2023 KTM 350 XC-F vs 2022 KTM 300 XC-W | Why I'm Switching 2-Stroke to 4-Stroke!

[@ncguy6518]

I own both and love splitting hours with them depending on the terrain I’m riding that day. Tell the wife you got her a bike so you can ride together and keep both 😆

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Oh man, I wish! As much as I love the new 350, I'm going to miss riding the two-stroke.

[@MrStephenCoggins]

Hahahahahaha I literally just did this🤣

[@iron-brigade]

thanks for your review. I'm buying and picking up today the 2023 XC-F 350 largely based on this video and your other race video. Thanks for the information!!

[@Woodsrider9338]

Great overview, I think I am going in the opposite direction from a 350 xcf and going to try a Beta 300 for next season. Thanks for recommending Woodys channel good race action over there too!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Those betas are sick!

[@tomcat6933]

I had the beta 300 rr. Great bike. Not one problem ever.

[@chrisbigsoldier2180]

What channel?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@chrisbigsoldier2180 I linked it in my description: Woodsy

[@Team3GR]

Great video. It was very relatable for me. I currently ride ‘22 TX 300i. Two weeks ago I rode a KTM 250 XC-F and it’s been a while since I have ridden a 4T. It was so much fun. The 250f felt planted and very nimble. I owned a 350 SX-F before my 300 2-stroke. Now, I’m seriously contemplating switching back to a 4T, likely the 350 XC-F.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Right on man, I have no regrets! The 350 is a great combination of power and nimbleness

[@bikesbeersbeats]

I made exactly this change and have been happy with the 250-xcf. The only area where I've struggled is technical riding where I've boiled over the radiators. I'll install a fan but overall I'm happy. It took a lot of practice to fisrt be in the correct gear and understand how to prevent flame outs. Apparently the vortex eco for the xcf solves a lot of these problems.

[@leanit5756]

I just bought a '24 250 XC-W. Love it. First two stroke I have owned since I was teenager about 40 years ago. However, the one thing that I am really having second thoughts about is the noise. Damn these things loud, even with the FMF spark arrestor installed. I ride in the forrest and am not big on pissing everyone off and ruining their time in the forrest. I have been riding dual-purpose bikes, including EXC-Fs, and they are all SO much quieter. I wish KTM would offer a "power part" that would quiet it down a bit.

[@freetaylor72]

Seems to get really expensive! I'm a new rider and have pulled the trigger on 23 beta 200rr. Going to pick it up in 2 weeks, not knowing what to expect, but I've got to learn how to ride it. We'll see..... I love the sound of those 4 strokes!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I think you bought a great bike to get better on. I've only ever heard great things about those Beta 200s.

[@alfonsocarnucci3982]

Love how in depth you go

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That's what she........!

[@rnwetherald]

I race 30B in VCHSS/VXCS (NEPG, etc). I got into the sport last year and started on a husky 2t. I eventually bought a 350xcf, and did a bunch of back to back testing between the two bikes. I found that when I wasn't tired, my speed was pretty similar between the two. The 2t wore me out much faster, though. I'm an ex-pro XC MTB guy, so I have some decent fitness, but the 4t just let me push harder, for longer. You can certainly feel the weight in the tight stuff, but that's a trade off I'm willing to make to be able to push harder late in races. I can see the argument for a well setup 300 2t - you just need to be able to handle the pep for a full 2-3hr race, which I can't. I think it's telling that almost no one in the open displacement pro classes (XC1 or NE1) runs a 2t.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yeah I noticed the same thing. Most of the pros for these style of races run the four strokes. Both are great platforms and I suppose it really comes down to whatever you prefer individually. Maybe one day I'll be fast enough to come race with you up in b class!

[@paulwatson5965]

All the top pros run 2 stroke.

[@rnwetherald]

@@paulwatson5965 what? We must have different definitions of ‘top pros.’

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@paulwatson5965 for sure, except in the National Enduro series. They're all on four strokes. Just depends on the discipline of riding.

[@paulwatson1825]

@@rnwetherald I don’t think you get more top pro than Jarvis and Bolt….🤔🤔🤔

[@teephud369]

Great video. Really liked the head to head format.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you!

[@angellmarrero8326]

I also have both, 2023 300 xcw and a 24 350 xcf, best of both worlds

[@cep8214]

I really like the KTM two stroke something about the sound and smell. Old school!

[@DirtObseXXion]

Awesome comparison! Looks like you've been putting in work if you've only really been riding for 2years.. I need to grab a nice trail bike.. My Africa Twin is a little thick for single track.. 🤘

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you! A 300 two-stroke or something like this 350 would feel like a bicycle after riding that Africa twin! So many great bikes choose from. I just need to win the lotto so I can buy 50 dirt bikes and quads and hit the trails 365.

[@DirtObseXXion]

@@ThomperBeThompin Ditto! Killer edit on this too brother, you present really well...

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Excellent summery and video. Wish I would have seen this before I bought my 2019 XCF350 for tight technical enduro. I've made videos documenting my process but getting more technical and the suspension of the XCF is letting me down. All depends what you ride, want, and how much skill you have. Thanks for posting. 💪😃👍

[@appalachianboundenduro]

I’ve heard a lot of guys that I ride with that have not been happy with the suspension on the XC models mainly because the air fork. I think if you find the right suspension guy and spend six or 700 bucks they will change your mind about that suspension. The guy that I use has my air forks on this new bike in previous models feeling as good as my explorer forks on the xcw’s with an a kit. I use Marc Hylton out of Hickory North Carolina. His business is called Motovations Racing and I just ship him my suspension when I have to have it serviced but it is absolutely worth the money. I think shipping cost me about $40

[@nicog.]

Best quiver ever! Mine it’s 2019 300xcw and 2020 FX350. Now switching the FX for a 2023 350XCF. 300 ideal for technical enduro and the 350 for fastest enduro, sand, and long distance rides. Important: Never show both bikes to your wife at the same time… She’ll never notice they’re two different bikes. 😊

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Haha! Very true

[@bernardomvp]

Man I love your videos, keep it up!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you!

[@mattcollins3572]

great video. I went through the same thing. Have the xc now. As you already know Rekluse will fix flame out. But I'm old and have tendinitis. I can't do a hare scramble without one now. Love it.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Oddly enough, this year I'm looking at going back to a two-stroke! I wish I could have a 300 XCW and a 350 XCF. They are my two favorite bikes

[@mattcollins3572]

Yeah, i still have my TPI xcw. better at super tight stuff@@ThomperBeThompin

[@westcoastfrisco]

@@ThomperBeThompinTBI 300? Whats making you switch back?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@westcoastfrisco I actually made a video about that! Check it out!

[@louisdriscoll2580]

I own a 690 enduro r ,a 500 six days and a 300 xc/w, love ktm’s

[@jarrod1687]

Perfect combo!

[@bradleyhetherington2145]

I want to commend you on your journey of discovery but feel it's important to point out before buying another bike to learn how to adjust it. Don't be scared to learn how to change your springs for your weight and have the bike Valved for the type of riding/skill /preference that you're doing I.e. fast hare scrambles to sprint Enduro to hard Enduro, the race manuel has good suspension guide how to adjust fork hight and most Important your race sag which you should check every race/ride. Look into getting a clutch weight plate to reduce flame out, and have fun 😅

[@Coldbrookdangee]

I have a ‘22 250 xcw and find it way too soft for the harescrambles in Florida. 25% of the way into any whoop section and the suspension is gone. Does incredible in enduro riding but it’s almost unsafe at speed.

[@paulwatson5965]

It all depends on intended use. The 2 stroke is still the king in hard enduro. Just watch the pros..all on 2 strokes

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Totally agree, and the course I just raced today probably would have benefited from being on a two-stroke.

[@lyndonewright330]

I've road 2strokes all my life since 1974 last December I bought a 2022 Husqvarna FX350 took me several rides to really get use to came off a te 300 with a recluse so I stalled my 350 quite often at 61 I still race harescrambles I don't have a recluse on my 350 but ive got it figured out pretty good now I did install a fan on mine started using map 2 most of the time I don't hardly stall it anymore I love my 350 I still like 2strokes but I don't regret going to the dark side ive caught a lot of flack from some of my buddies over switching but I don't ride technical stuff anymore got to old for that my fx 350 4stroke does just fine

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That's awesome! Just goes to show you that both bikes can be great.

[@fivetwentythreepov]

I can’t stop laughing that there is no audio on the 4t cause we all know the 2t sounds so much better lol. JK of course, love your channel and another great vid, keep ‘em coming 👍.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Hey now, I didn't want to create too many converts too quickly! Had to silence that thump! ; )

[@appalachianboundenduro]

Lol they all sound awesome. If I was faster I would actually hit the rev limiter and that would definitely sound cool

[@botetiinvestments4019]

Excellent video thank you

[@TheWhiteOakHomestead]

Great review! That 350 is sharp

[@appalachianboundenduro]

Thanks I am enjoying riding it for sure

[@Blockedinsight]

Great video!! The 350XC-F seems like an awesome bike, I’m also curious about the new 300XC but there’s not many video’s on it at the moment… I wonder how that bike differs from 350XC-F

[@appalachianboundenduro]

I am curious about the bike as well. I suspect when I replace my 300 xcw Tpi it will be with a new XC

[@jaredcate5778]

Check out dirt bike channel for xc300 stuff, he rides a lot of different bikes but the xc 300 is one of his favorites

[@Briank-ef5iq]

2 stroke all day every day!!! Had 4 strokes an not a fan a lot more matinence they run very hot feel heavier an don’t no where near as cool !

[@mincedmash796]

Very good comparison. Did you need to do the top end on 2 stroke yet? Does the 2 stroke lose power at the top?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I haven't done the top end yet on the two-stroke. It's only got about 61 hours so I've got at least 20 more to go before it's due. The two-stroke doesn't rev nearly as high as the four stroke so you definitely have to shift a bit more to stay in the power band. That said, the power band is intense! Once it starts to rev out you definitely have to grab another gear. I'm no pro, that's just my two cents.

[@mincedmash796]

@@ThomperBeThompin Thanks, how many acres do you have? I love WV, went last year to do white water

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Bout 30 - good amount to ride some single track, but I wish it was 330!

[@sean7857]

Did you spring the 300 for your weight? I did not catch it that you did in this video. 190, with or without gear is way too heavy for the factory setup.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

No I never ended up doing that. I did get the sag as close as possible to my full riding weight with gear though. But I do understand that stiffer springs for my total weight and riding style could have definitely improved things.

[@TwoWheeledAddict]

@@ThomperBeThompin Great video, but yes, having the bike properly sprung for your weight is THE most important thing to be doing on bikes. Going to far into the preload can tend to really screw things up too! I live in the interior of British Columbia, and I currently ride a 20 KTM XC-W. I have friends that ride both 2 and 4s. And oh man any time I get on the 4 platform it just makes me itch to get one again! Theyre so much fun to ride in the faster more open kind of trail stuff.

[@mosca3289]

Good talk 👍🏻

[@Sherco6]

Hi. This was a great vid. I've been driving trial for nearly 15 years and bought a Sherco 290 when i was 12. I've wanted to start with enduro for quite some time and it's only the last couple of years i've gor my eyes up for four strokes. In the trial category the 4-strokes are much heavier than 2-strokes but you have more power at low revs. And i could clarely see in the film wich parts the 4-stroke was faster but the 2-stroke won in some distance here and there so i'm not sure. I want to drive the Redbull Romaniacs so i guess a 4-stroke will be the best alternative. But a 2-stroke was/is easier to fix myself🤔 Anyways, cool to see the similarity and the differences between the two bikes in action👌💪

[@appalachianboundenduro]

Just own them both!! Lol. If I could only own one bike for Enduro, hard Enduro, single track type dual sport. I would stick with a two-stroke. I think the fourth stroke is more fun when you can get some speed or some flow but if it’s technical hard Enduro nothing beats the two-stroke plus I think you would cook a four stroke engine if it was too nasty

[@worldwide1873]

I’m torn between these two. Haven’t ridden in a while but getting back into it. Main intention is to do hare scrambles but I will go to track with my boy and trail ride too. Coming from a 450 race bike I used to trail ride when I was younger lol. Silly but it was the bike I was given. I was very fit but it still wore me out. Heart says two stroke because they sound good. Logic says 350 . Stability is nice to go over rocks. How great of a difference was the stability factor for you and which was less tiring? How much more nimble will I feel on a 350 coming from 450? Being nimble and light sounds nice with 2 stroke. I’m worried I got to used just saying f it and using momentum and stability to get me through all the tough terrain haha 😅

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I really think you would be happy on either a 350 xcf or the 300XC. They have extremely similar if not identical suspension and both have really good power that's suitable for trail riding or the track. Being that you're coming from a 4-stroke, you might like the 350 over the 300, but I think honestly, you would enjoy that one tremendously as well. The two strokes are naturally more forgiving in harder, more technical terrain because you can lug them lower, but the 350 has a surprisingly smooth power curve and can be lugged low with proper clutching. The 350's power curve is a thing of beauty because it revs out to almost 14,000 RPM to give you insane horsepower, but the torque is not overwhelming below that and it is very linear. Honestly, I think you'd love either bike and be super happy. I think they're on the same frame as well. The best thing is you cannot go wrong.

[@worldwide1873]

@@ThomperBeThompin thanks I appreciate it greatly! Do you think the stability/ planted feel is similar or might and day difference?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@worldwide1873 I personally think they are pretty similar. You might have a more stable feel through the choppier stuff on the four-stroke because of the added engine braking and how it can calm the rear end down a little bit. I think they are equally nimble. All that said, I'd be interested in what a more talented rider than myself would have to say between the two platforms.

[@elvispusley3515]

I have a beta 300 and love it but also have a crf450 and love it too.thanks for a great video Thomper keep Thompin

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks man! That's a sweet pair of bikes you've got there.

[@elvispusley3515]

@@ThomperBeThompin I was close buying a Xcw but I’m short and the Beta fit Bette r. I looked at the xc as well and liked it too. Lots of people including Billy Bolt run yer new bike his is the Husky version I think, anyway nice bike later ThomperbThompin.

[@RC.56]

How do you feel about the 350xcfw?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

This new bike is an XC-F, not the XCF-W (not sure if you meant "W" or if that was a typo). I absolutely LOVE this XC-F still. I still agree with my initial thoughts that there are situations where the 300 XC-W was superior, but if I had to choose one or the other, I'd still take this 350 XC-F. I love the power delivery, the revs, the suspension, etc. It's tough to explain, but I look forward to trail rides (mostly hard charging) more-so with this 4-stroke than the 300. I also prefer the stiffer suspension of the XC and XC-F models over their "W" enduro brothers. The 300 XC-W is still an incredibly fun bike, no doubt about it, but for my riding preferences, I prefer the XC-F.

[@RC.56]

@@ThomperBeThompin Thanks for the reply, no, was not a typo, wondering your thoughts on that xcfw with the wide range. First dirtbike, will just be doing trails and open desert riding, no racing. Do not want to feel like I have outgrown this bike because of the wide range version, and since it’s great lugging and low speed, I don’t know why more people don’t get them, is it the suspension? Only the first two gears are different, correct,

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@RC.56 My understanding of the differences between the Enduro bikes and the cross country bikes is mostly of their two strokes. It primarily boils down to softer suspension for the enduros, and a lower first and second gear as well. I believe the differences are very similar for their four-stroke models. I think if you were primarily doing trail riding, exploring, and more all around type stuff then the w will be better. If you intend to ride aggressively (hard charging) and/or do some jumping, then the model with the stiffer suspension, like the XCF, will be better in my humble opinion. Definitely ask around though, I'm just one dude and not as experienced as a lot of these other guys. I would love to own both bikes, but still to this day if I could only pick one, it would be the setup with the stiffer suspension. I feel it does not beat me up too much on leisurely trail rides and it's there when you want to go hard.

[@roryhamilton9426]

So a year down the track, what's the verdict? Still prefer the 350?

[@Dutters.dirtbikes]

I switched to a 350 4t as well because there all around more fun 👌

[@appalachianboundenduro]

The thumper just makes you want to go fast lol

[@BLSdarrin]

I got a '22 300xc and and a '19 450xcf . I love them both, i basically flip a coin as to which one I'm going to ride. Faster open trails the 450 wins out though, but it will also do tight single track.

[@appalachianboundenduro]

I think it’s a blast having two different bikes I agree

[@appalachianboundenduro]

I noticed you added a tusk fan. Did you order it as if it was a 2022? Did it mount up ok? I’ve had a hard time finding a fan for my 2023 350 xcf. Thanks

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I ordered the Tusk fan from Rocky Mountain MC/ATV. I went to the parts page for the "2023 KTM 350 XC-F" and they had a Tusk fan available. I highly recommend it. The instructions were very clear and I only ran into one snag during install. The fan comes pre-mounted to it's own bracket, you then mount this whole piece to your radiator. However, even after mounting in the lowest position, my gas tank still wouldn't seat because it interfered with one of the mounting bolts. Easy fix though, I took out the mounting bolt and used a zip tie. They're instructions warn you of this - that you may need to raise or lower your fan b/c of gas tanks. I also recommend using the "safety wire" they recommend to help secure the tabular sensor into the fins. I'll make a YT Short and post it, clarifying what I mean.

[@appalachianboundenduro]

Thank you, I must have looked before it was available

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@appalachianboundenduro Sure thing. Tusk also "just" released a full-coverage skid plate for this model too. They beat AXP to the punch, so ordered the Tusk

[@joeb10p69]

I put a trail tech fan on my 23 250 xcf you need to get the fan for the 16-18 model year bikes and it fits perfectly.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@joeb10p69 that's a great tip, thank you

[@AdventureTomek]

I’m itching to get a 300 2 stroke for next season

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Me too! Might revert back as well, we will see.

[@adamh3272]

One other benefit of the 4 stroke. Doing old Mother nature a solid :)

[@lousplumbing2042]

The xc-w is nice and plush but not really great for fast stuff. TX/XC is the winning ticket. Also have a FE350s both great though. Depends what you like to do

[@danthektmman475]

I just got one and I love mine but I went to a 13 sprocket and set the idel up to 2400 and it will make it a totally different bike

[@performancebasedheatingair8006]

I have a 2017 300XC and a 2019 450XC-F.....And I simply cant let either one go

[@appalachianboundenduro]

Owning a smoker in the thumpers just the perfect combination. You’re probably like me and you Ride whatever your mood is at the time

[@jetdr]

Where do you ride at?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Mostly VA and WV

[@jetdr]

I live in Westminster, MD trying to find good places to ride within a 2 hour drive. There is absolutely nothing around me.

[@fattie2550]

You like riding dirt bikes more than your atv?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Ultimately, yes I do. But I still LOVE riding ATVs. There's just so much more rider input required on a dirt bike.

[@appalachianboundenduro]

I like to ride anything in the dirt and mud

[@tillerjets]

Long time trail rider. My 250xc took my riding to the next level. Introduced myself to HS racing and motocross and I just got a 350sx and it’s made me even faster. No plans to sell the 2t. Two awesome bikes!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Hell yeah. I'd love to ride more moto.

[@tonyahinkle1014]

300 XC. Does. It. Alllllllllll

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Fo sho, great bikes!

[@quentinruggles5494]

Someone put your fork stickers on wrong. Just so you know. On the 350 that is

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Awwww crap. That was probably me

[@Killarneylakeboatworks]

Went from cool to sad

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks!

[@fredtello]

honestly it's better just to own one of each

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Truth!