Top 5 Dirt Bikes Of 2023

My picks for the top 5 enduro bikes in 2023. These are picks from the bikes I rode this year that I had the most fun on and I give preference to bikes that have improvements over the pervious years models.
* Please note I will not discuss locations publicly in the comments section.
/ pnwenduro
/ pnwenduro

[@GrotrianSeiler]

“I can also complain because I don’t own one “, that was the best line in the video. Huge endorsement. Great content

[@timshields3377]

Great video! This was the first time we have seen you. Do more of this!

[@ebalmes]

I love your videos so much. They get me pumped for springtime riding! And you do such a great job recording. I love my 89 xr250r. I partially rebuilt the bike, and it rips through the enduro trails like you ride on. Thanks for the videos. Always a thumbs up.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thank you for the support 🙏

[@onthethrottle7104]

I remember watching you ride the 2024 KTM 300 XCW and wow did you rock it! Great pick and coming from you really solidifies the number 1 pick. Excellent selection.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks a ton! If I could get the seat height a bit lower on the XC-W it would be just about perfect.

[@zachhaller]

@@PNWEndurohow about a TE300 with linkage?

[@PNWEnduro]

@zachhaller I thought seriously about getting the TE300 and I have not owned a Husky yet but here's the thing. The TE300 is usually a couple hundred more and you get Braktec brakes instead of Brembo. The specd seat height is only 1/2" lower and the weight is listed at 6lbs more. The TE300 Pro looks cool but all you really get is a fan, rotor guards and the brakes that already come on the KTM for 2K more. Husqvarna is said to be the "premium brand" in the KTM family but it really isn't. I also was really not impressed with the salesperson I spoke to at my local Husqvarna dealer.

[@zachhaller]

@@PNWEnduro ahh ok, I missed the 6lb. weight difference. I put ESC red pads in my 23 TX300 with Braktec’s and they are not as grabby as the stocks. Love your videos man, keep em’ coming!

[@onthethrottle7104]

@@PNWEnduro Perfectly said! I always wondered why they say the Husky is the premium brand, but KTM is clearly the winner of the brand. Go and get the new KTM XCW and lower it. There are some great kits out there.

[@matthewcrino5826]

WOW!!! Glad to hear your choices. For the riding time you get and the opportunity to change bikes, this is a respectable review. I'm super biased though since I bought my wife and 17 year old daughter the 2023 BETA Xtrainer and just swapped my 2023 300 XC-W for the 2024 300 XC-W HARDENDURO Edition. Love both bikes but the new KTM is blowing my mind and I only have a few hours on it. Feeling the new KTM is heavily steering me to do some Xtrainer suspension upgrades but I've already completed the factory lowering kit install so I'm not too sure what can be done after. Thanks for another relaxed video and a great perspective.👍🏻 Cheers...-M

[@PNWEnduro]

If you really want to go all in Beta sells shorter KYB forks for the Xtrainer.

[@matthewcrino5826]

@@PNWEnduro Oh... didn't know that...😲 Damn...I might have gone that route if I knew.

[@darinvanderpol3351]

Loved your review of the bikes! I have a '24 300xcw and really enjoy it, a lot more than my TPI.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks. TBI>TPI.

[@dominocweber9763]

Cool man! All great bikes! I wish I could have them all

[@PNWEnduro]

You and me both!

[@sabilycollection1910]

The last KTM 2024 is very good, suspension and engine ❤

[@MrJones-ue2tw]

And here I am riding my yz250x still 😂

[@PNWEnduro]

As long as you are having fun that's all that counts.

[@WinnerSinner]

Bro your on one of the best bikes, all the bikes he named break easily

[@Bsteazy]

What made you choose the 250 in the XC version vs the 300 in the XCW?

[@MP-wc2wh]

Greg, excellent videos; love your channel and especially look forward to your bike and product reviews. I was wondering if you have tested the Beta 390rr. Hearing good things about the 2023 model. Would really like to hear you compare it to the Sherco 300 SEF.

[@PNWEnduro]

I have not had a chance to ride a 390RR since the 2018 model, so it's been a while. 390 owners are always raving about how good that bike is though. I remember preferring the short stroke motor of the 350 over the long stroke 390.

[@rayheppner8391]

Good to hear your perspectives however I would think that the 2024 KTM should be in next years review but it sounds like a winner.

[@PNWEnduro]

It's silly how they do it but people have had some of the 2024 models since May 2023.

[@fynn8252]

Hey Greg, great coverage on all these models! I'm a 4-stroke type of guy and enjoy riding the 2020 WR250F. I'm interested in that SEF 300 since it seems like the perfect step up for enduro riding. Sometimes I find myself in hairy situations and want that extra stroke/lugability. Then I like to have suspension that won't hold me back in cross country. Has the sherco treated you well?

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks. Yes the Sherco 300SEF has been amazing for me. I'm at 50 hours on it and I have not had any problems. I did have the forks revalved as they were too stiff when I got the bike. I've actually put more hours on the 4T since I got it than the 2T. The 2024 model with new motor, swingarm and LED headlight looks great as well but it's also rumored to be getting an all new frame, bodywork and diaphragm clutch on the 2025 model.

[@fynn8252]

@@PNWEnduro Glad to hear! Seems like Sherco isn’t messing around. Look forward to the changes next year. Might have to pick up a used one during that time as well. 👍

[@jackflynn9169]

You tested a TM 300 and it didn’t make your list or was it a 2022 ? Guess I will search back and read up. I would also like to hear your opinion on the smart carb vs the new tbi as that May be the decision I will be faced with which one to buy after I put another 100 hours on my sherco. Thanks for your input.

[@PNWEnduro]

Yeah the TM was back in 2022. With how the new TBI bikes run I'm ready to leave carbs behind. I've been having issues with the SC again now we are getting into the cold wet weather and they have sent me another new carb, it's the 3rd SC on the Sherco in 250 hours. If you are waiting another 100 engine hours you may have the option of the 2025 300SE TBI by then.

[@easternyellowjacket276]

Although people seem to love bikes that have newer things, is there any concern about failures on all of this technology? What about parts pricing, availability, etc? Are these things bulletproof? There is more to motorcycle ownership and satisfaction than just having new trinkets. If they don't last or are expensive to maintain, are they really worth it?

[@Mostviews111]

I would buy an x trainer tomorrow if they had kyb

[@PNWEnduro]

Beta sells shorter KYB forks to fit the XTrainer. Might be an option to upgrade if you live somewhere that offers the BYOB program.

[@joshdoman1929]

How do you think the ktm 250xc compares to your sherco 2stroke. I have been riding ktm for years and was thinking of changing. I was hoping sherco would have been fuel injected this year.

[@PNWEnduro]

The 250xc has more explosive power, it's a full on race bike where the Sherco is more suited to hard enduro. I'm also disappointed Sherco pushed back the TBI bike until 2025.

[@roryhamilton9426]

I’ve got a Beta 200rr and would like to upgrade it for something a little more smoother and less vibration - how do you compare the beta 200 vs ktm 300, much in the weight department?

[@PNWEnduro]

I don't think the weight difference is a lot physically but the 200cc engine gives it a lighter feel. The KTM is a lot more agile and has better handling than the Beta.

[@maxiii0820]

I thought the Sherco SEF300 2024 got a new engine 🤔

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes but those 24’s are not even out yet in North America as far as I’ve seen, I’m riding a 2023 here.

[@TechEnduro]

🍊#️⃣1️⃣

[@PNWEnduro]

I have a feeling I'll never hear the end of this from you now!

[@clinteasterly1334]

All those bikes are garbage, Where's the Reiju and the YZ250X

[@zachhaller]

Still on the showroom floors, unlike the XC-W’s…

[@PNWEnduro]

Reiju is not even sold in Canada and I'm not interested in reviewing a bike that has not changed since 2016.

[@jereg1791]

I hear you... But perhaps an interesting idea for videos in the near future would be taking 3 new bikes and then throwing a perfect running old bike in the mix for a curveball. For example: Beta XT VS KTM xcw VS Sherco 250se VS KDX220 @@PNWEnduro

[@PNWEnduro]

I do think a Beta 200rr vs an old KTM 200xc-w would be an interesting test.

[@AaronsEnduro]

the 23 beta x trainer really is a tight woods weapon! linear tractable power! Absolutely love mine to death!

[@PNWEnduro]

I was really impressed with it! Also rode one with KYB fork, Ohlin's shock and the 300rr pipe.

[@AaronsEnduro]

@@PNWEnduro and how was that! I’m tempted to get my suspension redone, but not 100% on what kit i want to go with

[@PNWEnduro]

It's a great setup but they had it valved really stiff so it did not work well for me. The pipe gave it a bit more power.

[@barrygibson1514]

Great review 👍 I’ll be buying 2-3 bikes at the end of winter/early spring I have a 250 XC and was set on buying a GasGas 300 2 stroke (can’t remember the model number 😂) I might have to rethink this now??? What is your opinion on this? Just curious, I also respect your input 👍 I’ll probably get a beta cross trainer for my fiancé so she can learn to ride (she has a four wheeler) Nice I can get a lowering kit to 👍 Thanks again Buddy Take care and stay safe out there

[@matthewcrino5826]

Been watching your vids too...good stuff as well.

[@BornAGoon]

How much, if at all, does that 4-stroke vibrate compared to the 2-stroke? Never liked 4-stroke dirtbikes, but the Sherco 300 has my interest. I'm just curious how close to a 2-t handling-wise is it?

[@PNWEnduro]

The four stroke has very little vibration, similar to a counterbalanced KTM. As far as handling, very similar to my 300SE but you do have to adjust your riding style to the motor.

[@richardhammond2633]

Great review. Pity about the high seat height on the Ktm 300.

[@PNWEnduro]

I notice the seat foam is quite tall, I figure I could shave 1-1.5" off of it and still be comfortable. The specs list it as only 1/2" taller than the TE300 with linkage.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

I can confirm my 23 tx300 tbi is a SOLID 1" lower than a 24 300w

[@PNWEnduro]

Good to know. The 24’s have the new suspension and the forks are longer, so the 24 husky will be taller than the 23.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

Yea I just added slaven raven cc inserts to my 23 aer. They are REALLY good...imo