and see what I can find to try and make the Beta a full size bike like extra tall seat and Fastway pegs that can be lowered. Bar risers are easy along with taller bars so no biggie there.

So that is where I am at so far. TBH, any one of the 3 would be awesome and i'd make it work one way or another.

Have you checked out a Sherco?

No dealer near me. More than 2 states away.

The deal will be done Friday. It's down to the 2015 TE300 and 300 XC W, still leaning XC W mainly due to the OC forks and the ease of self servicing and adjustment. This will be my first PDS bike, from what I read and the type of riding I plan to do with this bike, it should be good. Now to hit the jetting threads and begin educating myself on the art of jetting...
Anyone change out their throttle cables on the 300 yet due to hanging or WOT scenarios? Seems the OEM cable is suspect and if snagged will pop off the carb and give you a joy ride. Most recommend the T3 motion pro which screws in on both ends and is longer.

Hey, it's not a done deal yet. I may have a seizure tomorrow from eating too much turkey and buy the "premium" KTM with the oh so great 4CS wonder forks. Seriously though, I'm torn. Either one will be great. Do I wanna be Johnny Walker or Graham Jarvis...LOL

I started breaking down the numbers and the $ I will need to spend to buy the bigger tank would cover the difference from a revalve on OC forks and the full works on the 4CS.

Amen. There is much truth to that statement.

You can fix the 4CS forks. You can't add linkage...

What a preposterous statement! I refuse to believe factories/race teams would mislead the general bike buying public!

My first time too on a PDS after 25+ years of linkage and all l have to say...definitely a different feeling out of the box!! Higher ground clearance, the bike doesn't have that natural squat of a linkage system, not as sapple as a linkage but a tad more responsive leaping logs are just some of the feeling l got riding a Husky FE350 back to back with by Berg FE350.
[Spoiler Alert] Just like the 4CS, the PDS requires work by your trusted suspension tuner as they have a narrower range than a linkage system but getting the correct spring rate for your weight is more critical - but you do save around 2 kgs!!!

I woke up this morning thinking the TE300 is looking slightly better now. Man, never thought it would be this hard, especially since I already own a new Husky. My thinking is if I get the KTM I'd most likely install the larger 3 gallon tank which is $250. Then I'd need a bash plate, so another $100. And not knowing how much it will be to sort out the PDS to my weight and satisfaction could end up being around the same as sorting the 4CS on the Husky. It sounds like the TE300 engine delivery is smoother stock compared to the KTM due to air starvation mostly the plastic subframe airbox deal but that can be addressed as I dial things in. The OTD price on the KTM is $200 less so once I add the items not included on the TE, the Husky comes out ahead. I'll let everyone know tomorrow night what color I chose. BTW, the white version is by far better looking hands down. But around here, the KTM's resale is significantly higher sooo. Try not to feel too bad for me.