2023 300XC vs 2023 300SX | First Look | What Is different | Highland Cycles

What is the difference between the 2023 300SX and the 300XC? We are going to dig deep!
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[@shaneobrien6034]

I just picked up the 2023 sx Can't wait to take it out this weekend

[@philip5798]

This has become my favourite dirt bike channel on KZbin, great work Morgan! 👏👏10/10

[@highlandcycles]

Wow, thanks!

[@shaneobrien6034]

Thanks to your channel i kinda know what to what im getting my self into😁

[@PezRacer]

Please let us know if the gas tanks are interchangeable between the sx and xc.

[@riders.oregon4474]

The thing that prevented me from getting a 250 sx back in 2021 was a lack of electric start. That’s why I got an xc.

[@highlandcycles]

Not an issue now

[@trevorcarr7716]

Great video, appreciate all the content. I have a 23 300sx. Going to try doing a couple hare-scrambles this season. Open b, Michigan. Races are a about 2-1/2 to almost 3 hours depending how the leader finishes. My main question. Do I get an xc tank, or can I make it the hour and half before fueling ? Thanks in advance.

[@johnmarino6444]

Im thinking about buying the 23 250 sx i like the fastway kickstand. Im glad i watched this video.

[@jspreparednessandself-reli4856]

Thanks, Morgan! I’ve been riding a YZ 250 you helped me with some questions when I rebuild it last , it’s been running great, thanks for that, this year, I think I’m going to upgrade to a 300 two-stroke , so far I’ve had my eye on the 2023 husky TX300 , i’m a woods rider , Which KTM is closest to the TX ? I like the explosive power of the YZ. However, would be nice to have fuel injection in electric start 😂

[@SteveKiziak]

I get so much awesome KTM info form you bro! Thanks for all the work that goes into the videos! And I'll probably trade my 21' 350SXF for the 300sx based on how it does in trails!

[@hammeredhitzracing6015]

Awesome, excited to hear how the first ride on SX goes..

[@charliekohn4271]

I am still currently split. I rarely use 1st on my 18 xc though it has saved me botching a hill a few times and gets used mostly sweeping peewee races.

[@highlandcycles]

It’s a tough choice honestly.

[@brycedavis907]

It would be interesting to know if the shafts are the same. Might be nice to be able to mix and match ratios.

[@my-max-media7621]

Aren't the XC and XCW 6 speed, not 5 🤔. I highly doubt they'd work. SX wider physically I'm assuming.

[@highlandcycles]

I bet the shafts are the same actually. Just different drums and shift stars. And spacers to take the place of gears. I will try to remember to check the parts fiche

[@brycedavis907]

@@highlandcycles I tried to find out if the shafts were the same, but I couldn't find a fiche for the sx tranny with the little looking I did.

[@NewBelgiumCO]

These new bikes are freaking rad!!! I’m gonna have to ride my old 2012 into the ground! LOL!!

[@bikevault2302]

Hi Morgan, tell us more about the clicker settings

[@highlandcycles]

Will do

[@quietrhinoasmr2597]

Cant decide between an xc or sx. I ride mostly trails but like to hop on a track every now and then. Ive only ever had motocross bikes so some feedback would be great.

[@highlandcycles]

Get the XC. It does both very well.

[@lucianoarias1268]

Thanks for the videos again mate ! Keep going please. I am waiting for my 300sx because the 300XC in Australia is sold out.😬

[@CodeMoab]

How many teeth are you using on the 300 XC rear sprocket? I was thinking about switching to 51.. would that help on trails like 5 MOH?

[@highlandcycles]

50. Yeah, 51 would be good for the harder stuff

[@200xcBruce]

Oh boy cannot wait for the drama, and if you like it more than the xc, and if it is perfect.

[@highlandcycles]

Hahahahah. I think it’s going to very similar to the XC

[@natefrogskida5225]

I thought the sx was air forks and xc was springs? Are they both pre mixed?

[@highlandcycles]

Both pre mix, both air for 23

[@JP-kr5vu]

Question can the air forks work well for a 230lb rider by just increasing the pressure or do I need to do spring inserts? Thank you in advance

[@highlandcycles]

The air fork can work for any weight, just depends on what kind of terrain and what you’re looking for. They are the best at Moto and high speed stuff. The spring forks do better at the Rocky chunky stuff

[@bam14bam]

Curious on what you think about the 5 speed in really tight trails, steep climbs, and high speed straights. Range with the SX tank? Stock suspension valving thoughts? Oh... and your channel is soooo freaking awesome! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@highlandcycles]

5 speed will be good in tight stuff (always in right gear) but would be less than optimal in high speed stuff. SX tank is probably only good for 35-40 Miles depending on where and how you ride. Suspension is going to feel really good at speed even in the Rocky stuff as long as it’s 2/3rd gear stuff.

[@GNR325]

Me too. I really have no need to go more than 50 - 60 mph on my trails. I'm interested to hear if you think gearing down with a sprocket change would make 1st low enough for tight trails. Thanks for doing this!

[@highlandcycles]

@@GNR325 I think gearing down will make the tranny great for tight trails. I mainly like 6th for transfers down roads and the occasional desert race

[@bam14bam]

Oh... and does the additional air filter cover with more holes actually make a difference? I agree with your comment... my default would be not to use it to help keep the air filter clean.

[@blessingslawn]

So much ktm content. Puke lol

[@steelshotproductions]

Is your skid plate factory or after-market? Additionally, are you saying that it looks like a 300XC skid plate would fit on a 300SX because the mounting holes are the same? I'm picking up my 300SX tomorrow and would like to order a skid plate.

[@highlandcycles]

Mine is the enduro engineering rubber mounted plate with the link skid. And yes the XC plate will bolt right up

[@alllen8839]

Where did you get your linkage protector on the skidplate?

[@highlandcycles]

Enduro Engineering.

[@joeb10p69]

Holy shit I did not realize the price difference was that much that's crazy. A skid plate and kickstand don't cost $2k. The xc 4 strokes only cost $400 more.

[@brycedavis907]

5 speed vs 6 speed as well. Still doesn't justify $2k imo.

[@lukesnyder9281]

+18” rear wheel

[@highlandcycles]

Talking to the owner of this bike, we think that it’s KTM’s way of trying to compete with the YZ market in money. The 250 and 300sx aren’t WAY more than the YZ250

[@motoxmatt]

Can a headlight, brake light and turning indicators be added to the 300 XC? I'm planning on moving to AZ and that's all they require for a plate. Thanks! Matt

[@6bt_str86]

As always bro. Good stuff (from the sweatbox of central fl) 🤘🏽

[@SamHain2344]

You or someone said you can’t swap tanks on the sx with the xc because the sx fuel pump won’t work in the xc tank. Not sure if that’s true or not.

[@highlandcycles]

I didn’t say it. I am going to figure out if that’s true

[@Brandon-dd8dw]

Anything yet?

[@SamHain2344]

@@Brandon-dd8dw yes it works I have an sx pump in the xc tank on my 300sx

[@NOTHERN_SINGLETRAK]

Did u say wifi module? Are they planing on making it like the YZ450s

[@highlandcycles]

Yes. That is the idea.

[@zackeryconner2594]

I have the oem ktm WiFi module. It plugs in and lights up but the 300sx isn’t in their system yet. Maybe eventually

[@highlandcycles]

Dang. Where did you get that.

[@zackeryconner2594]

I got it at my husqvarna/gasgas dealer. I’ve had it on my 21 ex350 and my 22 mc450. I mapped them through the husky app. Never had any issues.

[@highlandcycles]

@@zackeryconner2594 man, no one around here can get them. I’ll dig deeper

[@zackeryconner2594]

Yeah apparently they are super hard to get now. Just got mine at the perfect time

[@highlandcycles]

@@zackeryconner2594 nice

[@SeatTime]

When should I fly out for testing?

[@highlandcycles]

Now, We are doing it this weekend

[@my-max-media7621]

Love my '17 SX 150 but wish it had another gear or 3. ???? What is top speed on the SX ????? And 250sx Thanks

[@highlandcycles]

Based on my XC I’m guessing top speed is maybe 60 wound out

[@elkwhisperer8065]

Can you put a fan kit on the sx?

[@highlandcycles]

Yeah, the stator is the same as the XC as far as I know. But you need to use the Tusk one that draws half of what the TrailTech does.

[@elkwhisperer8065]

Awesome thank you for the reply, my local dealer has one of each the sx and xc so i was gonna get the sx to save money but i mostly ride the steep and slow stuff so I wanted to make sure the sx would work for that. What gearing would you recommend? And can I use the stock battery or do I need to change that out as well?

[@Brandon-dd8dw]

Will that xc tank fit the SX?

[@highlandcycles]

Yes

[@braaap6292]

I've always bent up Excel wheels far easier than the D.I.Ds. Excels are a lot lighter though so that's the tradeoff.

[@highlandcycles]

I did some looking and I think the stock ones are not DID. They are some off brand thing. Still pretty good as long as you keep the spokes tight.

[@Tklatti01]

Have any more info on the bluetooth coming?

[@highlandcycles]

Not yet. Impatiently waiting

[@stevemarquez9628]

I'll bet you could add a 6th gear for under $300. That was the case with my 2017 FC450. The Fx 6th would drop right in. 6th is blocked off with a spacer in the FC.

[@highlandcycles]

For sure.

[@bam14bam]

@@highlandcycles Need to convince your buddy with the SX to pay you to put in a 6th gear. Then you would have an excuse to figure out how to do it. I bet you would get a lot of views on that one. Especially since no one else is likely to do it any time soon.

[@siaknijustin]

Are the cranks the same?

[@highlandcycles]

Don’t know yet.

[@richardhartley1705]

Will still get the XC in the new year👍

[@highlandcycles]

I like the XC for all around.

[@richardhartley1705]

@@highlandcycles You certainly know how to spend my money Morgan lol👍

[@davidgrunklee8407]

Please try backing off clickers to see if you can get stock sx acceptable offroad

[@highlandcycles]

I will for sure.

[@EricCogburn]

Any difference in flywheel weight?

[@highlandcycles]

Not sure yet!

[@GNR325]

Also curious how much you can soften up the stock suspension for the trail. I know it's a moto bike so will still be very stiff, but just wondering between the SX and XC. I'm 205lbs without apparel.

[@highlandcycles]

It’s super adjustable honestly. In stock form it will never be crazy plush but it’s really not terrible

[@GNR325]

@@highlandcycles Cool. Thanks. Looking forward to your ride video.

[@oldheadneverlacking7010]

What shift lever is that and is it bigger?

[@highlandcycles]

It’s longer and it’s a hammerhead

[@oldheadneverlacking7010]

@@highlandcycles everything I look up for my 300sx says, “does not fit your bike” annoying

[@highlandcycles]

@@oldheadneverlacking7010 I didn't buy this lever. The owner of the bike did. I am sure it is one from a 22 SX.

[@oldheadneverlacking7010]

@@highlandcycles good deal, that’s the answer I was looking for. Thanks sir. Merry Christmas and happy new year

[@wesmorey6167]

According to Jeff you should never touch that cold start knob-what we're you thinking?!?🤣🤣

[@highlandcycles]

Haha. Not fouling plugs and not hitting the start button twice like he did.

[@CapesOfficial]

So you’re saying the sx gearbox and gear ratios are better? If so, better how? (Or if I mixed that up, same question haha)

[@highlandcycles]

Not better. Just closer together. Some people like that.

[@rogercrandall2705]

is the sx a 5spd?

[@SamHain2344]

Yes

[@riders.oregon4474]

My 2021 xc has a thermostat. Does the 2023 xc and sx have one ?

[@highlandcycles]

No. Neither have a thermostat

[@johnmarino6444]

I have a question i just rode my 2023 250 sx and i had a few backfire when i shut the bike off when we stopped it happen twice. Also on our second ride of the day after a 15 mile ride we stopped for a few minutes. Went to leave the bike would not start. I Didn't use the cold start. The motor was warm It took 8 times and a little gas to start . Did this happen to anyone else?

[@highlandcycles]

Huh. Might be trying to foul a plug. Switch to a BR7ES

[@ascendotuum]

Hey Morgan, PLEASE help if you can. I picked up a 23 300sx, I always go SX and add an XC tank. KTM or anyone else cannot confirm if I can buy the XC tank only and use the SX pump. They use different fuel pumps but it may just be for the fuel indication. If the pumps are otherwise the same, and the place where the fuel is drawn is the same I should be good to go. Can you confirm? Also, thanks for all the videos, nice to ge the heads up before I start riding it.

[@highlandcycles]

I will try to check. I strongly think that you’d be fine with the SX pump. Of course, having two pumps wouldn’t be terrible. One with each tank so you can swap tanks quickly. I will probably get a second pump when I get another tank.

[@ascendotuum]

True, but the pumps aren’t cheap. I usually just leave the XC tank on for Moto, they don’t interfere too much. Thanks Morgan!

[@highlandcycles]

@@ascendotuum I hear ya. I’ll try to figure it out

[@barswapmedia]

A huge reason for owning a KTM is a 6-speed transmission. I suppose it's for weight savings but I don't know why they wouldn't just put a 6-speed transmission in the SX it's not like it would hurt anything

[@highlandcycles]

I hear ya

[@haroldsmith8454]

My 2014 125SX is a 6 speed trans.

[@GNR325]

Are the bearings and everything sealed the same on both bikes? Just curious as you would expect an XC bike might be built for different conditions.

[@highlandcycles]

Seem to be identical that way.

[@GNR325]

@@highlandcyclesCool. If the power delivery is similar to the XC I may very well go SX. I looked at the gearing and the SX has the same first gear ratio as the pre '23 XC and 2nd gear is even a little lower.

[@highlandcycles]

@@GNR325 I will be riding it this weekend. I have a feeling it’s the same

[@chadguin]

Just grabbed the SX. What you guys running for oil in transmission? You guys motorex or die?

[@matthewmcallister8845]

According to parts numbers the XC and SX use the same pipe. Atleast according to the parts numbers listed on the KTM site.

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks man.

[@Michael-tf3ix]

Witch one will make a better snow bike?

[@highlandcycles]

Probably the SX

[@chriszaeske5090]

I bought a 24xc to put a timbersled on. What makes the sx a better option for that?

[@ronhartle3268]

What should we expect with the upcoming WiFi module?

[@highlandcycles]

I am expecting some access to mapping and code reading. Hoping for code clearing

[@haroldsmith8454]

My 2014 SX has a different cylinder head than the XC/XCW, also the CDI Is different.

[@Adventure_Squidz]

So the xc has a shorter 1st gear and second gear then a taller 3rd gear -5th gear so.its a wide ratio and the sx has more of a race/track bike

[@highlandcycles]

It isn't a w transmission but it is closer to one than they used to be. 1st is low and then they are evenly spaced. Further apart than the sx but closer than the W

[@jvincent1960]

O-ring/X-ring chain?

[@highlandcycles]

No, forgot to mention that. It is a normal moto chain.

[@watts300]

You really make me want a fuel injected two stroke. I’ve stayed away because I don’t want anything carbureted in my life.

[@jasonlash544]

the new airbox cover is a dream to remove compared to my 2020

[@highlandcycles]

Totally

[@georgecarmel6114]

With all the great changes KTM did to the 2023's, why did they decide to use such a cheesy radiator cap? Hopefully All Balls or Tusk will make a better replacement.

[@highlandcycles]

Agree. It does feel solid to be honest. Just a pain to get off

[@mark_Hershey]

Flywheel?

[@SamHain2344]

XC rims are made by giant

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks

[@Tklatti01]

Whats up

[@highlandcycles]

Yo

[@jamesoso259]

Really not the same bike at all out on the trail. The money it would cost you to get the sx close to an xc would make up the price difference

[@highlandcycles]

Depends on the trails you ride. Just took them both out and the SX isn't bad at all on our trails

[@billboard1894]

Change the piston it is junk

[@highlandcycles]

So far mine is ok. We will see though.

[@goodboyringo9716]

If they make a 52 gear sprocket it would give a 3.71 with 14 front. Would that be a good way to bring the SX ( 3.5) gearing in line with he XC ? The XC gearing with the cool 6 speed is hard to beat. One other thing ... XC a trail bike but they put a front suspension so hard for the trails that " it's hard no matter what you do " ?

[@highlandcycles]

Depends on how you ride really. I don't mind mine at all in the easier rocky stuff.

[@haroldsmith8454]

My 2014 SX has a different cylinder head than the XC/EXC, also the CDI Is different.