2022 KTM 300 XC-W | 3-Month/25-Hr Owner Review | Good Beginner Bike?

[@kirkwilliams4942]

Have my new 2023 on order. I agree, NOT race ready. I've dumped about $2500 in modification parts just to get it right. I never ride my bikes stock anyway. Total disassemble before I ever ride them. And then we have to do suspension. So there's another $1500 or so. I love the shooting in the background, you obviously live in a FREE state.... stay there and enjoy it. My back ground is racing for over 30 years. But I'm a Vet rider now. Intermediate expert level. But appreciate your review. Glad to see people getting into riding. We are all brother's. We all can use some Throttle Therapy in this crazy world. PEACE.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks for the comment. Enjoy your 2023! Such a good bike.

[@kirkwilliams4942]

@@ThomperBeThompin Yeah, can't wait. You enjoy your as well. If you ever head up to the Sierra Nevada area, either NV or CA hit me up, we have some amazing riding... and crappy politics. But where I live we love our guns and hunting and fishing so it's all good. We live in a small town of maybe 2000 people but it's still CA. 7000 feet near Mammoth Lakes. All my family is originally from East Texas, awesome folks. Your place looks similar.

[@Rieju300]

Solid review from a different perspective which I find helpful and I am sure will resonate with lots of beginners or re-entry riders trying to decide. So many choices!

[@stepan200]

Awesome! I just bought a 22 300xcw this thing is mind blowing!!! Thank you for your video!

[@humaninteractionlab]

Great review, thanks for taking the humble view, just what I needed! Just bought one and excited to get out there!

[@Kade_72]

Thanks for the insightful review. I have never rode a dirtbike but I have always loved and admired them. I am currently battling cancer and I told my wife that when I beat this thing and get back to work, I'm going to get a dirtbike. I'm looking at getting a 2023 KTM 300 XC W. Yes MSRP pretty high compared to a lot of other bikes but I really like KTM and believe it would be well worth it. Greetings from Asheboro, North Carolina.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Greetings, John. Im rooting for you to get healthy again asap. When you do, I think you'll live the 300. Lots of power, but you can still short shift it and cruise when you want.

[@desertendurochannel8727]

The sound of the 300 is awesome.... the cracks going off in the background sound like Freedom ringing!!!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yeah buddy!

[@mdayne1142]

Good review, love the sound of freedom in the backround:) KTM is the way to go.

[@thomassanio8745]

You are a very sensible guy and you made a very wise choice. Lug ability is just one of the things that make the 300 so great! I have owned dozens of bikes over the years and am a very experienced rider. It is the best bike out there in my opinion. Not only back East in the woods where I grew up but they are very popular out West here as well. Enjoy👍

[@hermitrob5481]

Very similar story. Road 2T's when I was younger (YZ80/125/250) and hadn't ridden since my 20's (54 now) My buddy (55) and I ride sleds religiously every winter for years and got sick of the long boring summers (as fishing isn't always doable time wise) and decided to get some bikes. Remembering the death machine power bands of my youth and very much doubting my ability at this advanced age we bought CRF 250F's after much research. Well that took about 2 weeks. Needed more power, better suspension and above all less weight. Having spent 30k on a new sled and trailer I had to wait two seasons to move up. I went through the same dilemma 4T or 2T very much leaning 4T for all the usual reasons. Less maintenance, power delivery etc. Buuuut as the XCF-W were harder to find up here in Maine I had plenty of time to watch, read and listen to the XCW testimonies. Just lightweight lugging woods trail machines. In the end I did the same thing you did. F it! I'm doing it. Only a couple weeks in but I love it. Still dialing in the suspension and what not, getting used to the snap compared to the Honda, and basically just learning the bike. Gonna ride her a season and see how I feel. The only change I would make would be XCF-W or Husqy FE. Who knows....... maybe both 😯🤘

[@mxcjoe]

Awesome review! Much rather hear a review from an average Joe. I'm rockin an 06 ktm 300xcw and still loving it 🤘

[@mxcjoe]

Update! Wife bought me a 2022 300xcw. Really like the smooth power. I will say the 06( fmf exhaust and vforce4 reeds) seems much more alive when twisting the throttle. Maybe after I set the power valve different it might make a difference.

[@themidlifemoto2325]

I’m glad you were able to film this without being shot. That hat is deer color and they were poppin them boom sticks in the background. Good for you for jumpin into the 2 stroke...I rode a random dudes 250xcf the other day....big jump from the 250f we cut our teeth on obviously....fun stuff....had a recluse though which made things weird...I’m sticking to 4 stroke

[@ThomperBeThompin]

So many good options out there, 2-stroke or 4-stroke. And yeah, they sure were shooting a lot that day!

[@dlremotemechanicaloz314]

Excellent review mate its so refreshing hearing a good honest review other than some middle age beginner trying to tell ya how much junk you need to put on the bike and extra performance parts that no one actually needs, that bike has it all for most riders of all abilities. Totally agree on the bash plate .👍

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you, much appreciated! I actually ended up selling this bike for a 350 4-stroke, but if my wallet/garage would have allowed, I'd have both and switch on and off. Cheers

[@mritalianhillbilly]

I bought my Erzbergrodeo last year, 2nd season on it and I dumped it a ton, it’s a beast, it keeps giving, haven’t even hit map2 on it, no need. I’m also a beginner. You have to open it up a lot to keep it fresh, but it lugs perfectly. I follow my son now he has the GasGas 450 2023 and haven’t missed a beat on the hills he’s climbing, just a great bike

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That is awesome! Two great bikes right there. I would love a four and two stroke in the stable, but not enough room!

[@kirkdunn1379]

gunshots going off in background during whole vid....luv it

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Lol, I got some cool neighbors

[@PatFarrellKTM]

Yeah, the lack of a spark arrestor, bash plate or real hand guards made me grumpy too. In Central PA, where I ride, there are several gas stations with 91 non-alcohol gas. Or you could buy some VP100 and mix it with the 87 you can find. I love my 2021 300 XCW, I had a 2017 300 XCW and while I loved the '17, the '21 is much better. Two strokes had oil pumps and oil injection from the mid-1960s. Its well proven technology. Don't worry about pump failures.

[@dmcdevitt8]

Yeah I felt the same way. I'm in SE PA, ride FRO a lot if you have heard of it.

[@PatFarrellKTM]

@@dmcdevitt8 I'm in SE PA and ride FRO about 50 times a year. Its a two hour drive door to parking lot.

[@cyclemoto8744]

THanks for the content. Cheers from OZ. PS: anyone who's on the fence about 2s vs 4s, just think about the maintenance, 2s is simpler and cheaper.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Not too mention you don't need to check valves every 15hrs

[@ShawnBlais]

Good call! I went from CRF230, to 250FX, to FC350 to 300 XCW. In hindsight, I maybe should've just skipped to the 300 from the start. I have a 14, happy to mix gas to get the extra power and reliability of the carb models. Wouldn't mind getting a 2018 though, with the counter-balancer.

[@philipsmith6152]

Had a 17 350 and now got a 20 300, I think you'll find the more popular models hold their value very well. After owning a Beta 300 for a short and unhappy time, I can tell you parts and support from KTM is second to none. Enjoy

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Right on man, thank you. Yup, KTM's size as a brand definitely impacted my decision. Still loving this machine so far. Thanks for the comment.

[@thegreatbritishbikeoff]

Excellent video. Thorough as always!

[@markbottoms4295]

Awesome review. This sounds like exactly what I am looking for.

[@hondamoto5166]

Thank you. I needed to know. I'm thinking of purchasing one myself. I am also coming off of a CRF250R.

[@CoolEyeColorado]

Thanks for the review and glad you are liking the bike. I have a 2017 EXC-f and am looking at the Xc-w or Te300i. I take my bike on tough stuff here in Colorado and hand guards are mandatory along with an excellent skid plate. Too many rocks here not to have them. Keep up the vids and enjoy the bike!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I appreciate it, thanks. Going riding this weekend!

[@andyperry2973]

Great review thanks. I’m sitting trying to work out to buy a 350 excf or 300 exc so your review is perfect for me. Can’t believe you didn’t say the squeaky breaks were a negative.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks! They sure are squeaky, but they bite really hard.

[@goneridingparts]

Unless your Racing specific events go with the 300 it's way more fun and will hold resale value better than any dirt bike out there. Certain types of races MX or enduro stuff the 4 stroke might be a little easier to ride and manage, but the 300 is the better bike, lower maintenance, more fun.. that's what it's about. I like the 350 and the yz250fx also !! between the two you mentioned the 300 !!

[@Garrettactical]

Excellent review. Beginner perspective is nice to hear. On the subject of riding before you buy them… near to impossible. A KTM dealer owner told me recently that KTM is not interested in demo rides at this time. No reason for the expense of a demo ride, when bikes are flying out of dealers at this pace. I think the only chance of riding a few different bikes, before purchase, is finding local riders willing to let you ride their bike a bit.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That's a bummer about them not interested in demo rides. Seems like a ripe time to get that many more potential customers on your bikes!

[@Garrettactical]

@@ThomperBeThompin Agreed. I really wanted to ride a 150 XCW TPI, but can't. So I've decided to buy a 22 GasGas EC250 2stroke.

[@donniemcfarland3160]

@@ThomperBeThompin Beta has Demo rides and they offer a 125cc 200cc 250cc and 300cc 2 stroke bikes Plus Beta offers a build your own Beta where you can order the bike exactly the way you want it from the factory. Hand made bikes from Italy.

[@donniemcfarland3160]

You should check out Beta and Sherco.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@donniemcfarland3160 for sure they both make incredible bikes but for my first foray into the two-stroke world I went with KTM because of the parts availability. I'm definitely open to trying one of those next in probably 3 to 7 years.

[@duanegriffey7021]

Good review. Refreshing to see an honest youtube review!. Good job!

[@stepan200]

I’m so happy, never had 2stroke before, one of the reasons if you blow it up (which Is hard to do) a lot cheaper to fix 😊🤙🏼

[@enduro_j]

You picked the perfect bike! It’s so easy to ride.

[@trevorjameson3213]

Great review, enjoyed that from a beginner's perspective. But anyway, you got the right bike for what you're doing, the XC-W is the woods bike, technical enduro bike, etc. I've had a chance to ride one last year and I thought it was awesome on wooded single track. I used to have an '04 KX500 Kawasaki that I bought new back then, and set it up and tuned it for woods riding and a little open terrain here and there. It was quite nice at the time, like your 300, it had tons of low end torque so steep hills were easy. I ended up selling it years ago to get into dual sport riding and traveling. But now I'm looking to get a KTM 300 XC W and start riding woods again.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you! Yeah it's definitely more bike than I can handle but it's allowing me to grow into it. We are almost halfway through this year's hare scramble series and I'm getting better and better each race!

[@whoscook4481]

I love the simple sound of this bike.

[@human1513]

Great vidoe! Honest review. A KTM lever is about $49 CDN. + tax. Expensive Check the side stand spring retaining screw. They are know to fall out as the factory did not put any thread locker on it. A dealer told me this is common after mine fell out (luckily at home while washing it). My 2022 300 XC TPI is crap running. Dealer and I have not figured out why yet. The power delivery is there then not there on mine. Getting to hate it. Mine was one of the very 1st in N.America. Shell 91 has 0% Ethanol where I live. Good luck.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That screw actually fell out this exact ride. Lol, I already bought some replacement hardware and used red loctite in it. I'm really sorry to hear about your bike, it seems like a handful of these are having major issues. It really sucks spending all that money on something that doesn't run right. I hope you get it figured out

[@goodboyringo9716]

Finding the KTM 300xc at all in 2021 is one problem the other problem is finding one at a fair price. I hate dealing with the dealers in today's market , they all want to rip you or turn you down, they don't care. The 2 strokes cost less to rebuild, easier to rebuild and way more fun. I would rather mix my own gas doing away with the oil pump just one less problem.

[@goneridingparts]

I heard a SHOT at 2:41 is it hunting season !! Be careful out there, great bike !

[@ThomperBeThompin]

A lot of boom sticks in these parts!

[@jasonclark4949]

How tall are you and how much do you weigh? I am looking at a bike and have a similar background as you. Was looking at the WR450F but the KTMs are drawing me in

[@ThomperBeThompin]

6' and about 190lbs without gear

[@jasonclark4949]

@@ThomperBeThompin I am 6' and about 220lbs. Would you still recommend this bike? I am looking to do mostly trails and some open forest roads - nothing too crazy.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@jasonclark4949 oh easy day. If you do find yourself wanting to ride more aggressively and perhaps going off some small jumps and stuff you may want to swap out springs.

[@BaileyMtn]

You are lucky. You got a good one. So many have problems with a list of items.

[@whistlerscustoms3755]

Where on the East Coast are you located? We just moved from Hawaii to Virginia this past December.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

In VA as well! Solid state, man. Not quite as majestic as Hawaii but the east coast mountains have plenty of charm and wonder.

[@bradleyaustin2369]

If you got a second chance to buy, would you have still got the 300 or would you have gone the 250? 2 strokes of course.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

300. Both are great but the 300 is arguably more forgiving to ride with a slightly more linear power delivery off idle. The 250 is great as well though

[@RC.56]

Dude…. I’m I. The very same boat right now…. Can’t decide between 350xcf/xcf-w, or a 300xc/xcw. First dirt bike ever…. Have lots of track time on street bikes, but making the switch. I’m 40, so racing is out, but just to explore and putt around trails and long xc trips sounds great. I think I’m also leaning toward the 300xc. Still cannot decide on pds or linkage. For 2023, they have not updated the 300xcw to the new eng and frame…but they have for the xc…. It’s really tough, since I have no preference as I have not road either one. The 23’s xc already has slightly lower gears as prior years, so the W would be even lower 1st/2nd, then a gap to 3rd. Is this good, is this bad? Idk. XcW also has softer suspension for low speeds, but I assume you can adjust that for higher speeds, just like the XC best suited for a higher speed, which can be adjusted for slower… Which is an easier adjustment???? So many questions going into this blind. Also, how has the bike been this last yr?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I recently made a video comparing a 2022 300 XCW to a 2023 350 XCF. I definitely recommend checking that out. I think both bikes are incredible and both have their place, but for my personal style of riding, I'm going to go with the four-stroke XCF all day long. I like the stiffer suspension that the XC platforms give you, both two stroke and four stroke. And I also like the power delivery of the four stroke. On my older two-stroke 300 with the lower first and second gear, I found there was an awkward gap between 2nd and 3rd when racing hare scrambles. That's not really an issue if you're just cruising, or actually riding enduro type terrain. That said, I think they are all incredible machines and are all a pure joy to ride. The Enduro bikes (the W's) are great but I find their suspension too soft for riding really hard and pushing the machine fast. If I were just going trail riding or if I were doing any type of Enduro riding then I would get a w. The lower gearing and softer suspension is much more forgiving in those environments. I almost forgot to add, in my humble opinion there is no amount of changing the clickers on the W's to get them anywhere near the stiffness that the XC models come with. Same goes the other way. It really comes down to spring rates and valving.

[@RC.56]

@@ThomperBeThompin Thanks for the reply. Good stuff.

[@ryeann2567]

Do you think the XC-W version was the right choice for you, or would the XC have suited you better?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I think the XCW is better for me because it is more of an all around bike. The XC is phenomenal for faster pace riding and can even handle a bit of motocross, but it can't do the slower stuff as well as the XCW. Funny enough, I've been on a 350 four stroke for the past year and I'm thinking heavily about going back to the XCW.

[@thomastjg53]

After watching some your videos I have a question. If you find the back end slides out when Corning what would you adjust and which way. Compression or rebound, maybe even hi speed ? I’ve adjusted the rebound to softer and it helps some (to or 3clicks ) and compression 1 stiffer, and it helps some but have not solved it like I hope to.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

It's tough to say without maybe watching what you're doing and getting more information. On top of that, I'm certainly far from an expert. Maybe you're using a little too much rear brake? I know a lot of people like to drag the rear brake going into a corner to smooth out any chop and to settle the suspension a bit. Also double check tire pressure, something easy to forget every now and then.

[@thomastjg53]

@@ThomperBeThompin thank will check it out.

[@donniemcfarland3160]

Nice video keep up the good work.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you!

[@thomastjg53]

The W , vs the XC , you might be better off with the W. The only XC that I ever rode was few years ago, and the air forks were really bad ,ok in the woops but did not want to move for braking bumps or roots. And ya the newest might be a lot better I’m sure. But to buy a new bike for 10,000 grand, and then have to spend a 1,000 to 1;500 to get itso you can ride it was not my idea of fun. Nice bike have fun on it ,good review.

[@Drewski423]

Air forks are bad because people don’t know how to set them up and get them all out of whack. Judge a set that are set up correctly.

[@Argentina-cz3ru]

Great video! I haven’t rode since 2015 I want to get another bike, I’m 6,1 155 lb, I’m not a beginner but definitely not pro, should I get the 150 or 250 xc w? And why?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I'm probably not the best person to answer that, and it highly depends on what terrain you're riding and what kind of style riding you want to do. I prefer the 250 and 300 because of the ability to use a wider RPM range from the additional power. I think with the 150 you would have to make sure you are in thee sweet spot of the RPM range and use a lot more clutch work more often to navigate different terrain. All that said I think the 150s are incredible bikes and I'd love to have one of those as well.

[@TheWhiteOakHomestead]

Nice review and great bike. It sounds like you're in a war zone!

[@kirkwilliams4942]

Anyone have any thoughts on stock gearing over something else. Front and read sprockets. Desert, enduro, single track, maybe some moto track.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I'm still running stock gearing and do mostly hare scrambles and trail riding (east coast woods). My hard enduro skills are very beginner at this point, but everything I've tried and everything I see online points to the stock gearing being set up very well for hard enduro. Gears 3 through 6 are identical to the XC so it's pretty good for more wide open faster riding. All that to say I am happy with the stock gearing and probably won't change it.

[@kirkwilliams4942]

@@ThomperBeThompin Thank you for your reply. I think I'll give the stock gearing a try and see if I like it. I was going to order some better running gear than what comes stock but might as well try it. I have the new bike torn apart right now, about half way back together. Ever item I've taking apart to grease was basically bone dry. Got rid of Tip and making a bunch of changes and updates. Can't wait to ride it. Leaving suspension stock until I break it in.

[@dimetime333]

I'm in the same exact boat, experience wise. I got 22' 250 xc-w and unfortunately I feel it's almost too much. I don't have that many hours yet. That's most of the issue I'm sure. I'm still a bit wobbly. Bike is awesome though.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I felt that way for the first 5 or so hours which I split up into about 3 rides. After that initial period of learning the powerband and clutch engagement my confidence and abilities really started to increase. Stick with it, mate! I'm actually progressing a bit faster than I thought I would, but still have a long way to go.

[@mritalianhillbilly]

Was told take off all original plastics because they hold value I took all Erzbergrodeo plastics off. Erzbergrodeo is the edition that came with everything

[@scottgaskill4896]

You like the suspension?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

It's outstanding for Enduro style riding and general trail riding. It really soaks up the random roots and rocks and the compression and rebound are on point for a comfortable ride. It definitely couldn't handle fast whoops or choppy terrain at speed like the XC could. So good for some things not quite as good for others

[@scottgaskill4896]

@@ThomperBeThompin it's ALWAYS give and take I guess. Glad you like it.

[@joshhughes6316]

So I'm a beginner too and enjoy your videos, I am also looking into hare scrambles as a OLD fart who wants a hobby during the midlife crisis 😉 😜. I was wondering is there usually a limit on CC's when doing 30plus hare scrambles ?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

No limit for VCHSS's 30+C class. It's 98cc and up. You could race a KLR 650 if you wanted!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

And thank you for watching!

[@louisdriscoll2580]

Have you done any races?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yes! I caught the last six races from last year and did a 6-hr ironman race on the side. Have my first race of this season on Sunday and intend on racing all 14 of them.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Having a hard time wrapping my head around $12k for a dirtbike. I really want it though😃

[@kimojon9665]

My 2019 XCW TPI runs way better than my 2022 XCW TPI, and it handles better too!!!

[@tbgtbg6311]

?????????????????????????????????

[@JorgeGonzalez-ei6ft]

👌🏻

[@andrejmlinaric6718]

Try to put the red spring in the valve......you Will see vhat 300 power means 😉😎

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I just rode a 23 300 XCW demo bike the other day. It has the tbi fuel injection. So much power!!

[@TheBigdutchster]

Listening to this while you're riding, I can hear the KTM brake squeak.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

The stock pads grab real hard but they sure do squeal.

[@TheBigdutchster]

@@ThomperBeThompin I bought a brand new 690R last year and love it, it went through a phase where the brakes were very noisy and I seriously contemplated getting new pads, but then the noise disappeared completely. This was in the course of about 2500-miles. I love this bike and am thinking of getting an off-road bike as well and a trailer to haul it with.

[@lousplumbing2042]

Good review but KTMs hold there value better than Japanese bikes in my opinion.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I hope so!

[@human1513]

I unfortunately bought one of these pieces of crap. The dealers cannot fix it and KTM will not cover anything under warranty even though it ran like shit from the 1st day. I will never buy a KTM again. I was warned I would regret it.

[@hankcassidy2810]

More then likely it just needed the idle screw mod and the power valve adjusted sorry to hear about your experience

[@human1513]

@@hankcassidy2810 Nope. Not even close. But thanx for the thought. I did the idle screw mod a while back and this would not cause these issues anyways. All the power valve parts and adjustment has been checked and it would not casue these issues either unless it where broken. It has seized 2 times. 1st time at 7 hours. That time KTM installed a new piston kit, cylinder and crankshaft. They covered the parts. I got the bike back a few days ago. And in under 6 minutes of running it, it seized again. Took it to the dealer today and KTM has approved for them to diagnose it. Among things the ECU which controls fueling is being considered as the fault. It may be over fueling and washing down the cylinder. But this is just one guess at this point in time. It has been a challenge for all as I have spoken with very knowledgeable people all over the world and no one has a clue as to the fault. I am a licence mechanic, and an electro-mechanic engineering technician among things and with out just throwing parts at it I am confused also at this point in time. Plus that would cost me alot of $$$. No faults or Recalls ever appear for it.

[@hankcassidy2810]

@@human1513 Wow sry to hear that man. I hope they figure out the problem. Might be in their best interest to ship ya a new motor and ECU. Along with fuel and oil pump and injectors. Unless something is getting past air cleaner.

[@human1513]

@@hankcassidy2810 That would nice. The dealer took pictures for KTM of the air filter housing, air filter installed, the air filter's inside * seal area, and the intake, plus motor extaernals and parts dissassembled. I treat my bikes like babies and kept clean. A few friends like to tease me with, "You really should show pride of ownership. LOL." As my bikes are always shiny clean, air filters cleaned, oils changed regularly (dirt bike and street). I need to get a life. LOL

[@ShadeTreeKennyT]

@@human1513 these bikes are known to have oiling issues on startup. I saw a video about it awhile back, that's probably why your top end failed. Run premix gas for peace of mind. Check out Best Dual Sport KZbin channel, he explains the situation in depth.