No Power? 2024 KTM 300XC-W Review

2024 KTM 300XCW first impressions ride. KTM claims 95% new bike, so much has changed on the model from the TBI motor and electronic power valve to a new frame and swingarm. The new forks are fantastic and the TBI motor has way better throttle response than the previous TPI bikes. KTM hit it out of the part with this bike I believe it's the best dirt bike they have ever produced.
Check out Russ's channel for more content on this bike / @thesmoness
* Please note I will not discuss locations publicly in the comments section.
/ pnwenduro
/ pnwenduro

[@stewy_604]

Great review Greg, thanks for posting!

[@jppoirier475]

Great to get your perspective on the bike, I want one!

[@garrickpridemore1235]

I'm getting ready to buy the 2024 XC-W 300 Hard Enduro. This video further solidified the purchase, thanks!

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

It seems like aside for some small stuff, KTM really delivered with this model.

[@motionfactoryracing5914]

Love the review, love all the content you put out. Excited to get on one of those. Let us know if you ever want to review some Motion Footpegs on your channel. Cheers.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks!

[@mxbadboy263]

Same tight single track like I ride. I can't see where there's any advantage to tbi in these conditions. I can definitely see an advantage for fuel injection for the boys out west that have big changes in elevation over a days ride. Side note: I've owned and loved my Ktm's but everyone of them had terrible forks. There is no excuse for them not coming stock with cone valves. It's a simple small valve.

[@yumaxr]

Another excellent review! I'm on a 2023 XC and LOVE it for open desert.

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes the extra power on the xc would be great for the desert!

[@yumaxr]

@@PNWEnduro I could easily live with either the XC or XC-W. You're right though, for your neck of the woods the XC-W makes more sense and would be my first choice.

[@Shareeftraish]

Love your videos. I love my 24 xcw but I wish it had a little more power.

[@PNWEnduro]

Have you tried both maps? For these tight trails the power was perfect.

[@onthethrottle7104]

Great ride and overview PNW Enduro. I have seen others also say the front fender is wider but it's not ... I have 19, 20, 22 and 24 XCW's in my shop and the fenders are all the same size. The only difference is the 24 back portion of the front fender has the ribs. EDIT: I decided to measure the fenders and sure enough the 24 is about 1" wider in one area. They look the same and have the same design but the new fender is wider. Also, the long front radiator shrouds that almost touch the front fender are great when going through trails with tree branches, bushes and stuff that normally catch on shrouds...the front wheel and fender push the bush and branches but the shrouds don't catch hardly ever vs as before since the new design is more closed off. Put a Mako 360 set-up on the bike and wow a full package woods and trail weapon for sure.

[@stevedouglas1654]

Good review. I’m still going with the 24 Husky TX300 with Rockstar graphics kit. Hate the gray shrouds and yellow rear fender. I do a lot of MX tracks and fast desert riding outside of Bend Oregon ( China Hat ) 👍

[@PNWEnduro]

Sounds like the TX/XC models are more suited to the riding you do for sure.

[@glahut93]

The composite surfaces on them are fragile and very expensive

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Great review. Just subscribed.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks and welcome to the channel!

[@BraaapoholicBob]

Just want I wanted to hear...looking at the new 2024 XC-W's now. I am more a desert southwest rider but still I like the W Vs the XC. Great video.

[@ryandevall-Alberta]

Good review bud!

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks!

[@sao007]

thx for the review bro :) i keep my 250 xc 2023 it can do all. thx ktm for the w ratio on xc model :)

[@PNWEnduro]

The new 250xc is a lot of fun!

[@powderiders6054]

looks sick! I dunno if I should keep my 2009 200 xcw which still rips ..... or get this bike, and have a more powerful modern 2-stroke with more grunt especially in 2nd and 3rd... !

[@tomlivesey7548]

Nice review. How did you find the seat height compared to your Sherco?

[@PNWEnduro]

It sits a lot higher.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

A technical note: WP has released a 7500 drop in fork insert kit which turns these new KTM forks into cone valves. About $1500-$1700 US.

[@PNWEnduro]

I dunno, the forks are already really good, I would not spend that much since I'm already happy with how they feel.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@PNWEnduro For sure, but maybe for the semi pro racer guys it’s a useful option. I’m slow so I’ll never know. 😂

[@VikVik-je8go]

​@@lostinpa-dadenduro7555the kit wp 6500 doesn't work on this models?

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@VikVik-je8go It does not appear so. The 7500 Cone Valve inserts are for this new fork. WP does not list the 6500 for it.

[@nightrider4370]

Midwest lever any good?

[@sdr7008]

Great review. I bought a 2023 350XCF-FE last year. Thought it would be a cool woods bike... but wow... no. Instead its turned out to be the best MX bike I've ever had, and so now selling my 2019 sx350. The new XCs are so hot.. too hot for tight woods like in this video. So this W looks like my next woods bike.

[@eighty_eight]

Yeah just traded my 23 250 xc-f for one of these. The xc-f would flame out often on anything technical.

[@jarvis2101]

How do you think it compares to the beta? Cockpit space? Is the beta still more nimble?

[@TraderRY]

Where’d you get the bike? What’s a good spot to get decent priced bike to rip around on?

[@davewatson28655]

What guards did you put on the swing arm? Year model etc.

[@harleycarter3982]

Whats the best front tire do you think?

[@maucina12]

great video! How big is rider cockpit compared to older tpi bikes? I am a tall rider and that was my biggest problem with sherco

[@PNWEnduro]

I think it feels smaller than the previous ktm frames, like I’m over the front of the bars more which is great. Others think it feels longer. I like the new frames quite a bit.

[@travesiamotos]

what is the swingarm protectors that you are using?

[@offroadtrailrider77]

How does the suspension compare to the 2023 XC with air forks? Great video.

[@PNWEnduro]

Better. I’m not a fan of air forks. New closed cartridge forks are great.

[@dynamitecreekvet]

At 6:45 is the kind of trail I’ll ride in heaven. 😁 Anyways I just got the 24 XCW, pulls way harder than my ‘19 tpi first impressions

[@BlueThunder69NZ]

The footage is lovely and clear. Great light in the forest! What camera are you running? I keep thinking I’ll hold onto my suped up 17 beta Xtrainer until petrol bikes are banned. But jumped back on it after a quick blast on my wr450f and my teeth almost rattled out. How smooth in terms of vibes are the new tbi engines?

[@PNWEnduro]

The TBI is really smooth, same as the older TPI bikes in terms of vibrations. I'm using the DJI Osmo Action 3 camera.

[@timshields3377]

​@@PNWEnduro how do get clear audio ofyour voice while you are riding?

[@PNWEnduro]

This is just the camera mic and I have wind screens over the mic’s. I’m not satisfied with how it picks up my voice so I’ll be adding an external mic eventually.

[@xcRaD28]

Nice review, Russ's channel link is 404'ing

[@PNWEnduro]

Fixed it. Thanks for letting me know!

[@user-md7fn4qd2f]

what swingarm guards are those?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Great video Greg!

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks!

[@shaneburesh9173]

What brand foot pegs are those?

[@GNR325]

Do you feel you need a fan on the 250XC for this type of trail? That is a bit of an issue now with the smaller stator on the XC models. Maybe the 250 doesn't overheat as quickly as the 300 would? I would almost think the TBI may run a little cooler than the TPI given it has a constant (and higher most of the time) fuel/oil ratio? Thanks.

[@PNWEnduro]

Fan is a must on all tpi/tbi bikes imo.

[@mikemiracle3616]

Could you give the trail systems your riding in the videos. Looking for more places to visit. Thanks

[@PNWEnduro]

No, I will not post locations publicly for several reasons. If you want a detailed explanation watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jojZnIpse96Imck With all the resources available to us today you should not have any problems finding places to visit.

[@painsrides3616]

Its a little hard to judge when you're reviewing a bike that's been "customized". Bars and pegs can change the character of a bike.... But there's no doubt the new TBI engine, tranny and suspension are at the top of the off-road game.

[@PNWEnduro]

I stayed away form the XC-W's because of the transmission in the past, now it's great.

[@micahnuckols5046]

What camera are you using? The content looks good.

[@PNWEnduro]

This was filmed with the DJI Osmo Action 3. That camera actually had a faulty lens and was replaced by DJI after this, you can see some flickering effect in some of the shots here. I'm now back to GoPro.

[@yangminlee5785]

how do you compare the bike betweem your lovely sherco se 300 factory?

[@PNWEnduro]

Hate to say it but I might like this one more. If Sherco doesn't come through with the updated bike and TBI next year I may be switching back.

[@toddborn1365]

KTM always ahead of the game and innovating. That’s why they’re number one. looks like you’re ready to come back to the orange side.

[@PNWEnduro]

They are, although TM went to TBI first! Depends on what Sherco does on the 2025 bike, I may be switching back.

[@craigsteinman9807]

#1 in innovating?..not..Yamaha is..first one to have ..single shock..power valve. Safety seat. Watercooling....the sss suspension which is still the industry standard ..bullet proof reliabilty..

[@PNWEnduro]

@craigsteinman LOL okay yes Yamaha may have done all that but this is 2023 and they have not changed their YZ250X since it came out in 2017. Like it or not KTM is pushing two stroke innovation more than any other company.

[@craigsteinman9807]

@@PNWEnduro oh don't get me wrong I luv it that ktm is furthering devolopment.and the tbi is fantastic .to be honest imma a little pissed of Yamaha is not doing more.i have an 2016 yzx 250 and luv it..do i want more? hell yes I do .but the yz 250 2t is still raced at the highest of levels..and they sell a alotta of them ..they won't innovate until sales drop..which is inevitable if ktm keeps Goin like it is

[@OtisFlint]

@@craigsteinman9807 Sales plummeted nearly a decade ago. There are 6-8 Austrian bikes for every YZ in the northeast woods. Yamaha has done nothing innovative in decades. The small updates add up to nothing, they haven't made real progress since 2006.

[@NorthWestEnduro]

What microphone set up are you using?

[@PNWEnduro]

Just the built in camera mic for now. DJI Osmo Action 3.

[@ridendrive]

Having just ridden the 24 XCW as well, I felt it was also a good step in the right direction, fuel mapping still was not ideal, but suspension, chassis, geometry all felt good. I still think Beta has an overall more rideable and superior running carb motor, I think TBI is a huge improvement, but honestly still not better than a properly tuned carb.

[@onthethrottle7104]

I felt the TBI was better than my carb bike but it is very close. The TBI bike goes through a lot of fuel, like 20% more fuel than a TPI and carb bike, it's strange... Maybe a smart carb would run better though.

[@allen-lp1yu]

So the trasmission on the 24 xcw is the same as 24 xc 300. The only differences are suspension and sprockets???

[@PNWEnduro]

Mapping, bigger stator on XCW and lights and trip computer. XC is premix, XCW is oil injected.

[@ppc8028]

The only reason to decide between XC or XC-W is if you want the oil injection or not. :)

[@onthethrottle7104]

Not really. The new XCW is easily oil deleted. So it's up to whether you want a true trail enduro bike or more of a fast running race woods bike. Both are superior bikes.

[@MechShark]

XC-W also has a heavier flywheel to help with technical riding, plus a beefier stator for the headlight (which will help with a fan). Choice really boils down to how you want the suspension valved and if you want a 300 that absolutely rips (XC).

[@pro_grapist]

Hi, thanks for the review. How do you think the new WP closed cartridge forks compare to Sherco's KYB forks and which one do you like better stock?

[@PNWEnduro]

Stock for stock ktm feels better. This Ktm had an advantage with tubes instead of mousses and no full wrap guards though.

[@dcarnaldo]

Which do you think is better quality/price, the TM 300 TBI or the KTM 300 TBI XCW?

[@PNWEnduro]

Ktm. The TM feels more like a race model like the ktm xc bikes.

[@mikeburnett6222]

I see that bike has a set of Astra bars on it. Do you know which one?

[@PNWEnduro]

Aurora, I think they are the 37mm.

[@owenstasik2627]

Would you recommend the KTM 250xc, 300xc or 250xc-w, 300xc-w, Im 17 years old 6 foot and 185 pounds no gear, I’d say I’m a experienced rider I have no experience with a 2 stroke Dirtbike, I ride. 4 stroke Honda 230f and a 2 stroke 1987 Honda trx250r quad. I ride trails similar to yours but in western Pennsylvania, we have lots of roots, rock gardens, hill climbs and creek crossings, I travel the railroad tracks to get to the trails, I like to be able to tractor up hills when necessary and I like having a lot of low end grunt but I also like to go fast when getting to the trails. I think I like the look of the xc it “looks” slimmer and less chunky in the handle bar area but I want what’s going to work best. I would love to hear your advice! Thanks

[@PNWEnduro]

More slower, technical riding 300xcw. XC is not as good in this type of terrain and more suited to faster desert style riding. The 250 will do anything the 300 will but not as much bottom end grunt.

[@owenstasik2627]

@@PNWEnduro Thanks for the response do you like the 250 or 300 xc-w better, why would you buy a 250 if the 300 seems better. What’s the pros and cons of both? Thanks

[@PNWEnduro]

I prefer the 300. 300 has more torque and requires less shifting. It will also have better resale value if that's a factor for you. 250 is higher reving and more playful feeling so some riders prefer that. Although they are the same weight, the 250 will feel lighter due to less rotating mass in the motor.

[@vaenii5056]

I can't speak from personal experience because it has been a while since I have even owned a bike but if you are 185 pounds then definitely 300xc-w. However there are some people who prefer 250. For example if you weigh 120 - 140 pounds then you may appreciate the slightly lighter feel more than the extra grunt. Some also like to ride more on the pipe and work harder. However for the vast majority 300 is the best option.

[@MechShark]

Bike sounded a bit gurgly at low speed off the clutch. Those Midwest lever plungers can really mess with the clutch bite. Had to ditch mine and put the old school spring back in. Seemed to stall a few times or was that user error?

[@PNWEnduro]

I'm not a fan of the Midwest lever either. No stalls, perhaps some rider error on my part. I thought the bike was very stall resistant.

[@stevenllewellyn8906]

Sounds like my 22’ te300i tpi does

[@tcheek20]

What state are you in? What trail system?

[@PNWEnduro]

Please read the video description.

[@tawerner2]

Did you like it enough to ditch the Sherco?

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes. It will depend on what Sherco does on their 2025 models.

[@gokselperksoy8533]

Maybe alteady someone asked buy can u tell the camera you use

[@PNWEnduro]

I have both the GoPro 12 and the DJI Osmo Action 3. This was filmed with the OA3.

[@hig4s]

I don't see the oil tank, for the oil injection? I thought all sizes of 2024 xc-w had oil injection?

[@PNWEnduro]

It is oil injected.

[@hig4s]

Oh, so the oil tank cap was hidden under the bar bag?

[@PNWEnduro]

Correct.

[@jigsaw666jigsaw]

I tried it today and a feel it a lot heavier than previous TPI. Did you noticed this?

[@PNWEnduro]

I did not find it felt heavier.

[@cnw-jd9tt]

if only i waited a year hahaha i have a 22 xc-w

[@jamesking4225]

I keep expecting mick dodge to come running across the trail

[@woodman4989]

He's probably drunk and sleeping under a stump.

[@jamesking4225]

@@woodman4989 lmfao

[@Shareeftraish]

I know these questions get old but…. I’m thinking of trading my 23 300xcw for a TM 300en. Yes or no?!

[@PNWEnduro]

The TM is closer to the new KTM XC bikes, more power and harder hitting. The 2023 XCW is still TPI which I personally don't really care for. Depends how happy you are with the current bike and if you want a big change going to a TM. I have seen a couple very low hours TM's have major engine issues recently so that concerns me.

[@OldManWibble]

Do you know if he lowered his gearing by changing the rear sprocket to one larger?

[@PNWEnduro]

He is running 12/46.

[@OldManWibble]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@OldManWibble]

I assume that's to avoid having to move the rear tire too close to the mud guard/swingarm? Doesn't make 1st too low?

[@PNWEnduro]

Yeah you can always adjust chain length if needed. I think it's too low but he likes it. I have stock gearing on my TE300.

[@unodue7667]

L'erogazione della potenza è migliore perché avranno montato una CPU più potente in grado di gestire meglio la nuova dislocazione degli iniettori. Power delivery is better because they will have fitted a more powerful CPU that can better handle the new injector placement.

[@Coal-Creek-Rider]

The rear sprocket looks different from stock. Is it still stock gearing?

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes, stock is 13/45, this bike has 12 /46.

[@Coal-Creek-Rider]

@@PNWEnduro 12/46 is a tad lower right? Either your input was really on or the gearing was more real responsive

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes it’s lower gearing than stock. I did not think I’d like it but it worked well. I think people who have had the previous xcw’s will want to go lower than the stock gearing.

[@Coal-Creek-Rider]

@@PNWEnduro think it would work on my XC I am usually running a lot of technical stuff like the really technical trail you was on with the baby head rocks and moss.

[@PNWEnduro]

Oh for sure stock gearing works fine as well though. Russ wanted to be able to use 2nd gear more, so he lowered the gearing.

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

That front fender looks ridiculous

[@donproper3632]

Anybody thinks that bike doesn't have enough power for that type of riding needs to have their head examined

[@PNWEnduro]

I was kind of teasing the comments DBC was making about it. It doesn’t hit like the xc model but it’s still got plenty of power and great delivery of that power imo.

[@OtisFlint]

@@PNWEnduro To be fair, he has more open terrain than we do. I wouldn't want an XC in tight woods, or an XC-W in open desert.

[@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...

[@PNWEnduro]

You are comparing a 450 MX bike to a cross country enduro bike. Woods suspension is way softer than track suspension. Don't know where you ride but come ride these trails on both bikes and see which one you like better.

[@JoshStreetDesign]

@@PNWEnduro Yeah I understand the whole suspension difference but it's more about the difference in power. I thought the 300 would have way more power than that