Great to see Dirt Bike magazine still going. 40 years ago it was by far my favourite read. The monthly riding tips improved my off road skills massively. The bike goes just as I imagined it
Right. We flew Carson out to take sweet shots but didn’t get his opinion. And basically read the manufacture list of updates. Whoever puts this together. Needs to step up their game.
I have an '18 300 XC, which has been a great bike. This new W is more XC like but of course it has PDS, which is great for clearance on gnarly rocky trails, the wider ratio transmission, and a headlight. It sure sounds crisp in the video too. This considerably spicier W would be my choice if buying today for the aggressive mountain and desert trail riding I like to do in Colorado where I live. I bet the headlight still sucks though - come on KTM, put a nice bright LED bulb in there from the factory will ya?
I wish KTM would do a "Penton" commemorative. My first serious dirt bike was a 175 Penton (KTM engine) that I bought brand new. The 175 had just come on the market, and I fell in love with them. At the time, east coast bikes were sold as Pentons, and west coast were KTM. I've been a KTM fan ever since.
What a great bike. Perfect upgrades. Most likely my next bike. One thing about this next generation of bikes is affordability. I can, but I have buddy's who just can't justify the price of these. With a wife and kids, its tough to fork out almost 13k on a new ride. Would be nice if they would build a "trail bike". Back in 2007 I bought one for less than 7k. I'd be curious as to what percentage of riders actually race. Unfortunately, it would most likely take away sales from the $$$ bikes.
@@seamarsh3756 Yea, I get it, inflation an all, but I hope the major manufacturers don't forget about trail bikes. A new 2007 like technology bike that still rips, would have a huge market. Carburetor, non electric power valve, and no carbon fiber. Yamaha comes close.
@@ronpage101 The improvements in R&D since then have been immense though. I just upgraded from a 2011 to 2023 and the bike is just so much easier to handle and ride. The electric starts on those older bikes was also really underpowered and almost always broke. I'm with you on the price, but it's just such a good bike to say no to.
@ 82 years old I just bought a new 2023 KTM 300 XC-W Erzbergrodeo and am now at Moab's Hells Revenge dialing it in. Top Ten Old Dirt Bike Riders Logic 10. Flirt with death, beats living in procrastination. 9. What may kill you, makes you feel more alive. 8. The closer to death the more alive you'll feel. 7. Fun spank reality before it spanks you dead. 6. Die having fun before death beats you to it. 5. Pitch it sideways around the walls of fear. 4. Ride fast now, die later happier you did. 3. Live longer as a controlled crash rider. 2. Hold no ones beer, hand them yours. 1. One must die living, avoiding death. ~Gasser Classic~
Can't wait to speak with @carson_brown about this bike. Just bought the wife a 150 xc-w and it will be my turn for a new bike very shortly, especially after watching this. So glad they ditched the air forks, was always funny to me watching racers in the PNW adjusting air in the pits due to major temp swings.
Gonna be a run on 23' XCW and Husqy TE TPI's. KTM finally delivers a manageable 2T powerband with a plush suspension for real single track east coast trail riding and they have to go and overthink it. If we wanted an XC we would have bought an XC. KTM needs to make a distinction between wide open desert style trail type riding where these 24' features shine and tight single track east coast riding where the more mellow power delivery, low end lugging ability and softer suspension shines. The entire market doesn't want a race bike. Newsflash KTM! We don't all race!
Go buy a xtrainer or the like if you want something more mellow. Would rather have too much bike and tame it down than not enough and have to spend serious $$$ to bring it up to scratch.
@@herridge8917 Lol, I don’t give a flyin F what you want. I didn’t post for you. You want a more powerful bike buy a 450 cool guy. And who said anything about less power or more mellow? I’m sayin I like the power where it’s at. Seems like many agree. I can change the power valve spring like anyone else for more or less hit if that’s what I want. Giving my opinion on KTM completely changing the bike I own. Could give a shit on your opinion of my opinion.
i used to ride the same track that Carson Brown would practice and i would run in the same class as him on practice's and let me tell you he had a Honda cr that would fucking sing man, That guy would get on the pipe and stay on it for a 20min moto was amazing to watch and hear and ride with.
Like the looks and the led light. TPI bone stock (or TPI with a get ecu) will be the superior way for trail riders looks like. Not a fan of no kickstarter option, electric power valve, stiffer suspension (the WP Xplore is my favorite), no stock map switch, mix material subframe, was worse tank design & smaller, etc. At least they kept oil injection, no offense to anyone that bought the XC but it was dumb. If i was gonna have to mix ill just buy a carb bike or Beta/Sherco.
UtraSS 1. Kick starters are never used, don't need them. 2. Elec power valve is far superior to static spring. 3. New bike does not have a stiffer suspension, its softer with the front spring and easier to adjust as well. 4. XCW has never come with a map switch, but you have always been able to add one, new bike is no different. 5. Not worse tank design, and uses same materials as before. 6. Sub frame, might not be worse, I fix lots of aluminum subs and they are very expensive, new design is supposed to flex back if not too big of a hit, we will see. 7. Oil injection is crap, might be cool not to mix gas, but it is not dependable and KTM had to go to it due to emissions, not because its better. 8. Saying people are dumb for buying XC's instead of carb bikes, fuel injection has its advantages and having a KTM vs some other manufacturer does as well.
Disappointed to hear the description of how the power hits on the new bike… I feel the only flaw with the TPI xcw is it doesn’t have the low end pull that the sherco 300 does for the hard technical stuff. Maybe they’ve improved it though I’ll have to ride one myself before I can really be certain
@@kirkthepimp1 tried the XC and owned a TX300. They’re not hard enduro bikes they’re closer to an mx bike than the XCW and TE models and have even less low end power… I’m happy with my sherco for technical riding
I got a 2022 ktm 250xc tpi I’ve never had an issue with at 100 hours an never thought man I need more power , an i ride eastern PA , I don’t race just a weekend warrior! I also have 2015 ktm250xc witch I still ride too that bike pushing 350 hours still runs like a top !
Nice bike. I haven't rode a 2-stroke since the 80s. I wish they would delivery the 2 strokes with quieter exhaust. Taking a bike to the forrest and pissing everyone off in a 3 mile radius really isn't my thing.
TBI should cure the cold weather seizure issue with TPI. The fuel will act as a solvent and thin out the cold oil on the reed block at startup. Hopefully the crankcase pressure sensor situation has been cured. They should last longer than 3 months. But the overall trend to harder and faster? That doesn’t work in the slippery gnar. Some of us ride all winter in the snow and wet. Finding traction in ridiculous circumstances is the game. I will need to ride it to comment on the suspension.
white plate looks out of place, and while I understand why they kept the oil injection, it just seems like another failure point. Still seems like an XC (with a throttle tamer if needed) that still has similar gearing to a W is a more reliable option with premix, and cheaper.
Funny how this video basically contrasts every video out there that is saying the bike is slow AF. (compared to the XC) I wouldnt put too much weight on this review, especially not hearing a peep from the actual rider. lol. My friend just bought the Hard Enduro spec bike after selling his 2023 300xc-w and he says it could be the best bike he ever had.
I was buying into everything this video had to say until he mentioned the maps. I currently have a 2023 XC 300 and the white map rips. There is no way it is was “ a big step down). Hard for me to take anything else he says in the video seriously That XCW did look and sound fantastic as Carson was on the gas.
I love my 22 300 xcw. Only thing I wish I had was this suspension. It's always tempting for a new bike but I think throwing the 6500 xplor cartridges in there is the way to go.
What is the difference with the gear ratios on the new XC-W versus the XC? The only reason I haven't bought an XC-W in the past is because of the gear ratios being so different. This new bike looks like it might be the first generation that I can't pass up over an XC.
I cant find transmiss\ion gear sets specs for the 2024 300 xcw,not 23 the new 24,I suspect the new 2024 xcw and xc have same gear box,just different sprockets?
When it becomes 10 years old can someone get parts for it like you can a Yamaha? That is really my only worry with KTM. For guys who buy bikes and wear them out in 3-4 years, no worries. Others don't ride as much and keep bikes longer.
@@onthethrottle7104 I don't think that part of the clearance ever mattered though. It's the pipe being hit all the time. Linkeage plus slider is all over hard enduro series. It has a better response on a rough terrain.
So I ride a 22 SX-F 450. After a full day on that on Saturday I hopped on my friends 24 300XC.... I have to be honest, maybe it was just me riding it wrong or something, but it felt like a toy. It felt like it had no power or torque. Slow as a snail. It wasn't even in the same universe as my 450, not even close. Extremely soft suspension as well. Am I missing something here? I can't understand why anyone would want to ride that...
First off, I don’t buy a bike based on how it looks nor sounds unlike some folk, but that thing it’s butt ugly, overpriced and lacks certain factory parts that other models now run with straight out of the crate.
Thank you for not putting obnoxious music in the background! The bike "speaks" for itself.
Great to see Dirt Bike magazine still going. 40 years ago it was by far my favourite read. The monthly riding tips improved my off road skills massively. The bike goes just as I imagined it
Holy shit. That guy flows through a woods trail like a freakin’ DEER! 😳
yeah, its carson brown after all.🤣
Carson Brown, it’s a privilege to watch you ride anything and everything
Would of been nice to hear some of Carsons thoughts...
Right. We flew Carson out to take sweet shots but didn’t get his opinion. And basically read the manufacture list of updates. Whoever puts this together. Needs to step up their game.
Clearly he didn't think positively about it or they would have included it
I bought every dirtbike magazine in the 80s and 90s. It's a shame they can't seem to get the same feel on video.
Carson might want to consider doing some ISDE qualifiers, get on our ISDE team.🙂
Ron Lawson's narration on these videos gives me a little bit of the feeling of print-only days. Thanks for that.
Thank you for keeping 2 strokes alive ktm 🧠
I have an '18 300 XC, which has been a great bike. This new W is more XC like but of course it has PDS, which is great for clearance on gnarly rocky trails, the wider ratio transmission, and a headlight. It sure sounds crisp in the video too. This considerably spicier W would be my choice if buying today for the aggressive mountain and desert trail riding I like to do in Colorado where I live.
I bet the headlight still sucks though - come on KTM, put a nice bright LED bulb in there from the factory will ya?
Negative ghost rider, headlight is a good LED now!!!
In their update list ktm listed a new LED headlight 🤞🏻
@@papafranku1011 Sweet! Hell may have just frozen over - a KTM dirt bike with a good headlight from the factory!
@@Duken4evr29 here’s to hoping it actually works well so we don’t have to buy aftermarket ones
The 1966 susuki 250 hustler had a oil injection also , no having to premix was so cool just another tank to fill….lol
I wish KTM would do a "Penton" commemorative. My first serious dirt bike was a 175 Penton (KTM engine) that I bought brand new. The 175 had just come on the market, and I fell in love with them. At the time, east coast bikes were sold as Pentons, and west coast were KTM. I've been a KTM fan ever since.
Picked up a 23 tx300. Really like the tbi.
God Bless one and all the 2 stroke lives
I need one!!!
What a great bike. Perfect upgrades. Most likely my next bike. One thing about this next generation of bikes is affordability. I can, but I have buddy's who just can't justify the price of these. With a wife and kids, its tough to fork out almost 13k on a new ride. Would be nice if they would build a "trail bike". Back in 2007 I bought one for less than 7k. I'd be curious as to what percentage of riders actually race. Unfortunately, it would most likely take away sales from the $$$ bikes.
7k in 2007 is around 10500 in todays $
@@seamarsh3756 Yea, I get it, inflation an all, but I hope the major manufacturers don't forget about trail bikes. A new 2007 like technology bike that still rips, would have a huge market. Carburetor, non electric power valve, and no carbon fiber. Yamaha comes close.
Ktm is definitely superior in the 2 strokes.. it’s 2023 I’m not trying to kick a bike and ride a 06 for a few grand less
@@kirkthepimp1 Button start in 2007. Fast as he'll too. Sorry if you all are ok with this much $$$. I'm not .
@@ronpage101 The improvements in R&D since then have been immense though. I just upgraded from a 2011 to 2023 and the bike is just so much easier to handle and ride. The electric starts on those older bikes was also really underpowered and almost always broke. I'm with you on the price, but it's just such a good bike to say no to.
@ 82 years old I just bought a new 2023 KTM 300 XC-W Erzbergrodeo and am now at Moab's Hells Revenge dialing it in.
Top Ten Old Dirt Bike Riders Logic
10. Flirt with death, beats living in procrastination.
9. What may kill you, makes you feel more alive.
8. The closer to death the more alive you'll feel.
7. Fun spank reality before it spanks you dead.
6. Die having fun before death beats you to it.
5. Pitch it sideways around the walls of fear.
4. Ride fast now, die later happier you did.
3. Live longer as a controlled crash rider.
2. Hold no ones beer, hand them yours.
1. One must die living, avoiding death.
~Gasser Classic~
Yep. I just bought a 2023 Sherco Factory. 64.
You rock! My hero! @62 thinking about getting a 300 XC-W
Can't wait to speak with @carson_brown about this bike. Just bought the wife a 150 xc-w and it will be my turn for a new bike very shortly, especially after watching this. So glad they ditched the air forks, was always funny to me watching racers in the PNW adjusting air in the pits due to major temp swings.
I have been looking at 4 strokes, this kind of changes my mind a little, I like the TBI injection much better than TPI.
Gonna be a run on 23' XCW and Husqy TE TPI's. KTM finally delivers a manageable 2T powerband with a plush suspension for real single track east coast trail riding and they have to go and overthink it. If we wanted an XC we would have bought an XC. KTM needs to make a distinction between wide open desert style trail type riding where these 24' features shine and tight single track east coast riding where the more mellow power delivery, low end lugging ability and softer suspension shines. The entire market doesn't want a race bike. Newsflash KTM! We don't all race!
Go buy a xtrainer or the like if you want something more mellow. Would rather have too much bike and tame it down than not enough and have to spend serious $$$ to bring it up to scratch.
And from what I’ve read the XC-W has 49hp and the XC has 58hp so fair bit less
The xc is a motocross bike with a bigger tank the xcw is a full enduro/hard enduro bike
And if you still want something with less power and softer suspension buy a smaller cc bike or a xtrainer from beta
@@herridge8917 Lol, I don’t give a flyin F what you want. I didn’t post for you. You want a more powerful bike buy a 450 cool guy. And who said anything about less power or more mellow? I’m sayin I like the power where it’s at. Seems like many agree. I can change the power valve spring like anyone else for more or less hit if that’s what I want. Giving my opinion on KTM completely changing the bike I own. Could give a shit on your opinion of my opinion.
tell me if they use Kymco cylinders, thats all I want to know
Kymco cylinders are used all over the spectrum and with high end engine systems.
i used to ride the same track that Carson Brown would practice and i would run in the same class as him on practice's and let me tell you he had a Honda cr that would fucking sing man, That guy would get on the pipe and stay on it for a 20min moto was amazing to watch and hear and ride with.
I also need to get one for long term evaluation lol
Like the looks and the led light. TPI bone stock (or TPI with a get ecu) will be the superior way for trail riders looks like. Not a fan of no kickstarter option, electric power valve, stiffer suspension (the WP Xplore is my favorite), no stock map switch, mix material subframe, was worse tank design & smaller, etc. At least they kept oil injection, no offense to anyone that bought the XC but it was dumb. If i was gonna have to mix ill just buy a carb bike or Beta/Sherco.
UtraSS 1. Kick starters are never used, don't need them. 2. Elec power valve is far superior to static spring. 3. New bike does not have a stiffer suspension, its softer with the front spring and easier to adjust as well. 4. XCW has never come with a map switch, but you have always been able to add one, new bike is no different. 5. Not worse tank design, and uses same materials as before. 6. Sub frame, might not be worse, I fix lots of aluminum subs and they are very expensive, new design is supposed to flex back if not too big of a hit, we will see. 7. Oil injection is crap, might be cool not to mix gas, but it is not dependable and KTM had to go to it due to emissions, not because its better. 8. Saying people are dumb for buying XC's instead of carb bikes, fuel injection has its advantages and having a KTM vs some other manufacturer does as well.
Rieju
Carson brown makes xr80s look like they rip.
Disappointed to hear the description of how the power hits on the new bike…
I feel the only flaw with the TPI xcw is it doesn’t have the low end pull that the sherco 300 does for the hard technical stuff.
Maybe they’ve improved it though I’ll have to ride one myself before I can really be certain
Get a xc they did it intentionally with the xcw
@@kirkthepimp1 tried the XC and owned a TX300. They’re not hard enduro bikes they’re closer to an mx bike than the XCW and TE models and have even less low end power…
I’m happy with my sherco for technical riding
They were talking specifics to when you want to haul the beans...it's a supper low grunting master, you will see.
I got a 2022 ktm 250xc tpi I’ve never had an issue with at 100 hours an never thought man I need more power , an i ride eastern PA , I don’t race just a weekend warrior! I also have 2015 ktm250xc witch I still ride too that bike pushing 350 hours still runs like a top !
Long ways from when I raced my 05 300 exc
Fun fact Yamaha had electric power valve in the 90s.
The forks should have been on the te/xcw for the last 6-7 years
is it the same as the EXC? I'm a bit confused.
Are the oil pump issues fixed?
Nice bike. I haven't rode a 2-stroke since the 80s. I wish they would delivery the 2 strokes with quieter exhaust. Taking a bike to the forrest and pissing everyone off in a 3 mile radius really isn't my thing.
This 300 XC-W and 300 EXC are same???
I wonder how that new 300 will do in the Western Washington gnar.
Agreed... the entire video was on the pipe and that's certainly not the case with where and how I ride. How does it lug in the nasty stuff?
So is it pre mix or injection
TBI should cure the cold weather seizure issue with TPI. The fuel will act as a solvent and thin out the cold oil on the reed block at startup. Hopefully the crankcase pressure sensor situation has been cured. They should last longer than 3 months. But the overall trend to harder and faster? That doesn’t work in the slippery gnar. Some of us ride all winter in the snow and wet. Finding traction in ridiculous circumstances is the game. I will need to ride it to comment on the suspension.
TPI cold weather seizures were from user error, not design error.
Grayce Shores
Is this bike street legal in California
No it is not. You would have to plate it in Arizona or South Dakota to ride in California
can I still run premix and skip the oil reservoir?
Is it still oil injected
How about a spark arrester for USA bikes? Spending another $100.00 on day one for and FMF is tiresome.
Yes it is.
I would like to know why is there such a hp difference between the XC & XCW
me too, also is 10lbs heavier
its de-tuned so it can function down low where you need it for gnarly trails. too much rip is not good for slow technical riding
Sounds much like a 250 2T.
Quick revving.
white plate looks out of place, and while I understand why they kept the oil injection, it just seems like another failure point. Still seems like an XC (with a throttle tamer if needed) that still has similar gearing to a W is a more reliable option with premix, and cheaper.
Kind of agree with you...
Yes, TBI let's you oil delete, unlike pure TPI
Omer Station
Which one would throw a better rooster tail 🐓 the SX or the XC-W
Funny how this video basically contrasts every video out there that is saying the bike is slow AF. (compared to the XC) I wouldnt put too much weight on this review, especially not hearing a peep from the actual rider. lol. My friend just bought the Hard Enduro spec bike after selling his 2023 300xc-w and he says it could be the best bike he ever had.
I was buying into everything this video had to say until he mentioned the maps. I currently have a 2023 XC 300 and the white map rips. There is no way it is was “ a big step down). Hard for me to take anything else he says in the video seriously
That XCW did look and sound fantastic as Carson was on the gas.
I love my 22 300 xcw. Only thing I wish I had was this suspension. It's always tempting for a new bike but I think throwing the 6500 xplor cartridges in there is the way to go.
Hard to take KTM seriously now the motors are made in China. Way to many 300 2t's eating pistons this year.
@@johnaustin6673
Get your facts straight. NO KTM engines are built in China.
@@slaverace1 Get your shit straight, look it up. CF Moto build's that junk, while you're at it search for KTM 300 piston failure.
@@slaverace1 sorry to be the bearer of bad news, that was 2020. It's worse now, most motors are made in China.
Im surprised (next time at my local publix im looking for dirt bike mag )
why choose a 2 stroke over a 4 stroke or vice versa with this type of bike?
2 strokes have more of a instant power
I wonder how many watts the led headlight draws?
I read somewhere that they upgraded the stator on the xc-w from the xc
Can you get Travis pastrana to ride one? Hmm 🤔
Any changes to the fuel pump or stator size as compared to the XC’s?
I’m waiting to hear this as well. I think the stator has to be bigger than the 23 XC
Always been an XC without the “W” kind of guy. This bike may put the “W” at the end of my next XC. I am excited, and also getting old, so…..
We dont have xc in europe . This wins evry race
Feel the same, this might be the Goldilocks bike for trail and hard enduro.
Carson Brown!
Is it a 6 speed?
yes
Tiara Ridge
Just can't justify the cost of the newest KTM's. My 2001 KTM 250SX only cost me $1500 and is reliable and is an awesom woods weapon.
Beta, or KTM? Been looking at the Beta 300 RR Race Edition.
Both bikes are a complete home run. Since this is first year for the new XCW I would go with the Beta Race.
Era Circles
And the line between XC and XCW blurs even more.
Antonietta Curve
What is the difference with the gear ratios on the new XC-W versus the XC? The only reason I haven't bought an XC-W in the past is because of the gear ratios being so different. This new bike looks like it might be the first generation that I can't pass up over an XC.
I don't think they're "so different" if you check the gear ratios, 1st is 10% longer, 2nd is 2% longer, the rest are all the same.
I cant find transmiss\ion gear sets specs for the 2024 300 xcw,not 23 the new 24,I suspect the new 2024 xcw and xc have same gear box,just different sprockets?
There is NOTHING like a two stroke !!!!
When it becomes 10 years old can someone get parts for it like you can a Yamaha? That is really my only worry with KTM. For guys who buy bikes and wear them out in 3-4 years, no worries. Others don't ride as much and keep bikes longer.
No linkeage :(
Thats on their XC bike, this bike has a design for clearance so you can clear the gnarly technical stuff without hanging and hitting linkage
@@onthethrottle7104 I don't think that part of the clearance ever mattered though. It's the pipe being hit all the time. Linkeage plus slider is all over hard enduro series. It has a better response on a rough terrain.
So I ride a 22 SX-F 450. After a full day on that on Saturday I hopped on my friends 24 300XC.... I have to be honest, maybe it was just me riding it wrong or something, but it felt like a toy. It felt like it had no power or torque. Slow as a snail. It wasn't even in the same universe as my 450, not even close. Extremely soft suspension as well. Am I missing something here? I can't understand why anyone would want to ride that...
different bikes for different applications......not even comparable
Kimberly Stravenue
Donnelly Plain
Raphael Lodge
Guadalupe Pines
Lower seat height? Now that TPI is gone that’s the only thing that will make me think about selling my carb’d 2018.
@@freddymuldoon249 Care to expand?
@Freddy Muldoon Major flaws, Where? 2018 KTM definitely worth keeping but to say major flaws with this new bike isn't true.
2023 model yeah not eve 24 yet bro
Schamberger Forge
Please don't leave out 13000 dollar price tag. Very important to most riders.
its not $13K its $11K...and if you wait until next April/May it will be $8,900
Arnold Haven
Pagac Bridge
Tromp Burg
Kovacek Ville
Only took them 20 years after everyone to install a closed cartridge forks.
Weissnat Village
These prices are remaining reasonable...
058 Tina Glens
Wth is yhat damn high pitched random bell sound evwry so often jesus Christ it pierces my ear drums
Gus Bypass
XC is cross country
XCW is cross country Wide ratio
Not anymore!
Guillermo Port
Why purple, doesn’t look good, just saying !
Back to 1994 colours
Exactly and no orange frame.
Design department needs a kick in the ass.
Probably 30
852 Mitchell Mission
Kutch Hill
This is a racebike in europe
KTM has a unique ability to make the exc/xc-w models significantly uglier than the MX version… what a shame
I quite like these offerings.
I didn’t think they were ugly. I loved my 350EXC. These look great too IMHO.
The XC looks way better, a lot closer to a SX bike.
@@micah7448the light and handle bar plastics just look cheap to me but other than that I don’t see a problem with this design.
@@micah7448I’m the opposite I like the xcw and exc bikes more than the Mx version
2693 Isaac Plaza
The seat is too high
Sounds like it revs out like the 250xcw, but has the torque of a 300... should be great.
First off, I don’t buy a bike based on how it looks nor sounds unlike some folk, but that thing it’s butt ugly, overpriced and lacks certain factory parts that other models now run with straight out of the crate.
Martinez David Young Amy Thomas William
Tbh the graphics are kinda of a downgrade
I would rather not hear the school teacher read about motorcycles, this guy needs to behind the desk where this voice belongs!
Under informed commentary. This is as much a race bike as an XC or SX.
Lessie Ford