2020 KTM 300 XC-W Full Test

[@daddister7471]

Wow! This is one of the most educated, thorough reviews I've ever seen. Subscribed!

[@ektalon1]

An excellent, in depth review covering just about everything in three segments. No wasted time trying to think about what to say, no ums, uhs, or endless repeating what was already said. Also not afraid to state a (very positive) opinion. Much appreciated.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Thanks, Barry. We strive to keep the standard high. But then you have to listen to us on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday to see what we are really like...

[@TrailRiderMagazine]

Once again, the best and most comprehensive review out there.

[@liammuhammad1980]

Instablaster

[@wirth315]

Absolutely the best review of any bike I've read or watched. Period. Very credible source in my book, having gone out and won 2 races on it. Box Stock. Appreciate the in depth analysis on engine, tuning, power valve, suspension, lighting etc. KTM should pay you for this review. A 2020 KTM is in my future... I just can't decide between XC and XC-W. I think I'd be happy with either. I ride midwest 800-1200 altitude and mostly woods / hair scramble / enduro type riding. YZ250 and YZ450 with rekluse and woods mods are my current rides. I'm tired of waiting for Yamaha to give us an electric start, 6 speed trans, 2.4 gallon tank 250 or 300 2 stroke. I'm switching to Orange very soon. Thanks for confirming this for me Jimmy with your recent KTM reviews!

[@NathanH172]

I have the Xcw and I ride in the woods and dunes of Washington or Oregon. Love having the wide ratio gears.

[@lancairw867]

I have a 17 KTM XCW 250 and ride single track Tennessee woods. Love it. Geared better for tighter riding but can still do 70 plus mph 👍🏻. I rode the 300 and felt the power very similar on both compared to the 250 ( but need to wind it up a little more) but the 250 felt much lighter to me. Not sure but probably the motor rotating mass and just a few extra pounds heavier than the 250. To me 250 is the best power weight

[@jeffdavis738]

That’s funny. You’ll talk about a bike for a half an hour but not a syllable about a beautiful place to ride. Change your playbook Gumby.

[@brettshelton6114]

Good test, well done. I would really like you to compare the 250 to the 300...Because your reviews are good.

[@willhibberts3212]

I'm buying this bike - thanks for the review

[@DavidJones-mj5ju]

Really appreciate this review 👍. 100% comprehensive and 0 fluff. I find that some reviews are taylored towards the quirks and specifications of the individual test rider which can be misleading and a huge disservice to the manufacturer. If reviews are based solely on the sub-model, the platform, and intent of the manufacturer it lends credibility to the overall review. And please (people are gonna hate me), but no dirt bike give aways!

[@DirtBikeTest]

You don't want us to do multi-level-marketing? Watch the next Tech Talk Taco Tuseday #63 for your segment! Thanks for the comment, Jimmy is on fire!

[@johnlinkowski9737]

One of the best reviews on this bike.

[@SVTBansheeman]

Never heard of this channel but I subbed. Wow. Best reviewer I ever seen on bikes.

[@PNWEnduro]

Nice detailed review good job. Also at 11:55 that obstacle is called "superman rock" and is a lot more difficult than the video shows, good riding.

[@ngzcaz]

What state and location is that ?

[@garthlundquist8316]

Washington State. Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

[@EngineerK]

Wow. What a great review. Would like to hear about this in comparison to the XC

[@apostate4apostate494]

XC is just one step closer to a motocross bike which makes it a hybrid rig. Not as good or fast through the hard enduro gnar.

[@237racing3]

Finally a true tester on KZbin. Thx a ton Jimmy!!!!

[@jackbauer9347]

Great review Jimmy. I've never heard you so focused.

[@kellyforte2611]

I'm sold,,had a 08 xcw and loved it this one sounds a million times better.

[@robwhitnah9776]

Very through video. I’ve searched a lot about this bike and by far the most informative. Can’t wait to see if you get your hands on a 250xcw

[@brycespencer2364]

thanks for your Input on the bike being a Kawasaki tech and somewhat of guru in suspension talk it was good hearing your technical input on the bike and how it rode. also coming from myself being a motocross racer and a avid trail rider. I have a question I have been trying to decide if the 300 xc or xcw would be better for my riding where I do techical slow riding one weekend to possible sand dunes and more open riding which bike is the more versatile?

[@DirtBikeTest]

This is a question we'll answer tonight on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday!

[@purtnearperkins]

You mentioned you fell in love with the 350 4t last year. If you were to make a choice for your only bike to ride all around would it be the 300XCW or the 350XCF-W? Thanks. Excellent review. Just bought two bikes for my kids and need to get one for myself for the season. I’m on the fence between the 350 and 300 W’s. I’m just a mild trail rider following my kids around. Over 6’ and over 200lbs.

[@sfsf9954]

Got my 2021 xcw 300, ridiculous bike, best ever

[@lancairw867]

I have a 2017 KTM XCW 250 2 stroke with a balanced crank motor. My friend who has a Honda 2016 450 was shocked as I that my 250 had less felt vibration than his 4.

[@flashdrz]

Wow! Great test! you actually talked about the oil injection and how it does. I've not seen anybody else do that. Thanks!

[@richardstremlow6075]

I am fixing to buy a 300. I'm down to deciding between a XCW or XC could you provide some input on the difference.

[@rodrickewing4824]

Awesome informative review... Have you managed to test the 2020 250 tpi...and if so what your thoughts on it vs the 300

[@Saa45MIV]

Good review.. new to the dirtbike world, old technology in the 2 stroke world tho.. I had a 2001 arctic cat 600 2 stroke sled with transfer port injection and skidoo came out with a fuel injected sled in like 1996..

[@dprojecto1839]

So, whats the best bike? More versatile and capable for various types of offroad from the B and C rider perspective? (Good review)

[@apostate4apostate494]

300 XC-W best dirt bike hands down

[@wyattscott6847]

This is the best review I have ever seen

[@vxe6vxe6]

I have a 19 XCW 300. To me, one of the things that fuel injection does is the same thing thing every time you twist the throttle. I have a Dicks Racing modified head, an FMF Gnarly and a red spring sitting on the shelf and I have no plans to install them any time soon. That's how much I like this bike. I had Factory Connection lower the bike 20mm with the KTM kit and had it sprung for my lard-ass. I did buy the Slavins Racing GET ECU, I like both the stock and GET ECU for different conditions. I like this bike!

[@DirtBikeTest]

Joe, Let us know how you like the ECU. We'd like to try one when we get another 300 TPI around here.

[@wfodavid]

Just got my 19 300 Six Days running great with the GET race kit. I think I might wait a while. I did spring for the Traxx shock and Xact cone valve forks. Nice Review,

[@scotz71]

Excellent technical details! Thank you. I have 2017 Six Days with JD kit set for 2000+ ft when I ride under 1000 ft to clean up bottom end, V-force reeds, red spring, and debating to go new 300 TPI, or go 4-stroke 250 / 350.

[@mikesarten6212]

Brilliant I have really been tossing up whether to buy one or not and this has nailed it for me well done, will be paying the money.

[@viperracing2889]

On the 2020 what's the highest bodyweight the front suspension can be setup for without having to purchase anything? And for the rear, what does a spring replacement cost roughly (spring + installation)? Thanks.

[@youtubeaccount9058]

Very informative and nice to watch some really good trail riding at the same time.

[@Mogman150]

Great review. I'm still having trouble getting an answer about XC Vs XC-W. I live in the high desert, but also ride in tight technical, tree wooded trails. Currently riding a 1987 KTM 350 Enduro.

[@ponydown418]

You can't go wrong with either bike honestly. I hsve a 18 xcw 300. I race it at hare scrambles and trail ride. I'm pretty sure I would like a xc also.

[@Cee-FJedi]

Awesome video. I'm waiting for mine to arrive and always worried about the power delivery. Seems from many reviews that the power valve out 1.5-2 turns makes a big difference. Can this PV mod be done without an ECU adjustment? Thanks again .

[@thepatternforms859]

Where do you have your gas vent hose running? Not down the steering stem hole 🕳 n the middle?

[@CS-rb9jk]

JL, excellent review so overall you like the 300 better than the your 350EXC ?

[@0nEl0vE_3m]

Wouldn't running a 13/50 gearing ratio make the XC-W more useable in the 1/2 gears?

[@BrianLampright913]

On my 2018 6D the clickers on the xplor fork were completely useless. I ride a wide variety in Utah from high speed desert to 10,000’ singletrack to occasional MX track days. Overall the stock suspension was better than expected, but after a year there were issues that couldn’t be fixed with clickers so I had Kreft put their guts in the xplor and revalve the PDS to my liking. HUGe improvement and the clickers finally do what they are meant for. Love this bike!

[@REDROCKMAN2010]

Great review Jimmy ! I have been waiting patiently for my 2021, and in the meantime have been on my 2014 300xcw. You saying its worth it pushed me over the edge! I still love my 2014 and can not part with it until ? Thanks for answering the right questions most trail guys want to know !

[@DirtBikeTest]

Thanks for the note. Good thing the used bike market is booming.

[@REDROCKMAN2010]

@@DirtBikeTest Got the new bike and you were right, the handling is light years ahead of the 2014!!

[@spacejaime]

Technology has really advanced....my 1980 YAMAHA IT425 would "four stroke" from 1500 feet up, too rich. I had to drop the needle one notch to get it going properly. Great video!

[@rickjustice8948]

Great Review - possibly the best I've viewed.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Wow, thanks! Or should I have said, what did you expect from us? Bad sound quality...watch some of our other videos.

[@Cactus73]

Jimmy, is it possible that your test bike has a bad baro sensor? I have two buddies that are riding 2020's TE/TX's in Colorado right now and neither are experiencing your issue. Have you asked your KTM rep about this? Great review...I can't wait until mine arrives.

[@grantlingley5099]

Fantastic Review and knowing what a difference the 2020 model is...well, likely my next machine.

[@slagletoby]

I just put a Lectron H-Series on my 300 I’m still not ready for TPI. My “15” has just over 500 hrs and 8,000 miles and still pulling holeshots.

[@cinderden]

Kyle brotherson on dirt bike channel talked about the bike needing to be reset with elevation changes as well and said it had to do with that sensor not being set up correctly. Great vid thanks for the info

[@DirtBikeTest]

Read carefully our test and if you follow Tech Talk Taco Tuesday you'd know a lot more about this. But in short, Jimmy Lewis identified the issue and is has been cured on the bikes that arrived after the media bikes. He may talk about this tonight.

[@cinderden]

@@DirtBikeTest ah good to know ty

[@jrago6228]

I Have a 2017 150xcw., (Jetted and tuned 100%) Will going to the new 300xcw be totally impressive?

[@gmoriano]

Best review mate! So so thorough

[@stone4858]

I have the 2018 250cc tpi, do you guys know if my bike can be changed in to a 300cc ? If yes what parts have to be changed in order to make 100% like the 300cc comes out of the factory ? Thank's 🙂

[@arthurperna4502]

Great video, information coming from a guy who races and knows how wrench a bike, great content. This video actually helped me on my purchase

[@stevegallegos2441]

What would happen to that lean feeling at altitude,if you just pulled in the clutch and hit the kill button,then started it right back up? Would the sensor correct the jetting? (Air/fuel ratio).

[@mxengineer1]

Great review! As usual lots of information and useful insights along with real world feedback. Properly jetted carburetors (especially Keihins on the latest KTM/Husky models) are simple yet amazingly effective devices. You still put a "jetting" tool on your new TPI bike. I know TPI is different but in your opinion is it really better than a carburetor?

[@Dobemandan]

Nope!! Worse!!!

[@Dobemandan]

The reason it's lean is because of emissions nothing else...

[@bleachinuri]

@@Dobemandan has nothing to do with emissions, its not lean, it were it's supposed to be, the cylinder head tells the story, thats the beauty of Fi, also it's set up for the masses, even Fi can be adjusted or tailored for specific riding styles or scenarios, carburetors are far worse and harder to tune and keep tuned properly, i've been racing on a pro level since the late 80's, and if i had a dollar for every plug that i fouled because i was one main jet off because the temp and humidity was different the day before i'd be retired

[@jeffflick2573]

I'll keep my still great running 2011 ktm-300xc with the 36mm. keihin carb. I could always put a Lectron carb on if I get tired of jetting for different altitudes. I would love to see you test the 300xc tpi version of this bike.

[@sfsf9954]

Picking up my 2021 300 xcw in about 6hrs

[@christianbryan8023]

Great and well articulated video. Greetings from all El Salvador... the best place to practice hard enduro.

[@mikeburnett6222]

Did you use the JD Tuner base line or did you come up with settings of your own? If so, could you share those numbers?

[@sqhunter65]

Excellent review, my next bike I'm 6'1 240,and have been riding yz450's for the last 5 years,but came off cr500 from 10 years prior.

[@user-qx1zt8mq4q]

Ok , Now that's what i'm talking about ! That's a review that i get and understand ! I think the 300 will be a All around bike or a very versatile bike for me. Thank you again for doing these videos or Tutorials .

[@kaiarne1]

Is it possible to have this bike on adventure? do the engine holds up. or is 500exc a must?

[@BestNThDez]

Jimmy, concerning the ambient air pressure sensor and having to shut the bike down when going up in elevation by 1000-2000, I thought that this sensor was installed specifically on the 2020's so this wouldn't be necessary? You are saying that per the KTM techs, that even with the new sensor, they are still recommending shutting it off every 1000 feet or so??? I had heard opposite from other sources.

[@albertcampos959]

awesome review!! Hey do any of you know... if I finance this bike (I live in CA) but want to say register it in AZ so I can get a plate and ride it year round.. would that be an issue (as far as does it have to be paid off?)

[@kick6013]

I rode a 2019 six days model. Awesome bike with great power everywhere. 2020 is better. Get one.

[@robw3761]

Thanks for the video on all the great information I have a question regarding the difference between the husky 300 does it have the same frame and the changes that have been done to the KTM

[@garthlundquist8316]

Rob W The TE 300i is very similar. The main differences are linkage rear suspension, poly amide carbon fiber subframe, a skidplate, map switch, fork spring preload adjustments on top of forks, and color of course.

[@darmah990alchemy6]

Ordered a 2021 300 tpi....first 2 stroke in a long time. I have a 2019 KTM 450 SD.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Let us know how you like it and watch Tech Talk to learn what NOT to do to that new bike.

[@slopetechno]

Thanks for the review. Where's the riding around the 10 minute mark in the video? Looks like it's probably in WA

[@canoexxman]

Excellent review Jimmy, thanks for all your insight.

[@Jaysrippen]

Great video!! Really appreciate information, was super curious if there was enough changes to notice from my 2019 300xcw to the 2020 and sounds like there is!

[@MP-1965]

You're talking me into it! Only decision is whether to keep my 500 EXC F or to sell it...

[@WeaponsEducation]

I just ordered the 6 day 2020

[@Tikkikoira]

I have one, had it since last summer. It is GREAT bike but it leaks oil like mother fuka under exhaust valve cover.

[@stewy_604]

@@Tikkikoira Argh, really?!?!

[@meghanmfrederick]

Where in NV were you riding? Gorgeous views.

[@adamdyment9732]

Just discovered this channel. Love it. Do you ever plate bikes? I'd love to see your take on dual sporting this thing or a wr450, crf450x etc.

[@stacksmasher]

For DualSport a 450 is much more suited. This is a woods bike.

[@pandasman8657]

Super great review. Thank you for your time!

[@scottgaskill4896]

Can u run a portion of race gas in it to stop detonation?

[@d38550s]

Awesome review, thanks Jimmy!

[@justinhenak8399]

Bought this same bike from a dealership & have been experiencing issues getting the full power out of it (15 hours on the bike, stock), it seems to only allow 70% of the power, in 2nd/3rd gear it acts like its governed and wont open all the way up. Hoping the JD Jetting tuner can help with this. Have you/anyone else experienced the same thing before the tuner and power valve modifications? My 2008 200 xcw would beat this in a flat out race currently, which makes me curious.. Overall its an amazing bike, the low end is unreal with very smooth power delivery & is super nimble.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Justin Henak this does not sound right. There is something else wrong with your bike. The modifications will not correct a pre existing problem. Is the issue in specific gears only? 1 and 5 for instance have full power?

[@justinhenak8399]

Dirt Bike Test no, it occurs through out all gears. It seems to run great otherwise but the lack of power and end of the gear (governing feel) is quite the concern at the moment

[@justinhenak8399]

Dirt Bike Test I’ve been doing some research and haven’t found anyone who has experienced this yet.. already talked to the dealership, they were not of any help.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Justin Henak this is where a call to Customer Service comes in. A good dealer would at least be curious to find a fix for you.

[@justinhenak8399]

Dirt Bike Test Agreed, have been working with the dealer for the past 2 weeks. Next steps are to contact KTM as the dealer cannot figure it out, hopefully we can get this fixed without shelling out more money to fix a brand new bike. Very interested on finding out what the root cause is.

[@sao007]

Best review ever nice job man!

[@mikeskidmore6754]

My Street bike Yamaha FZ-01 runs way too lean .. except when it's really cold out then it gets much richer and makes much more power . I like the Flash Tune Data-Link ECU Flashing Kit Yamaha FZ-07 / MT-07 2015-2018 I have decided to purchase an Oxygen Meter first AFR500v2 - Air Fuel Ratio Monitor Kit - Wideband O2 System Part # SNSR-00990

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Learning so much from this. Great.

[@rogersiples3335]

Outstanding review.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Thank you kindly!

[@neilkaye081]

How does this compare to the 4-stroke 350exc for the same sort of riding you are doing here?

[@DirtBikeTest]

The four-stroke (350 specifically) will feel a littler heavier in handling and does not have the outright power at the lower RPMs. The 300 stays light feeling as the revs rise and the four-stroke gains a little weight with the rotational mass feeling. Some like this weight (feels more stable) others don't.

[@CW-up7xv]

Looks like you're riding the GP Forest!

[@seamarsh3756]

Mono audio, but great review:]

[@troywallace322]

Very professional review. Well done. Troy from Kalgoorlie.

[@baseballdude345]

I would love to ride this thing, I love my 2008 ktm but damn I want a fuel injected 2 smoker:(

[@bethschuppe4476]

Can't decide, 250 or 300???

[@stevenhicks6504]

Beth Schuppe wanna scream the motor 250. Wanna putt and lug. Get a 300

[@goodboyringo9716]

300 first 250 second

[@michaelselix8817]

Was this ride in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest?

[@DirtBikeTest]

We can't remember nor would we mention where it was...Not in our playbook!

[@zachpark7854]

What a great job on the review!

[@CraigW34v7b9]

As much as I appreciate the mechanical sum of the bike, KTM need to hire a different graphics/aesthetics team for their dirt lineup.

[@dmciii]

You sold me, thank you

[@keithaverill1223]

great review Jimmy - thanks!!!

[@CorrupteddSanity]

Excellent informational review. Thanks

[@user93634]

I am so ready for my suspension to get back so I can ride my new 2021

[@DirtBikeTest]

How did it work stock? Where did it go? Why did it go?

[@JPT-ZZZ]

Jimmy, when it comes to green / red stickers for CA Carb laws, do you ever see the fuel injected two strokes receiving green stickers to allow year round riding? Maybe poke KTM to get them green sticker certified if they meet emission standards? :D

[@kevinmoore4887]

300 vs 250, XC vs XCW Do some rides on various terrain, swapping between a 250XC and 300XCW, noting where the motors and chassis we better suited. 4 bikes would be offroad musical chairs.

[@Rich2wheels]

Well done! I keep thinking of ditching my yzx and grabbing one.

[@MXJEFF94]

Richard Booker that’s a no brainer (if you can afford it).

[@dalepetersen6533]

Looked like a challenging tight trail!

[@mxoldtimer4braaappp858]

Torn between yzx and. Ktm xc....60 yrs young....any input?

[@DirtBikeTest]

How much do you like to kick-start your dirt bike?

[@mxoldtimer4braaappp858]

@@DirtBikeTest hate having to kick start stuck on a steep hill....I get that part.....now its between the xc and xc-w ....

[@Doitwithdowns]

Want a 300 exc as a supermoto, but probely gonna need to Get some stiffer suspensjon tho

[@ridersride1]

Nice detailed info, I havent been on your channel before But I would bet money thats Washington trails... Seems very familiar

[@craigkautsch1989]

Great video man! Thanks...gonna go buy one :)

[@NigelNaughton]

Awesome review! Love this bike...one note: the word is "iteration" ;-) it·er·a·tion /ˌidəˈrāSH(ə)n/

[@BUZZB8Z]

Fantastic review!