KTM 300 EXC vs Husqvarna TE 300
KTM 300 EXC or Husqvarna TE 300 for hard enduro? PDS vs linkage rear suspension, and which suits slow technical terrain or faster ground.
Quick answer
At the rear, these two take different routes. The KTM 300 EXC uses PDS: its WP XPLOR shock mounts straight to the swingarm, and bottoming control is handled inside the shock. The Husqvarna TE 300 runs a WP XACT shock through a linkage, which adds progression outside the shock.
Who wins for which rider
Rider-need verdicts. The right pick depends on what you actually ride and how you ride it.
Slow rocks, logs and steps
KTM 300 EXC
No linkage under the swingarm, and no linkage bearings to service. PDS vs linkage guide
Whoops, jumps and drops
Husqvarna TE 300
External progression gives a more predictable ramp-up and better bottoming resistance at speed. PDS vs linkage guide
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | KTM 300 EXC | Husqvarna TE 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | KTM | Husqvarna |
| Displacement (cc) | 293.15 | 293.2 |
| Engine | 2-stroke | 2-stroke |
| Power (HP) | Not published | Not published |
| Torque (Nm) | Not published | Not published |
| Weight, without fuel (kg) | 104.4 | 106.8 |
| Seat height (mm) | 963 | 952 |
| Fuel capacity (L) | 9 | 8.5 |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Start type | Electric | Electric starter |
| Front suspension | WP XACT-USD, Ø 48 mm | WP XACT cartridge Ø 48 mm |
| Rear suspension | WP XPLOR shock absorber with PDS | WP XACT Monoshock with linkage |
| Frame | Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel | Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel |
| Front brake | Disc brake | 260 mm disc brake |
| Rear brake | Disc brake | 220 mm disc brake |
| Clutch | Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics | Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics |
| Price | £10,249 (UK list price, inc VAT, delivery to dealer and PDI) | $12,049 (US list price, plus $690 freight) |
KTM 300 EXC sources:
- power, torque, weight, seat height, tank, all other specs: KTM 300 EXC 2027 technical specifications, KTM, checked 2026-10-16. KTM publishes no power or torque figure, and no brake disc sizes. The 300 EXC is not sold in the US, so the price is the UK one.
- price, all other specs: KTM 300 EXC 2027, KTM UK, checked 2026-10-16. Start type from the same page: "fitted with a proven and reliable electric start system". The same page describes the WP XACT fork, the WP XPLOR PDS shock, the optional map switch and the one-piece fuel pump and filter.
- all other specs: Owner's manual 2027: 250 XC-W, 300 EXC, 300 EXC Six Days, 300 EXC Hardenduro, 300 XC-W (item 3240387en), KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH, checked 2026-10-16. Oil injection: "Do not refuel using pre-mixed fuel." (p. 52). Static sag 38 mm (p. 60).
Husqvarna TE 300 sources:
- price, power, torque, weight, seat height, all other specs: TE 300 2027, Husqvarna Motorcycles USA, checked 2026-10-16. Husqvarna publishes no power or torque figure.
- tank: Owner's manual 2027: TE 250, TE 300, TE 300 Pro (item 3402951en), Husqvarna Motorcycles, checked 2026-10-16. Total fuel tank capacity, approx. 8.5 l. The US page's spec table says 8.0 l; its text says 8.5 l. Static sag 40 mm (p. 61).
What each bike is really like
KTM 300 EXC
Full specs →Setup notes
- KTM's manual sets static sag at 38 mm.
Husqvarna TE 300
Full specs →The linkage needs a guard.
Setup notes
- Husqvarna's manual sets static sag at 40 mm.
Setup and skills
Bike choice is only half the story. Gearing, tires, suspension setup, and clutch control change the bike more than most riders expect.
Common questions
Is PDS better than linkage for hard enduro?
Our PDS vs linkage guide favours PDS for slow, extreme terrain and low maintenance. It favours a linkage for mixed enduro and for heavier riders.
Compare a different pair
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