SHOOTOUT I 2023 300 cc 2-STROKE OFF-ROAD SHOOTOUT
P90
Trading notes.
None of the bikes stall easily;
they are all tractors.
Regarding engine perfor-
mance, though, there are
noticeable differences, mainly
with fueling. The TPI (fuel in-
jected) bikes—KTM, Husqvarna,
and GasGas—have a unique
feel compared to the carbu-
reted bikes (Beta and Sherco).
The TPI bikes offer plenty of
power, no question there, but
deliver that power in an ultra-
linear, almost docile manner
compared to the carbureted
Beta and Sherco. Some people
like that, and some don't. Rac-
ers tend not to, while trail riders
are more tolerant. The Beta and
Sherco motors are more explo-
sive and harder hitting (read:
fun) than the TPI bikes no
matter what map mode you're
in, while the TPI bikes are more
manageable and user-friendly.
Choose your weapon. Our tes-
ters generally like the feel of the
carbureted bikes better for trail
riding and racing. But not all. At
least one of our testers highly
enjoys the feel of the TPI bikes
for trail riding. Compared to its
Austrian siblings, the GasGas
feels the most "snappy," which
makes sense because it has a
lighter flywheel.
For some, though, a signifi-
cant benefit of the fuel injected
(TPI) bikes is not having to pre-
mix fuel because these bikes
are oil injected. We prefer this
for weekend/camping trail
riding, so major bonus points
here go to the KTM, Husky,
and GasGas.
All five bikes are excellent
slow-speed rock crawlers and
behave well at speed, too,
except, perhaps, for one—the
Sherco, at least comparatively.
Multiple testers said it didn't
feel as planted or stable at
speed as the others. And most
agreed that its suspension is a
little on the harsh side overall
and just wasn't as confidence-
inspiring in sixth gear com-
pared to the others. It probably
shouldn't be your first choice
for wide-open desert riding.
All five bikes are fitted with
odometers and over-size (com-
