2023 KTM 300XC Long Term Review | One Year with the 2023 KTM 300XC | Best Dirt Bike Ever?

[@Ralphydc]

Best MOTO channel on KZbin hands down! Awesome content and great information! Keep it up bro!

[@DieselNDirt_]

This is definitely the most insightful channel for getting real world feedback on a bike with no BS. Great video 👍

[@jeffmurphy7600]

After watching the early videos you did on your 23 300 xc made me buy my 23 300 xc when my local KTM dealer got it in. Absolutely no regrets!

[@highlandcycles]

Great to hear!

[@22ballhard]

Had a chance to ride Loretta myself and it felt awesome. Much better review video here than another KZbin channel I am sure people are familiar with... good on you Morgan.

[@highlandcycles]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adventurercalvin]

The videos of this bike is what brought me to your channel and I've been enjoying it ever since I subscribed to the channel. The mods you've to this bike and the 2024 XCW has been giving me ideas of how I'll build up a next gen KTM when I finally make the switch from my 2017. Keep up the awesome work Morgan. Calvin from British Columbia

[@codyschell5394]

I bought one specifically because of your review. I dont have the amount of time you have on yours, but I feel like its the best motorcycle I've ever owned!

[@Josh-Silvia]

Nice walk around. I’m glad you mentioned the lack of a kickstarter. I have a 19 300xc. I may not ever use my kickstarter, but seeing it keeps me warm and fuzzy.

[@highlandcycles]

Totally

[@jakegarner7]

I'm one that started watching / subscribed because I pre-ordered this bike and took ownership of mine about a month after you. Been following along since. Thanks for the info, I also very much love this bike!

[@highlandcycles]

Great to hear!

[@jay_motocombat]

The linkage with a good skid plate over it is an advantage not a disadvantage over logs etc because the approach angle is better than with the pds of the xcw. Get a beaver tail! Thanks for the review 🤟

[@corvettesfromtheroad4984]

Great video Morgan. I bought the same bike after watching some of your videos and seeing how much fun you were having on it. I have just over 40 hours on mine with the stock spark plugs still in it. 60:1 motorex 2t. The only thing I’ve had to do is bring it to the dealer for the reflash last December after I accidentally hit the start button while the bike was running. I race hare scrambles and I’m still on stock suspension. I would love to upgrade to what you are using. Hopefully sometime this winter I can get it tore down and sent out to you. Looks like you guys do a great job!👍

[@oskarschneider2341]

Yes!!!! to the 2024 Beta 300 Race, I cant wait to see your thoughts on the bike

[@SCakey]

Love watching your TBI content and hearing you smile while riding it (yea I can HEAR it!) :)

[@coskier1969]

I have the same bike but the Husqvarna TX 300. It is awesome. I went to one hotter spark plug and Amsoil Interceptor 2 stroke oil at 50/1 to stop the spooging, after trying many different oils. What a monster.

[@highlandcycles]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@richardalvarez6768]

Which spark plug did you use and how soon after changing oil did the spooging stop? I have a 23 tx300 and I get a lot of spooge after each ride

[@warrenyoung7503]

I run moterex at 60-1 just like KTM says in their manual. I don’t have any sponge at all. I do run 20% c-12 And use the b9 plug.

[@OtisFlint]

Adding unnecessary oil and complaining about spooge. 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂

[@tdubbs934]

I got the same bike. They are sick. Love the power and easy clutch pull.

[@zachfarkash6430]

Good 1 year review on Loretta.

[@barnescycle]

A sincere thank you for your reviews and HONESTY on the accessories. I just don't ride enough to justify that 6500 kit purchase but it looks like I'll buy the Mako 360 Moose Balls possibly and I'm dying to try out the WP steering damper. I do alot of old man MX and I feel it may serve me well there and harescramble events. I have seen 0 reviews on this item and may just have to spend the money and try to make one myself 🤷‍♂️. Thanks again for providing great content and not being afraid to mention faith in a world of mostly non believers now days.

[@highlandcycles]

That WP damper is awesome. Not sure why there aren’t any reviews. It’s the same as the Showa one. I ran one of those on my 125 and it was amazing

[@scottphillips445]

I like learning about the beta 300. I would never buy 1 I am a ktm guy. I will have to reach a point where a ktm300 becomes a must have, but I like where development is going. Tbi is mandatory from this point on but I will never sell my 2018 150SX. Watching you do a 36mm keihin swap on your xc125 inspired me to put 1 on my 18 150SX. I think betas are cool because they have a keihin carb, kyb forks, and a knarly bottom end hit. Someone was paying attention!

[@d.brayman3165]

Great video!!! I started watching for your BRP content and well...the rest is history. I'd love to pick up that '18 of yours, but I think my wife would become a dirt bike widow. 😜

[@highlandcycles]

🤣😂

[@joefoster259]

Those brake things fit Sherco’s. You can add that to your growing list of things you like about Sherco bikes.

[@highlandcycles]

🤣😂

[@Chromedome053]

Traded my 21 Beta 350 race in on a 24 KTM 300 XCW Hard Enduro. Loved my Beta but wasn’t willing to wait for the 24’. And with it being my first 2 stroke I thought the TBI would be more forgiving.

[@liviob100]

You spent a lot of money on that bike fixing things that KTM should have gotten right at the factory before shipping it to a dealer. Thanks for the thorough review. I am definitely not selling my 2018 300 XCW for a new bike. It is dialed and only 58hrs young. I gotta ride it more.

[@highlandcycles]

You definitely need to ride more. I have 210 hrs on this bike now

[@burstcasino]

Crash damage took out the magic button during this weekend's TSCEC enduro on my '22 Beta 300rr re. I'm glad I added on that kicker. You don't know what you got till it's gone. Ha ha...

[@highlandcycles]

100%

[@DavidMacPherson-ob8bc]

BETA Good thing you are an Excellent Mechanic every big group ride you can count on the Itialan Stallion needing some wrench buy a six pack of tow straps 🤤

[@highlandcycles]

🤣😂 I love it. That’s why I’m getting one. Good or bad it’s good for me and KZbin

[@motozz8258]

Sounds just like a ktm , they should come in the spares kit. Orangewhitered stripped so they match all the ktms 😊

[@donaldblank8873]

I say that's a point for a 2022 TPI KTM, Again only my opinion, But it's the best bite KTM ever made

[@slutnik2439]

Couldn’t agree more with you on the new TBI XC bikes. Coming off a 14 300xcw I was a bit nervous I’d be a fish out of water on my new 24 tx300. Boy was I wrong. I get right at home in the tight technical rocky woods of New England. Best move I’ve made so far not looking back! Love the content Morgan you make me lol a lot.

[@racesla]

So far my only real bitch on my TX is that damn stator. Seriously KTM/Husky? Stuck a NGK BR7EIX Iridium in before my first ride and never had an issue with fouling a plug. Sent my suspension off to Kreft Moto for springs, revale including their ReValve Control, and I'm super happy with it, especially in the nasting rocky hard enduro terrain. Also installed the JD Power Surge 6X fuel tuner, which let me lean the bike out where it needed it. My next upgrade will be the TSP head and ECU setup. Now here's my question Morgan. Is there any performance or reliability benefits using their head, or can I just order the insert and ECU and save $190? Oh if you get the new beta, you'll be able to run all the lights you need plus a blender for making margaritas at the end of the day with it's STOCK 200 watt stator.

[@adambatchelder4121]

Great information . For me it will be a w model as I do lots of long high mt rides . I'm going back and forth between a new w and a last year tpi to convert to tbi so I can have a kick starter.

[@highlandcycles]

That is a conundrum

[@blarpieman]

What is the stock gearing on this bike? great channel!!!

[@highlandcycles]

14\48

[@blarpieman]

@@highlandcycles ahhh yours is a 300. Might you know the 250 xc gearing. I cannot seem to find it anywhere on earth lol. I think its 51-14

[@brianmullins739]

Love the review. Thought I had everything I was going to buy for my bike but I was wrong. Where do I get the S3 brake thing?

[@highlandcycles]

1strackmoto.com/highlandscycles

[@tomcorle1400]

Awesome. 👍

[@shinyribs2178]

Finally selling my old RFS and cruising an '06 300 EXC now. Bone stock other than a Gnarly pipe. I guess having a kicker is cool, but I'd be happy if mine was estart 🤔

[@highlandcycles]

Having both is the key

[@husaislander4838]

the S3 brake thingy works on your favorite Blue French bike. HAHA 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@highlandcycles]

😂🤣

[@jakesmith5281]

Was really hard to find the s3 brake thing in orange. Searched online for a while. had to go with the fasst co. What are the counter shocks?? You didn’t say what that is

[@highlandcycles]

Hahahha. I like the black one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aauWomCKj7R-atEsi=UGxsOlHcku2AZk5x

[@craigsteinman9807]

Can you compression start the 2023 and 2024 TBI. Ktm/Husky models? models?

[@highlandcycles]

Yes. The XC and TX will run without a battery and can be bump started

[@Noone-dy7sh]

I have a 24 and have put 20 hours on over the last few weeks. I did foul a plug early on but since putting a high compression head and a BR7EIX, I've not had any issues. I did also go to 40:1 on the premix. Spooges a little but runs great and I like having a little more lube. I thought you could bump start these? I need to try next time.

[@highlandcycles]

You can bump stat then.

[@Seager_68]

You absolutely hated the start stop switches and my bike has never splooged since new

[@mark_Hershey]

I’m in the minority. Just got rid of my 2023 300xc because of a random bog that just couldnt be fixed. Lots of jumping so it was dangerous, and in the end it bogged on a small jump breaking 2 ribs and my spleen. I’ve had many 300’s and this sucks because its such a good bike, but i am really thinking there is a glitch under heavy on/off throttle usage after bike has been ran hard for 30 min. So sick of the usual..”tps” or “pump filter” suggestions that have been there go to rambling of all the facebook group reply’s. There is a huge number of these bikes, 125-300, xc and sx that have this issue. I’m the 3rd injury that i know of. I do not see the xcw with this issue, maybe because they run different map/compression? But there is an issue and if you jump a lot stay conscious that when you blip the throttle is may not be there. I’m going through a huge culture shock trying to set up my 2024 yz250 after many years of ktm 300’s…

[@highlandcycles]

That sucks. Were you on the stock map? Did you ever try a tsp or other tuner map?

[@seangriffith4314]

Do you have a recommended GPS solution for the 300XC? Can it run on the stock stator and what brand type do you run/recommend? I want to purchase the XC and not the W but still want to integrate a GPS solution on the bike. Thanks in advance!

[@highlandcycles]

I don’t think the stock stator will run it

[@rokuabtor6834]

Too many extra fancy parts. Mine with only bar risers, tall seat, suspension and Michelin Starcross 6's is golden. 👌

[@highlandcycles]

It’s what I do. They are amazing bone stock. Especially without bar risers. 🤣

[@rokuabtor6834]

😁

[@Hoser1mVm]

Would just buy the XC-W if do over? No linkage, oil/spring shocks, better stator, lit/wired etc.

[@highlandcycles]

Not sure I would. I like the speed and stability of this. And I’m more into having multiple bikes for different disciplines.

[@seamarsh3756]

160hrs per year is a life goal worth working for!

[@highlandcycles]

That doesn’t include the time on my 2018 too.

[@connorlewis8547]

Morgan, what is the correct start up procedure in your opinion?

[@highlandcycles]

Just like a normal 2T.

[@connorlewis8547]

@highlandcycles I have heard you shouldn't touch the throttle for a minute or two because the ecu needs to adjust to ambient air, and if you touch it dosent fully tune itself. True or no? Do you blip the throttle before rads are warm?

[@highlandcycles]

@@connorlewis8547 that used to be true on some bikes but I haven’t seen the need for that in these. I don’t blip it too much before there is some heat in the rads but I don’t really think about it on the TBI. Since it’s premix and the “warm up map” is rich, you’re not going to cold seize it. Worst case is a fouled plug.

[@mikemiller8492]

Love your content brother. Bought a 24’ xc on Saturday. Have you had any issues with your stock map switch? I rode mine 1x and the LED light stopped working. Need to take the bike out tomorrow to see if it’s just the light or if the switch is totally burnt and not switching maps.

[@highlandcycles]

I haven’t. Check plug behind number plate

[@richardalvarez6768]

Do you have a coupon code for the crosslink performance swingarm guard ?

[@highlandcycles]

I don’t.

[@toastthecoast-withchrissmith]

would you prefer this bike over the 450xc-f? Does it have the top end to keep up with the 450 in the desert? I assume it is better in tech single track and most other off road scenarios. How about the 350xc-f?

[@highlandcycles]

I am not a 4 stroke guy so I’m the wrong person to ask.

[@motozz8258]

Aha rocky mountain deal , good for business those bikes. Another happy ktm pusher .

[@highlandcycles]

Deep down I’m a YZ guy. Both my kids ride, race and win on them

[@pal-sb7ej]

Please buy a Stark Varg so we can get your opinion, I know it's probably not your jam since it doesn't blow smoke.

[@highlandcycles]

I’d love to honestly but I just can’t afford it because I know it wouldn’t be my primary bike

[@pal-sb7ej]

I bet you have enough subs and loyal followers to test one from Stark@@highlandcycles

[@westcoastfrisco]

Does second gear become your first in the gnar when you changed gearing? First is already pretty dang low with stock gearing. Great review though, loving my 23!

[@highlandcycles]

Yes

[@scottphillips445]

Where are you at on the "Throwdownometer" count?

[@chriskirby255]

Hey, have you heard of Holley’s hydramat maybe we could get one that works for KTM’s ??

[@highlandcycles]

Yeah. I have. The little filter that they have is kind of like that. We just need something down into the sides

[@nlracing6847]

We cant keep our 2023 250 xcw running top end failed once was replaced under warranty now cylinders washed out less than 10 hours back from dealer

[@highlandcycles]

That’s nuts. Love to know what’s causing that

[@TroyMichaud-v7e]

I see that TSP also has an ECI re-flash only option. Do you feel that would be worth the upgrade without doing the head combo package?

[@highlandcycles]

Yes. Their map is much cleaner than stock

[@ricknoonan9451]

that's a huge tank 😂

[@WujoCaZa]

Its already one year? Oh boy time fly 😓

[@highlandcycles]

I know

[@chriskempton2886]

Morgan what is the Duly under the bars, could you give me a link?Thanks

[@highlandcycles]

It’s a solid lower mount for the Mako360. It’s on the XC gear website

[@jesusivanrocha9020]

Tusk severe skid plate?

[@highlandcycles]

Severe impact

[@jesusivanrocha9020]

I am waiting your review on that already, it will make me go for it or stay with TM designs

[@highlandcycles]

@@jesusivanrocha9020 Awesome. I only have one ride so far but it is the best skid plate I have used so far. I can't imagine having any issues with it. It is super burly and mounts up really nice

[@palcolandcattle4259]

Have you checked the base TPS voltage on it with both idle screws backed out with a good fluke meter?

[@highlandcycles]

Not yet. I might do that. It runs so good

[@coalcountryrider]

I have a 2020 xc with stock air forks and I am planning on getting some suspension work over the winter. Revalve and service is about 800-900$ and I plan on getting the mako 360 too at some point in the off-season. Race tech also makes a spring conversion kit for the left fork which is about 1200 after springs and service. My question is do you think I would be better off just getting the re valve and the 360? Or should I just go the route of spring conversion?

[@highlandcycles]

If you are going to go with springs I would go with the Dal Soggio Spheres. If not then just do the re valve

[@mikeschlup5279]

Was wondering how 60 to 1 would work out...?I guess 160 hours answers the question...

[@kelceyk8199]

He runs 40:1 and replaced the top in at about 95 hours.

[@mikeschlup5279]

@@kelceyk8199 makes more sense to me.. even 50 to 1...thanks.

[@bradcarter6396]

my husky TE pro cost 16 out the door lol I know I know

[@panic-revv85]

50:1 motul and i dont get much spooge at all.

[@richardhartley1705]

Do the high compression heads limit the life of the bottom end ?

[@highlandcycles]

Not in my experience

[@MrJacksmithFTW]

hi Morgan. have you tried to calibrate the tps. you can only do it with the xc2 computer. I'm a Ktm mechanic and sometimes that's the problem

[@highlandcycles]

I haven’t. I unfortunately don’t have that tool but the bike runs great

[@MrJacksmithFTW]

@@highlandcycles take it to the closest dealer and have them do it for you it solved the problem on a couple bikes Sr had here. Do you have a way I can talk with you in private?

[@highlandcycles]

@@MrJacksmithFTW yes [e-mail]

[@tdubbs934]

Can you run a headlight on a 23 tx300 with the stock stator? What headlight should i use. Stock?

[@highlandcycles]

Yes. The MotoMinded Evo works great on the stock stator. I ran that on my bike for a ton of hours. The only problem I had was when I ran it and the fan constantly on a hot day. The combo killed the battery with the stock stator but the light never had an issue.

[@Pugman69420]

I had a couple bikes with those WP spring forks and they were harsh for motocross. What makes that other kit different? Was the valving just bad?

[@highlandcycles]

Not sure about the valving on yours but one big difference about these is the parts are really nice. All really high end coatings and good anodizing. Makes them slippery. Also valving plays a big roll.

[@wyattzielinski7189]

🤘🤘

[@nightrider4370]

Have you watched the guy on "Pin It Racing"? He claims he can remap and get additional 16 horsepower. Says the TBI's have issues. Curious as to your opinion?

[@highlandcycles]

I haven’t but 16 hp is a crazy number. I can’t imagine getting that with just tuning.

[@nightrider4370]

@@highlandcycles it's actually 16 horsepower gain at 60% throttle opening. Peak increase is about 2 horsepower.

[@highlandcycles]

@@nightrider4370 I highly doubt that. I guess that guy also said the reason pistons were hitting cranks was because people were using too thin of base gasket. That’s impossible because it doesn’t change where the piston is in relationship to the crank. So I am not inclined to believe him. But that is second hand so I could be wrong

[@nightrider4370]

@@highlandcycles yes this is the same guy. I just wanted your input. You have a good channel and I respect your opinion.

[@nightrider4370]

He claims he sets the ECU to let the electronic power valve come open sooner. Is that possible? That's how he's claiming to get the power coming on earlier.

[@poof1907]

do the stock 2023 ktm xc tbis have spark arrestors?

[@highlandcycles]

No

[@Norcal2stroke]

What polymers are you using in your mako?

[@highlandcycles]

Purple with orange shark bitr

[@joefoster259]

Damn son! Beta in the house! Selling the XC?

[@joefoster259]

Hard pass on the xcw. No PDS for this guy. Awesome as a trail bike I like whoops too much.

[@highlandcycles]

No. I’ll be selling my old XC-W

[@donpizzo8963]

Another vote for the stock start/stop button- it sucks.

[@highlandcycles]

The worst

[@DeadEnduro]

I replaced my start button with one from Amazon $10. Works great

[@Struth_Mate]

161hrs on the stock chain?

[@highlandcycles]

Yes

[@jamesrichards8142]

Who makes those sweet rotors? 😅

[@highlandcycles]

Innteck

[@highlandcycles]

Hahahah. Just saw who that was. Sorry I didn’t mention them.

[@fredmitchel1236]

Non stop modifications.... So I buy a $11.3 K bike then $30 K in superficial modifications... Humm... Could a Danny Hamel ride and win on the stock KTM... I think so...

[@richardhartley1705]

👍👍

[@christobey4198]

Great informative review but this bike is so highly modified I don't feel it is a good review of this bike. Most people, at least that I know, can't afford to do all of these mods to their bike. I would assume you have well over $20k in this bike and that's just not realistic for most people, or weekend warriors, that don't have all of the connections that you do. We ride our bikes mostly stock with exception of adding protection and getting the suspension set up for your weight.

[@highlandcycles]

Absolutely. It’s more of a review of the mods and then I feel like it’s a good review of its durability. A lot of times modifications can diminish reliability but. It in this case. The bike worked perfectly. Also I think it’s a good way for people to see what can be done and decode for themselves if it’s worth it. And finally, you’d be blown away at how many people do this much to their bikes. It surprises me.

[@iddddaduncan]

What pipe is that?

[@highlandcycles]

Motoes

[@chadc301]

How much does it weigh compared to stock or a Fatty?

[@highlandcycles]

@@chadc301 About the same. It isn't heavy

[@ShortBusEnduro]

Takes money to make money!!

[@highlandcycles]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@woodysrockspyro6436]

Buckets of it..

[@stevemccurley1707]

It's a shit load of money

[@davidgrunklee8407]

U can bump start it.

[@highlandcycles]

Yep. But that’s hard if you’re in a gnarly rock garden or some deep dark canyon. Or sand or….