Bike Build - 2023 Slavens Mule KTM 300 XC-W TPI

Products on the 2023 Slavens Mule KTM 300 XC-W TPI:
Slavens Mule:
High Compression Cylinder Head by S3: slavensracing.com/shop/slaven...
Blackjack 49mm Complete Fork with Triple Clamp by MX Tech: Coming Soon!
National Shock by MX Tech: slavensracing.com/shop/slaven...
TPS Guard: slavensracing.com/shop/mule-t...
Idle Screw: slavensracing.com/shop/slaven...
Fuel Tap Kit with Golan Fuel Filter: slavensracing.com/shop/slaven...
Quickstart Capacitor: slavensracing.com/shop/slaven...
GET ECU Race Kit: slavensracing.com/shop/slaven...
Bullet Proof Designs:
Radiator Guards: slavensracing.com/shop/radiat...
Radiator Guards Bolt/Strap Kit: slavensracing.com/shop/radiat...
Eline:
Pipe Guard: slavensracing.com/shop/carbon...
Fork Guards: slavensracing.com/shop/carbon...
OHV Wrap: slavensracing.com/shop/carbon...
Polisport:
Graphics Guards: slavensracing.com/shop/graphi...
Plastics Kit: slavensracing.com/shop/full-p...
Swingarm Guards: slavensracing.com/shop/swinga...
Motominded:
EVO LED Headlight Kit: Coming Soon!
Headlight Knob Extender: slavensracing.com/shop/the-ex...
Bomber Bar Switch: slavensracing.com/shop/bomber...
Warp 9:
Elite Wheel Assemblies: slavensracing.com/shop/comple...
Titanium Rotor Bolts: slavensracing.com/shop/titani...
Titanium Sprocket Bolts: slavensracing.com/shop/titani...
Titanium Axles: slavensracing.com/shop/titani...
IRC:
VX40 Front Tire: slavensracing.com/shop/irc-vx...
IRC JX8 Gekkota Gummy Rear Tire: slavensracing.com/shop/irc-jx...
Rekluse:
EXP 3.0 Auto-Clutch: slavensracing.com/shop/reklus...
Left Hand Rear Brake Kit: slavensracing.com/shop/dual-a...
Fasst:
Flexx Handlebars: slavensracing.com/shop/fasst-...
Rear Brake Return Spring: slavensracing.com/shop/rear-b...
Trail Tech:
Digital Radiator Fan Kit: slavensracing.com/shop/radiat...
Tach-Hour Meter: slavensracing.com/shop/tach-h...
Water Temperature Gauge: slavensracing.com/shop/water-...
Other Brands:
AXP Xtreme Skid Plate: slavensracing.com/shop/skid-p...
Arc Brake Lever: slavensracing.com/shop/compos...
Carbon-Up Clutch Cover: slavensracing.com/shop/indest...
S3 Stainless Steel Foot Peg Pins: slavensracing.com/shop/stainl...
Coober EZ ECU: slavensracing.com/shop/ez-ecu...
FMF Fatty 2T Pipe: slavensracing.com/shop/fmf-fa...
XC Gear Mako 360SX Handlebar Mount: slavensracing.com/shop/mako-3...
BikeMaster USB Charger: slavensracing.com/shop/usb-ch...
Renthal Ultralight Rear Sprocket: slavensracing.com/shop/ultral...
ProTaper ACF Handlebars: slavensracing.com/shop/acf-ca...
Samco Thermostat Bypass Radiator Hose Kit: slavensracing.com/shop/radiat...
TMD SX Chain Guide: slavensracing.com/shop/gp-mx-...
Map Switch: slavensracing.com/shop/oem-ig...
ODI Open Ended Lock-On Grips: slavensracing.com/shop/open-e...
Fastway Evo 4 Footpegs: slavensracing.com/shop/evo-4-...
Zip-Ty Shark Fin: slavensracing.com/shop/shark-...
SXS Handguards: Coming Soon!
P3 Frame Guard: slavensracing.com/shop/grip-g...
G-Rip Bar Ends: slavensracing.com/shop/g-rip-...
Quadlock Phone Mount: Coming Soon!
See the pinned comment below for the rest of the products on this bike!

[@slaverace1]

Additional Products on this Build (from description): Galpher Oversized Rotor: slavensracing.com/shop/oversize-wave-solid-mount-rotor-kit-skw-ktm-husaberg-husqvarna-galfer/ No-Mar Spoke Weights: slavensracing.com/shop/reusable-spoke-weights-by-no-mar/ Protech Fork guards: slavensracing.com/shop/lower-fork-guards-by-protech/

[@1971puffy]

In your opinion Slavens, I’d really like a KTM or Husky 300 for a dual sport. Not for hundreds of miles on the freeway but 50 or 60 MPH on the backroads for 50 or 60 miles at a time.. your thoughts?

[@waynemodesitt3445]

Great build, and informative video. I've gotten so many good products from you over the years for my KTM's that have made my bikes all the better, and riding all the more enjoyable.

[@slaverace1]

Great to hear!

[@evr-mr3cp]

Total work of art Jeff, well done!

[@slaverace1]

Thank you.

[@sergiomonohoma.]

I can't believe how nice this bike looks!!! Valuable additions! Titanium bolts looking awesome! Detailed work! Great bike!

[@slaverace1]

Thanks a bunch!

[@bizob211]

Awesome build and walk through of it, Jeff. The explanations of what and why you did what you did to the bike are very informative as always. 👍

[@slaverace1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

Well done once again Jeff!

[@slaverace1]

Thank you.

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

overkill and I love it, gorgeous!

[@slaverace1]

Thank you.

[@Cross-Country-Biker]

Great build and vid. Amazing the stuff that can be added to better the already top bikes

[@slaverace1]

Thank you.

[@ryangriffiths2290]

Excellent build. I've gotta an 05 decked out. Ktm is still going strong

[@efrainortiz6192]

What a built, I have a 2010 kx450f and this year I want to buy a 300 tpi because I love the trails,hard Enduro ect.. this video motivate me to do it....

[@slaverace1]

Right on!

[@johnfryman4428]

Very Nice. Awesome build !

[@slaverace1]

Thank you.

[@chrisoffersen]

Gawd that’s sweet!

[@slaverace1]

Thank you.

[@goodboyringo9716]

The colors are sweet ! What would be cool is if the dealers or KTM would officer a choice of graphic so buyers could set up the bike from the get go

[@LarryParkerWilliams]

Delicious

[@mikedm1989]

Wow! Really impressive! I have been going back and forth between getting either the 300 XC or the 300 XC-W. I know I can’t afford to do everything you did but what would you recommend as the must do for a single track bike?

[@RIPPERTON]

Dont need to relocate your injectors to go PreMix Just retime (remap) your injectors to 5 or 10 degrees after BDC. Those injectors have a long narrow stream that will reach down into the crank case as long as they down have an opposing airstream.

[@slaverace1]

You must be bored. Get out your bike and get some throttle therapy.

[@jerryskids6669]

Sick build! I love watching your videos. Are you running tubes, moose bib or what?

[@slaverace1]

TUbliss slavensracing.com/shop/tubliss-tubeless-core-tire-system-nuetech/

[@slaverace1]

FYI: there are links for every part on the bike in the description below the video.

[@madman432000]

That's an incredible build. Any thoughts on the sx and xc bikes going to TBI and premixed gas instead of TPI? Good, bad, about time?

[@slaverace1]

A well tuned TPi works very well. Relocating the injectors gives a mild improvement and it will also have a much better throttle body. I'm all for eliminating the oil pump. It's just more stuff (weight) and a potential failure point. I prefer to keep things simple.

[@lboughto]

Jeff, great build as always. What kind of goop did you use to keep your fan temp sensor in your radiator? Mine keeps popping out of the radiator. I was thinking of using a dab of red silicone.

[@slaverace1]

I use the goop that comes with the kit to improve the connection. I drive it in a ways with a small hammer.

[@onthethrottle7104]

Totally agree with you Jeff on the wrap around hand guards, those things are dangerous. Once you get out of wack hitting some whoops while standing up, your hand comes off the bar, arm goes through and gets caught in-between, and all things bad happen. Guys, don't run those stupid things. Sweet bike, surprised you don't have high end upper alum triple clamp.

[@sage1wt]

Have you heard of anyone breaking their arm or hand with the wrap around hand guards?

[@slaverace1]

I do have the Luxon upper triple clamp but it only has 2 handlebar positions so I'm using the O.E.M. upper clamp until the 4 position clamp arrives. I think I explained that in the video but maybe I forgot.

[@ride200mi]

Never had a problem with full wrap arounds. I have had my fingers broken in a Hare Scrables race useing just the flag type guards hitting a tree.

[@onthethrottle7104]

@@ride200mi I was riding with a pro rider and he lost control hitting heavy whoops, long story short his arm got caught in side between the wrap around guard on the right side and when it was all said and done he broke his back, fractured six ribs and collapsed a lung. He was even saying during his crash he could not get control of the bike and when he was pulling out his arm it wiskied the throttle which made things even worse. It was a crazy crash let me tell you. I removed my wrap arounds and never went back. And yes, I have heard of guys breaking their wrists with wrap arounds mostly not so much arms.

[@rdalton501]

Jeff, this bike looks great! Could you tell us how you mounted those two gauges to your handlebars?

[@slaverace1]

The gauges come with pre-cut double sided tape.

[@jonbacon8924]

Incredible build, you've outdone yourself Jeff.

[@tomu1527]

Perfect woods bike 👍 I run a Mako 360 and quadlock as well, how did you mount the quadlock to the mako?

[@slaverace1]

Enlarged the hole in the Quad Lock arm, added a spacer below it and used a longer bolt with a countersunk head.

[@TheJcavaco]

Amazing ! You always have the best products. NOW SHUT UP AND RIDE THE DAMN THING!!

[@slaverace1]

Damn, now you sound like me. I rode 3 days last week and I'm hitting the trails tomorrow. Already fell over and dinged the graphics.

[@TheJcavaco]

Awesome! Be safe Sir.

[@CoBryan]

I always enjoy your videos! This bike is one best looking bikes… I saw the Carbon-Up clutch cover, is there a Rekluse auto behind it? Is the stock silencer S/A equipped? Cool to see the bike came from Thullier.

[@slaverace1]

Thank you. Yes, Rekluse 3.0. No SA on that muffler.

[@CoBryan]

Well I guess I need call and talk to you guys about a radius cx. Thanks

[@tim9284]

Are you going to be offering the Blackjacks for sale on your store webpage ? Would love to hear a full review of the forks vs stock vs luckys

[@slaverace1]

Yes sir! MX Tech has had some supply issues so we have not posted the page yet. We expect them within 30 days.

[@colechristensen25]

How home your forks have the lucky style adjuster with rebound on top? All the black jack forks I’ve see look much different on top with compression on top.

[@slaverace1]

The proprietary Slavens Mule Blackjacks have open chamber Lucky cartridges with rebound on top, compression on bottom. The MX/SX versions have closed chamber.

[@kdshiv]

Is there a reason for choosing the rekluse 3.0 vs the radius cx, I'm guessing maybe cx won't fit behind thst clutch cover? and what are your thoughts on steering stabilizer for this bike? Thanks Jeff! Awesome build.

[@slaverace1]

I have bikes with both clutches and I like them both. Stabilizers are great but I don't use them anymore. Don't want the extra weight.

[@bloomerb4162]

I bought a used 2017 tc 250 that had the 300 kit installed. Kit was purchased in 2018. I don't know whether it's the woods or sx version though. I have searched web for part numbers with no luck.

[@slaverace1]

The only difference between the kits is the head. Send me the numbers on top of the head.

[@bloomerb4162]

@@slaverace1 head numbers: 66630206000R A1Si12CoMgN1T6 Does the kit come with woods ignition or sx? Ignition part # 55639131000

[@seamarsh3756]

Wow flex bars and a mako 360?didn’t know you could do that!:) How’s it work? I have mako, really like it, prefer it over flex bars. Wasn’t a huge fan of jx8, but love the ve33s!

[@slaverace1]

Works great.

[@feellucky2970]

Very nice build 👍🏼Just guessing but you probably could’ve bought two bikes for the price of all the upgrades. But then again you would have 2 stock bikes and not the awesome bike that you built👍🏼

[@slaverace1]

You are correct. KTM makes great bikes but I don't like stockers, so I got out the checkbook. You only get one life lap. Better make the best of it.

[@brandonwood6900]

Is there a specific part you use to mount your tach and temp sensor to your bars or is that custom?

[@slaverace1]

Those gauges comes with industrial grade 3M double sided tape that works well and last well for mounting.

[@johnmccool7551]

What’s the grand total with all the upgrades ????????

[@salsarosdave]

Ha, your camera was focused on one of the biggest parts on the bike you failed to mention, the Seat Concepts seat, 😆

[@slaverace1]

I always forget something or several things.

[@mikeburnett6222]

Jeff, how did you mitigate the bar ends/carbon fiber, did you simply drill it out or?

[@slaverace1]

Product info and video on this page >>> slavensracing.com/shop/acf-carbon-fiber-handlebars-by-protaper/

[@mikeburnett6222]

Jeff watched this a second time, and I'm wondering why you removed the thermostat when you installed the new hoses? Doesn't the engine run too cold without it? I'm confused, I thought the TPI's always needed the thermostat.

[@slaverace1]

Hello Mike: TPI's do not need or require a thermostat which only makes the engine warm up quicker and does not effect the operating temp.

[@Tammacazi10]

Hey I ordered a silencer from your website about a month and a half ago and it's still in the processing stage. When should I expect to receive it?

[@slaverace1]

Tom, please call us at 719-475-2624 or shoot us an email at [e-mail]. Sorry for the delay.

[@johnmccool7551]

Can I purchase that bike when you’re ready for the 2024😁😁😁😁😁😁👍👍👍👍

[@slaverace1]

Get in line.

[@chrisoffersen]

Wish I would have seen this about $500 ago in parts.

[@slaverace1]

It's never to late for more upgrades. Get out your gold card.

[@chrisoffersen]

@@slaverace1 Can it be too soon though? lol The snow hasn’t even melted off the good trails yet, and my bike just keeps getting prettier and prettier. By the time the snow is gone it’ll be museum piece 😄 Thanks for the inspiration for keeping it simple and useful though. It takes experience to know the difference between expensive (and heavy) fluff and something that delivers. That’s valuable, and that’s why I watch this channel and shop on your site.

[@asong26]

Is Flexx Bar for Mako 360 on sale yet?

[@slaverace1]

There is no special bar for the Mako. All Flexx bars work. slavensracing.com/shop/fasst-flexx-handlebars/

[@brandonhanks3554]

Which seat from seat concepts is that?

[@slaverace1]

slavensracing.com/shop/complete-comfort-seat-for-ktm-by-seat-concepts/ Regular comfort seat, not the XL.

[@joshorintas4602]

I've been seeing some videos from "The Dirtbike Rider" and comments in other youtube videos about the pistons catastrophically failing on many of these '23 TPI's. Having just picked up one of these I'm naturally a bit concerned. Jeff, have you heard of or seen this particular year of bike fail more than previous models and do you have any insight as to why this could be happening? The Dirtbike Rider theorizes that this is a result of KTM switching the cylinder manufacture from Elko to another brand as well as using cheaper pistons. Others say it's a bad batch of pistons. My '23 has an Elko cylinder but I won't know what piston I have until I pull the head. I'm wondering if I just put on a new Vertex piston for the peace of mind. I always value Jeff's opinions on these matters so I'd appreciate any ideas.

[@slaverace1]

Hello Josh: As far as I know (I could be wrong) only one guy posted a pic of a blown up motor and he gave no further details. Ends up, his bike is a `23 XCW, not XC. Like the internet does all too often, everyone freaked out and re-posted it everywhere. Other than a defective piston that I have not seen in 50+ years, pistons only fail (not seizures) when they have too much cylinder to piston clearance or repeated or prolonged over-revving as in a crash where the throttle is stuck wide open. Pistons get beyond acceptable cylinder to piston clearance specs on high mileage engines or when dirt is ingested. The excess clearance causes the piston to eventually crack and then complete failure which also takes out the connecting rod, rod bearing and main bearings. The bore and stroke of engines define the piston speed limitations and failure points. KTM 300s have what's called a square bore and stroke (72mmX72mm) and that design is not intended to be run at sustained high RPMs because the piston speeds exceed acceptable levels. If guys consistently over-rev the engine the piston will eventually crack and fail. Excessive clearance and over-revving are consumer created failures, not a KTM issue. Constant over-revving is not common among trail riders but does happen with track riders/racers. I'll try to find time to write a white paper or make a video with the equation for calculating the failure point. The `23 XCs have an excellent engine and use the exact same Vertex piston as the TPi models, same part number. Piston failures are almost always a consumer issue. Happy trails, JS

[@joshorintas4602]

Thanks, Jeff, for the detailed explanation. It definitely puts my mind at ease. I’ve gone back and viewed the piston failure video and he does exactly as you explained should not be done . He does three steep hill climbs in a row basically at WOT for the entirety of the climb. The third (which mysteriously was not recorded) is when he claims the piston failed. This is something that we trail riders do not do and, as explained, these bikes weren’t built to do. I will say I’m coming off a ‘19 xcw tpi with a modified head and GET race kit and it was the best bike I’ve ever run. I’m hoping this ‘23 will meet or exceed that experience. I guess I should stop reading into the negative banter about these bikes and keep enjoying the ride!

[@bradhanson4803]

So are you going to go faster with all that

[@slaverace1]

Hell yes, but I might get scared.

[@coltonholmquist9069]

im definitly not this picky about how my stuff is, but its probably cus i havent rode the cool shit he has

[@lucasmonks5767]

Mr slavens why did u go with aluminum sprocket instead of an iron man just wondering

[@slaverace1]

Trying to keep the bike as light as possible.

[@willyangabrigo1174]

Hi, About your seat, is it modified?

[@slaverace1]

No, It's made by Seat Concepts slavensracing.com/shop/complete-comfort-seat-for-ktm-by-seat-concepts/

[@ddbb6721]

How many miles can you go on 2 cycle oil tank when full 500 miles ?

[@slaverace1]

I don't know.

[@ddbb6721]

@@slaverace1 Approximately how many tanks of gas can you get on 2 cycle tank and how big is the gas tank if you change it out like to a IMS

[@garthlundquist3623]

I have gone over 400 miles on one tank of 2T oil trail riding with a TPI 300. Hard riding will use fuel and oil much more quickly.

[@ddbb6721]

Thank yall so much for information I am buying one in 7 days

[@michail1963]

many people run 12/50 for hard enduro:). Incl. myself.

[@slaverace1]

Whatever rocks your boat. I don't like 12/50, prefer 13/50.

[@simplymoto07]

What's the extra lever under the clutch?

[@slaverace1]

Everything on the bike is listed below the video in the description section. It's a Rekluse left hand rear brake.

[@simplymoto07]

@@slaverace1 my initial thought that's a great idea but thinking about it more I use my rear brake and clutch at the same time a lot of the times so I'm wondering how you would go about doing that

[@slaverace1]

@@simplymoto07 It would be complicated to use with the manual clutch. I use the Rekluse auto clutch.

[@simplymoto07]

@@slaverace1 now that makes perfect sense 👊

[@simplymoto07]

@@slaverace1 simplymoto v2 👊

[@marcusplyon]

Why is it called a mule?

[@sfade6217]

Good Lord...makes the pros bikes looks like cheapies. Damn 30k dirtbike...you only live once!

[@slaverace1]

Thank you.

[@SF-wu2mp]

Recluse clutch what’s the matter old man can’t pull clutch lever anymore?

[@slaverace1]

It's not nice to pick on senior citizens. I've been using a Rekluse for many years and love the advantage it gives in the tight stuff.

[@goinhot9133]

Way to cut corners and cheap out. Just kidding, clearly.

[@martinestrada3960]

You think you can donate to my the bike my chimichanga friend

[@909Matt]

12k bike with 12k in upgrades😂

[@MrFPSWisconsin]

And my 7k yz still passes the ktms on the trail lol

[@fredysegura4093]

@@MrFPSWisconsin it’s not the bike 🚴 is the rider😅

[@seamarsh3756]

Maybe 12k with dealer discount.. probably more of you were to buy retail.. plus engine and suspension work

[@robs4517]

@@MrFPSWisconsin Right. I saw your bike at Ertzberg.

[@bradhanson4803]

What's the point