TWO-STROKES
The 300 came next on my ride schedule.
Again it has a terrific engine. I’d say this
was the one bike which didn’t seem to
show much difference between the rain
and dry power modes.. In fairness, It’s not
that there wasn’t a difference, just not a
huge difference. The rain mode was a little
smoother from low revs, but both rain and
dry deliveries were willing, grippy to the
ground, quick and rideable. Modern day
300 two-strokes really have come a long
way from the unresponsive, boring, tractor
style engines of years ago. The power
mode button on all the models is located
on the back of the steering stem, in front
of the fuel cap. It’s a simple one press deal
to change modes. I really like this location
because it’s handy and the switch is very
unlikely to be damaged in a crash. Nor will
you have the associated drama with extra
46 KIWI RIDER
wiring and switch gear if changing bars.
That said, a bar-mounted button is easier
to push while on the move. There are pros
and cons to both mounting positions.
The 200 was noticeably more perky when
in dry mode and it’s quick. To me personally,
I’m not sure why you would buy the 125 if
competing in the 200 class. While no doubt
the 125 is quick and capable it is more
difficult to keep on the pipe… in essence the
200 is just so much easier to ride enduro-
style terrain on and the weight disadvantage
is negligible. However, both bikes will be
seriously competitive and well capable
of taking the fight to their larger stable
mates in the right hands. Just watching
Liam Calley circulating on the 200, which
he’ll be riding this coming year, showed
just how fast and capable the new 200 is.