Inside The 2023 KTM 300XC Suspension | Full Re Valve | What is New? | Highland Cycles

What is new in the 2023 KTM 300XC Suspension? The short answer is almost everything! Join us as we re valve this and get it all set up with the full ‪@TunerTBTRACING‬ love!

[@scottcoplin8322]

Great info, really appreciate the videos, Keep em coming.

[@Johnr37us]

What’s again another fine video. and I’m sure people appreciate you explaining what the difference high-speed in the suspension world means.And thank you for letting me know the swingarm bearings are not caged.That is definitely something that a person wants to know when they grease the bearings.😁

[@zachfarkash6430]

Great video again. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with all of us on this bike it's amazing 🤘

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks.

[@janneskruger1262]

Great video, I am going to use this to learn how to grease my bearings, New to this, but thank you!

[@Johnr37us]

Im watching this channel to learn the ins and outs of motorcycles and this video has been the most helpful letting me know I need to service my bearings before I ride the bike. But as far as the bike being dirty I don’t blame you I wouldn’t be out washing it no 30° weather either.

[@highlandcycles]

Totally

[@theasiamtmgroup]

Hello from Scotland. Been watching your channel for a little while now. Good stuff.

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks so much

[@painsrides3616]

What and interesting vid 👍 Its almost that time of the year when I pull my chassis apart to check and lube ALL the bearings

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

Awsome man I’ve got to do the same thing on my WR 250f 2023 I rode all season I put 2500 km on , so over the winter I’m going to pull the thing apart and grease up the swing arm linkage and all the bearings in the suspension linkages as well as the steering

[@kananisA75]

That was a very nice video in the suspension of that bike and the general suspension knowledge . Suspension tuning is definitely a dark art !!! When you read how it works it is very simple but then you try things that should work for you and they don't and then you get lost hahaha !

[@ridersride1]

Running it dirty isnt an issue, its a freaking DIRT BIKE. Great content

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks

[@mark_Hershey]

Kinda related..lol. I changed my rear spring tonight on my 2023 300xc, took linkage off and dropped spring down through swing arm. Super easy. Before i put it back together i wanted to grease the needle bearings. Pushed bushing out too far and popped a few needles out. Got them all back in place with tweezers and a pick but looked like one was missing..DANG! I looked everywhere for 40 min. I finally slid the bushing out just a little on the other one to expose needles and used my pick to scoot them around and I’ll be danged if there was a gap that looked like one was missing. I thought needles were packed in there tight. Guess ktm leaves a gap?

[@highlandcycles]

Yeah. It’s not completely tight. Makes room for grease

[@rob.granger]

You know what we are all thinking, shake weight baby, just do it, do it, Morgan!

[@wfo_racer]

Thanks for the video once again great work! Question - did you change the fork high speed compression?

[@highlandcycles]

Yes. We valve every stack

[@darrellyazzie7664]

Ohhhh yeah

[@highlandcycles]

🤘🏻

[@richardhartley1705]

Great video very interesting ,man your bike is dirty lol😂 love it👍

[@highlandcycles]

Hahahaha

[@Johnr37us]

This is mainly why I watch the videos because of the information I learn. Morgan is also a very friendly person and we both have the same opinion of Jesus Christ.

[@smashedfootlefty4726]

Crazy how they make so many little changes to suspension on bikes year after year, and those little changes add up to better handling felt by the end user. Cant imagine how much time and money goes into these changes by the manufacturer... try polishing your axle shafts and suspension linkage shafts with a buffer so they slide in and out smoothly. I've been doing it for years and it makes wheel changes easier and protects against corrosion and sticking after gnarly sand/mud races. Thanks for the video!

[@AboutaMileAdventures]

That’s an awesome idea, the raw or “brushed” aluminum they ship out its pretty rough and hard to clean. Like a metal sponge. I guess it’s to costly to manufacture finished aluminum somewhere that isn’t seen much

[@Johnr37us]

I actually have a buffer I’m going to try to do what you said I’ll just polish it so nice it’ll turn into chrome.

[@smashedfootlefty4726]

@@Johnr37us Thats the spirit! I even polish my lever pivot bolts so my clutch and brake levers pivot as smooth as possible. I'm a poor bastard so I can't afford those hydraulic clutched machines so I try to make every part of my clutch system operate as smooth as possible. I often wonder what people that I've sold my old bikes to say when they take things apart and see a polished part come out... Guess I'm a tweeter :). But at least I am a productive tweeter!

[@smashedfootlefty4726]

@@AboutaMileAdventures Exactly. Bust out the red rouge and go to town! I put asuper thin coating of grease on it after to protect it but not attract to much dust and dirt like a bunch of grease would. I've tried Dried graphite spray lube but went back to the grease because it protects it a little bit better :). Many things can be polished on a bike that will help in ease of assembly and operation as well like brake lever pivot bolts and clutch lever pivot bolts.

[@Johnr37us]

@@smashedfootlefty4726 I think you are very intelligent .And I should know because I know everything .😜😜😁😁🤥

[@scottphillips445]

You normally have to clean parts as you go and being a gearhead you already know that you are going to be cleaning the suspension components before you have your tuner modify your valving stacks

[@highlandcycles]

Exactly

[@dirtriderxc3009]

That burrito made angry Zack to mellow Zack 😂 and I’ve never really ridden air suspension I’ve always shied away from it but sounds like maybe I should try it so I don’t bottom haha

[@highlandcycles]

It’s getting better every iteration. This setup is pretty freaking good.

[@vince5946]

Great vid once again! I am very curious as to the results of the suspension tune:)

[@highlandcycles]

I think it’s going to be very good

[@darrellmoore6016]

What’s the KTM part number for the bladder kit

[@ronnynelsonmasterarborist]

I was watching Every Single Sunday and Tyler has a drone. You need one so we can see you blowing through those trails you ride.

[@highlandcycles]

I do. I have an older Mavic Air but you have to fly it and no one knows how to very well. I need one of those Skydio ones.

[@ronnynelsonmasterarborist]

@@highlandcycles that would be sweet. Planning on getting my drone pilot license and using them in our business doing tree surveys.

[@highlandcycles]

@@ronnynelsonmasterarborist they are super cool

[@Bcalhoun4423]

I removed the silencer and swing arm to remove my shock. I wanted to grease the swing arm and linkage bearings anyway. I also installed a 260mm 4.8 w/o issue.

[@highlandcycles]

Nice

[@Johnr37us]

Where I’ve had so many KTM‘s and re-sprung them over the years and got rear springs everywhere but because of The fact that these goto PDS 4.8 on a PDS would feel like a sponge.😜 so I guess I will get the bar another spring at least I don’t have to get front springs

[@200xcBruce]

That TBT service must be special, one day turn around on service. Bladder upgrade makes KTM money. I think Zack needs new name "smiley".

[@highlandcycles]

😜

[@Johnr37us]

I know myself and most people have their bike already wasted when they dropped them . The local shops in my area actually have a sign in the show room that says you will be charged for The time it takes to pressure wash your bike .But I understand for the sake of trying to move forward with video content you need to try to maintain a schedule to be able to post videos versus myself we’re I can wash your bike when the weather is better and then couple of days later work on it as long as I have it done before the next ride.

[@highlandcycles]

Yep

[@watts300]

I don’t have much opportunity to wear a cap, but if you make that a sticker i can put on my truck’s back glass, I’ll buy one.

[@highlandcycles]

I’ll work on that

[@jeremyhughes2693]

Can you tell me the part number for a good kickstand for my 22 gasgas ex350 the one Rocky Mountain sent me is for a husky

[@highlandcycles]

Extreme Moto parts makes one.

[@bensmith8125]

Does it matter what oil you put in the air chamber of the air fork? Got more stiction than I would like on my AER 48

[@highlandcycles]

I like 10/40 motor oil because it sticks to the sides better than fork oil.

[@christopherarronglaum6191]

Hey great video. So with me being 6' 3" with a weight of 285. What would you recommend on a 2023 XC suspension wise.

[@highlandcycles]

I’ll have to check on a spring but you need to re valve that suspension for sure. Once you get the right spring in the rear and correct air pressure up front (or a spring set up) the valving will need to be setup to handle that much spring. But it can be made to be really good

[@christopherarronglaum6191]

@@highlandcycles thank you I'll have to send my suspension to you.

[@highlandcycles]

@@christopherarronglaum6191 we would love to help you out.

[@SoloAscent]

Where do I buy one of those hats??? I need one because I most definitely suck at dirt biking

[@highlandcycles]

www.highland-cycles.com/merchandise

[@tdubbs934]

I have 24 hours on my 23 tx300. Is there any maintenance I have to do on my front forks?

[@highlandcycles]

No. I’d service them at 50 hrs

[@blarpieman]

What didn't you like about the stock fork in terms of feedback, handling ect? Can you be specific Morgan. Love your videos.

[@highlandcycles]

Yeah. The stock form was very good in whoops, g outs and flowy stuff with a rock or two every now and then. When it got into chop or bigger square edged stuff it got nervous and harsh. I’m looking for better bump compliance in the first 1/3 of travel but the same bottoming resistance.

[@blarpieman]

@@highlandcycles You think its better than the 22 suspension? You like the new chassis or is it too stiff? Thanks!!!

[@highlandcycles]

@@blarpieman I do think it’s better than the 22 stuff. I had 21 gear on my 125xc and it wasn’t bad but this is better. I don’t find the chassis too stiff but I’m not super sensitive to that.

[@blarpieman]

@@highlandcycles Great stuff Morgan!!!!

[@barrthom603]

@@highlandcycles Morgan how does the 23 300XC suspension compare to the 22 300XC suspension regarding whoops/G outs/small bump compliance in stock form? Reason I ask my 17,18,20 300XCs all stock were not useable for Michigan whooped out sandy trails...keep in my Im just a play rider (no racing). I found the valving way to soft on my 17,18,20 XC bikes for our trails. Most guys in Michigan seem to find MX valving is best for our sandy/whooped out trails. Im hoping the 23 300xc bike could be good to go out of the box.

[@wfo_racer]

what kind of oil did you squirt in the air side of the tube, please?

[@highlandcycles]

Just 10/40 motor oil

[@Husqvarna300]

Can you please share a website to get one of those mass dampers please?

[@highlandcycles]

CounterShox.com

[@Johnr37us]

I thought that bladder was sealed. But now thanks to you doing this video. (On this dirty motorcycle🙄🙄🙄 …of course . which is irrelevant to the information that I’m learning about) good now I understand basically sealed by that piston .But would it be better to add a little bit of fork oil instead of motor oil. And would you probably waiting till it got about 10 hours on the suspension. Once again thank you for providing this fantastic content on KZbin.🙏🙏🙏

[@highlandcycles]

The motor is a little stickier and holds up in the heat well for that application. Since it’s not an oil bath like a fork tube the motor oil works better. Fork oil is t bad though.

[@Johnr37us]

@@highlandcycles this is a perfect reason why I watch this channel. The fact that your back is clean and hot clean is irrelevant to the content. I will probably go with the fork oil and what I’ll do is use a eye dropper to put the oil in there because I understand all you’re wanting to do is maintain some type of lubrication to curtail any stiction. Then I will use my Patent agent attorney skills to steal … I mean further develop 😁😁😁your ideal fo ….Highlands cycle Artesian air suspension seal conditioning fluid. It will come in a 4 ounce bottle with an eyedropper. It will sell for only 19.95 😜😜 and you will receive 5% royalties after all expenses are paid. So in five years you’ll probably get $100 dollars. go Brandon 🤑🤑

[@Johnr37us]

@@highlandcycles I understand what you’re saying so that’s what I’ll do I’ll use motor oil. But only until Highland cycle artesian air fork oil is available. I have my lead chemist working on it right now .His uncle was the monkey that played on BJ and the Bear. And as long as he gets three bananas a day he’s happy. 😜

[@offroadtrailrider77]

What digital torque wrench are you using?

[@highlandcycles]

SnapOn

[@janneskruger1262]

What brand are you using for digital torque wrench?

[@highlandcycles]

SnapOn

[@coyhopson4290]

I took off the rear fender and side panels it took 5 different tools. But it goes together really nice.

[@highlandcycles]

Hahahha yeah I did that too.

[@stangindude99]

Do you sell a shirt with (I suck at dirtbiking) lol. I need it

[@highlandcycles]

I will soon. Stay tuned

[@cliffanderson7544]

Hey Morgan. Whats the cost to re valve with tbt?

[@highlandcycles]

Depends on bike and parts but between 850-1500. High end includes bladder kit, and high end components

[@heily-3806]

I’m guessing, lifting the swing arm up and wiggling and twisting the shock. Just right wont allow it to come out the bottom like the old days.??

[@highlandcycles]

Nope

[@heily-3806]

@@highlandcycles that sucks

[@alexbrezai323]

I just bought one and my forks are moving up and down with air pressure if it is at the 9.7 bar the forks are 3 inches down in the stroke with just the bike weight to get it up to normal height it take like 13 do you know what’s wrong

[@highlandcycles]

Yeah. Somehow you got some air on the wrong side of the seal. You will need to take the air spring apart and re assemble to fix it.

[@alexbrezai323]

Appreciate the reply it came from the dealer like that I tried telling them something was wrong. One more question is the shock physically the same as a 19 through 22 shock? I have ohlins forks and shock off my 19.

[@highlandcycles]

@@alexbrezai323 no, the shock is different. The old one won’t fit. The forks will.

[@ricknoonan9451]

What camera are you using? GoPro?

[@highlandcycles]

No. It’s a Sony camcorder

[@johnmerritt6670]

You put about 2 CC's of what kind of oil in the top of the air side?

[@highlandcycles]

10/40 motor oil

[@johnmerritt6670]

@@highlandcycles Thanks! Really enjoy your videos, I'm spreading the word about your channel. Where can I find a price for your TBT suspension service?

[@highlandcycles]

@@johnmerritt6670 Thanks so much. Go here www.highland-cycles.com/free-service-guides-and-ebooks-1/suspension-service-work-sheet and fill this out and email it back to me at [e-mail] and we can get you a price

[@johnmerritt6670]

@@highlandcycles 👍

[@joecarlino7870]

Could not you just change shock spring rate, oil weights/brand, bladder pressure, fork air pressure, HS check valve spring rate, and clicker settings, instead of shims and pistons for typical applications and typical rider weights and get a satisfying result?

[@highlandcycles]

I think you could. We are a suspension shop so we like to change shim stacks to really tune it but the suspension is good and most people could probably be pretty happy by making the changes you talked about

[@wesmorey6167]

great video. thanks for all the info on this bike! as far as the 'dirty' freaks go-they're FREAKS!! LOL!!

[@highlandcycles]

Agree

[@hachtenduro7824]

Is the bladder a verified upgrade, just because WP/KTM now offers it? A part of people believe in bladder and WP is clever enough to offer the bladder themselves instead of leaving this nice business to the aftermarket. This is whats behind in my opinion.

[@highlandcycles]

In my opinion, yes. I like bladders much more than piston. Here is my video about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpebd62ae7d1o7c

[@jeremyhughes2693]

You love his head lol I’m a child I’m sorry

[@highlandcycles]

😂🤣

[@andrecontois8510]

Bet if u didn't mention 3000 times it was dirty the haters wouldn't even notice. Its yo bike no big deal

[@highlandcycles]

Hahaha, I know. I was just fired up.

[@wykittypreps5794]

Have you seen a utube video by Josh Mundy who claims his new 300xc is flashing a code. He tried to resolve the problem by plugging in the dungle provided with the bike an did the reset procedure but it didn't work. Be interested on your take on his problem.

[@highlandcycles]

I haven’t seen that yet. I have heard of a few of them flashing a code. So far the dongle truck has worked for others.

[@wfo_racer]

Yeah my 23 300 xc is in the shop today for exhaust valve blink code which will not clear! 7 hrs.

[@highlandcycles]

@@wfo_racer damnit. Keep us updated please. Seems like the socials are the only place people are getting info.

[@wykittypreps5794]

@@highlandcycles Hmmmm hopefully warranty covers this issue for you. Ktm hasn't got the bugs worked out before releasing? Has there ever been a recall on dirt bikes like they do cars? Seems like for $12,500. They should.

[@highlandcycles]

@@wykittypreps5794 yeah. They recall stuff.

[@gordonstimmel4590]

It's funny they get all upset about the dirt on your bike but did they forget your a custom bike shop and obviously know what your doing because if you didn't you won't make it and survive by fixing dirtbikes.

[@highlandcycles]

Yeah. I know. It’s funny. People are hilarious and the internet is a weird place.

[@marcgucciardo1942]

Gees the 2016 ktm pds shocks come out so easy compared to this

[@highlandcycles]

All PDS shocks come out so freaking nice.

[@marcgucciardo1942]

@@highlandcycles hey do you think the new excs will retain tpi or use TBI? I’ve skipped the 2017 -2023 exc generation and hoping to avoid the current tpi.

[@highlandcycles]

@@marcgucciardo1942 by the looks of this cylinder I think it will be a mix. Looks like they have a spot for one injector on the right side of the cylinder (like the current tpi setup) but not one on the left. So they will probably put one in the throttle body like this bike and I’m guessing it will still be oil injected. I think that’s the only way they are going to pass emissions

[@marcgucciardo1942]

@@highlandcycles yep that makes sense. I wonder if running a little oil in the gas tank would be worthwhile if it stays oil injected. Some tpi guys on forums would say that adding oil would ruin injectors etc blah blah. I call bs on that. I’m enjoying your down to earth approach, free from any bs!!!

[@highlandcycles]

@@marcgucciardo1942 Yeah, those injectors aren't really different from the ones that mine has that are running pre mix. If I had a tpi I would be putting at least some oil in the tank.

[@marshallkeller4381]

BASE VALVE

[@highlandcycles]

I don’t know if you call that part the base valve since it’s not exactly like a base valve in an open chamber. It does more or less the same thing but is in a different location

[@marshallkeller4381]

@@highlandcycles Its a base valve, its just not at the base on a cc fork, we can call it the peak valve if you want :D . Its job is to damp the oil flowing out of the chamber that is being displaced by the shaft entering the chamber.

[@highlandcycles]

@@marshallkeller4381 right. Same as the base valve. I’m just so used to the other orientation and then SSS forks just calling it the compression stack.

[@marshallkeller4381]

@@highlandcycles Compression stack is also correct, technically the stack on the other side of the rebound piston is called the midvalve, if its not a check valve, also dampens compression as you stated in the video. What does TBT refer to these things as?

[@highlandcycles]

@@marshallkeller4381 The mid valve is the mid valve and the "base valve" is the compression stack

[@tkrey23]

No sense lifting the tail if you're planning on pulling the swing arm anyway

[@highlandcycles]

Ah, I just want to see if it would work and it did.

[@playdirtusa]

Let me help you with the 'dirt police' people ....its a DIRT BIKE 🙄. Back in the day we leaned them up against vehicles, didnt keep them sparkling clean every ride sitting on $100 stands😖 & $200 carpets😖🔨 Race prep for a race another story, but when you ride out of your garage & or ride almost everyday no need to over clean 👌🏻. Im a 4stroke guy but am about sold to add 1 of these to the stable!

[@highlandcycles]

You would be so happy with this bike. It’s is 4T fast but 2T fun

[@777Randall]

Quit talking about a dirty motorcycle, I don’t really care🤓 with that nice info and good videos, you may have Zack explain to you the high-speed adjuster and how it actually works, the way that you explained it is not exactly on point.

[@highlandcycles]

Sorry man. We will do a better job

[@ivanrybkin9384]

It looks like bike was not washed at all, rear fender is just plain dirty….

[@highlandcycles]

Was washed a ton, then ridden then it snowed.

[@rokuabtor6834]

So dirty...

[@martintaylor9179]

Hi Martin Taylor from Scotland I would not let you touch my wheelbarrow far less my bike!!!!! Ruff as fuck

[@highlandcycles]

Ok.

[@woodysrockspyro6436]

@@highlandcycles 😊 People have no idea what goes on in the real world.

[@wesmorey6167]

sounds like you need to stick to golf-far less 'ruff'

[@marcgucciardo1942]

It’s not a Swiss watch. It’s a dirt bike brother

[@highlandcycles]

@@marcgucciardo1942 amen

[@davidgledhilljr71]

Can u compare the 300sx motor to a current YZ250 or CR250 two stroke. Is it faster? What is the power curve like? Thanks. Good videos.

[@highlandcycles]

It’s a lot like a YZ250 in the mid and top but quite a bit more on the bottom n

[@davidgledhilljr71]

@@highlandcycles Nice. Thanks brother. I think I might get one. Enjoy. Ride safe.

[@highlandcycles]

@@davidgledhilljr71 you won’t be disappointed