2023 KTM 300 XC First Impressions 

Love the drone footage from behind makes me feel like I'm right there with you! The gopro footage added in is perfect too. When the whole video is gopro its hard to not feel sick.

I have about 4 hours on mine and have similar thoughts but loving it! I'm glad you got some time on this bike.

I just got my 250 XC and I can't wait to get it out this weekend!

awesome cinematography with the GoPro & Drone! thnx for sharing !

Thank you for giving your honesty it means everything bro.

Love your reviews bro !!

Rode a buddies down in st George Utah area and oh man!!!! Thing is absolutely phenomenal, LOVED it!

Been watching some desert races recently. The speed these guys are going is amazing!

I just want to ride that trail you rode on, Looks like heaven!!!

I appreciated the Dumb and Dumber reference at the beginning lol.

Kyle what type of drone do you have that you can program it to follow you like it does? Love the footage!

Good review, Whats make is the drone please ?

Helpful tip. Don’t run your forks too soft because you can actually go the opposite direction and get the opposite result your looking for. If you run it too soft, you will be riding the fork in the mid-stroke and it will feel more harsh. Set the psi for your weight, and try again with the clickers. Note that these new bikes are taking a bit longer to break i;, roughly 10 hours on the chassis and it will start to feel more compliant. I’ve got my 23 2*0XC arriving shorty and will share my reviews and tips on my channel as well. Maybe we can help each other out ! Keep it up man.

Can't wait to get in on this giveaway! Thanks for the review, been waiting for this one!

Which drone do you use? Looks like it does a pretty good job keeping up with you

What drone do you use?

Thank you for the honest info. I just saw you in RM ATV in St George on Saturday! I believe you were buying some sherco's. I was buying 2023 TE 300. I debated long and hard about getting this XC, but at the end of the day, I love the soft suspension, milder engine of the TE and I have to admit, I like not mixing the oil. One can of gas for me AND the kids. Even though the suspension on the XC is stiff, I hear that bike is a lugging king because of the better low end power. Another negative for me for the XC is the inability to adjust the power valve (unless there is a way to adjust it that I am not aware of). I like the ability to customize the power band.

what drone are you using, and great video as always. :)

I LIKE the drone ahead perspective!

Rode my buddies new tx300 this week. It is FAST AF. Off idle power and response is lightning. No blubber like the tpi had.

Excellent video mate! What drone your using ?

Hearing good things, I am going to wait one more year, got money down on a 2024 300xc. good video.

Impressive drone performance too!

Kyle - legit question; you mentioned the bike being more "snappy" down low; is that maybe less to do with gearing and more to do with power delivery via the Electronic Power Valve? Pretty much everyone has said that the power delivery is more visceral on these bikes - maybe a porting / power valve change? I haven't been able to find any literature regarding drive train stuff aside from the sprocket changes - but that final drive ratio shouldn't drastically alter the down low performance; I would be interested to see what the gearing is like internally compared to last year! Thanks for giving us an insight into these awesome new bikes!

Just a thought. On the shock, maybe the LS Comp adjuster needs to be opened a bit to help make the HS Comp adjuster fully effective?

Quick question as a fellow Utahan where is the single track located in the video?

Would love to see the review on the 250xc. Currently on a 2021 TE 250i. Can't say I've ever needed more power, but would like a little more down low to help carry 4th gear longer. Probably gonna try an RK tech head this season.

Hi Kyle, What is the stock compression on these bikes? What altitude are you testing at?

Also if you’re gonna hit the flow or fast trails out south east I would stiffen rebound for the chop

Decent review , could see from the side view of motion that your likey over 6' with boots, as am I, an adjustment on the bars Up n out SHOULD relieve a ton on the low back pressure. The more and more I look into these the more I feel just buying something from Kaplan as a living room decoration makes more sense for the 15k (erzberg setup)

Nice trail... what about the xcw? 350 xcf for that type of riding.... would you say that the xcf has more linear power, and is not so snappy. looks like a handful for a new rider... asking as a new rider.

Same thing happened to me last Sunday. My hands were sore!! The suspensionis is more like a MX valving. The shock is packing.

What drone do u use?

What drone is it?

I've been waiting for this vid. I ride northern forests, a lot of it is tight and technical, and very rocky/rough. I came close to buying one of these to replace my '22 EX300 and i'm glad i held off. It seems like the new bike is significantly stiffer than the previous gen, and that's a big negative in the terrain i ride. The extra power seems fun, but it's not actually going to make me any faster in the woods. Maybe i'll do the '24 XC-W if it gets TBI but i think the new gen XC is the wrong move for where i ride.

Hi Kyle, it would be awesome if you do a side by side on the 300 v 250 xc 🙏🏻🙏🏻 I’d like to buy one but not sure which way to go What are you comparative thoughts pros and cons on both? 🙏🏻

So lucky to have that amazing area to ride ! Miles an miles

I got my new bike about a month ago same bike as this. I love it.suspension is great. Lots of low end Torque. Not much power in the mid range of the throttle, but other than that fantastic bike.

Can you do a review on the new 2023 ktm 450 xcf-w

I have a mako bar mount for a sub mount damper. On my 22 it feels like the bars are too far forward and too high with it. On my 23 it feels perfect. I never road the 23 with stock mounts, but your comments about being more cramped could explain it.

the best looking 300xc!

Interesting. A lot of other reviews are talking about how light it feels compared to previous years.

Great video, Not sure I would like it, I'm a short light weight guy, would have to spend too much money and time getting the suspension dialed. Might have to stay with the TPI 😀

Hello great material very nice motorcycle ;)

So what oil and ratio are you going to do? On my ‘17 I mixed that Amsoil Saber. That was great. On my TPI I just used what the Manuel said, Motorex. But now that we mix again are you going back to Saber or Motorex at 60:1?

How do you think this bike would do at Little Sahara? Not big dunes as much as whooped-out sand trails? I've always been a 450 guy but thinking of finally converting to the 2 stroke movement.

I rode the 300xc for about 30 min. Now that the 300 actually runs well, it's almost too much. I think the 250 TBI bikes will be plenty for most people. I also couldn't believe how well the new chassis corners compared to the previous generation. I generally prefer stiffer feeling bikes though.

The suspension is stiff because it’s not a trail bike. It’s made for racing harescrambles and cross country which usually have some jumps on the course.

The XC is more of a GNCC race bike. It's designed to be pushed hard at higher speeds than hard enduro. That's why KTM makes so many variants - they have a bike for each need. Those wanting Hard Enduro bikes can turn an XC to fit that need, but that is not it's design purpose. I have one race on my '23 300XC and another coming next week. I came off a 2019 350 XC-F and I love the new 300 XC! It feels much lighter and narrower to me than the 350. The engine (not motor) is great and pulls like 4-stroke without the traditional 2-stroke hit... I race enduro and Hare Scrambles in the southeast (mainly FL).

please let us know info on that crazy wonderful drone

Part of the reason I always liked KTM bikes is because of the comfort of the more "flexy" steel frame, especially when riding/racing rough trails. Especially the 2020+ bikes felt so friendly and predictable, that it gives a lot of confidence to trail hacks like myself. Sure, when you start going fast and hitting things hard it would get out of shape, but even that was predictable. I give KTM a lot of credit for pushing innovation though, even if it doesn't always work out. I'm on a 22 Husky now and will likely be shopping for a new bike mid next year, so the decision between a leftover/used 23 and a 24 TE will be real. I'm curious what the new TE's will be like and to ride the new chassis and see how I like it. Sherco is also on the list, but the counterbalanced KTM engines are just so sweet.

Hello Kyle, Next time try the brand Rieju, you will "LOVE" the bike!!

Holy bucking bronco!!!!!

What brand drone is this? Makes for great videos!!

Seems they've done a good job of implementing some meaningful updates... Try the map switch, seeing it reported as a significant change and people are liking the softer map for trails :-) Can completely understand missing the brake in those boots, they're way too stiff for trail riding!

Nice ride, on a nonrelated note have you ever tried the VP T-2 premix? Has anyone in the comments had any experience or know someone who has?

But is it a vet bike for Mx and trail

Does the drone follow you on its own? What kind of drone is it I’d like to get one

I have the 23 300Sx I'd definitely say it's worth it! Definitely stiff for off-road but rips on the track! The engine is smooth and powerful. Brakes are amazing but I'm going to get the suspension valved to my weight 200 lbs.

I'm hoping the '24 XC-W is a lot softer and keeps oil injection with a bit more fuel economy. Seems like the TBI system is great for power but lost some of the MPG compared to the TPI bikes.

Where are you riding?

Thanks for the review. Sounds like an awesome bike but Jeff Slaven’s had a lot of the same complaints. TBI seems amazing but Cooper Webb complained about how stiff this chassis on the motocross bikes. I imagine its going to push it out of the category of a hard enduro bike. I’m sure with some modifications it can be even better. But thanks again Kyle. Love your work and reviews. Can’t wait to see the 24 XC-W bikes. You inspired me and my wife to get a 2022 300xc and a 150xcw and can’t be thankful enough!! Thank you!!

would love to replace my DJI or add a Skydio, but neither will fly in eastern U.S. mountainous trails with heavy tree cover, I'm thinking the next gens may have a chance, the tech is close but not there. Where you film at looks about perfect mostly as far as drone challenges.

Hey you should review an SSR SR250, SR 300, or SR450. Im interested in their reliability. The idea of $3999 for a brand new 250 seems interesting.

Hey Kyle - where are you riding for this trial?

I hope to win that screamer !!

I hear these bikes have terrible range due to the fuel pump position in the tank.

23 model years take long to break in 6 hours for suspension and 10 to 12 for the frame it softens up a after that time annoying because the bike is different for your first several rides

Omg, stop clicking just ride the darn thing and get used to it. It takes time to even break in the suspension. It's easy to fill our brain with setups instead of paying attention to riding

Definitely glad i went with ‘22 yz250x

Why would you prefer the 250? You didn't elaborate Thanks

a heavier feeling bike often means a more planted bike. not always

Pro-tip: Ride faster.

Looks like it’s bucking you around a bit

If you had to pick one bike.. a 250 XC or 300 XC ?

I said this same comment to Jeff slavens, why review the brand new suspension like it has 50 hours on it? Could you please put 10 more hours on it and then tell us how it feels?

Firmer suspension setting, and chassis stiffness were getting you.

was that salt lake in the background?

Riding stock air forks at that riding spot? I mean yeah all forks are rough out on those exact trails. Couldn’t even imagine ktm air forks 😂

What I'd like to know is if the TBI is TOO snappy (not smooth off idle), making it more tiring in tight woods?

If some has the OEM setting list (valving on fork and shock) , Please share It.KTM in Europe shares that information , but here in mainland they want to keep it a secret.

Seems super responsive and peppy

11:47 "Goodness gracious that has zip". Can we tone down the language, I'm watching this with my son. JK, great video, we enjoyed it!

Kyle, for me and the other 250 riders...Can you please elaborate on your preference on the 250 vs the 300? I know it's hella click bait, but we'd love your honest opinion.

Did you set your saaaag?

Hey Kyle! Is your instagram hacked or did I actually win a Ktm 300????

It looks like it wants to be ridden hard & fast. It seems unbalanced. The rear spring looks much stuffer than the forks, possibly because 130 psi. I would send it the Greg in Montrose for complete revalve to balance it & handle the whoopy terrian.

So maybe us heavy guys won’t need a suspension upgrade immediately after purchasing. When you say the engine is more snappy and powerful, then it must be a beast considering how many bikes you have ridden. Are you sure you just didn’t get spoiled to that crazy expensive aftermarket suspension 😆.

Yo!

Still a motocross bike tho? cant be compared to an enduro?

Cut out the parts where you are having technical issues with keeping track of your drone etc.

You did not look confident on that new ktm and I've seen other videos stating the same thing like slavens. I'm so glad I bought the 23 xc-w instead of waiting next year.

And in the meanwhile we have 0 nature to go off road over here..

For everything you do you’ll have to ride the XC-W. The XC and SX are race bikes. The XC-W is THE bike for dirt bike channel until he starts racing essentially. For this kind of riding it’s kind of singled out now.

Ahahahaha TPI so great it's been ditched already!! I'm still riding a 2017 with Lectron Billitron fitted. That sucks fuel and air in the intake and through the reeds and is premix. Oh wait, just like TBI only alot less complex. Not once have I ever thought my 300 EXC six day bike could run better. And it's dual start! Not interested KTM.... Over the marketing BS. Is it really better? I am doubtful. Tpi was worse....

This is the pooty tang channel

Enjoy you evaluations tremendously Kyle but I must defer to Jeff Slaven's decades of knowledge and surgical evaluation on this model.

The 2023 has its issues if you watch videos from skilled 2 stroke guys. I turned my 2022 KTM 300 XC TPI into a premix TBI (after it seized 2 times- last time at 7.4 hours) before KTM turned theirs into the same for 2023. It took KTM 5 years and me less than 1 year to see their error in their ways. For example injecting straight gas into the cylinder of a 2 stroke at every start up before the heavy injected oil gets there is madness. KTM is a joke as far as I am concerned and they still continue with their renowned poor quality issues that they have had for decades. There are videos online of 2023 KTM XC-W (EXC in Europe) TPI's blowing pistons in 10 hours. My 2022 that I tranformed into a TBI and premix before KTM did will out do the 2023 I guarantee.

That’s badass I love ocotillo wells

which drone are you using?