Which Should you BUY?? | 2024 KTM XC vs XC-W

[@RTOutdoors]

The rare occurrence when there’s a video that discusses exactly what you’re looking for.

[@RetroA1Mbot]

I was literally just researching this topic when this was uploaded, perfect timing.

[@HailMich]

What did u get?

[@SolusRap]

Clear communication and good information. Good video! Just got back into riding after 15 years off and I bought a 200 XC-W.

[@ADyess086]

Considering the same in 450

[@stevedouglas1654]

24 KTM 300XC / Husky TX300 all day ! Kyle, here’s a little tip to clean the spooge off the white plastic on the 24 XC-W. I use non chlorinated brake cleaner / contact cleaner 👍

[@kurtheidelbach]

I got a 23 for trail and enduro. Initially I thought I was going fit the XCW but ended up with a 300XC. I think it’s a much better all around bike. Even with linkage with a full coverage plastic skid plate it’s equal to PDS as far as protection. You can definitely run a tusk (Panasonic) fan as long as you want. A simple rewind if you want a lot.

[@ShawnBlais]

The light flywheel and weak stator are major turnoffs of the XC for me.

[@kurtheidelbach]

@@ShawnBlais You can put a weight on it if you really need one. The way the bikes are now it’s really not necessary. The stator is fine for a for a fan or even a fan and light combo depending on what you use. Now if you are going to tie all kinds of things into electrical like some people do then a rewind would be required. A fan is all I need.

[@Anonymously.1]

Not even close to the pds ! It responds/reacts way different in lots of situations. Plus the wide ratio trans is different. Both great bikes just different

[@kurtheidelbach]

@@Anonymously.1 Not sure where you are getting your information from but the transmissions are the same now. Only the gearing changes via sprockets are different. Linkage is much more flexible my opinion. KTM is the only one that has it. Everyone else competes on the Husky and GasGas versions without it just find even in Hard Enduro.

[@Anonymously.1]

@@kurtheidelbach I didn’t realize they were the same now. Just watched Slavens take 🤔. Pds in my opinion is better for super slow run ups , planting the rear before launching and not having linkage I found gives a slight edge when crossing/gliding over suspended logs . I found linkage to be better a speed , especially in whoops . But hey it’s all super subjective. Thanks for the info on transmissions though , good to know .

[@mikeconnor2102]

This is exactly why I bought a Sherco 250 se factory last month. Linkage, powerful stator ,a well thought out map switch. I am VERY happy with this bike! Versatile, and tune-able for different events . I had a year long debate between Sherco, Beta and Ktm but the Sherco was the right choice for me.

[@lukekelly5115]

ive seen them broken down with electrical problems at races guy said it endlessly has electrical issues scared me away from them

[@mikeconnor2102]

@@lukekelly5115 I think the 2020s had some bad rectifier/regulator issues but that is not really a big issue and once they were replaced everything was cool. Same as KTM crank case pressure sensors and all of the other issues KTMs they seem to have . Never heard of any other electrical issues on the 21 on models.

[@lukekelly5115]

@@mikeconnor2102 a guy I parked next to at an ecea event last year with a 21 and 22 had the same electrical problem on both but his complaints were also that his and all of his friends shercos had the same problem doesn't matter to me I've switched to 4t for racing and have a yz250 for fun

[@mikeconnor2102]

@@lukekelly5115 Well it is a very simple bike unlike FI and 4 stroke bikes. There is nothing electrical on a 2 stroke Sherco that I cannot fix myself. I know guys that have owned Shero SE bikes for several years and they have proven themselves to be extremely reliable. You don't mention exactly what the problem is; you say " but his complaints were also that his and all of his friends shercos had the same problem" What was the problem? Really there is nothing electrical on these bikes that cannot be easily diagnosed and fixed. Maybe you are not a mechanic but I am and I have many decades of experience so I get to happily own the best enduro bike available...works for me.

[@SmozzZy]

@@mikeconnor2102 I like the looks of the shercos. I however cannot figure out the price for the 125. do you by chance know the price of the 24 sherco 125?

[@CODIAK13]

If you had to pick one that could do the others purpose better which would you choose? To clarify, if you had to take the xc on a enduro style ride, or if you took the xc-w on a gncc style ride which would do better in what’s not it’s designed/engineered purpose?

[@CraigSmith568]

For my style I would definitely choose the XC-W.

[@SeasideStrangler]

hell ya, crawlin thru the woods enjoyin life on gods chariot.

[@WeaponsEducation]

I have both 2024 models. The XC is better all around. Especially in FL in the sugar sand.

[@juanlygomez6893]

It would be nice to see a video of the difference between Husqvarna amd KTM line up for the newer models since i am not sure if they are any different at all anymore

[@stevedouglas1654]

Not really. Just different plastics / bodywork

[@MrDirtrdr22]

Husky main difference is linkage and ktm is pds. Both have same suspension. Same bike. Slight difference in sub frame. Plastics and color. Same bikes, same engine, same fuel setup. Same parts

[@stevedouglas1654]

@@MrDirtrdr22 I think the XCW is the only one with PDS rear suspension

[@MrDirtrdr22]

@@stevedouglas1654 i stand corrected. You are right. I sat on both at the dealer and have pictures. Xc is linkage

[@stevedouglas1654]

@@MrDirtrdr22 I know I am 😂🤣

[@TaylorLake722]

Keep up the good work Kyle!

[@jeremyvelarde]

Honestly this is one of the most informative videos ive ever seen on any dirt bike video ever. Clear , straight forward and easy to listen to and learn on what he is talking about!!!!! Thank you

[@rationalron5511]

Excellent breakdown! Learned some new differences between the bikes. Braap!!!!

[@LakaiTafoya]

Love the new setup. Though it might need some foam paneling to silence some of the echo.

[@ryanstewart1521]

You don’t see the pros riding xc’s in romaniacs, there on xcw’s for a reason. Tractability and softer suspension for the extreme terrain. I choose the bike letti is on!

[@jeremyloewen4071]

I went with XC for linkage and premix. Will be softening the suspension and motor. The thought is to have a good all around hare scramble/ trail bike (and a bit of hard-ish enduro). I think the W is better for most in stock form but both amazing bikes!

[@nightrider4370]

I live in Ohio and never have a problem in the woods on the XC.

[@CronySlaystation84]

Same 2019 tho

[@danielz174]

Kyle can you do a video on the best parts to add to a brand new 24 250 xcw. Picking mine up in a week!

[@mifo2000]

being an aussie id buy the EXC so i can have it fully registered and legal for road use. which also means insurance that is included in registration cost

[@hig4s]

Oil ratio question! The manual shows mixing 60:1 with 85 octane, 40:1 with 89 octane, most pump gas here is 87, so 50:1? And on the XCW, does the oil injection pump need to be adjusted for different octane gas, or can the fuel injection computer automatically adjust? I won't even ask about using different brand oil in system!

[@MrDirtrdr22]

The 2024 ktm xcw 300tbi has an awesome hud, low fuel light and low oil, the fuel injection is amazing. So responsive, swap out the throttle cam for more throttle response. The 24 beats thr 23 by a lot

[@MikeRay1978]

I think I’ll be upgrading soon. I’m on a 2018 300xcw. Still carby. I wanted to get away from carbs and premix but everyone with a tpi said not to. Every one I actually talked to that actually owned one. I thought the new tbi was still premix. I can’t hardly keep up.

[@MrDirtrdr22]

@@MikeRay1978 the tpi had a lot of issues. Oil injection and premix depending on the model. Everyone i personally knew with a tpi bike had nothing but electronic problems. The 24 is completely redone, with throttle body injection, also oil injected on the xcw and pre mixed on the xc. But the xc has wiring for a light. The xc does not have the hud the xcw has. The xcw is the detuned version the xc can be switched to with thevmap switch on the xc bars. The xcw has different suspension. But is a close comparison of the kyb style. I don't have a problem with oil injection. The bike has checksums to balance any issues

[@stevedouglas1654]

@@MikeRay1978TBI is better. The SX and XC are pre mix the XCW is oil injection. I don’t want to have the oil injection fail so I’ll keep doing the pre mix 👍

[@MikeRay1978]

@@MrDirtrdr22 right on. I’m pretty sure next year I’ll be looking at upgrading to a 2024 xcw. I don’t mistrust an oil pump or oil injection system. I’m sure some have failed. I’m sure more people than that have accidentally put straight gas in a bike that’s supposed to be premixed. I’m not saying oil injection pump failure doesn’t happen. It just doesn’t happen enough to worry me. But then again I’m trail riding a racing dirt bike. Im a decent enough rider but I don’t use all of my 300 as it is lol.

[@MikeRay1978]

@@stevedouglas1654 I’m sure there’s some failure. But not enough to worry me. I’m excited for the fuel injection.

[@tomasfaure1415]

does four stroke have the same stator problem?? meaning i wont be able to run a fun on mi xcf or sxf bikes? i need to install a fan to a motocross 4stroke bike, is that possible??

[@CliftonRiley-n4w]

I have a KTM 250 EXC WATERCOOLED 2CYCLE Not sure of the year model

[@nate_942]

Very interesting comparison, thank you for your work :)

[@slyboyz]

Does it have a kickstart so if the battery dies?

[@nacoleon18]

can you ride these bikes in a MX track? Like would you recommend buying one just for the ocasional enduro ride once in a while?

[@RC.56]

Question, when did they change to the new frame and engine? 23 I believe? Or 23 on the XC, and 24 on the W? Leaning more towards Xcf or xcfw, bit it seemed that the XCFW felt different when sitting on them. The W’ pegs were higher? I’m 6’2 and thought my legs were bent more on the w. Is there truth to this? Thanks.

[@RiderTalkHQ]

I just want them to make a 26 350 XCF-W (or XW-F as long as it comes with the emission delete stuff)

[@BSm2919]

I've got my entries in! Winning one of these contests might be my only chance of getting one of these bikes new! Looking at the two I'd go for the xcw, I can deal with the power, but I want my fan and light setup

[@stevedouglas1654]

Ok. I’ll take the 250XC 👍😂

[@dylancrow7919]

I’m aiming for second place so I don’t have to spend two hours on stream trying to decide which one to get.

[@LawLow86]

I absolutely love my 23 tpi xcw250, I have it dialed absolutely perfectly and out on the open it's honestly its a rocket and I'm a heavy dude but I think my next bike will for sure be an xc 300, would be nice to have the best of both! Love the brand

[@diver0129]

My first street bike RZ350 had an oil pump and it failed. Also, that bike was a twin. So it was especially expensive because I think it had like 3 main bearings and the crank had to be split to replace the center bearing. Anyways... I will never have one again. I will only pre-mix.

[@blbills]

Do you know if you can swap an XC ECU into the XC-W if you want a hotter map?

[@onthethrottle7104]

You cannot swap the ECU on these bikes. They have slightly different electronics (stator output, headlight etc.) and the XCW has an oil pump system and the XC does not...there are other differences as well so the ECU will not interchange. You can put a map switch on the XCW, and you can wait for TSP to come out with a hotter map for the XCW.

[@philipsmith6152]

Great review man, looking for a new ride, just what I need to know, thanks 👍

[@tylergrosset11]

Anybody know if I can run a Baja designs 40w light with stock stator on 24’ 125 xc? Can’t find any details on actual stock stator output.

[@cullennowell7813]

Wish they made an XC-W without the oil injection pump. That is always just a bit sketchy to me.

[@nightrider4370]

You said the 2024 xc had as good as suspension as the 2022 XCW. Do you still feel that way?

[@maxm5248]

Supposed the big difference its a mapping on the 2 !, just mapping a exc on the future and add big power no !?

[@DeruginizCLS]

I hope the forks are better on the xc. I Took my 22 300xc to Hatfield McCoy and blew the forks. I mean yea I was bombing hard on the thing but kinda shocked that I blew the forks on an XC .

[@leanit5756]

Does the XC-W come with a spark arrestor? IE forrest legal?

[@rays8307]

Is xc the same as exc

[@mrrooks17]

Have you done any full aftermarket exhaust comparisons on these bikes?

[@ryansanford13]

I mostly ride trails and have done trials for as long as I’ve been riding, I’m used to a trials bike and want a nice enduro, but there’s a mx track 5 minutes away from my house and I’ve always wanted to do some races and just rip a mx track, but most of my riding will be trails and enduro, would a 250 xcw be any competitive in a 250 mx race?

[@troygoede2243]

Could I change the final drive on my 2024 XC to make it react closer to an XCW? Or will it still be way snappier then a XCW

[@alexmaclean1]

I have a 23 xcw and my friend just bought a 24 XC. His is way more aggressive than mine, it seems to be more than just gearing, you could tell me it was a completely different engine and I've believe it. Mine is pretty decent at just moderate trail pace, but his XC wants to run. He absolutely loves it, but it's too rowdy for my taste.

[@kolechadwick3789]

Does ordering parts from your RockyMtnATV affiliate link enter us into your bike giveaway? Or is that sweepstakes exclusive to your website sales only?

[@aidansrc2724]

how is the xc different than a motocross 250?

[@jasongransden6493]

cant u just swap out the stater on the xc for an xcw one?

[@tomballesteros4673]

My friend has the 2018 XCW TPI ,it’s pretty nice , great low end power on single track! The XC seems better for my riding .

[@dandersonjr]

And I believe the XC w has lighting.

[@dREaDneck_Moto]

And a speedometer

[@nightrider4370]

Many other riders say they're not that far apart. I respect your opinion, but I don't know. Different people say different things.

[@chestertownelectric6290]

Do the XC and XC/W use the same cylinder and head? If the power difference is purely in the mapping, why not program the map switch to select between XC power and XC/W power?

[@MoarGoat]

Head is different between the 2 bikes.

[@neil4634]

The 24 xc has different port timing specific to the cylinder. It is more than just ECU tuning for 24 differences between XC and XCW.

[@paulgeorgelas383]

Entered! Man I’d love to win so my brother and I can ride together! Would be great! Thanks for the straps!

[@nightrider4370]

I thought you said the XCW was down on power? I'm confused?!?!?

[@mikelowry007]

Its funny how they have changed with the next gen. Seems like my next bike will have a headlight.

[@Tacoexplorer]

Does a radiator fan come stock with the XC-W? If not does it have the electrical plug for it?

[@DaleEarnhardtsSeatbelt]

It does on the hard enduro edition

[@richardhartley1705]

Great review👍

[@boerplaas388]

Which one . Mmmmm Beta 300 Two stroke Thats the one ❤

[@Jagi603]

Is xc sx in germany and xcw exc ?

[@mxcjoe]

Can I run non ethanol 88 in my 22 xcw?

[@danielz174]

How do like the 24' 250 xcw

[@onthethrottle7104]

This might be the perfect bike that no one is talking about! You have a great question.

[@Anatoli50]

Here in the mountains of the PNW, several guys have bought the XC and experienced plug fouling, stalling, and overheating issues when attempting to ride steep terrain. The XC motor is a race motor making about 57 hp, the XCW about 49. The higher state of tune combined with the light flywheel make for a more temperamental motor. Steep terrain means more clutch action which adds heat to the motor making matters worse. Be realistic about where and how you will be riding your bike. Like Kyle said, few of us can really exploit 57 hp in an enduro bike.

[@scrambled1213]

Well said. Appears I’m one of the few that likes a XC-W motor, but XC suspension. Historically the XC-W had a loose feel when pushed in third gear and above. However sounds like the new XC-W may no longer have that problem. Prefer linkage though. Linkage suspension IMO has a more consistent feel when pushing. No weird kicks in the rear that seem to come from no where. Has me leaning towards Husky, however not liking Braketec brakes.

[@tonn333]

​@@scrambled1213what don't you like about the braketec... i heard it's owned by brembo now

[@rob.granger]

@@scrambled1213 The '24 TX are back to Brembo.

[@neil4634]

Spot on analysis. I have heard a TSP head and tune actually makes the XC more rideable in situations you described. Do you have any experience with TSP on the 24 XC?

[@kbw9008]

excellent Vid man !!

[@mark_Hershey]

Does the xc not have a soft map that puts it inline with the xc-w?

[@OtisFlint]

No even the soft map on the XC is hotter than the W

[@someonethatwatchesyoutube2953]

Nice review

[@JunePotter-f8q]

Buckridge Lights

[@GNR325]

Do you still prefer the 250 XC over the 300?

[@stevedouglas1654]

I think Kyle’s favorite is the 250XC still

[@MountainMXOfficial]

Never had a new bike, I'd love to win the 23 250 xc I've got a 300 and would love to try a 250!

[@MrDirtrdr22]

2024 ktm 300 xcw!!! Wow. I love it

[@stevedouglas1654]

300XC ! Don’t want soft power😂

[@JoshStreetDesign]

So I ride a 22 SX-F 450. After a full day on that on Saturday I hopped on my friends 24 300XC.... I have to be honest, maybe it was just me riding it wrong or something, but it felt like a toy. It felt like it had no power or torque. It wasn't even in the same universe as my 450, not even close. Extremely soft suspension as well. Am I missing something here? I can't understand why anyone would want to ride that...

[@YosudaHajong]

Brother ktm xcw price

[@DrJure1]

Does ktm sell the cross country bikes in europe

[@vaenii5056]

Not at least here in Finland afaik. That said I think you will be fine with EXC or any other enduro bike. If you really want snappy power I think TM 2 strokes used to be like that not too long ago. They also come with KYB suspension and linkage. Buy used bike, take it apart and replace the piston, bearings etc. and you have a solid bike for a long time. While this depends on the country as well, in general the best thing about enduro models is that you can register them and ride them everywhere you want without the need to own a trailer and such.

[@basuyarbrough5365]

Am I too late for the giveaway

[@TamaraBarker-i6p]

Luettgen Radial

[@TheTAEclub]

The XCw has different 1st and 2nd gear

[@thesmoness]

XCW don’t overthink this

[@KingsleyOliver-y8i]

Lucious Cape

[@BartTony-v8k]

Turner Pine

[@davidhewitt555]

Every one I ride with don't want to get 2024 models As nothing fits from a 23 down More expenses

[@GracieElsie-f1z]

Walton Crossroad

[@JonieXayasith-y1z]

Leannon Square

[@FieldingYork-o1w]

Steuber Lodge

[@CarrieAsa-y9x]

Stanton Ports

[@lippser]

If I won an XC, I'd probably add a fly wheel weight to it!

[@censored7881]

Just FYI, it's a bit legally risky to imply that a purchase is required to enter a giveaway contest. I know it's _not_ required, but you very much make it sound like it is at the beginning of this video.

[@MichaelLyons-h4i]

I got to say mixing gas with the XC is my choice just because I love to run bean oil 927 I run it in my weed wacker and leaf blower just so I can get a chubby ❤️

[@AnnettChoy-s1k]

Myrtice Forks

[@mattwillard8608]

Wow.... If Kyle "can't tell the difference" between PDS and linkage when riding he is literally numb to suspension feel. The rear end feel between PDS and linkage are dramatically different, zero comparison. If a self proclaimed authority on all things dirt bike makes the quoted claim above it's time to find a new source of information, especially suspension related. Also, if you are having issues hanging up on your linkage everywhere your technique for getting over ledges and logs is incorrect.

[@RobertGriffin-i7b]

Howe Cliff

[@DellAgresto-k2o]

Weston Squares

[@DoraSusan-n6q]

Mitchell Wall

[@ianjaeger4178]

Hey I'm in West Africa I'm Canadian motocross guy but I'm working on I'm relocated in West Africa Sierra Leone how the hell can I get a bike over here how can I do that there's only one way I buy it in Europe and I drive it here like what The shipping can't work because they're so deport is corrupt They charge me what I pay for it and and fine They just double it because they're stupid and they're corrupt so it has to fly if anything any idea or not

[@FeatheredDino]

The XC has become very much like the SX, where rhe XC-W has remained an actual trail bike.

[@WycliffeCandice-s1l]

Lowell Vista

[@CotterBarber-il7qi]

Gimme the XC and Ricky’s # I want a fire breathing dragon with a headlight and a fan. ;)

[@RebeccaKramer-m2u]

Nicholas Ports

[@Tigerloco70]

Ohh this ktm range are becoming confusing , xc , xc w , xxxxwow , exc f , sx tbi tpi. Remember late 70s early 80s , yamaha 465 great , 490 nope , cr 450 nightmare, kx 500 unreliable , then all composed , ktm its changing every 3 years all things

[@GallacherMerlin-m8g]

Tobin Canyon

[@MarkKenny-j6e]

Solon Fields

[@AlvinBlanchard-g3d]

Daron Point

[@ЗуеукыуПшииыу]

Rath Stravenue

[@LylaMonserrat-t8v]

Schaefer Mills