Big hidden differences between KTM 300XC and XC-W

[@Anatoli50]

Lots of great information: thanks! I would add that the XCW model works better for those riding hard enduro. The slightly detuned motor is much happier when you are on the steeps slipping the clutch trying to find traction all day. It stays cooler and doesn’t detonate prematurely. The charging system is more robust to run the fan and aftermarket lights and/ or heated grips. Several XC riders in our group also had problems with fouled plugs in slower running. I partially attribute this to running a 40/1-60/1 premix ratio. The oil injected bikes run 60/1-100/1 as determined by the ECU. With premix, you need to mix for the hottest and hardest operating condition. For cross country racing this works, for hard enduro the mix ratio is often much to rich for slow speed engine operation, thus the fouled spark plugs. Many in our group now run the Husqvarna TE 300. It combines the milder motor and suspension with the linkage rear end. I ride all day several days a week with this setup. It doesn’t beat me up as much and finds traction where there is little to be had. I have over 200 hours on my 2024 TE 300 and have only replaced tires, brakes, filters, and sprockets. I expect well over 300 hours before I take the top end apart to inspect. These are very durable machines.

[@paulbaker7489]

Reading this making me feel even better about my TE 300 Pro decision. Really wanted to go KTM (finally upgrading from a Honda CRF 250F), and probably would if there was an XC Factory edition. But Husky really tick all the boxes for what I'm looking for.

[@gastonbelanger5346]

@ 83 years old I spank a 24 KTM 300 XCW Erzbergroado on the gas cross-country taking it as it comes in Arizona's deserts, The bike is to tall and suspension is to stiff for my liking, I will have it lowered two inches and re-valved for my 150 lb weight. ~~~Go fast take chances, go faster than the crash~~~ Top Ten old riders catalog parts 10. Hemorrhoid channeled seat 9. Med's assortment fanny pak 8. LED apply brakes reminder 7. Helmet mount IV drip unit 6. Recluse Geezer clutch 5. Over~rev hearing aid 4. 450cc Chase Nurse 3. Tip over 911 dialer 2. Wheelie assist kit 1. Defibrillator grips ~Gasser Classic~

[@BraaapoholicBob]

I have a 2024 KTM 300 XC - W. I absolutely love this bike. It does everything I needed to do. The biggest improvement that I made to this bike and believe me it totally changed how it rides is the TSP ERM remap. I still have that wonderful linear power because of the flywheel weight and the gearing and set up but now I have an absolute hard pulling clean crisp throttle the whole way from very low rpm to wide open. It feels much more like the XC now with more power, but as I said, it still has everything set up for the low speed technical stuff. I can’t say how good it made the bike. From sleepy to wake up! I also added the medium compression head which gave it even more boost but not too much. Good video, sir thank you lots of great info.

[@hig4s]

Of course, another option is the Husqvarna TE, which is essentially an XCW but with linkage. That is actually the bike I was going to buy, but I got a really good deal on a 23 XCW, and I am quite happy with it.

[@evr-mr3cp]

I think I’ll go with the Sherco 300se. 220w stator, comes with fan and coolant overflow tank. Carb, which for some is a deal breaker, but I prefer simplicity. With a JD jetting kit you can basically have a high and a low elevation setting which takes maybe 15 minutes to change, then fine tune it with the air screw. No reason to spend to spend extra money on a TSP tuner to make your bike run like the XC. To each their own though, and I do understand. the appeal of not messing with jetting.

[@mavbike]

As a 55 year old woods rider that also does forest service road transfer sections, I chose the xc-w for the wider transmission ratios and lights if I'm late getting back to camp. The areas I ride I'm often riding a gear high and using the torque because it's smoother and faster. It also burns less energy.

[@joshmatthews300]

Transmission ratios are the same.

[@painsrides]

I'm an older, recreational rider that doesn't race, I'm also with a crew that's like minded and aged riders😉 We're riding for the fun of it and not trying to out do each other at every turn. That said, we ride in southern New England on mostly tight, technical and challenging terrain, with plenty of connectors to civilization for fuel and coffee. I find the TE's and XCw's to be just the right bikes for my riding conditions and style. Interesting video thanks for the info. 👍

[@Anatoli50]

@@painsrides Right on! I’m 71 and the last old dog standing still riding the gnar here in NW Washington State and ( even better!) in British Columbia next door. We are blessed with the North Cascades mountains and semi desert interior to ride. The TE and XCW models are perfectly suited to our extreme low traction conditions. We ride multiple days a week year round. Snow riding is a cherished winter sport. I feel incredibly fortunate to have my health and the perfect bike. Ride on!

[@painsrides]

@@Anatoli50 I'm 57, the oldest rider in the crew is 64 and we're all holding together pretty well 😁 Everyone's intention is to keep doing it until we can't do it anymore... The PNW and BC have always been fascinating to me, without a doubt the riding there must be fantastic.

[@Anatoli50]

@@painsrides We have built a Rider’s Camp on our property here in the beautiful Samish River Valley. It is open year round and is free. Please consider joining us next sunny season. I’ll be happy to act as your local guide. We also guide trips for plated 500’s and big ADV bikes.

[@painsrides]

@@Anatoli50 Will you work for coffee? 😂🤣 Our crew has been out to Moab, UT a few times, we always have an eye out for other places to ride. Maybe sometime we'll take you up on the invite.

[@angellmarrero8326]

I think I found the sweet spot, I have a 300xcw and 350xcf, one for hard enduro, the other for harescramblers, lots of fun, well do it all combo

[@Anthonyhancock71]

Nice one. Great explanation I own 2025 xcw. Really love it. Only 17hrs in. Think it’s great. 🍻🇨🇦

[@PhilippeDaix]

Great video from someone who clearly made a lot of research between these two bikes ;) perfect setup also, love the forest man talking ! no need to be fancier... I want the knowledge shared.. good work man.

[@bikesbeersbeats]

Love my XCW for technical/hard enduro riding, my XC is an absolute weapon for cross country high speed riding. The pds works better in loose rocks and trails with limited traction. The linkage just feels incredible landing jumps and pushing through high speed corners.

[@AverageRider717]

I don’t hard enduro… I mostly ride trails at a spirited pace, some single track and some MX. I have a ‘24 TX300 (same bike as the 300XC). My bike is completely stock and I’ve never had a single issue and no need for a light or fan. If I ever needed a light or fan, I’d buy a Ricky Stator and run with it. I love my TX300. It just does everything well.

[@coreyseefried6222]

Great video. And I am loving your bar clamps. One of the best mods I’ve ever done. I wish you had a location for reviews on your site. 10 out of 10. I did my lower bars which took it to an 11. Thanks

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

Good to hear you like the clamp!

[@zacharysmith7872]

Great video. Also, if you have more than one bike, it changes the decision. I already have an open class 4T for faster terrain so I went with the W for hard enduro and long enduros. PDS is great for areas that get a ton of water as it just reduces service requirements on linkage bearings and not getting hung up on rocks. I don't think the more/less experienced factor is a major aspect of choosing the right bike in a 300. If someone is that new, a Beta 200 is probably a better choice anyhow :)

[@crashdsnowman1]

If you ride slow or technical trails the XC-w, If faster like Sprint enduro/desert the XC is a better choice due to quicker reving. Gearing and foot pegs can be changed for little cost, hardly a reason to choose. Personally I would rather mix oil so I can change the ratio and flash point of the oil depending on the type of riding that day.

[@midpackoffroad]

I don't mind the PDS on four strokes but I prefer linkage on the two strokes.

[@dirtdad8478]

very nice. I am still on the fence on which bike I should get for riding out here in the NM Desert. Choosing between the 300XC or YZ250X. I currently have 2018 Husqvarna TE250. I am pretty sure I would stay away form the XC-W. I rode a 24 300XC on some of my favorite trails and I really liked the motor. The suspension was pretty surprising as well. Keep in mind I also have 23 WR450F and WR250F. So I am spoiled with the suspension out here. I had a 2021 YZ125X that I traded and really regretting it. That bike was the best handling bike I have ridden so far. Thinking the YZ250X would only be that much better with the extra power. Love the 300 motor but I cannot get the YZ out of my head.

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

The YZ if it has a few extra parts easily our perform the 300 KTM I have a YZ and that's the bike what I have the most fun with.

[@NorthWestEnduro]

To confuse things further in the UK our "XCW" is called the "EXC".

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Try the TSP PV cover on the xc if you want more bottom end and lugability. I have both the xc and xcw and what I would say the xc does fast riding better and the xcw will not wear you out as much on long rides.

[@AdamPotter-y9s]

XCW for me, I ride all single track mountain trails.

[@nothingiseverything2363]

Love my last unicorn XC 2019 with, starter and kick start, lights, fan. flywheel weight, motoes pipe, fmf silencer, smart carb...

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

You have a really fine taste! that's the bike I try to find

[@ModularMuscle]

12:30 does the manual really call for tpi oil pump replacement every 40-60h?

[@Anatoli50]

@@ModularMuscle We have never needed to replace one. Some have gone 700 hours.

[@matthewmidgett9927]

When I saw you do that rock face about 16 minutes in... I knew where you were at. Trial #9 at Brown Mountain. @TooShortMoto

[@meder07]

Any solution for the 50 mile tank due to the pickup issue? Tacomoto solution is additional $270 USD to cost of bike?

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

IMS has an oversized tank with an older KTM STYLE pick up located at the bottom of the tank. They just come out with it

[@billhorrigan4388]

I have the 450XCW. The only time I'm missing the extra power is when I'm in the sand dunes. Otherwise I'm usually in tight trails where I can barely get out of second gear.

[@jview70]

Good balancing skills at the start

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

Thank you took some time to get it dialed in

[@2WheelsandtheGospel]

XCW for me

[@eugenesimons3726]

Manny rides a xc-w and does just fine

[@jac5431]

Question: It is mentioned in this video that starting in 2024 KTM XC-W added a better fuel pump that will last longer, more reliable. Is it significantly better than the 2023 models? I am an intermediate level rider, 55yrs old, not going to push the bike to its limit, XC-W is the bike for me.

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

The 2023 has a lot of problems pistons blowing up electrical con problems not recommend hat year the 2024 is a good option to have you can get the XC or the XC-W both are excellent choice. If you're not pushing to its limit the XC-W recommended

[@Mostviews111]

You can still lower your bike internally inside the suspension components.

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

Yes I know but you going to have less travel, and less shock performance.I don't really like the ideal but it's an option

[@lbever454]

@@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv Installing a lowering link is not ideal either. It changes the ratios and the shock does not perform as well

[@pauliewalnuts240]

I used to want a ktm so bad, until they started using efi on their 2 strokes. I remember the pros actually ran a carb for the first few yrs & maybe still do. The efi wasnt/isnt dialed & That says it all to me, ill stick with yamaha. Additionally, i think ktm is "making updates" simply for the sake of change. Im not convinced their yearly or every few yr changes are actually improvements. Starting to seem like its just planned obsolescence.

[@2WheelsandtheGospel]

I have 2 an 09 300 XCW and a 18 300 XCW

[@Advktm116]

Is possible to put lights and fun in 2025 xcf 250? And if put longer exhaust in that model it has power in low speed?

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

I'm plan to make a vid about that topic but with a good battery (better tan OEM) yes!

[@anposen4637]

Great video idea but the music is to fucking loud to hear most thing you talk about. Keep up good work

[@jonweaver4381]

Those clips at the 16 minute mark looks like brown mtn n.c.

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

Yes that's what it is, good cache!

[@AngryyBeaverr]

250 xc for the most amount of fun 👊🏼✊🏼

[@FATBIKEMIKE]

I heard the transmissions are different first and second gear so what is the truth really???

[@goodboyringo9716]

If KTM would have been smart they would offer the xc head for the xc-w . Because KTM don't offer the head swap, people will just buy aftermarket and KTM loses money

[@zm12341]

GG EC250 if ya want a red xcw!

[@ericxnelson]

man they're not hidden differences XC / SX has always been a race bike. The Ws are PDS bikes and mellowed out for enduro

[@MyHandsAreCats]

I see you're riding at Brown Mtn!

[@roberturmosi-dirtbike-atv]

Yes I do it's a lovely place!

[@MyHandsAreCats]

Hopefully it'll be open again soon

[@J8zzy]

Thank you for the nice video.🇫🇮

[@godfatha420]

🧡🧡🧡

[@woodsrider117]

I’d rather a Rieju or whatever carbed bikes.

[@leestewart8923]

Nice Hurricane Hanna boots

[@matthewbuyak4827]

I have the 250 xcw and really like it . If im doing real slow technical riding i will rev it out for a sec to clean the motor out

[@woodsrider117]

Things not talked about??? No going into the tank to fix efi . No kicker. I don’t want a tow out. I don’t want both of these. I’d buy a 19’ with a carb.

[@aaront879]

Don't need a tow out. Just get a capacitor and bump start.

[@stevejones6647]

@@aaront879xc has a capacitor stock

[@karlmason6145]

​@aaront879 Don't need either, I've got a 2022 XCW 300 and it's coming up 200 hrs with no problems changing oil injector at between 80 and 100 hours, new piston and rings at 120 hours.

[@aaront879]

@@woodsrider117 they haven’t had carbs since ‘17.

[@PeggyPeters-c1o]

@@aaront879 2018 and 2019 KTM 300 XC models both have carbs

[@adambatchelder4121]

W is by far the better bike for most people. The biggest things that you can't change easily that make the w better or the wide ratio transmission in the stator and of course PDS suspension in the back no linkage to grease as most people will never grease linkage.

[@Anatoli50]

@@adambatchelder4121 The XC and XCW now use the same gearbox.

[@minkusmcminkus7598]

250xc every time, im short

[@joshmatthews300]

FACT CHECK: XC and XCW have the same transmissions, all gears are the same. Front and rear sprockets are different. XC and XCW use the same footpegs. How can you compare a footpeg from a YZ with a KTM? XCW stator can be used on XC, have to change stator, flywheel, voltage regulator and stator cover. The cylinder head is not the biggest difference in the engines. The cylinders are different and the mapping is much different. The oil pump on the 24 XCW is the same pump that was used on the tpi and has the same lifespan. Fuel mileage on the xcw is worse than the XC so you can’t ride it as far. Oil injection has nothing to do with throttle response. XCW empty weight is 234lb, XC empty weight 225lb.

[@Pompomgrenade]

W The wide ratio gearbox seems appealing...

[@onthethrottle7104]

The gearbox is the same as the XC now and that started in 23 XC and 24 XCW. There is no difference now.

[@Anatoli50]

@@Pompomgrenade The XC/ TX and XCW/TE now use the same gearbox. The only difference is the final drive ratio determined by the sprocket size.

[@lorinschwenning4296]

I run a 23 250XC with new gearing and absolutely love it, the XC-W has no linkage so it's out of the equation. PDS suspension is lame.

[@Impedancenetwork]

I'M not buying an enduro bike with linkage. I WILL beat the living shit out of that linkage. You can have your XC if you job is to go fast with few obstacles. I want the XC-W and have had both.