KTM has produced two-strokes since forever, but its sister company Husaberg is treading new ground after introducing the TE300 and TE250. Both the bikes tested are essentially the same in specification but with different bodywork.

While rumours existed that Husaberg would build a funky slanted cylinder oil burner for its entry into the two-stroke market, it decided to run with KTM's tried and true products which is smart because the Austrian giant knows what is required to build a hot two-stroke enduro racer.

Engine
A square 72/72mm bore and stroke is used to get the 293.2cc capacity. The net result of this is a very torquey engine which never feels as though it's 'screaming'.
KTM and Husaberg have resisted kitting out the bike with fuel injection but it hardly seems to matter anyway, with the 36mm Keihin carby feeling crisp and clean all the time. Old style pre-mix is used to lubricate the engine.
A six speed gearbox has you percolating through the bush, and if you are game enough to tap out in top then things will be flying past you very fast indeed.

Both KTM and Husaberg talk about the light weight and torque of these two bikes, and also say they are user friendly. Like any of the bigger bore two-strokes there is plenty of mumbo being cranked out and it does take an experienced rider to be able to harness most of what's on offer.
There's still that lovely 'kick in the pants' power-band to brighten up your day, but at the same time you can still lope around the bush without the bike trying to spit you off at any opportunity. There's dual ignition maps to help in this regard, which is an accessory KTM and Husaberg Powerparts product, in other words it doesn't come standard. Accessed via a switch on the handlebar you can simply opt for the 'softer' power option if the terrain gets real gnarly or slippery.

Like any ballsy two-stroke there's a big expansion chamber sticking out in the breeze. A Cycle Torque photo shoot usually consists of the rider going around and around while the photographer gets the shots. At one stage I was trying to throw a nice wheelie when the bike got away from me. As I finally let go of the ’bars I watched the bike fall to its side on what I thought was soft ground. You can imagine my horror when I saw the nice big dent on the side of the pipe. I can only think a rock hidden in the dirt did the damage but I think a chamber guard would be a handy addition to the bike.

The hydraulically operated wet clutch just loves to be slipped too, and I did plenty of this trying to ride this beast through the bush, without complaint.
Electric starters on two-strokes aren't exactly new, and as you would expect of two bikes which share the same engine both are fitted with the boot saving device. I found them to work fine but they certainly worked better when the engine was warm, leaving the cold starts to my size 10 foot. Kicking was usually a first or second kick affair anyway.

Chassis
A double cradle chromoly steel frame houses the potent motor and there doesn't seem to be anything unnecessary on the bikes. A 63.5 steering head angle is used on both bikes, and the seat height and ground clearance is 985 mm and 385 mm respectively.
Suspension on both bikes is the same too. 48mm WP Closed Cartridge forks have adjustment everywhere, and the WP PDS shock at the rear is likewise, including high/low speed. Funnily enough I found the two bikes felt a little different on the trail. I thought the suspension adjustment might have been set differently because the big Kato was kicking off the bumps rather than soaking them up.

Sure enough I checked and the settings were different, if only slightly. After putting the KTM in line with the Husaberg they felt the same which is to be expected seeing the forks and shock are the same. I could still feel a very slight difference in the overall feel of the two bikes but I put this down to the different tank and shrouds, and therefore a very minor difference in the riding position. Fork travel is 300 mm, shock travel 335 mm.
Brakes across the board are Brembo, with a 260mm rotor on the front and a 220mm at the rear.

For some reason the bikes are fitted with different rims. The Husaberg gets DID products, while the KTM uses Excell. Tyre sizes are the same though, 90/90-21 front, and 140/80-18 rear.
Both KTM and Husaberg list the weight of their respective bikes at 103.1 kg. Funny thing is the KTM has a 9.5 litre tank, and the ’berg an 11 litre tank.
Maybe this is the slight difference I felt?

Wrap up
If you are looking for a new rush then either of these bikes will fit the bill. Not that long ago everyone was hailing the demise of the humble two-stroke but they seem to be making a resurgence. These bikes are real riders machines and excel with a strong hand at the controls.

For 2011 KTM has listed the price of the EXC 300 at $11,995 + ORC (with a free Akrapovic titanium silencer valued at $1,188).
With the blue meanie Husaberg you'll need to pay $12,595 + ORC.
Both bikes have a six month parts and labour warranty.

Don't really know why the price is different but in any case both are good value.
I'd go for the Husaberg only because of its slick looks and blue wheels. I know it sounds fickle but you have to look good in the bush.