Any one who says they don’t need a kick start has never sucked at hard enduro enough where they stall and restart there bikes in combo with the fam running, and killed the battery on the trail Speaking from experience it’s highly possible
My 2014 XCW was sorta hit or miss with the starter, I rebuilt or replaced every part on it and it never worked like it did when new. They say, and Jeff agrees, that it was all fixed for 2017.
Fans killing the battery in extreme hard enduros is a known issue that can usually be managed with a manually operated fan like this >>> slavensracing.com/shop/radiator-fan-kit-for-ktm-hqv-gg-by-extreme-parts/
This is my 3rd 300 XC, previously an 08, and a 17, and this bike is really good. I ride primarily gnarly technical single track and hard enduro. I have always preferred the XC transmission over XC-W in any conditions (and the changes they made to this transmission are awesome), I went with 14/50 final drive on this bike and love it - also prefer the linkage over PDS... the XC is the best dirt bike platform ever made (in my opinion) - the new TBI bike is great, very smooth power delivery, and it's all there. This bike blows TPI away! My 17 has a high comp head, sx CDI, every upgrade you can think of and is the most dialed in dirt bike I've ever owned (spring/bladder conversion) and this TBI bike makes about as much power right out of the box. And I really like the chassis changes for the trail. I also went with 6500 inserts in the forks, custom valving, and a bladder conversion in the rear. I can't wait to take this in to the high alpine next year. People worried about where the fuel pump is located, it is a non-issue. The fuel sloshes around enough to get in to the low spot where the fuel pump is and it uses all the gas in the tank and the mileage is not terrible. The bike also does not die when the fuel is sloshing around, there is a bag around the fuel pump pickup that holds some gas. One thing to watch out for is do not hit the start button while it's running because it causes the ecu to throw a PV code causing 5 blinking light error which can only be reset by the dealer at this time (ktm is working on a patch for the software now). Happy trails!
Hello Dustin: Congratulation on the new scoot. I agree on some of your comments but not all. The engine is a monster, too much power for entry level/C riders. Definitely the most powerful stock 300 engine ever. For hard enduro, linkage is a negative because it hangs up on everything. That's why the factory team riders prefer PDS. Bladder kits have a long list of problems like leaking nitrogen into the fluid turning it into foam. What are "6500 inserts"?
Factory riders for Husqvarna don’t have PDS. They all ride linkage bikes. The linkage does not get hung up on stuff with the proper skid plate. My 2 cents. Each to their own. Keep up with the great content Jeff.
I am anxious to hear the feedback on the new TBI...this bike looks great. However, the more tech I see on the new bikes...the more I love my 17 carb 300 XC-W.
I'm the same way but I'm glad they moved away from the tpi and went to the tbi because they know that system way more and there's a reason they went to that because they know that from the 4 strokes they even said that on the website is they just used to tech they already knew from the four strokes that was reliable
Me too, I have a 2019 250XC carb bike, didn't care for the tpi and no kick-start. I'd love to try the tbi but a) I can't afford one and b) I'm never gonna buy a first year model
Jeff, the new TX Husky with TBI has Brembo breaks and clutch, I went and looked at the new bikes at my local shop. At the last part of your vid you mentioned your store with quality products and services - I have shopped everywhere for the last 30 years and Slavens is the absolute BEST place to shop and do business. Excellent assistance, quality stuff and the best prices. I compare pricing all the time and you have the lowest price 99% of the time! I have had 100% success with everything I've purchased from your store! Kyle, Ryan and Alec have always been super great to work with...
Not all the TX300’s have Brembo...including the one in my garage. Apparently supply chain issues forced a parts switch on some models and they substituted Braktec. I’m not happy about it, the brakes don’t feel the same. Now I get to battle Husqvarna customer service.
@@Trex-ds5nw Yes, you are correct. The ones I went and looked at were all Brembo systems. I should have picked one up I really love the clutch on the Husky and it's a better looking bike. Enjoy the bike it's an amazing machine!
The transmission is not the traditional XC transmission if you do the math you'll see the first gear is slightly lower than the xcw and 6th Gear is slightly higher making this a true wide ratio however first second and third gear are close ratio 4th 5th and 6th Gear are wide ratio I'm on mine now for about 3 weeks and I'm really loving it
Hello: I already have several hours on this bike and the overall first gear ratio is not lower than an XCW but is lower than previous XCs. Agreed, it is a very nice transmission.
Being the owner of an 890R for a year, 12,000 trouble free miles. I agree KTM has made great strides in their detail work. I'm with out a 2 stroke, which makes me twitchy. I'm looking at the new stuff though. Its 2023 which means the bikes don't get a red sticker, track only. Maybe that doesn't apply in Colorado? I never ride in OHV areas, its all backwoods CA singletrack where we make our own trails.............so it may not matter with no red sticker. Ive seen one ranger in 40 years up there, he checked the muffler. Great video! Good to see the new one up close.
My favorite front tire is the Bridgestone X31 80/100-21 slavensracing.com/shop/battlecross-x31-soft-to-intermediate-tire-by-bridgestone/. I recently installed the X31 on the front and an IRC VE33s slavensracing.com/shop/volcanduro-ve-33s-rear-enduro-tire-by-irc/ . That combo is a big improvement over the Dunlops, giving it much better traction when accelerating, braking and turning.
You're welcome. We will post a first ride video later this week and more test videos are in the works. The transmission ratios are better than in the past for hard enduro, but the XCW transmission is probably a better option for that scenario. Also, for hard enduro I prefer the PDS suspension (with a National shock) that does not hang down and hang up on everything.
Supposedly the new frame redistributes the upper shock mount load more to the sides of the frame instead of the backbone. If I get a 23 I’m thinking of going with KYB suspension. WP will never be as compliant no matter what you do to it.
The frame doesn't really have "sides", just a backbone. I've ridden KTM's with the KYB conversions. There are much better options available like the National Shock slavensracing.com/shop/slavens-mule-national-shock-mxt/ and Blackjack forks.
Jeff if the frame is too stiff can you manufacture a new motor mount kit for different applications. Shouldn't be too hard to fabricate thinner profiles
Some interesting changes on this model, looks like it will be a good ride. I'm not keen on the new frame finish, it looks like a cheaper finish than the older models, however, it may be harder wearing and easier to touch up than before, so that would be good. I didn't know you were a Factory mechanic in the past, it's great for people like me that you can pass your experience on through these video's, thanks for posting!
According to the media testers , the 2 strokes don't have the stiff feeling that the 4 strokes have. Good video as always. I ordered a 23 250XC. Waiting for it to arrive.
Hello: Don't believe everything you read. I've ridden both and it's difficult to tell which is stiffer as they are both WAY too stiff for most riders and applications.
@@slaverace1 thanks . I'm going to be running an experiment of sorts by using this 23 250XC for Motocross mostly . I have always wanted to try the XC version of the bikes as I have traditionally always had Motocross bikes. Thinking the stock suspension would be just good enough for hard pack and tight tracks that have average sized jumps. Which are the conditions our tracks are mostly... Time will tell!
I'd love to know if the KTM chassis team have a 'history dept.' who could remind them about how bike performance changes due to stiffer frames . This seems like a recurring problem that 'should' be solved by now , given FEA modelling and 40+ years of dirt bikes being built. It appears they've given themselves a problem that's already been solved by other manufacturers. Not just dirt bikes either , I think MotoGP went through all this when carbon fiber frames were introduced. Maybe they could phone Jeff and he could remind them - in a 'no drama' fashion, of course.
Good video Jeff. They changed the transmission in this new XC big time.. biggest change since I think 2011 when they went to the six speed I sure hope you do some comparisons to the earlier XC
Hello Rob: I have several hours on it and I like the transmission, definitely more friendly for trail riding than the previous XC transmission. I'll discuss it in a future video. We will post a first ride video later this week. Stay tuned.
Jeff and Alec have my 2021 300XC-W right where I like it with the GET injection mod and GET ignition Mule tune. I'm still on the fence with the pre-mix as on my 2021 you can be out on the trail and just ride down to the gas station and be off for the 2nd half of the day. This bike is so good might have to hang onto it for a while.
Hey guys just want to let you all know that whoever runs the Slavens RU-vid channel went through and deleted EVERY SINGLE comment that completely disagreed with his review of the bike. RU-vid is scaring people away from this bike with reviewers using statements like “this bike is borderline dangerous on the trails”. I’m not sure if they angle is to sell suspension parts or what but this bike rips. I’m 20 hrs on the new bike coming off a 2020 and 2022 TPI and after 10 hrs it’s flat out rides. 98% of you will not know the difference once your old bike leaves with its new owner. We are riding rocky Arizona single track and it’s been wet lately. Get the new bike and “ride the damn thing” - local suspension tuner. Get some PSI out of the forks and put time in with your leg over the bike. It does awesome in the gnarly stuff. I’m keeping up just as well with my normal riding buddies in the same exact stuff we always ride and I’m just as tired with a grin on my face. I’m not sure why they are deleting our comments when we simply don’t share the same opinion. Odd
Hello Joseph: I just reviewed the comments on that video and there are still plenty of comments I don't agree with but everyone has a right to their opinion. The only comments that may have been deleted would be ones with curse words, racist or sexist viewpoints, disparaging remarks to me or my staff, mention of other businesses or comments with links. If you are satisfied with an extremely non-compliant ride, then I'm happy for you, but many riders are used to bikes with modified suspension components that track straight, don't deflect off every obstacle, don't jar your teeth loose and are much safer and more enjoyable to ride. The '23 XC is an excellent bike with a monster motor but the stock suspension set-up falls far short of my standards. Soon I'll be posting a video with suspension tuning options that make it a woods weapon. Your local tuner should tune in. Happy trails, JS
@@slaverace1 Jeff, I think you are still missing the point. I don’t think there’s anyone that disagrees that a suspension job can improve any bike you sit on, but extremely non compliant is unequivocally and irrevocably inaccurate nor is it borderline dangerous on the trails. Most guys that ride are innately borderline dangerous the minute they throw their leg over the bike. I just rode the bike on some gnarly single track here in Arizona. We had a guy with a new beta with $6k in Ohlin suspension that couldn’t keep up, another guy the week before on a stock 2022 TE that “cuts his teeth on wet Oregon single track” that had to turn around and nearly walk his bike back on the warm up portion of the trail. RU-vid is scaring people from buying this bike because they think they have to spend another $1000 to make it rideable on trails and I’m here to say as many others have said that this is not true. Putting time in the saddle getting better at riding, breaking the bike in and getting to know your trails will go 10x further than a re-valve. Guys will be more disappointed thinking they won’t somehow be dangerous on the trail after putting Ravens in their bike. I thought it was slightly stiff too because of all the whining going on in reviews. After 10 hours I can’t even remember how my 20’ or 22’ felt and I rip this thing just as fast down the same nasty trails we always have and I’m just as fatigued as I always am in the same spot of the pack I always am. I’m a dentist and I can assure you my teeth are not being jarred going down the trail. My job causes me to love trinkets and efficiency and ergo so I get it. Some slight deflection? Sure, ride it harder and more often and you’ll forget about it. I think I might put some MXtechs in the bike just so I can know for myself, but the guys that are fast on their bikes are fast and the guys that are slow and dangerous are equally the same with thousands in suspension mod’s. That’s the point the tuner was trying to make who happens to have 30+ years of experience tuning these bikes. I absolutely trust your years of experience also, but suspension for the masses in general is voodoo and black magic and most of us wouldn’t know how to set up our Sag if you asked us. I just think it’s sad that people are being deterred from a phenomenal bike because they think they HAVE TO drop more money or they can’t ride it. Poppycock
@@josephflaherty3918 Hello Joe: We'll just have agree to disagree. I'm not missing your point, I just don't agree with your analysis. The stock suspension sucks and actually gets worse with more miles. Like all WP suspension, as it breaks in it retains the harshness (maybe slightly less harshness) and gets wallowy on the in the whoops and G-outs. I recently rode one of my employees '23 XC with a lot of miles on it and with stock everything. It was exactly as I described in the previous sentence. He is a very talented and well known fast guy up here and usually places top 3 AA at hare scrambles and other events. He's not very picky about suspension and definitely knows how to twist the throttle to overcome the suspensions shortcomings. A few days ago I asked him about his suspension and he said "it's not bad" which is the same to me as not good. Then I asked him where it is really good, and he said "uuuuuuh, nowhere, especially not in the rocks". Is the bike unrideable or dangerous in rock gardens, of course not, but the lack of compliance and comfort is not confidence inspiring to most riders. Your approach of ride it harder and forget about it obviously works for you but would have most guys on their head. With that said, you are correct that this new chassis wants to be ridden hard and definitely works better when the throttle is turned up. However, you must factor in the the majority of riders are C and B level and many of them just enjoy a casual ride and don't want to or don't have the talent to ride like Ricky Racer. For those guys, the new chassis and suspension is very aggressive and not user friendly unless they throw a few bucks at the suspension. Before I made major suspension changes, I let several guys ride it, all guys that are well versed in rocks and roots. The response was basically the same from them all, incredible engine and the suspension needs a lot of work. I mean nothing offensive, but your comments imply that you have not ridden a well suspended bike and have adjusted to stock suspension. If you ever come to Colorado, let me know and I'll meet you and you can ride my bike, providing you are somewhere close to my weight. I think you will be surprised. This is a serious offer. You mentioned you might someday install MXT cartridges. Just an FYI: what they sell is not what we sell. Our Slavens Mule MXT Luckys and Ravens have my proprietary settings. My settings are very compliant yet stay up in the stroke and have excellent bottoming resistance. I'm not trying to deter anyone from buying this bike, but guys want my honest opinion and need to know what they are buying, a full blown race bike that is not friendly to casual riders. The bike in the videos belongs to Alec, our store manger. Just this week I bought one for myself. The bike I hated in the beginning I now love because I've come up with solutions for the suspension and made some other changes to make the power delivery a little more user friendly. It is a woods weapon. Thank you for your comments. Constructive comments are always welcome and you are always welcome to ride with me in Colorado. I'll be traveling through your area in January and I would ask to ride with you BUT I won't have the XC with me. I'll be on route to Baja for a dual sport ride on the old 500XCF-W. Regards, JS
Joe, Another thought. I know you're busy drilling and billing but if you can find time, maybe you could join me for lunch. I'll be in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for 2-3 days. You're riding buddies are also welcome.
@@slaverace1 I would love that! I honestly hate how things come through over messages. I’m a respectful and a straight forward guy and I know I have a ton to learn. I’m a new dentist and have enough self awareness to know how much I don’t know which includes the dirtbike world and especially the suspension world. I know this bike can get better with some proper tuning, but man we rip these nasty trails either way. I dont want guys to be turned off and not buy this awesome bike because they think it’s going to be completely unridable. I feel like I have become proficient quicker over time because we ride weekly and time in the saddle. I would never discount your knowledge nor your experience, I lean on the experience of my mentors on a daily basis to do my job. I really would love to meet and get some pointers to get the bike into a dialed weapon. Email me and let’s exchange info, I would love to talk if you can make it work. I’ll do whatever you recommend to it and I’ll eat my words if it’s a notable difference. I apologize if I came off combative or arrogant. caleflaherty@gmail.com
The '23 TX300 page on Husqvarna site says Brembo on the clutch. It doesn't say specifically on the brakes, but you can see that they are Brembo in the pictures
I have a 2020 XC with a spring fork conversion (MX Tech Lucky Carbon) and it is a fantastic tight woods and hard enduro bike. Yeah, the air fork sucked, but everything else is better about the XC compared to the XC-W in my opinion. The rear shock alone (not just the linkage) is worth it, and the close ratio gearbox is awesome.
Looks like the new transmission on the XC is closer to the XCW on the 23 than previous models. There are several graphs out there that people have posted. I'm very interested to ride one.
Good info!! So for open and flowing trails, 350 XCF is good? I am between the two, 300xc or 350. I do not have a preference between.2t or 4t as many do.. Is there a huge maintenance difference on the two? First dirtbike, but lots of experience on a track with street bikes. Not planning on racing, would like to go on long rides and explore. I’m sure I will do some trails and single track, but not doing any trials or jumping rocks. Also have no desire on going on streets, so the dual sport is out. Since I don’t have experience with these bikes, I seem to be basing my decision on other factors besides how they ride, like maintenance. How are they different with regards to maintenance and engine, check intervals, and what they consist of.
R.C. In my opinion you are considering the wrong bikes. You mentioned exploring and long rides and the XC and XCF are full blown race bikes that will not be comfortable on long rides unless you spend considerable cash on the suspension. You would be much happier on a 300XCW with a large tank installed, there are currently no large tanks available for the new XCs. It's a toss up on maintenance. Both require very little and both are reliable. If you happen to put a bunch of miles on, the four stoke cost about 4 times more to rebuild. Whatever you decide, we would be glad to help you outfit yourself and the bike. We have the largest selection of high quality KTM parts on the planet, www.slavensracing.com. My staff is very knowledgeable and will guide you through the process. Give us a call at 719-475-2624.
I see, thank you for that info, they do not make a new model 300XCW or 350Xcf-w yet. Although I did look at the 22 W model, but noticed the they felt slightly smaller, and my knees were closer to handle bars, also the foot pegs were about 5 inches higher. Since I lm 6’2 215, I just figured to go XC. I do realize they are both more aggressive bikes, I hope to grow nicely into one of them, I did put a deposit down on a 350 XCF factory, but it’s refundable and I can always go with the 300 as it is more light and nimble, but not sure if that’s a good thing or not for long rides. I say, long rides, but really, who knows what kind of writing I’ll end up doing, no MX track or races, but would like to have some fun.
I am really close to buying one of these bikes. What is your thoughts about adding a light and a radiator cooling fan to it? I have been hearing that the stator is to small and that if you add lights and a radiator cooling fan you will kill the battery.
Hello: The stator is a little wimpy but a stronger one will likely hit the market soon. It can handle a fan kit and if you add a low wattage LED and only run it as needed, it will be fine. Set the fan to turn on at 190 and only use the light at night when the fan is probably not running.
Jeff, I can confirm the brakes on the 2023 TX300 are Braktec, not Brembo. I just picked up my TX today and kinda disappointed - front brake is super spongy. The motor runs great.
Didn't KTM change the transmission of the XC to make it pretty close to the XC-w? I've seen a few forum threads on this. First gear is much lower then previous gen XC. Also sprockets are vastly different then previous. Please confirm.
A correctly tuned and fully pumped tpi is much easier to ride. The '23 TBi is a monster motor with tons of power and very responsive. Low level riders should buy some extra rear fenders because if they whiskey throttle the TBi they will loop it out.
Hello Dean: I'm currently working with MXT developing settings for the Raven cartridge and the Slavens Mule complete Raven forks. Should have something soon.
Any word on when swingarm guards are coming out for this bike? Crosslinked is the only one I know of, but they're backordered for a while. side note - the new grab handles look trick, but they suck for function. theyre "ok" for sliding the bike around in a pinch, but not for lifting on a stand.
Are the spring conversion kits that you sell vastly different from the stock xact forks? My 2022 300 xc has the stock forks, and yes they are pretty harsh in the top of the stroke. But I really like the mid stroke characteristics of that fork. I would like to do the spring conversion, but I'm worried it's gonna change the character of the bike too much.
Our Lucky kits slavensracing.com/shop/lucky-cartridge-system-wp-aer-forks/ totally transform the AER forks which are well known for harshness and for riding too high in the stroke and not settling well in turns. There's nothing to worry about as the changes are all positive and will make the bike much more stable and predicable.
Jeff do you think the 2024’s will really be TBI ? I mean what about the so called euro standards with emissions etc . I was under the impression that was the entire reasoning for tpi ? I own a 2023 ktm xcw and have 32 hrs on her and love it . Runs great ride all kinds of gnarly in the west coast on British Columbia.
Yes. KTM always releases new technology on XC and SX models a year before the EXC and XCW models. Fuel injection passes emissions. It doesn't matter where the injectors are located. For gnarly trails, stick with your tpi until this model gets sorted out.
@@slaverace1 with people mixing their fuel it’ll pass emissions? Not sure how that’ll work . People baffle me at the crap they do in regards to premixing. Anyhow it’ll be interesting to see . Thanks for replying
I 12 oclocked my 2018 300exc.. everything on the back broke , needed 500 dollars of replacement plastics , airbox and all lol . Only had 1.0 hours on the bike
Anyone with a 23 and a post 17 model comment on stiffness of frame/chassis? The mountain and desert i ride is super rocky and my 250fx chassis too stiff... trying to figure out if get 23 or a left over 22 350 xcf. Dont need more power than old model... care more about how stiff it is. im 155 and hitting rocks all the time.
I started building engines for Team Husqvarna in 1986. I did engine and carburetion work for all of their teams, MX, desert, enduro and hare scrambles. When they were sold to Cagiva (and flushed down the toilet) the team riders went to Suzuki and Yamaha and took me with them. I actually worked for Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM at the same time. That is unheard of now. Team riders using my stuff won over 30 National Championships. Glad that's in the past. It was a lot of work for not enough money.
The true BS is no kickstarter, along with black rims. Where I am we ride in the woods and there may not always be a trail. The black rims on your new high dollar KTM can and do look trashed after the first ride. Peace.