There's a good reason why KTM has the Lyon's share of popularity, it's because of their dedication to product development, I think this is the happiest you've ever been with a new model release, would you ever consider further improvement on the stock suspension as it seems like a good platform to start from.
Having recently gone from a 2007 YZ250 to adding a 2019 KTM 250XC if this bike is light years beyond that I cannot conceive how much better it could get.
Coming from a motocross background and living in Utah where we ride more open desert single track than mountain single track I have always preferred the XC. The last W I owned was a 2018 and when I would get off my 2022 XC and ride the 2018 the chassis geometry really bothered me, the turning was not nearly as precise and I felt like I was riding while drunk and couldn't hit my lines. Also the PDS rear end is dangerous at high speed desert riding, multiple times it kicked on my so hard almost went over the bars. Sending the suspension off to Kreft drastically improved it, but still not as good as a linkage XC model (for me). I know there have been multiple chassis updates and sharing of chassis with the SX/XC bikes since the 2018. I have a feeling I would really like the new 24 XCW, however because of my riding style I'll stick with the XC, I have to have a linkage for the speeds and open terrain out here.
Basically I would rather put up with a stiff setup when I'm riding technical single track rather than suffer with the XCw setup on high speed, jumps, massive whoops etc. But for the more trail oriented guys 100% agree with Jeff, buy the W instead of the XC.
Excellent review. I can't see the need to jump off of my 2015 XC yet with as little as I ride, but these new TPI's/TBI's sure make me wanna dive in. One question, though, which is better for crumbling bicyclists in their tracks, XC or XC-W? 😂
I have a '15 250xc! Its dangerous riding a counterbalanced bike... much smother. However I've had my XC since new and has never let me down. Ole reliable!
Great review Jeff, enjoy the fact that you have input on how the actually works… facts!! I’ve live on the opposite side of the state, but dang that trail looks fun. Been threatening to ride that area for decades, best get it done one day. Sounds like a great bike to start. 👍
Hey Jeff as always thanks for your expertise and comments, I have one question, is this bike fast, does it have that great 2 stroke power band or is it tame like the Beta 300rr
On my 15’ XC I did the evo 4 pegs with extended shifter from Hammerhead, 4th position with Enduro High flexx bars from you guys. I’m Size 13 and 6’ 3” tall. Bike is perfect for me. Oh and the 4cs Mx tech Slavens for kit plus Mx tech valving in the back. 🎉
All I ride is 250’s. Wayyyyy more fun than any 300 I’ve ever ridden. I’ve been on carbed 300’s, TPI 300’s and a TBI 300. Every time I get back on my 250 my smile is back. We ride a ton of single track in Arizona. Learn to use your clutch, 300’s are for guys that like to sit when they ride. You can be so lazy, it for sure is the king of slow lugging but the 250 has made me a mutch better rider.
For me, my 300xc is a trail bike too, someday I might race a hare scramble but not often. I got the XC because for me the linkage rear suspension just works better in the Michigan woods. To be honest, I'm thinking about a Husky TE300 for '25, because I like the linkage rear, having lights and oil injection is just nicer to live with.
XCs are definitely used for trails. I have raced my 22 XC only a handful of times and maybe should have got an XC-W but the XC seems capable even though it might not be as good as the XC-W.
Even though the W suspension is better for trail work I keep buying XCs. The suspension can be modded to suit your needs. I like that they are lighter and don't have a bunch of stuff that I'll just take off. I even like the air fork for its weight and adjustability. Based on the ktm manuals the 2023 250/300 xc weighs 220 lbs. The 2024 xc added 5 lbs with the spring fork and the 2024 xcw weighs 10 lbs more at 230.
Ha, I just watched your vid and you and I share some common quirks on the '24 . I too am struggling to get the ideal shift lever position for both sitting and standing shifting. Good to know about your lowered pegs option. I also don't like the WAY too aggressive footpegs , I ended up grinding flat all the inner grip posts to lessen the "glued" feel to the pegs. I simply added a 1" bar spacer and in the fwd pos. #2 feels good for me.
Sean: Thank you. I already installed a Trail Tech fan kit slavensracing.com/shop/radiator-fan-kit-for-ktm-husaberg-husqvarna-by-trail-tech/ that connects to the battery and I didn't look for a plug in connector. The '24 models use the same fan kit as the 2017-2023 models.
Jeff , nice review ! My concern is about the oil injection . The previous TPI models had a reputation for not enough lubrication . Premature piston wear . I was excited about the new XC back to mixing the oil again . I know it’s to early to know if the XCW will be too light on oil but my first thoughts would be to convert to mixing . Done deal no oil pump worries . What’s your opinion ?
I'm with ya. I was a bit disappointed that it had oil injection. I converted my 22 XC-W to TBI and also removed the OI. After mapping changes the bike really woke up and runs phenominal. I'll likely skip the 24 in hopes the 25 will be premix.
Well that's a tempting invitation to come out and ride. I just retired too, earlier than anticipating by a year or so, but ya Colorado trails sound fun.
Thanks Jeff I always appreciate your input. Keep it up! I’ve always been a fan of the XCs because of the transmission, being a shorter guy I feel XC is a little lower?
Hello: The XC's do have a lower seat height but you can get any of the models lowered and revalved at the same time. Greg at Factory Suspension Works in Colorado does excellent work for a fair price.
Hey Jeff. I see you are still using a rear handbrake on your 23 300 xcw. And I did mention to you before about a "Clake" Which when you pull in the lever the clutch engages then the brake. All in one lever. Heaps better than chasing either lever. I use the Clake2 awesome when held up on the wrong side of an up hill.☺ Me turning 63 and 5'7" I'm sticking with my 17 300EXC (AUS) I also use Flexx bars as well. I agree on the headlight mount.
Hello: If Clake works for you that is what you should use but they are not for me. I don't "chase either lever". I only use the LHRB and never use the clutch.
@@slaverace1 Spare parts finder says they share all the same gears in the transmission. I suppose it could be wrong though. However, the 23-24 XC gear ratio spread is wider than the 17-23 XC-W, so I would assume they share the same trans.
Hello David: It's difficult for me to get excited about stock suspension since I'm used to much higher quality components with custom valving. Suspension revalving/respringing should be part of your budget when considering a new bike purchase.
The new '24 W suspension is the best yet from KTM but it is one size fits all. Greg's suspension is custom tuned to the individual rider so it is always going to work better. www.factorysuspensionworks.com
Lots of good news. Not sure what they were thinking with the top triple clamp only providing 2 positions 🤦🏻♂️ Looks like I need to talk one of my friends into getting one 😆
Hey Jeff great videos. Super happy picked up my bike on Monday. When the dealer was doing the walk through with me he mentioned to push in the button on the top of the gas cap to open the tank and twist. Went to fill up my tank tonight and noticed the locking mechanism doesn’t really do anything. Is this a normal issue with KTMs? Is there a way to fix it. I doubt the cap would ever loosen anyways. Do I contact Ktm direct or the dealer generally.
I am on a 2017 carborated XCW 300 with a lectron and love it, love it but it is getting houred out and was waiting for this bike. I too had considered the XC but ride plenty of technical tight rocky BC trails as well as Idaho. Thoughts on the power delivery from carbed/ lectron to this bad girl?
The '24XCW has the best engine ever! The power delivery is better than your carbed bike, easy to modulate, user friendly. Yes a map switch can be installed. The pricey ($160) KTM switch is on BO and Sicass is working on a less expensive alternative. It needs all the usual guards and a suspension revalve. The suspension is stiff. I highly recommend Greg at www.factorysuspensionworks.com.
Motor sound like it’s awesome! However, they’ve cheaped out on a lot of features. No machined triple clamp, removed the map switch, etc. Pretty hard to spend $11k on a bike and than add a bunch of upgrades. Beta is putting out a great product for less.
Hello: They have not cheaped out on anything. It's a very high quality bike, better quality than any other non-KTM brand. XCWs have never come equipped with map switches or machined triple clamps. They use forged clamps for more comfort.
@@damarpo5467 Hello: I have to draw a line in the sand when you call KTMs crap. Really? Beta's are years, maybe a decade, behind KTM's technology. The Beta 300 is well known for engine bearing failure issues, way down on power and has very poor suspension. If you want to ride one that is fine with me but no need to get nasty and bash a bike you have never ridden. The `24 KTM 300XCW (and similar HQV & GasGas models) is by far the best off-road bike on the market. Best technology, best power, best suspension components, best fueling and best handling...period.
Any recommendations on mean time protection for pipe and rear disc, can’t find any parts online, seems like it might take a bit for the parts to come out
Hello: I use 15mm bar risers slavensracing.com/shop/mako-handlebar-riser-kit-by-xc-gear/, a Seat Concepts tall seat slavensracing.com/shop/complete-comfort-seat-for-ktm-by-seat-concepts/ (pricey but worth every penny) and footpegs that are 10mm rearward on my 300W and on my 500 I use pegs that are 10mm back and 5mm lower. Carapak is the footpeg brand. We are bringing them in as soon as they get a big order together for us.
Its better, I went from a 13 300xc to a 22 TPI (gas gas). You will notice it. I love both bikes though. Not sure if the TPI having the counter balance just smooths it out more, but it does help. Its not busy and handles well. Took me a bit to get the forks dialed in (find the correct pressure and settings). Very ridable. If I were moving from a 12 though.... I just skip the TPI. You will find better deals. When I went to the 22 I heard the TBI rumblings. Given the motor is great and the chassis is better as well as the new design in stock suspension. I'd hold out for the latest and greatest. Especially if you tend to keep bikes around.
@@mulullama I don't find the flex much different, but then again I have a XC model (likage) vs. the PDS. They just fit me better. I've run both and the PDS just makes the bike a little taller and I have stumpy legs.
Stock KTM suspension is for 165-187lb riders including rider gear. The suspension is very firm and will work well for some types of terrain and not so well for others.
Hello: I'm sorry, you must have intended to click on one of the many snowflake channels. I gave the new bike kudo after kudo after kudo yet I need a Snickers bar? Really? FYI: I prefer Payday candy bars. Please send me a box.
@@baldknobby This kit allows you to use the new 22mm axle and old wheel. slavensracing.com/shop/20mm-rear-wheel-spacer-seal-conversion-kit-for-23-ktm-hqv-by-enduro-engineering/
