EFI vs Carburetor 2 Stroke KTM Dirt Bike | What should you buy in 2018 or 2019?

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I have been getting this question a lot lately. Kyle, should I buy a KTM with the carburetor on it, or wait until I can find a TPI fuel injected version. The answer is different for everyone, but my overall feeling is that you shouldn’t pass up a good deal on a carbureted bike if you have one in front of you. Yes, the EFI bikes are the future. Yes, they are good, but that doesn’t mean the carbureted bike is obsolete. The truth is that they are FAR from obsolete. I LOVE my carbureted 2 strokes. It’s the ONLY dirt bike I own at the moment (2018 KTM 250 XC).
I this video, I’ll go through several points that you should be considering when making a purchase. There is no right or wrong answer here, but hopefully this video will help clear a few things up for some of you. I hope you enjoy the video.
Yes, I’m going to be trying to get a 2019 KTM 300 XC-W TPI for testing purposes when I am able to get back on the bike.
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[@ethancutts4742]

Shoutout to all the people who can barely afford a dirt bike amirite

[@royderrick5536]

@Zane Roy flixportal :P

[@zaneroy1255]

@Roy Derrick Thanks, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it!!

[@royderrick5536]

@Zane Roy happy to help =)

[@jetdr]

I really want a KTM 350 XCF-W but I am not sure if I can ever swing the 11k

[@maxkremer9774]

This video is a few years old, since then the TPI bikes have shown to be very problematic. The TPI system needs a ton of sensors, (crank pressure, ambient pressure, etc...) to work correctly and there are many reports of problems. Stick with a carb for 2t, or go 4t if you want EFI. Yes a carb requires tinkering, but at least I know that when i have fuel/air problems its the carb and not of a plethora of sensors that you can't diagnose without a trip to the dealer.

[@dhart6286]

I’m liking the 2 camera thing you’re doing Kyle, grabs attention and it flows well with the monologue thing you’re doing.

[@tightchutes]

I am insanely happy with the Mikuni 38 (MX38) carb on my KTM 300xcw. A small tweak to the main jet and needle was all I needed to run a 30 degree temp swing and 5k elevation change in Utah. KTMs have all the needles and jets in the tool kit along with a chart to help the rider dial in the jetting. I don't have to worry about maintenance on: oil pump, oil injector, fuel pump, fuel injector, or a fuel management cpu. Mixing gas and oil is a breeze with a specific 2-stroke measuring cup, and an 80 mile range is enough to avoid refuels at any place other than my truck. My main riding partner has over 300 hours on his 300 xcw; with 200 on the last top end rebuild. He tuned his carb once 2.5 years ago and forgot about it; good evidence that you won't kill your engine withe looser fueling tolerances of carb vs efi.

[@harrisonpope549]

You videos are so detailed I love it keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@outdoorsfamily1435]

Great videos and info Kyle. Be good to hear comparisons on efi, stock carb and a lectron carb. Some guys are buying new bikes and installing lectron carbs so they don't haft to re-jet for elevations

[@ptft4]

Good wrap up on pros and cons on these bikes, I saw in other videos that there is other maps available for the TPI now so it runs a little bit richer and cooler that might make them run even better and eliminate the missing grunt as compared to the carburated motor

[@couriersix776]

Thanks Kyle! This has been very informative to me.

[@mattm1108]

looking at a new 2019 Husqvarna TE300i, so this has been very helpful, thanks

[@mojaverailfabricationltd4435]

Kyle i love your videos and awesome dad skills. This is the video where you get into real issues of carb v tpi. My question: how better is tpi over lectron if at all

[@richardstremlow6075]

Kyle, I bought a 1998 ktm 250 EXC. totally re-built the entire bike. Looks brand new. Haven’t had a chance to take it out yet but, but looking forward to trying KTM out.

[@Byodatube]

Nice review. I just bought a 2018 carbureted 300 XCW and love it. I ride from 0-3500 feet and had to rejet when I got it. Not a big deal.

[@Frankfoot986]

Trevor Laupmanis worked all these years just fine.

[@dennissquair1317]

Nice thing I found when riding a TPI is no vibration. Coming of an cr250 its quite amazing not having your feet and hands tingle at higher speeds.

[@HEINZUNIMOG]

the nice thing about the TPI system.. 150 lb rider in the 280 lb Rider can ride the same bike and NOT have to rejet it... racing at sea level in the desert this is very impressive.

[@huskynoob7881]

Great deal on a used carb bike and then add "mechanical fuel injection" with a Lectron Carb. ;)

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Not a bad plan, for sure!

[@jportugal100]

Dirt Bike Channel How about a quick thought on lectron vs tpi. I know you loved it on your 300.

[@Lok47x]

+1 i'd like to hear a TPI vs. Lectron video!

[@ktm300tpiontour8]

Andrew Lok I have a ‘19 300exc tpi and my friend rides an ‘18 300 xc with lectron carb 🤣 could make that happen 👌🏻

[@bradsanders6954]

Keihin can work just as well. JD kit and dial it in. Lectron is cool but a good feel for jetting goes a long way. Ive gotten better mileage out of a Keihin then on lectrons.

[@valentinenagy1012]

love that t-shirt bro :D

[@johnfarver2069]

Found the same shirt on Amazon...$15

[@TWaz-ys5fb]

Hi Kyle. I think the beta 300rr RACE edition bike would be a entertaining series...

[@HobbitHomes263]

On a carb, when you crack the throttle from idle there is a surge in air velocity before it settles. the overlap between slow speed and mid range circuits in the carb act a little like an accelerator pump so you get a quick bump a low speed. Put a vcuum metter on it ,,,you can see it happen

[@felipeamorim3822]

Nice video as always. Whats the fuel average consumption in the carburetor version 250 and 300 (2017/2018)? Obviously depends on many variables, I am asking just because some riders are complaining about high consumption since 2017.

[@nathanmescher6840]

Lectron carb sounds like a perfect median

[@SkinnySkinch]

Kyle I'm picking up my 300 TPI today wish I lived closer would let you do a review with it

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Well, I can't ride it yet... Not till November.

[@SkinnySkinch]

Wishing you a speedy recovery

[@hivoltagentx]

Has the problem of oil leaking from the plug been corrected yet ??? Been watching other videos of yours, where that seemed to be an issue. Just curious if KTM and Husky has cleaned that up yet.

[@harryhiggins9680]

Does the fuel injected bike have an electric fuel pump that you have to consider and worry about I don't know I'm an old carburetor guy been working on those carburetors for 50 years and no trouble for me you're looking pretty good bud hope you're feeling better keep it up good video

[@texwalker1662]

I love my 2017 carbs model. No dramas with the but I haven’t had a ride on a TPI

[@HTAracing558]

I'm from the netherlands. I went to my local KTM dealership and asked about how the tpi bikes are selling. I was kind off suprised he told me de tpi's didn't sell that good. Most riders who wanted to buy a new bike prefered the left over 2017 version. But it had more to do with being able to work on your bike yourself. It's more about acceptation instead of the bike being worse to ride.

[@miller1545]

I’m from Australia I bought a 2018 carbi exc 300 not many left and they aren’t selling the carbi in 2019. I’m stoked with the bike after spending years on motocross 450s. Wanted the carbi for its simplicity

[@friend_built]

Tuning a carb is so easy. If you want to learn how to work on stuff a carb is a good start

[@sabada51]

I was looking into buying a 2019 300 xcw brand new but my buddy is selling me a 18 300 for 6k what’s the best idea

[@wrenchone5003]

Have to wait it out a couple years like the sport bikes and first FI dirt bikes to work the bugs /power loss out .

[@NirHason]

0:26 I want to see that video clip!!

[@dirtbiketrails4life683]

Kyle, I'm new to your channel and enjoy your reviews. I've been riding and working on dirt bikes for over 40 years (mainly motocross bikes since I enjoy that type of bike and performance the most), and I'm looking at purchasing a high quality new bike for trail riding only, and want one that will last long term and doesn't require a lot of extensive maintenance. I'm leaning towards the KTM 300 XC-W and really like the idea of the TPI and not having to re-jet, but concerned about the issues I've seen they're having. I ride mainly around 1500' (occasionally Colorado Maintain trails), but have to deal with temperature and humidity changes regularly So my question is, should I go with the carbureted bike and change out the carb to a Smart Carb?

[@V8AC]

Just my opinion since we’re on the subject. I have a 300 Gas Gas with a Lectron and a TE250i. I ride all street. TPI is a no brainer. No mixing gas at the pump and guessing how much is going to fit in the tank. I spent a lot of money on the TE but it run phenomenal. So does the Gas Gas. Just one thing to consider. Driveability / street manners can’t be beat on the TE though. The Gas Gas even with the Lectron can’t compare. Not a knock. Just and observation

[@EddiNice]

@Dirt Bike Channel Kyle great videos but really, could you make a video on any hard enduro competition experience. I have picked up on you channel 4 years ago and you got me hooked with this 300, since then I started looking for any feedback and video I could find on the 300 and everyone is saying it is great, which it is. Last year I bough a six days 300 2016 and before that I was a Honda guy with cr250r 2007 and crf450r 2008. This week I took part in a very difficult and challenging hard enduro competition where the conditions were rain, mud and sticky clay, well I can tell you that the 300 shines but I and many other riders in my Expert class got ‘beaten’ by a guy on a cr250 modded with a heavier flywheel. This guy was not a ‘sleeper’ i.e a pro dressed up in sheep’s clothing, the guy was a genuine enduro rider. Therefore the conclusion is if you want to be good, fast and skilful GO AND RIDE, it does not matter if the bike is 2005 or 2016 as long as it is a two stroke and you ride/train for HARD ENDURO. You make great videos but to be honest you can ride these tracks on any 4stroke, you are just touching the 2t 300 potential at 20-30%. I make this comment for everyone thinking that they need a new KTM to be good, and l TELL THEM YOU WILL BE GOOD IF YOU RIDE, BECAUSE I HAVE A NEW KTM AND A GUY WITH MY OLD BIKE BEAT THE PISTONS OUT OF ALL NEW KTM’s. Fair well and for everyone that want to see some of this competition see my videos that will be published shortly.

[@Ssquaredphotography]

A new KTM with the Lectron seems like the perfect combination. You used to run the Lectron, why not now?

[@mikecrf5020]

also on the 18 exc in aus carby model we get the explor 48 fork

[@scottycotner]

Kyle, will be coming to Utah in August. Gonna bring my 09 300 XC with me, can you recommend some good day rides close to the Salt Lake Valley?

[@adambatchelder4121]

I only have 997 hours on my 12 250 so I'll be rebuilding it and running it for another few years and hopefully in that time the efi will mature and the performance will come up to the level of a perfectly tuned 12 to 16 bike.

[@Ozfreerider2504]

When the tpi models run out of oil or the pump stops they are designed to shut the bike down...

[@HobbitHomes263]

Judging from all the broken down KTM TPI bikes I've come across in the mountains around here. TPI adds about 100 new points of failure. 2 of them I think maybe KTM was trying to be too neat witth wiring. The bundle leading into the ecm module was just plain too tight and I think the natural flexing in the frame, over time, just wore out the retention clip and pulled the plugs loose just enough to were the motor just wouldn't stay lit.

[@rayy1988ra]

Especially when u can just put a lectron carb on ....i have a 17 ktm and i wouldnt trade it in for a efi even if i got the chance ....the lectron runs so good that im happy with the carb ...and just less to go wrong ...i like efi onn lots of stuff but not on dirtbikes ...they should keep selling carb models.

[@osamabinlagging3511]

So whats better for the weekend warrior just wants to go tear up trails and have fun ?

[@enduro-parts-aus]

Great video i defiantly would not buy a tpi dirtbike, much rather jet my bike or buy a lectron

[@utdesertghost199]

Hey Kyle, Have you ever had to make any adjustments to your Lectron fitted bikes when you go down to St.george? Just curious what you've noticed. I had my Beta down there this spring at 40 60 degrees and it ran wonderfully with the Lectron. Just got back from Fish lake where it was close to 10k feet and 80 + degrees and it ran well there too.

[@ColtsFit]

you really need to reveiw the new beta200rr it looks AMAZING and it would be different from all the other bikes

[@amvanquish5555]

Dirtbike Boy Colton Watts I agree they are beautiful, but there are very hard to find, there not very local, you might have to travel quite a bit too pick one up depending on we’re you live.

[@robsonenduro3316]

that oil pump failure situation kinda scary, does it throw error message to the dash? ;)

[@timmyjumbo4262]

On my snowmobiles EFI gets about double the gas mileage which is big for riding all day. And it seemed similar with my 4 stroke 250s. And a always hated taking the carbs off to clean them every year on my quad and bike.(even running ethanol free)

[@bryceelmore8190]

Before my 17 ktm 300 I never messed with Jetting on any of my bikes. Now it takes me less than 15 minutes to change a needle or pilot on my bike, it's not that difficult and I like doing it I wish I would have tuned the other bikes I had before.

[@duken4evr]

The '18 carb'd bikes are in demand at this point as people want to keep it simple. All the '18 TE and XC-Ws are gone. Grabbing an '18 Husky TX300 now, will move the Lectron carb from my '13 300 over to it and rock on. I want, make that I need, the counter balancer and better e-start system :) My '13 has been a great bike. Has 300 hours in it and literally has been through Hell and High Water. The TPI bikes are cool, and my 450 has FI, but the old carb'd 2T engine combo is proven, so I am gonna stick with it. I prefer premix in 2Ts, I think the lube is dispersed through the engine better coming in with the fuel vapor. We will see long term how the TPI bikes hold up I guess. Hopefully fine, but I know for a fact the carb'd bike will last and last. When dropping 9 grand on a dirt bike, I want the sure thing...

[@jetdr]

Because I ride with major elevation changes, EFI has been the best since the invention of the wheel! Even my old yz250 has the closest thing, Lectron Carb, that thing once I had the lean/Rich perfect, that Bike has never been better.

[@gagepuffinbarger6939]

I love that shirt

[@johnfarver2069]

Amazon....15 bucks

[@noreaster4194]

Imo TPI is only good for keeping 2 strokes alive in strict emissions places. I'd get a Lectron carb if I were constantly changing elevations

[@motonorcal9938]

Wow, you got me thinking. My riding goes from between 3500-4500 feet in the mountains, to less than 100 feet in the valley at the mx track. You think a carburated bike would work for that? I don't want to re-jet every time I go ride moto.

[@adambatchelder4121]

As for the advertised higher milage I'm sure they are comparing the new efi to a box stock carb bike as I get 42 to 50 mpg out of my old 12 250 depending on the ride and jetting.

[@nickwightman3735]

Sitting on the start line, I notice my KTM bar pad is on the wrong way

[@Dissentient01]

TPI bikes are showing evidence of dry/lean cold starts.

[@georgemaniat7224]

That's what you get when emissions are crawling up your ass.. A remap will fix that as i heard, but you still have to deal with that crappy mikuni oil pump that has failed in many bikes..

[@Cumminsmaniac16]

His shirt cracks me up

[@endurox1481]

I feel the same way about injection on 2 strokes as I do insulin pumps for diabetics. You just can't be certain you're getting insulin delivery. Just as you can't be certain you're getting oil delivery. I would rather mix fuel all day long and know the engine is not getting oil starved.

[@mikecrf5020]

strange a small country like australia we get the tpi offered straight up i still went with the carby as the tpi has a lot of known issues

[@mikecrf5020]

love my 2018 exc 300 carby

[@dcoff174]

How much of a difference is there between the 18 300xc and the 19 300xc. It reads like there was a lot of upgrades... I can get the 18 for about 800 dollars less... is it worth it to go with 19???

[@erichatahlie210]

What I do is Carburetor for mx And tpi for trials

[@sgtholm1972]

I want your opinion Kyle what would you think would be a good next step bike for a 13- 14 year old and about done with my bike that I have now which is a klx 125?

[@JV-tk6uo]

I'm stuck between the Ktm 250xc and the Yamaha yz250 2 strokes. I've seen alot of your videos are on the Ktm dirt bikes.. which one would u guys get?

[@endurovex7272]

I have a husky te300i on order. It is suppose to show up mid july. The dealer told me they are getting 1 july 2 aug and 3 sep.

[@GeniusEnis]

Is there any weight difference between the TPI and carb bike? If there is, how much does it differ?

[@RKM0069]

In regards to the oil pump, Why would they not simply put a pressure sensor in the oil line that kills the engine with loss of pressure?

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

I found tuning with a JD kit really easy

[@karlmason6145]

There is very little difference in fuel efficiency however the amount of oil a tpi uses is less than a quarter of the carburetors!

[@whatsinyourear]

I haven't tossed around a 2 smoke since 2013 because carburetors suck (due to the modern fuel). This new TPI is a game changer!

[@istra70]

Buy EFI / TPI bike and become KTM test rider for free.

[@Ctvracingg]

Get a jd jet kit for your carb and don’t worry about efi. If anything it might run better than the efi.

[@JonSheppard]

I was really excited for TPI to come to the 300 XC but it didn't happen this year. I feel like the holy grail is a Lectron-carbed XC. Got my '19 300 XC on order.

[@JustAnotherDisguise]

Nah, not worth the cost. Rather have something I can work on then adding more factors that can grenade an engine or require the dealer for a tune. Keep it simple stupid and just learn how to jet.

[@trollystomper9044]

i am seriously considering changing my grom (with 181 bbk) to carb... not liking the efi system. is there any servicing the lectron carbs need?

[@Blocanbentlyyahu]

How can you tell if the oil pump is gonna fail, I got a kx450f it runs nice but I just don’t want to blow my bike up in case it fails.

[@zacksmith8567]

Yes, Kyle, your bike is okay.

[@jfratis9081]

If you are a moto dad with a herd of small carbed bikes, get yourself an EFI. On my first one. In 3 years havent touched or adjusted a thing and after 100 hours its as barky as the first day.

[@detfrankbullitt1]

How can I eliminate popping on my 2016 KTM 4 stroke! My carbureted 4 stroke never did that??

[@gedigan3346]

Thought they had the oil tanks cracking and oil pump problems? mapping issues or did ktm lock out parts? EFI was not for improvements, it was for emission regulations.

[@Freaki91]

What carburator did you compared the tpi to in this video? Lectron or keihin?

[@pepelapue2259]

you could probably buy a lectron for the price of the tpi, plus ive had a yamaha rt 100, which has a oil reservoir, and it cracked open 2 or 3 times

[@bradsanders6954]

Ive seen guys spend 1000 bucks trying to get TPI to run absolutely incredible. Lean spots,etc.

[@simpusedan]

4-5 years? its 2021 (almost 3 years from the video upload date) and i already cannot get a brand new carburated version anymore (at least in my country), KTM only sale the TPI version for offroad bike, and stop importing the XC version, so if i want to get a brand new carburated 2 stroke offroad bike, the only option is with converting SX bike for offroad, or get the bike from another manufacture like yamaha or sherco.

[@ryana3298]

Actually tpi bikes don’t mix the oil and gas for you it’s completely separate the oil goes in the crank case and the gas goes in the transfer port and if you’re oil pump fails the bike doesn’t run

[@cristiancontreras9039]

Im number 1000 likes, great video

[@jadesymonds933]

Are you in idaho I live up in the treasure valley area and am seeing some familiar spots

[@cadwarrior]

easy answer, carb

[@UltraSS-nj8kd]

But if you need a smaller bike then no TPI. So factor that in, don't go to big if you don't need it

[@catshaveearsonhead]

Hey Kyle, I was very interested in your opinion and thoughts on custom ecu's for the tpi bikes. For example the PowerCDI or the Slavens Mule GET. They allow you to tune your air fuel ratio, ignition timing, oil pump speed ect.. I would love to see you review a custom ecu when you can ride agin. Kind regards, Richard

[@CW-up7xv]

So I've noticed you haven't been using the lectron on your 17/18 ktms. Any reason for that? I have a 17 300 and I feel the low end power is a bit less now with a lectron fitted. Your thoughts?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I can get them to run 98 percent as good as the Lectron with the stock carb and for only about $10 in jets/needles. I'm saving $450 per bike. Don't get me wrong the Lectron carb is FANTASTIC. I just don't have to have it in order to make my bikes run the way I want them to.

[@markbaldwin8013]

My ktm 125 dumps out around 30ml after ervery ride. Is this normal ?

[@marek5559]

Yesterday I tried riding the ktm exc 250tpi 2020, I can't believe how much weaker it is than my sx 250 2011, the exc is great for its purpose, but it's not a fun bike for me

[@spanner752]

kyle,,can you run elf lms in a 2020 tx300i huski

[@survivalboy9597]

How are the EXCs with a carburetor are called ?

[@Johnr37us]

Do you know the price difference. Of coarse a xcw 300 is a efi a 300xc is not

[@Johns367]

Wonder why they have different forks

[@waaooo]

it hurts deep in my soul to see this beautiful ktm and not being able to afford one ^^

[@brocku0]

definitely one of my dream bikes

[@bradsanders6954]

Would a guy buy a 4 stroke if the oil pump wore out in 60 to 80 hours?

[@michaelslavev]

Here in Europe (Czech Republic) you can find EXC 300 tpi in stock at almost every dealer store and it costs 9500€.. and it's still too much, i hope i could get 2015 Beta RR300 with 86hours for 4700€ on Sunday :)

[@ReeceTasker]

Kyle what if the oil pump on a 4 stroke fails? And how often does that happen! I wouldn't be too concerned about the oil pump on the tpi

[@chrispotter2948]

This oil pump issue relates to your 2 stroke oil injection dude. That pump blows it's equivalent to straight gassing your bike. No thanks, that's kinda the last straw factor for me in wanting a carb bike.

[@jdubayou9498]

I cant believe I watched this!

[@FlyingJJD]

You mentioned TPI eventually becoming the only thing available... I think there is some confusion out there on what is coming with the 2019’s - I’ve been told (maybe they were uninformed) that 2018 was going to be the last year with a carb version for the 300 XCW. Do you know for sure whether there will still be a carb in 2019 models? Thanks!

[@jeffloucks2120]

FlyingJJD I had just read a couple nights ago all 2019 250/300 KTM's will be TPI. 150 keeps the carb. Guess we'll find out if that's true.