`23 KTM 300 XC TBI - First Ride

`23 KTM 300 XC TBI - First Ride

[jameswampler]

Most guys spend 12, 500 on a new bike and are just excited to have it. Being able to " throw on"a national shock and do spring conversion to the forks isn't something everyone can do. I think telling them how to improve on the bike without dropping a few more thousand dollars would serve most of us much better

[TechEnduro]

Thanks for your thoughts Jeff. I have a 23 300 XC too. I've been getting about 60 miles to a tank no issues there. Agree on the engine, pulls great! Clearly high end aftermarket suspension suited to your taste is better than any stock offering. I'm quite happy with stock however, slick wet tight single track here in Vancouver area. I went lower on the PSI to 130 for my weight and softened the compression a bit, love it! Would $3000 in suspension mods be better? Yup no surprise there, but I'm happy. Keep the videos coming. This bike is a GAME CHANGER! KIDDING! Great bike thought.

[davidsalinas]

Thank you Jeff for the review. You make me feel better about my 2022. I am sure this 2023 bike is awesome. But Jeff is the only one on the internet who I really trust opinions from. There is a lot of people who make a lot of noise on internet but Jeff’s opinions are always the best.

[Tibingi]

Thanks for being honest and not using huge words just for clicks. Really appreciate your integrity.

[Lostonabike]

Finally, a worthwhile review will first read impressions, but everybody is too quick to try to get a ton of views when in reality this is the review that we need thank you Jeff

[jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

You’ve probably forgotten more about dirt bikes than everyone here put together will ever learn. Thanks for taking your time to make these videos.

[PNWEnduro]

While I'm still excited to give these new TBI bikes a try I also keep seeing more things that make me glad I switched brands. The fuel petcock, stiff suspension, fuel economy, low capacity stator. I owned three KTM's in a row and re-valved all of them. Now on Sherco and have not felt the need to revalve the suspension on it. Up here that bike is 14K out the door and it sounds like it needs more $$$ to make it ride how it should. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, up until now I've only heard people saying how much better the suspension is this year.

[johnrowling]

This guy sells parts for a living, no wonder the bike needs a ton of work

[clintonlied]

Thank you for your honesty. I am sick of all of these circle jerks of a dirt bike channel breaking their arms by trying to please the industry and their "sponsors!"

[harveygrant]

I have a Tx300 and I agree the engine performance is awesome but I thought the handling was great . I’m going to do a Sprint enduro this weekend and will see. I’m 5 hours in and do think this is the best stock bike I’ve ridden . Last ride 49 miles then the low fuel light came on . Skill level A 50. I do think the world of Jeff but my Husky so far I have a different impression and that is ok. So fare no regrets on the purchase and yes mine is a Husky (did this for 1inch lower seat height) and a surprise it has a non o-ring chain and or course not Brembo brakes and clutch

[Bruno-rnbu]

Love your honest feedback. Keep it going and thank you.

[mxbadboy]

Finally, someone declaring KTM suspension as harsh. I bought a 2019 Husqvarna FE250s with the xplor spring fork and it beat me to death. Both ends beat me to death. I took the fork apart to see what was going on and was appalled just how "cheap" a budget fork it is. And to think this is the same suspension they put on the 2023 500 EXC-F that's $13, 500 before dealer fees. KTM's solution is a $1000 pro cartridge kit. You know, that looks just like what's in my Honda forks. So nice of KTM to think of us customers. KTM has what I want but with the inflated prices and dealers fees I can't get myself to pull the trigger on the new 500 EXC-F with it's cheap budget suspension. It's to the point it's beyond most peoples sensibilities. Thank you for your honest review.

[willreid]

Thanks for the excellent and honest review. It’s been hard to find a real review to date the describes these new tbi two strokes, that isn’t just chasing clicks.

[codeperformance]

Jeff, great review. Looking forward to seeing your suspension set ups and options. Wishing mine would get here soon.

[LuckyNikitaBoba]

Jeff is so funny! “It will go everywhere except straight” “In stock form, it’s downright scary “

[jackbaldwin]

Thanks Jeff, excellent first ride impressions and comments. I totally agree about the XC not being the best for gnarly single track and it will be interesting to see what you come up with to gain the compliance with your Mule upgrades. I currently ride a 20 XC-W with your Mule Lucky's, National Shock, GET/ Power Kit with a high compression head and it's by FAR the best bike I have ever ridden. Balance, compliance, handling and engine performance couldn't be better so thank you for developing great products that work so well. If I make a change I will be going to the XC-W next year. Meanwhile I will be watching you do your thing. Thanks again for all you do to better our sport.

[mmig]

Great to see ktm still developing awesome 2 strokes!

[cparker]

Damn Jeff, keeping it 100% in this one.

[zstanford]

Almost feels like going backwards on suspension my 2022 xc was dialed in pretty decent stock and miles better after sending off to moto labs to revalve and bladder conversion kit.. I think ima stick with my 22 it feels more nimble then the 23s and I pre ordered a tpi/tbi hybrid kit from two stroke performance for it so hopefully get the best of both worlds.

[mcjoneszin]

My exact words on the rear suspension way too stiff even for intended cross country. Motor is fantastic power is absolutely amazing in mid and upper ranges however I have fouled plugs lugging it in first and second technical. I changed from an eight heat range to a seven and it seemed to crisp it it up a little bit and solve the problem .. Gearing is too tall for what I do I change the front to a 13 and it's almost perfect.. this also moves the rear wheel back in the swing arm which seemed to help. It will head shake if the SAG is too shallow