Wanted to share, 24' TBI 300 here. Own a TPI and Carb as well. The Factory Tune is emission based. Not performance based. I did not see a mapping switch but stock the TBI and TPI maps are not what you want and weak. The TP, I am on my 2nd cylinder as the oil delivery tune from the factory was too lean causing damage. So to fix this you need a Tune. ( what do all car guys do when putting in a new engine)? Have tried a bunch but out of the box the TSP( two stroke performance) tune from Australia takes the cake, In my experience, cleared up all the low end bog, fouling plug and unleashed the performance. South Bay in California and Slaven's offers these. You don't even need the head. Heck you can even just get the head insert if you want. Hope this helps you or someone else. Keep up the content.
Also an A rider here and have 216 hours on my 24 KTM XCW 300. For the fuel mileage issue, I strap an 8 mil liter bottle of fuel on my front fender for longer rides, for really long rides I have a slightly larger fuel bottle...cost is $30 problem solved. For your hard power hit fun factor, install the SX head insert with a tune from TSP available where you take the green map and it's the same power as the XC but when you select the white map it's the mellow XCW you have now. I'll bet TSP will provide you with the stuff free with your channel. Basically you get the best of both worlds doing this mod. This configuration will also get rid of any loading up you are encountering which is very odd by the way. I'm wondering if that's a high elevation challenge because I've never encountered that in all of my rides and I do a lot of very technical slow trail riding. Last, when I hit the 60 hour mark the bike really felt amazing, it finally loosened up, the mid range got better and the bike just came to much more life. I'd say it was about 50 to 70 hours, so safely I'd say about 60 hours. You're going to love this bike the more you ride it.
@@onthethrottle7104 awesome insight. Thanks for the comment. I actually got all of the TSP parts yesterday. Will start installing and testing soon. Wanted to make this review video before performance upgrades as this is what can be expected out of the box. Also already have the big tank on hand, just waiting for a fuel pump. I have noticed the chassis already feels smoother than it did new; excited to hear it breaks in even more. 🤙🏻
@@CraigSteinman-zt3vu Hey buddy, you can laugh at me for saying that, not a problem. Just know that the frame, forks, rear shock all break in after a period of ride time...on all bikes. The frame in particular loosens up and changes how the bike responds. Some bikes loosen up more than others and it’s a well known industry fact. Cheers.
@@CraigSteinman-zt3vu Got it, thanks man. Well, it's not like right at 60 hours it "bam" breaks in. Over that amount of time it slowly changes and right at about that time I noticed it really settled in. Conversely my 23 XC has still not loosened up, it's still tight as a drum and has 72 hours on it.
The very first mod I make on any bike I buy is to gear one tooth down on the counter shaft sprocket and it's always perfect gearing for me and then it's full wrap hand guards, I'm a slower C class rider that drops the bike allot. Lol. I think it's really cool how with newer bikes you can get them lowered from the factory as I'm only 5'8 and all modern bikes are to tall for me, the 300 XCW is my dream bike.👍
I have one. Best bike I have ever owned. This was my first KTM after years of Honda and Yamaha. Your review is spot on. Excellent low and top end and its mellow in the midrange.
Got two new dirt bikes this year, 450f and a 250X. Having the right tool for the job is the way to go; trying to get the perfect bike to do multiple things is just a dream. My advice is buy a bike for a specific use and modify it to be better at that one job.
The 300 XCW is a nice bike, just feels like an electric bike when riding. The YZ250X is just much more fun to ride. But you can adapt the 300 XCW for true Hard Enduro and the 250X not. It's missing a lot of stuff. For true Hard Enduro with great carb engines and feeling there's the Sherco and Beta... I tested a 300 XCW TBI 2024 and the fun factor of the engine is very low because of the FI, and the bike's frame is bit rigid and the suspension is also a bit harsh, in its stock form... I had a 2023 Sherco 300 SE Factory and it was a great bike. I have now a 2022 YZ250 adapted for the woods (I don't do Hard Enduro anymore) and that bike is FUN and enjoyment. Riding a TBI KTM 2-stroke feels awful in comparison, feels underpowered and "electric".
Kincade. Ben here from Victoria Australia. Love your vids keep them coming 😊. Look into a tsp package for your bike. Dave from tsp here in Melbourne knows his stuff. It will transform your bike 👌👍
TSP remap and medium comp head and you have perfection. Solves the power band issues and cleans them up so they pull strong the whole way from bottom to top end. Also provides a fairly good boost in fuel mileage although if I go more than say 50 to 55 miles I like to bring a liter or two with me in my pack.
Hi Kincade, I agree with every point you made. I currently have a 300 2T and a 350 4T, between those two it covers any terrain or type of riding. The only thing I do not notice is the build-up on my 2T. Keep up the great work and stay rubber side down.
I have a 16’ 250 xcw (smartcarb equipped, it’s almost a must have part) I’ve ridden hard enduro, xc, dunes, and motocross, I’ve been dead even with 450s off the start gate of motocross races, no lack of power, the suspension is a bit soft for motocross but is 👌 in the woods, all in all I’m happy with the bike, I can slowly creep up hills and I can also ring it out on a motocross track and be competitive, not much I can complain about.
Hey man! You inspired me to do a frame up bike build. I got a 03 ktm 200sx. Great condition. I got lucky, and i am the third owner of this bike. Hopefully, it turns out ok. Love the content, man.
Great review and nice bike! I have a 24 300 XC-W and it's been a phenomenal bike. I'm thinking about trying the TSP ERM tune (without head) as I've heard multiple people mention it really cleans it up. I also want to try messing with the gearing, but think I may start with 13-48 first as I'm a little afraid to jump all the way to 12-48 lol. My only real complaint of the bike is the fuel pick-up design you mentioned. It honestly blows my mind KTM let it get to production like that, and the fact they've completely left it to the aftermarket companies to try and develop a fix.
oseems like everytime i try to talk myself into a new gaytm because of all the good stuff, im mostly hella pumped i chose a yz250x and added a few things. it rips and never loads up and i ride slow tech stuff in big rocks. its got 125 hours mow and its a '22 and its given me ZERO issues. starts and runs and makes it home. hella good. still hella wanna try this platform too tho.
I have a 23 yz250 and doesn’t even come close to as good as my 24 tx300 . The tx does everything twice as easy with literally no effort . Counterbalanced motor combined with tbi , no vibration , electric start , no jetting . Heck you don’t even have to remove the reeds to do a top end . I love my yz but , your missing out if you’ve never ridden a tbi husky or ktm
I have a fairly well setup GG EX250, my buddies who ride 300 are surprised how snappy it is. However, my next bike will be a 300. It’s smoother and just overall easier to ride.
As a Canadian add an extra 3000 to the US price tag, but to this day I absolutely do not regret! It's a 23 xcw 250 and I absolutely love the machine! Ride on!
I believe taco moto has a fix for the stock fuel pump pickup issue. It would be worth checking with them. Also as a bunch of other people have said a tsp head and tune increases fuel economy as well.
Kincaid! ever since you got your 350 xcf factory edition I’ve been hooked on getting one, but I was curious to know how they do in technical sections? Does lowering the gearing help? Thanks for content.
For the mileage gas issue, it can be solved with a control unit that modifies it or modifing the one in the bike, but in my opinion that will take away your power.
I have started riding a 2014 ktm 300xc so still carburetored. I have not yet had an issue with loading up. I don’t know what it could be but I thought I would note the difference between the fuel injector and carb. I also get very good fuel economy.
Yes the 24-25 is amazing, but do not sleep on a 2020-2023 TPI especially if you can find a good deal on one. Buy the new fork and put them on and you have nearly a new bike. IMO the TPI has really been combed out tuning wise. There are so many options for good maps depending on what you want to ride (fast, enduro, trail). Give TBI a few more years to get some near perfect tunes made
My issues with TPI was reliability. My 250 cylinder was scored horribly to the point I can’t believe it didn’t seize. These TBIs seem to have a better track record so far. I haven’t spent enough time on a 300 TPI to compare the low end to the 300 TBI, but I’m under the impression the TBI lug is even better. But yeah, all good bikes honestly! Excited to try some tunes on this TBI. Stay tuned 🤘🏻
I ride and I set up bikes for riders and I would agree with you 100%...this is overlooked a lot. I buy 2020 to 2023 TPI's when I see really good deals and have flipped a few. I didn't really want to get rid of them they were so good. I normally put the 6500 fork kit and re valve the rear shock as well. With the TSP tune these bikes absolutely rock. I still like my TBI 300 XCW the best but man it's super close. Never underestimate a well tuned and set up TPI bike!
That is actually a change I'm about to make. I wanted to do this review first, as many people don't want to have to buy an ERM or send their ECUs in for a brand-new bike.
@@KincadePavich yeah I went with the erm no head or anything else and this thing rips now how it should. Only change I made was open the pv sooner on the mx tune. Thing still lugs like crazy and now just rips from bottom to top
@@jamesoso259 It has quite a high price tag for it not to come runing good as stock. People pay a lot of money for a bike then have to spend a bunch more just to make it run properly 👎
@11:24, I think from the looks of things (And especially Matt Spears), the Stark Varg might be the only "easier" dirtbike. This is definitely second though!😅
@@KincadePavich That's most definitely true haha! Although it would be interesting to see an amateur on Stark vs pro on 300 video (no clutch, no stalling, instant torque). Also love your videos man!
@@CraigSteinman-zt3vu Happens to all bikes, my buddy's 5 hour YZ250F just dropped a valve, and Yamaha told him to pound sand. Whole engine is scrap metal.
All of your complaints can be eliminated with the TSP, ERM. Purchases that with the Hard Enduro tune. Even the fuel mileage will improve. I have a 2023 TX300, with that tune and every one of your concerns were eliminated.
I’m seeing lots of recommendations for this already in the comments, but a TSP kit will fix the loading up issue. That is not acceptable and should never happen. Personally I like running the high comp head because this bike is naturally so “smooth” and linear it can benefit from a little extra torque and snap down low. (I didn’t like the high comp head on my XC because it would light up the rear tire too much in lower elevations). Also I may be in the minority here, but I prefer linkage for hard enduro. It sits slightly lower in the travel and I feel like my balance and center of gravity is better for really slow speed riding.
None of you fender crew impressed me on the gas bikes your all good riders but that kid on the varg with you guys the hard enduro trail really impressed me he's walking up those rocks with so much ease that I couldn't believe it the electric bikes impress me ...
I had to get rid of my 300 tbi because a random bog I couldn’t get rid of. Dealer and ktm was of no help, actually the service manager urged me to dump it. Out of all my past 300’s the tbi was absolutely the best bike I’ve ever owned. Not going to take a chance on another one. Current bikes are a 2024 yz250 and just picked up a 2019 250xc… the 300 tbi ran great but every once in a while you twist throttle and nothing. I jump a lot and it got very dangerous, but ultimately bog on a double and sent me to the hospital. Went through months of trying to get rid of it. I rode on the pipe a lot…
@@onthethrottle7104 i looked into them but after all i had done time and money wise I’m done with tbi. Plus it didnt throw a codes so it would be useless. The on board ktm diagnostic “software” is lacking, especially to have so many complicated metering going on.
@@mark_Hershey I hate to hear that and you deserve better. The TBI and TPI systems are easy to dial in if you know them well. I only work on KTM (Husky, and GasGas) bikes from 2018 to current. I specialize in TPI and TBI bikes. I've never had one that I could not get to run perfectly. 99% of the bikes I get are from dealerships that are unable to get them sorted out mainly because they don't know how the systems work. Regardless it sounds like you have a good path forward so that 's great to hear. I hope you're current bike runs great for you! Braaap and Cheers.
@@onthethrottle7104 thanks! So your a ktm tech? Are you good with carbed bikes pre tpi, like 2019 carbed 250xc? Reason I ask is the one I got has a weird pipe bang/decel surge I can’t tune out. Bike only had 7 hours on it, replaced the mikuni with a keihin 38, tried a higher comp head and lowered squish. Went up and down on jetting. Very annoying. Thanks for the reply above and ignore this solicitation of info if it’s too off the wall. Compression is 165, squish is 1.29 now. Blip the throttle and release and this is what you get…also pops on decel in gear with a closed throttle. Here’s a vid if interested in looking.. ru-vid.comuPtuquU68Fs?si=4rM8pJEqC9la_YHQ
I'm from Australia and I've been thinking of buying a 300. My question is here in Australia we have a 300 EXC and from what understand it's similar if not the same as your XC-W. Is this true if you know?
I wonder if your crank seals are toast. Causing oil to get in the crankcase from the gearbox, and loading up the bike. Worth checking the level to see if its low. Love your videos!
There are definitely tradeoffs. I have a TPI and remain unconvinced on the "upgrade". I did 47 miles this morning, no issue with range. On the TBI, that's packing fuel. When the TBIs first came out we had guys running out in hare scrambles. You can also run really technical stuff without the bike loading up. TPI is down on power, but there are some nice advantages also.
Oh yeah carry at LEAST one spark plug on person and tool to change in field (and another in the truck ..) yes they go through plugs that much AND (thank cheap manufacturing and cutting corners ) spark plugs aren't made like they used to
#Loadingup (All Two strokes since dawn of time "load up" EFI Or not) All two strokes go through spark plugs within 20hrs .maybe a little longer. 3) i would run the precise spark plug and nothin else (buy 3+ at a clip untill you have a frikkin drawer full of em' (Spark plugs foul / but ESPECIALLY "load up & foul" under "lugging" scenarios and does so even more the more you lug em')
@@OtisFlint no spark plug made (due to heat cycling Alone) lasts "150hrs" anywhere. it may "Start" & "Run" (but it's definitely not going to perform anywhere near the realm of halfway close to optimal) has zero to do with " TPI/TBI" MBI ETI Etc...
@@6bt_str86I have 200 hours original spark plug on my 300 tpi, runs flawlessly. I always let the bike warm up to 125-150 before riding it. Never an issue
@@RyanBoardman234s 20 was an exaggerated estimate. Could you change your plug in a 2 stroke engine at 20hrs (yes) should you? (Up to owner, definitely wouldn't "hurt" anything) 60-80 hrs (for an NGK ) as long as I WOULD drag it out to? (Negative) Your saying double that?? (Not me) So your saying youd go single tracking KTM 300 2024-2025 in Colorado hill Country with 80hr spark plug and not bring a spare??? Hm! (Good luck)
Sherco are top bikes for 99% of the people, they do everything right and are A LOT of fun. Furthermore, it teaches you how to ride properly, since it still has a carb. TPI/TBI bikes are easier to ride, it's easier to go up a big uphill with fuel injection because the power is always clean. With the carb you have to work for the bike to perform the best. Most riders nowadays are just noobs that ride EFI and if you put them on a carb bike they just can't ride it properly. Most people will try a Sherco and say that they're not impressed with it... Of course, it needs more skill to ride them at a good level, and they didn't acquire those skills due to only riding EFI 2-stroke, KTMs and alike.
