KTM 150 XCW Review - WHY is LOGAN selling it

[@chrisvozza6530]

We do need more of a variety of smaller bore bikes

[@BackcountryLife]

I know. I am pumped that Beta has a 200 2 Stroke. I wish KTM would make one.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@BackcountryLife I found a low hours semi vintage 200 KTM,Im tricking it out and setting it up.....Ive had 4 of their 200's so far and love em. Spending 9K isnt necessary to go trailriding.

[@BackcountryLife]

@@bradsanders6954 Nice what year is your 200. I wish that the dirt bike. manufactures would bring back more grunty 200's. Your right I think its a huge misconception that you need a 9K bike to have fun.

[@moefoemonkey]

@@BackcountryLife 200s are great in the trails but my god, off the pipe they are slow af

[@angeloaugustus1016]

i realize I am quite randomly asking but does anyone know of a good website to stream new series online?

[@supergarball]

Hey guys. Great discussion. I too have been riding for just under 2 years and I love my 18 Husky TE150. I'm 6'1" and 195lbs (thanks Kyle for the inspiration.... down from 235) and ride single track in the PNW (Vancouver BC area). My buddies keep telling me I should get a 300 for my size and weight, but after trying a few of them, including 250s, I have to agree with Logan, they just pull my arms off when I get tired or twitchy. Most of my riding is very techincal and mistakes usually send me into the trees or hard on rock faces. I like the fact the 150 is so much easier to pick up 20 times a day. There's nothing the 150 can't do vs a 300 in technical single track, period.

[@BackcountryLife]

Yeah there is something to be said about riding a bike that’s not trying to kill you all the time.

[@MountainMXOfficial]

2 things happen, You either start on something smaller and move to the 150 or start on it, then you move to a 250 or 300. OR you start on a 250 or 300 then move to the 150 cause they realize you don't need the 300.

[@mrmikesims]

just picked up a 150 XC W TPI as my trail/single track bike and was worried it would not have enough power to haul my big ass around (6'2" 230) It's got more than enough power and its unbelievably nimble and flickable. Ordered a pro tapper windham mid rise bar and an RK Tek head insert to give it a little more low and mid grunt. I am in love with this bike. The perfect tight woods weapon to build skill and feel confident on.

[@BackcountryLife]

Awesome!! I really like the small bore 2T. I REALLY would like to try out a 150 XCW TPI. Let me know how the RKTEK head does on thee 150. I dream off having a 200 2T TPI with a XC platform.

[@StarbreakerGenX]

Congrats on the new bike man! I'm thinking of getting the same bike. Any trouble with the TPI or idle circuit? I test rode one and it ran like a charm.

[@BackcountryLife]

@@StarbreakerGenX So My 250 XC TPI doesn't idle as well as I would like it. Other than that the bike rips!

[@mrmikesims]

@@StarbreakerGenX Thanks man! I absolutely love it. No problems with the TPI at all. The bike is just pure fun. Like I said I'm 6'2" 230 and it has zero problem hauling me through the woods, mud, or up technical inclines... as long as you're on the pipe. I love the clutch and throttle focus it requires. It lets you know in a second if you're being lazy but is so light and nimble it instills confidence. Like Logan says in the vid, there are things it wont do like a big bore but there are trade off for anything.

[@mrmikesims]

@@BackcountryLife I'm really looking forward to getting the RK Tek in there. I know it won't have 300 low end grunt but a little more low and mid would be awesome. A 200 2T TPI with XC gearing would probably be the perfect storm. They could almost just make that bike and still send their kids to college. Or whatever the owners of KTM do with all that money. I looked really hard at the Beta 200 RR and the Sherco 300sf but the Beta was too small and I didn't want a 4T. If you're ever in Charlotte NC, you're more than welcome to take it for a ride.

[@toddoverby5538]

I was in early on the 2008 KTM 144 sx set up for woods, Still have it and love it. It's everything that's fun about a two stroke. You can ride in the pipe a lot which is so fun to do. Everyone that rides it loves it but you need to be a person that is looking to ride a two stroke in every sense. It will surprise you and make you smile.

[@BackcountryLife]

I can smell and hear it revving. That’s what’s it’s all about....the smile factor.

[@jgl255]

Solid review, I have been trying to find some reviews on the 150 XC-W TPI however this will do. I got out of the sport almost two years ago, switched over from the sport quad world and hopped onto a '08 CRF250R SE, it was a great bike but for trail riding for a beginner/novice rider it was a little too much to handle in my opinion. I feel this would be a great bike to hone in on some skills and have for many years to come.

[@BackcountryLife]

Yes, it is a great bike and perfect for your situation.

[@brookeday4796]

I got a TE150 after my 85sxs and it was the perfect first full-sized bike that I could get. Thanks for the detailed reveiw, it was spot on!

[@BackcountryLife]

Your welcome we love the 150. What year is your TE150?

[@brookeday4796]

A 2018! I believe they are the same as the 17’s.

[@BackcountryLife]

Yes they are but there was major updates in 2017 that made the 150 even better! Are you running Tubliss?

[@brookeday4796]

I am getting a set of TuBliss soon. What are your thoughts on the Rekluse clutch?

[@BackcountryLife]

So I’m conflicted on the rekluse .... I can see the value in being able to not kill the bike and motor over everything. However the rekluse does suck some of your power and your bike will run hotter. I personally don’t use one and if your main goal is just to have fun then I don’t see any problem with it but if your goal is to master the bike then I would pass on the rekluse.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

If I owned both of those bikes at one point, do I get a cut on all this ad rev? :) Nice Vid guys!

[@BackcountryLife]

Haha sure! You know how much ads pay.

[@clintg325]

I thought these guys sounded familiar, could not put my finger on it till Kyle mentioned that he owned both of these bikes👍 hope channel takes off

[@BackcountryLife]

@@clintg325 Hahah Thanks Clint

[@jameskoskinen6763]

Great video and appreciate the fact that you're looking at other brands besides KTM. I'm subbing to see what content you guys come up with next

[@BackcountryLife]

Thank you for the sub. Logan’s current bike is a Beta 200 RR

[@kylehardley]

I'm looking to buy a 150 tpi for single track and midwest enduro racing. Sounds like this is a great bike, thanks for the video.

[@BackcountryLife]

The 150 is sweet. We had a Lectron on ours. I think the TPI will make it even better.

[@MotoAnthony]

did you ever find one? I'm looking for one now in October 2021...

[@kylehardley]

@@MotoAnthony ended up picking up a 2021 GasGas MC125 for my 13 year old. Its suspension is pretty light and its a pretty sweet little bike. Never did find a 150 by the time we needed it.

[@b1slyfox]

Find some demo days if you want to try some other bikes. I just did the Beta Demo Day and the 200 was a blast the rest of their stuff I'd only consider the race versions.

[@BackcountryLife]

That’s a solid idea but most of the demo days aren’t close. Yeah my buddy Kyle has the 200 right now and I’m sure I’ll get the chance to ride it.

[@tim9284]

4 years later….did Logan regret selling it ?

[@BackcountryLife]

Nope because we got these instead- 2023 Yamaha YZ125X vs 2023 KTM 125XC first impressions kzbin.info/www/bejne/j16bZJKCmtB6ZsU

[@antonievantonder3267]

I’m 14 and 5’8” and weight 130 and, this would be my first full size bike, I had a 140cc off brand two stroke, but had to sell it at eight years old since we moved and couldn’t bring it with us, wondering if the 150 will be the right bike?

[@BackcountryLife]

Yes, it will be a great bike for you.

[@PoppaWheelies]

I started riding at 4 years old . I’m 30 Now . Been off a bike 5 years or so . Started on a Yamaha 100, then a KDX200 2 stroke at 11 years old , then a yz450f at 20. I wanted a new KTM 200, but they don’t offer it any more. Think the 150 is too small for me ? Keep in mind I could not push the 450 to the limit , I really putted it around unless I was in the wide open, then I would rip it

[@BackcountryLife]

Yeah I’m sad that KTM doesn’t make a 200 anymore. The 150 makes most of its power in the mid to high range of the powerband. This makes it a bit trickier to keep the bike under power. I rode a 2020 Beta 200 and it’s one of my favorite motors. The beta has good low end torque without ripping your arms of on the top of the power band. Where to you like to ride?

[@PoppaWheelies]

Thanks for the reply ! I like to ride everything . Fire roads , horse trails , pastures , atv trails . I live in north east Texas and it’s really limited around here , take what you can get . I sold my yz450f to get a RZR for family time . My son is now on a crf50, so it won’t be long until we go as a biking pair . I’m almost tempted to get a 350EXC or 500EXC so I can get a plate and ride to work. I’m literally 2 miles from work . I still have the KDX200 but it’s a basket case . I’m thinking I might be happier getting a ready to ride bigger KTM and then rebuild my 200 to ride off-road exclusively

[@BackcountryLife]

If that is the case then a 4 stroke will probably be a better bet.

[@PoppaWheelies]

Backcountry , I am now the proud owner of a CRF450L . I’ve ridden it to work and that was one of my major deciding factors . Street legal out of the crate , and a dealership 12 minutes from my home . Nearest KTM is 3 hours away . Thanks for your advice . I love the Honda !

[@BackcountryLife]

manofrock07 awesome! Pumped for you. One of these days I would like to swing a leg over the Honda 450L

[@hillbillydeluxe08]

So im on a 04 honda 125 with a 53 rear sprocket and the smallest in the front. I think its 11. My problem is super tight super steep on hill starts or hills with no run up. Where does this 150 thing live compared to a 2017 ktm 250xc? I love the light weight but the missing power off the pipe on this 125 makes me have to ride the 250

[@bradsanders6954]

2020 BETA 200.....................241lbs full o gas........but they feel light.

[@BackcountryLife]

Logan just picked up a 2020 Beta 200RR. We are excited to see what it can do.

[@markmtbrider]

Beta 200 , now if you really want to try something different, get an xr 600. Test that out for a bit , then move back to the modern middle ground.

[@BackcountryLife]

Yeah I have spent time on a XR400 but not a 600 or 650. I did ride a 650 around the parking lot once. The Beta 200 would be a really cool bike to try out.

[@markmtbrider]

@@BackcountryLife here in Ohio/ky woods, one of my favorite all time bikes is the kdx 200/220. Shame on Kawasaki for giving up on it . They like the rest, save for the 1/2 hearted yz250x, missed out on the 2t renaissance. The 200 beta may be the perfect replacement, if as dependable.

[@BackcountryLife]

@markmtbrider Seriously Shame on Kawasaki....in fact shame on all motorcycle manufactures that gave up on 2 strokes. Everyone that I run into riding a KDX says the same thing.....Everyone loves them. Yeah It will be interesting to see how the beta does. Initial reports are good so far. Hopefully its reliable.

[@RingerRacing]

thanks i cant decide if i should snag a te150i 2018 for a really good price or go with ha 250 lol

[@BackcountryLife]

Man it’s a tough decision. I’m a fan of both but the 150 requires a bit more input to perform well in gnarly single track. Are you getting a 250 2T? The 250 2T will lug better. We have a beta 200rr and I wish ktm made a motor like the beta 200. It’s got plenty of grunt but doesn’t rip your arms off.

[@RingerRacing]

@@BackcountryLife awesome.. a friend has the older ktm exc 200 2t and loves it... i have a 09 te250i 4stroke as my first bike and needing a second bike .. since i already have a low tq bike i might just get the 250 2t or save $$ and go with an older 200 if one pops up ..

[@BackcountryLife]

I like that plan!

[@TheRossillini]

Bought my husqvarna te150 2 days ago and rode the bike for the first time yesterday and to be honest it's the best bike I've ever rode. Plenty of power but then again i only weigh 150 pounds.

[@BackcountryLife]

Nice! The 150 can rip. It’s like a mountain bike with a motor haha. Sounds like you don’t need to be convinced on how rad the 150 is.

[@sirwiplash]

TheRossillini if you ever feel like it’s not enough, throw in better reeds, new head/ head insert, maybe a pipe! I have everything but a new pipe on my 17 150 xcw and it made a solid difference. That little extra low end is nice! I think I’ll keep mine forever.

[@BackcountryLife]

@@sirwiplash Which pipe and head did you put on?

[@sirwiplash]

Backcountry Life lol I haven’t actually put a pipe yet... everything but one... I plan to put the titanium 2.1 silencer along with an expansion chamber to compliment it. Atm I’m saving my money for my new house... once I’m moved in and comfortable again, I’ll probably cave and get one though! 🤙😝

[@BackcountryLife]

@@sirwiplash Very nice. Life gets in the way of buying dirtbike parts...

[@andrejskamla9736]

How many moto hours do you have on your 250xc and how many has logan got?

[@BackcountryLife]

I have 50 hours and Logan’s YZ has 10 hours

[@andrejskamla9736]

@@BackcountryLife and how about his older ktm xcw 150?

[@BackcountryLife]

We didn’t have an hour meter on the 150 but it was around 100 hours

[@andrejskamla9736]

@@BackcountryLife isn't there one already in the speedo?

[@BackcountryLife]

Yes I forgot about that

[@gearhigher2027]

LOGAN Got BETA 200 RR?

[@BackcountryLife]

No Logan ended up getting a YZ250x

[@parkerjohnson1781]

I love my 07 ktm200xc

[@BackcountryLife]

Nice I wish KTM would bring back the 200xc.

[@parkerjohnson1781]

@@BackcountryLife I've heard rumors that it's coming back in 2024

[@BackcountryLife]

That would be amazing

[@cameronmorris6661]

Dude get a Sherco 300 Ser f 4 stroke

[@BackcountryLife]

I really like the Sherco 300 SER F its a really good 4 strokes in my opinion.

[@MotoScootMech]

Came for information on the 150, ended up watching 13 minutes of nonsense.

[@BackcountryLife]

I would be happy to help you with more info if you would like. Email me at sam @backcountrymtnlife.com

[@agungsetiyawan6421]

What part do you changes after 100 hour?

[@BackcountryLife]

No changes at 100 hours.

[@desirae6866]

Piston??

[@BackcountryLife]

Desi Rae you can but ours didn’t need it.

[@jestonjump5647]

Dig it

[@BackcountryLife]

👊 thanks

[@tylerhutchins5608]

You guys could have more subs and views

[@BackcountryLife]

Thanks we are just getting started!

[@Mattsharona]

This was painful, couldn’t get past 2:30 minutes. Starting with making a huge deal about going off a little ledge over and over. Tip... get to the point

[@BackcountryLife]

thanks for the feedback