Concise and right to the point breaking down the nuances between these bikes! Thanks for taking the time to set the videos up on your own. After owning an XC-W for a long time I am PDS all the way; I don’t miss linkage weight, complexity, and maintenance at all!
Thanks for the excellent comparison! My take away was that the TPI is surely the best choice for racers - BUT - To me, the carbureted SX is the clear winner for those of us who just want to have the most FUN! I am thinking that this probably applies even more to the smaller bore bikes.
You're welcome! I thought of the SX as the race bike and so I was surprised by this one a little bit. I think a really young, strong rider could still go very fast on the SX. Where I'm at with my riding now, I like the more forgiving nature of the TPI. You're right on the money with the SX being FUN...if you're on two wheels though that's a given.
My son has the 2021 300 Tpi and I have thr 2012 300 carburetor. My bike is faster at pulling away and the power comes in faster. The TPi is way more rideable and handles hurdles and hills better. Thats my finding. O and the TPi uses quite a bit less fuel than my carb model obviously.
Nice comparison. I use to ride a 250sx with plenty of snap. Went back to a 2022 300xcw. I think its all about setup and what I was comfortable with. At high elevation there's a reduction of power regardless of engine type.
My god you’re doing these videos yourself? Wow great job man! Sooooo much work logistically alone to shoot these and the quality is amazing as well. Impressive, keep it up!
Thanks for the feedback, it took several days and I did have a friend help shoot the action portion of the second location. My main gig is video production and photography so it helps but as you know it still takes time.
Nice! I can say this is true for regular guys too. I've found the same thing numerous times with both my bikes (woods racing) and when my son was racing MX-- what "feels fast" is a very poor guide to what actually is fast on the course. The stop watch tells the truth. Another way I have tested this is to compare my relative lap times to my usual competitors over a series of races when using different bikes. I've been racing against the same guys for years now going up though the vet age classes, so I can get lots of data over multiple races using different bikes against the same guys. So far the results have been the same as timed laps in the woods, but it is nice to confirm testing with real race times.
In overseas enduros, they race the exc bikes, which is the same as the xc-w over here, and most of their enduros are more open and fast paced. But in the US like in the national enduro circuit where trails are mostly tighter, the majority of riders ride the XC bikes which are essentially Mx bikes with softer suspension and will turn their noses up to the xc-w line and say you can’t be competitive on it because it’s just a trail bike. When David knight came over here to race GNCC he said he wanted to ride the European bike but ktm told him the XC bikes were better and that the European bike was garbage and it was just a “trailbike”.
Thanks for the great video and comparison, Cole! What were you running for suspension parts...looks to me like maybe a Trax at the rear of both bikes, a Cone Valve (guessing spring version, not AER) fork on the W, and the stock AER48 on the SX. All tuned, of course, but if I've got that right what are your thoughts on the performance under race conditions of the different forks, other than I heard you mention the fork on the SX had better hold-up (I think that's indicative of the AERs) and that the fork on the W was perhaps set up/valved a little soft for your race pace. I noticed the non-stock triples on both bikes, too; are you running stock rake on both bikes, which would have the W a couple degrees steeper than the SX, or have you set them both up the same with the triple changes? Thanks, and hope to see you at Caprock!
You're welcome, thanks for watching! As far as suspension goes, that could be an entire video or video series on its own! My CV forks for the SX were out for service during the holidays so I had been using an older set of closed cartridge forks that I had in the shop that offer similar performance and feel. I have the OEM AER SX suspension as well that's setup for moto so I use that for days at the track. The W had the XPLOR PRO fork (spring) and trax shock and was in fact setup a little bit softer, especially on the front because I typically use that bike on the Gnarly Routes tours and it's a very relaxed trail riding pace. Both bikes do handle similarly suspension wise (it wasn't tricky going back and forth between bikes), I just had to be a little more aware of what I was doing with the front end on the W at the second place I tested since it was setup on the soft side. I prefer the 22mm offset on both bikes.
Cole, the picture in your video is amazing indeed, if you want to get more details in 2022 KTM 300 EXC vs XC-W, then we hope our video comparing these two models might be very helpful as well, it is with English subtitles by the way.
Awesome video as usual! From your professional experience in the enduro situation would a 250xc or 300xc be faster? Does the 300 power benefit out way the negative added inertia? Trying to pick my next bike love my 250 and how nimble it feels but kinda wanting more power. Thanks!
I'm curious myself - been racing 2013 XC's since 2014 and this will be my first season on a 2020 300 XCW tpi - it feel slower too but I'm still getting used to it and it has lots of power so we will see..
Hi Victor, I could certainly make something like that happen but I think that the motors are so similar that the test would be even closer than this one was.
Awesome video! If you want to feel true speed on technical trails try blasting one on a trials bike. You will be WAY faster than on an enduro rig or an SX…until you actually time yourself 🤣
Sorry if stated but what engine mods were done to each? My bike 21 TE300i Tsp kit w/ Medium head 2 turns out on PV Faster turn throttle cam (Black IIRC) I run Map 2 (Soft Map) Runs super smooth from bottom to top, very torquey without a huge top end hit (Map2..) Way stronger than how it came setup from factory but a part of me thinks I could push harder past the hour mark in hare scrambles, (When I tire) in totally stock form lol. Thank you for quality content!
Good question! I rode the SX first at the first riding place and second at the second riding place. I don't feel like fatigue from the previous test made a difference as I typically do multiple thirty minute sessions when I go practice.
@@ColeKirkpatrick I’ve called around at my shops and they don’t have any of the xcw’s or the tei’s but they do have the tx300i would that be a good move?
@@TheRizzardOfOzzzz Yes but keep in mind that bike along with the KTM 300 XC will be updated in 2023 so it might be worth waiting until the end of summer for the newest generation bike.
So what you're saying is that the chasis on both bikes were close to the same feel and the difference was the SX power delivery was too harsh hitting? Heavier flywheel and different power valve curve be the equalizer... unless that rear suspension is the factor.
Very surprised at the outcome but I've thought for a long time the bike really doesn't matter too much as long as you're comfortable riding it. Would love to see 350 vs tpi lap times. Great video!
I'm not surprised. The xc-w's are so easy to ride. Single track my buddies on they're 450's had a hell of a time keeping up. That being said, my buddy on his 350 was right on mt tail every ride. This is the best bike KTM has ever made, imo.
Awesome video. You are a very talented rider. I live in Frisco Tx and my buddies and I ride RR, Barnwell, Twin Hills etc. You should put on a riding day/clinic. I would pay and come learn some tips. Doing my first enduro race in April. I have a 300XC TPI w TSP medium head w ECU flash and love it. Thanks for the content!
These trails look amazing, I’m debating where should I choose, 300 for trail, or 4 stroke for mx. I’m in San Antonio and I can’t find any trial for motorcycles. Where are you located in Texas?
They are different, yes. SX has a five speed transmission and the XC-W is a six speed. SX has 14:49 gearing and XC-W is 13:51. The biggest differences though are the first gear of each bike and the sixth on the XC-W. Second is a tad bit taller on the XC-W but third gear is very similar on both bikes. For the most part on this test I was in the same gear on the trail on both bikes, mainly second and third. The second test loops had three spots where I could hit fourth on both bikes.
Cool video! Thanks for the data. Do you have an adjustable idle screw in your TPI? I’ve found it makes the bike more snappy off the bottom. Doesn’t need to clear out as much at initial Throttle tip. I think both because you can adjust the idle slightly higher and because you can turn the air screw in much further than without which I think makes it richer down low. Great video!
Hi Peter, you're welcome and thanks for watching! I haven't installed the adjustable screw yet but your feedback has made me curious. I've had really good results with the Silber ignition tune and head for making my TPI run stronger than in stock trim.
My TPI never requires "clearing out" on the bottom, even after spending long periods of time idling on long down hills. Actually, it has needed cleaning out on one ride and that was due to a failing CCP sensor. Once a new sensor was installed, it was back to normal.
@@Cactus73 yeah I shouldn’t have said clear out since that’s a thing for carbureted bikes. I’m referring to when the bike starts to run clear and strong. Rather than have a little roughness to it at initial throttle tip which TPIs I’ve ridden have. They are all different though. My ‘22 runs better than my ‘20 did. The adjustable idle screw made them both run significantly different but I didn’t have an ECU mod like Cole which can fix some of that. But 2 stroke performance gives you an idle screw with their ECU and head kit.
@@ColeKirkpatrick i have the slavens idle screw in my 300 and my kids 250. I was able to screw in the air screw from factory almost 4 turns out all the way in to 1 turn out. Then I turned the idle screw in to get my idle back up. Both bikes were immediately better off idle! They still feel like tpi but way richer of a feeling when you twist!
Really interesting and helpful to me, I'm looking for a used do it all bike here in England 🏴 former mx clubman 250 2t rider I'll be mostly riding mx but been weighing up my odds do I go for the cheaper sx and put a big tank, handguards etc or go for the tpi which I've rode on a mx track and other than the suspension being way to soft the power delivery was great so much smoother. Decisions decisions 🤔
Coop......did the same thing you're thinking, I found a used '19' Husky tc250 with like .1 hour for a great price (prefer a carbed bike), replaced with an extra 36mm Keihin I had that was bored for 39mm top end, added 18" rear....swapped to a '17' XCW head with '18' XC cdi (less compression, better traction/manageable, easier to kick), jetted for cross country, bike rips in both woods and mx. Depending where I ride, can easily swap chain (114 link or 116 is stock) for 14/48 or 14/49 (oem says it's 118 link, that's incorrect). Prefer mixing the fuel brew myself. The SX cdi/head combo is a beast to manage in the tight woods. In a number of scenarios, less is more.
@@hoptard I've always been a purist two stroke guy carbs mixing fuel etc but ended up being offered a cheap used 19 250 exc tpi so went with that only test rode the bike when I bought it but the pull and power were so smooth but I'm stil a little overwhelmed with the technology and things to go wrong so I'll see if it stays or I go the moto route like yourself kinda like the idea of riding something I built for a purpose. Thanks for your insight 👍🏼
@@ColeKirkpatrick went with a 250 exc tpi I'm hoping I can make moto friendly as I love how smooth the power pulls just off test ride. I think pushing 40 the tpi was the right choice and your video kinda settled that. Just hope I can find a good set up for moto/enduro as its a do all bike. Thanks for the insight though really helped man 😎👍🏼
There's several bikes that could make it easier to go faster but there is no replacement for seat time and fitness. You're not too old at all, find some younger guys that ride often and the practice will pay off. One of my closest riding friends turned fifty a couple of years ago and he's progressed so much as a rider in the last five years. He goes to the motocross track, woods tracks and turn tracks and puts in the work with the rest of us.
@@ColeKirkpatrick It's a great set up. Just the quad lower light set up cast a shadow on the fender and isn't optimum. The upper light helps to cast a wide downward beam to compensate. It still doesn't help enough to fill dips, drop offs in terrain at speed. It's like you can see EVERYTHING. Then pitch black. ( Dipps / Drop offs ) I also run Moto Minded Cyclops light on my helmet tethered to bike with the Moto Minded bike light. Really can't beat that set up. "Super bright !" Like Intense on high beam. I honestly think that just one helmet light is enough. For most rides. But you can actually have 2 Cyclops lights if your stator can handle it. Or a featherweight battery in backpack for Cyclops / 1 or 2 .
@@ColeKirkpatrick I like the idea behind the TPI, Gas and go. I am just old school on pre mix. I don't fully trust an oil injection. Kind of hope they make the xc-w a TBI. Only problem with that is, would the XC and XC-W be to similar..
Great video 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 It would be interesting to see a comparison between MY 2024 models, like the XC-W v XC. The new chassis is in a different league to your older SX It would be so interesting to see what you find
I agree, would be a cool comparison. I do have a new generation 350 XC-F and a 2024 250 XC-W at the moment but would prefer to do a similar test on 300 xc vs xc-w. The new bikes have the same transmissions so I think it would come down to rideability again. I think you can get the MY 24 bikes PDS or linkage to give simlar rider confidence in the handling if setup properly.
@@ColeKirkpatrick I was thinking of getting either MY 24’s in either 250 XC or XCW… but I rode the husqy version of the MY 24 300TX.. what a bike ! I’ve owned so many 300ktms over the last few decades .. but I’ve really enjoyed the last 2 of my 250’s. I currently own a yz250fx which is super quick in the corners but it hates the creek beds and harder enduro stuff.. it’s just hard work in that stuff. I’m from Melbourne Australia, it’s rare to find super flowy stuff like what you ride unless we cut in the tracks ourselves, our stuff is way tighter… and I haven’t really decided what to buy next ! It’s funny how you said you felt fast on the sx but in reality the XCW was probably faster even after your minor fall.. I’m keen to see what you post up next 🙏🏻
I love KTM's but have learned if you're going to race enduro's don't do it on a motocross bike. It may be fast but will be more fatiguing at least in Kentucky.
I think people downplay the tpi bikes in terms of power. Just because you can lug a 300 nicely around in the woods doesn't mean when you crank on the bitch she won't open up. Love my 300xcw, thing can ripppppppp
Just bought a 23' 300 TPI. Pick it up Monday 5/15/23. Stoked
Concise and right to the point breaking down the nuances between these bikes! Thanks for taking the time to set the videos up on your own. After owning an XC-W for a long time I am PDS all the way; I don’t miss linkage weight, complexity, and maintenance at all!
the editing on this video is awesome! job well done especially considering you're on your own for most of it!
Great comparison !
I'm really surprised on the outcome but you had a solid test.
Thank You !
Hi Chris, I was surprised too! Especially at the second test loop. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the excellent comparison! My take away was that the TPI is surely the best choice for racers - BUT - To me, the carbureted SX is the clear winner for those of us who just want to have the most FUN! I am thinking that this probably applies even more to the smaller bore bikes.
You're welcome! I thought of the SX as the race bike and so I was surprised by this one a little bit. I think a really young, strong rider could still go very fast on the SX. Where I'm at with my riding now, I like the more forgiving nature of the TPI. You're right on the money with the SX being FUN...if you're on two wheels though that's a given.
Fast is smooth, smooth is fast. One of the magazines tested all of KTM’s 2 strokes several years ago and most riders were faster on a 200xcw.
I really like eating steak and I love whiskey. I also have a mullet
Cult bike :)
My son has the 2021 300 Tpi and I have thr 2012 300 carburetor. My bike is faster at pulling away and the power comes in faster. The TPi is way more rideable and handles hurdles and hills better. Thats my finding. O and the TPi uses quite a bit less fuel than my carb model obviously.
Just sold my 200 exc and bought a 300 exc , 200 feels way more fun . 300 is a handful
Nice comparison. I use to ride a 250sx with plenty of snap. Went back to a 2022 300xcw. I think its all about setup and what I was comfortable with. At high elevation there's a reduction of power regardless of engine type.
My god you’re doing these videos yourself? Wow great job man! Sooooo much work logistically alone to shoot these and the quality is amazing as well. Impressive, keep it up!
Thanks for the feedback, it took several days and I did have a friend help shoot the action portion of the second location. My main gig is video production and photography so it helps but as you know it still takes time.
@@ColeKirkpatrick yeah I noticed the camera moving shots after I commented. But still mountains of work.
Awesome video. Great data and comparison and also very impressive for a one man film crew.
Thanks for watching! I did have a friend help shoot at location two but didn't end up reshooting the intro to give him kudos.
Nice! I can say this is true for regular guys too. I've found the same thing numerous times with both my bikes (woods racing) and when my son was racing MX-- what "feels fast" is a very poor guide to what actually is fast on the course. The stop watch tells the truth. Another way I have tested this is to compare my relative lap times to my usual competitors over a series of races when using different bikes. I've been racing against the same guys for years now going up though the vet age classes, so I can get lots of data over multiple races using different bikes against the same guys. So far the results have been the same as timed laps in the woods, but it is nice to confirm testing with real race times.
Thank you! You confirmed what I've felt. My 250 SX is fun but my 300 XCW is still the go-to bike when racing off road.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
In overseas enduros, they race the exc bikes, which is the same as the xc-w over here, and most of their enduros are more open and fast paced. But in the US like in the national enduro circuit where trails are mostly tighter, the majority of riders ride the XC bikes which are essentially Mx bikes with softer suspension and will turn their noses up to the xc-w line and say you can’t be competitive on it because it’s just a trail bike. When David knight came over here to race GNCC he said he wanted to ride the European bike but ktm told him the XC bikes were better and that the European bike was garbage and it was just a “trailbike”.
Thanks for the great video and comparison, Cole! What were you running for suspension parts...looks to me like maybe a Trax at the rear of both bikes, a Cone Valve (guessing spring version, not AER) fork on the W, and the stock AER48 on the SX. All tuned, of course, but if I've got that right what are your thoughts on the performance under race conditions of the different forks, other than I heard you mention the fork on the SX had better hold-up (I think that's indicative of the AERs) and that the fork on the W was perhaps set up/valved a little soft for your race pace. I noticed the non-stock triples on both bikes, too; are you running stock rake on both bikes, which would have the W a couple degrees steeper than the SX, or have you set them both up the same with the triple changes? Thanks, and hope to see you at Caprock!
You're welcome, thanks for watching! As far as suspension goes, that could be an entire video or video series on its own! My CV forks for the SX were out for service during the holidays so I had been using an older set of closed cartridge forks that I had in the shop that offer similar performance and feel. I have the OEM AER SX suspension as well that's setup for moto so I use that for days at the track. The W had the XPLOR PRO fork (spring) and trax shock and was in fact setup a little bit softer, especially on the front because I typically use that bike on the Gnarly Routes tours and it's a very relaxed trail riding pace. Both bikes do handle similarly suspension wise (it wasn't tricky going back and forth between bikes), I just had to be a little more aware of what I was doing with the front end on the W at the second place I tested since it was setup on the soft side. I prefer the 22mm offset on both bikes.
Cole, the picture in your video is amazing indeed, if you want to get more details in 2022 KTM 300 EXC vs XC-W, then we hope our video comparing these two models might be very helpful as well, it is with English subtitles by the way.
that would be awesome to throw a 300xc into the test and see how it does with the semi wide ratio trans and all the trail goodies.
Awesome video as usual! From your professional experience in the enduro situation would a 250xc or 300xc be faster? Does the 300 power benefit out way the negative added inertia? Trying to pick my next bike love my 250 and how nimble it feels but kinda wanting more power. Thanks!
Hi Byron, I prefer the 300. It's more forgiving when you get tired or if you make mistakes on the trail.
Awesome video! curious what type of vehicle do you use transport your bikes?
Mate , you can ride a bike. Had a blast watching this video. Great job!!
Thanks for watching!
Great video Cole, I just picked up a 2019 carb 250 and I'm going to get the 300 SX kit for it.
how is it going? is the 300 sx kit too much for trial riding?
I did this conversion and it's the best of both worlds. You can lug it down to nothing and it rips on top. Very controllable but extremely fun.
Great shots and edit
Love this video, great camera work, and editing. For your riding footage, what setup are you using for your camera, chin mount?
Hi Chris, yes I'm using a chin mount. I will post a GoPro settings video soon. Thanks for watching!
I'm curious myself - been racing 2013 XC's since 2014 and this will be my first season on a 2020 300 XCW tpi - it feel slower too but I'm still getting used to it and it has lots of power so we will see..
Very nice edit., Awesome review., Thanks
You're welcome, I appreciate the feedback!
Great video. Really surprised the sx didn't win on the faster more sandy loop.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on the xc vs the xc-w if you ever got to do something like that.
Hi Victor, I could certainly make something like that happen but I think that the motors are so similar that the test would be even closer than this one was.
Awesome video! If you want to feel true speed on technical trails try blasting one on a trials bike. You will be WAY faster than on an enduro rig or an SX…until you actually time yourself 🤣
I don't want to stand up that long haha!
Great video, it was very well done! Where at In texas are you? I am in Conroe
Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed it! I live in Dallas.
This was very solid content 🤙Thx
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
Sorry if stated but what engine mods were done to each? My bike
21 TE300i
Tsp kit w/ Medium head
2 turns out on PV
Faster turn throttle cam (Black IIRC)
I run Map 2 (Soft Map)
Runs super smooth from bottom to top, very torquey without a huge top end hit (Map2..)
Way stronger than how it came setup from factory but a part of me thinks I could push harder past the hour mark in hare scrambles, (When I tire) in totally stock form lol. Thank you for quality content!
happiness either bike or both
Smooth is fast. Good comparison.
Which bike did you ride first and do you feel exhaustion from the first test had an affect on the second test?
Good question! I rode the SX first at the first riding place and second at the second riding place. I don't feel like fatigue from the previous test made a difference as I typically do multiple thirty minute sessions when I go practice.
@@ColeKirkpatrick Sounds like a video talking about how you setup your training day should also be in the works!
@@SeatTime great idea! Weekend warrior training!
Big time difference in the tight stuff. Do you have kit suspension on both bikes? Is the SX still AER?
See comments below, that has been answered. Thanks for watching!
@@ColeKirkpatrick ahh I see.
I’ve been so torn on what bike to get in general I’m wanting something to tear up the trails and the hill climbs badly what would you recommend?
The KTM 300 XC-W TPI would be hard to beat!
@@ColeKirkpatrick I’ve called around at my shops and they don’t have any of the xcw’s or the tei’s but they do have the tx300i would that be a good move?
@@TheRizzardOfOzzzz Yes but keep in mind that bike along with the KTM 300 XC will be updated in 2023 so it might be worth waiting until the end of summer for the newest generation bike.
Great video, awesome comments
Do you think that a husky te300i would be faster than your xcw? It would have the lower front end,same gearing like the xcw and linkage like the sx.
@Cole Kirkpatrick Do you use Rekluse autoclutch in both bikes?
I'm in Texas as well so maybe our paths will cross one day on the trail!
Hi John, I use manual clutches in my bikes.
So what you're saying is that the chasis on both bikes were close to the same feel and the difference was the SX power delivery was too harsh hitting?
Heavier flywheel and different power valve curve be the equalizer... unless that rear suspension is the factor.
Very surprised at the outcome but I've thought for a long time the bike really doesn't matter too much as long as you're comfortable riding it. Would love to see 350 vs tpi lap times. Great video!
I'm really curious about the 350 as well! I might have to get my hands on one and do a similar test.
@@ColeKirkpatrick I think you'll start a lot of controversy with a test like that 😂 that 350 is easy to ride but pretty boring. Imo
Agree, I've seen guys rip old shitty bikes at tracks basically embarrassing guys with the latest and greatest.
I'm not surprised. The xc-w's are so easy to ride. Single track my buddies on they're 450's had a hell of a time keeping up. That being said, my buddy on his 350 was right on mt tail every ride. This is the best bike KTM has ever made, imo.
You should ride a Husky TE300i with the linkage to compare it to the XC-W.....
It's basically combining these two bikes into one so no need for me to do that.
Awesome video. You are a very talented rider. I live in Frisco Tx and my buddies and I ride RR, Barnwell, Twin Hills etc. You should put on a riding day/clinic. I would pay and come learn some tips. Doing my first enduro race in April. I have a 300XC TPI w TSP medium head w ECU flash and love it. Thanks for the content!
Hi Tony, it would be great to connect with you and get a small group together. Find me on IG or FB and we can go from there.
Great video! 👍👍
These trails look amazing, I’m debating where should I choose, 300 for trail, or 4 stroke for mx. I’m in San Antonio and I can’t find any trial for motorcycles. Where are you located in Texas?
I'm in Dallas, lucky to have several good options both trail and moto within an hour of my house.
@@ColeKirkpatrick wow, lucky you man!! That trail looks amazing!!!
But an SX vs XC-W, gearing and a 5 vs 6 speed is way different no?
They are different, yes. SX has a five speed transmission and the XC-W is a six speed. SX has 14:49 gearing and XC-W is 13:51. The biggest differences though are the first gear of each bike and the sixth on the XC-W. Second is a tad bit taller on the XC-W but third gear is very similar on both bikes. For the most part on this test I was in the same gear on the trail on both bikes, mainly second and third. The second test loops had three spots where I could hit fourth on both bikes.
Are you racing the Tsec schedule this year?
Hi John, my plan is to race a few early in the year but my schedule usually prevents me from going to all of them.
@@ColeKirkpatrick Awesome same here. Best of luck to you.
Cool video! Thanks for the data. Do you have an adjustable idle screw in your TPI? I’ve found it makes the bike more snappy off the bottom. Doesn’t need to clear out as much at initial Throttle tip. I think both because you can adjust the idle slightly higher and because you can turn the air screw in much further than without which I think makes it richer down low. Great video!
Hi Peter, you're welcome and thanks for watching! I haven't installed the adjustable screw yet but your feedback has made me curious. I've had really good results with the Silber ignition tune and head for making my TPI run stronger than in stock trim.
My TPI never requires "clearing out" on the bottom, even after spending long periods of time idling on long down hills. Actually, it has needed cleaning out on one ride and that was due to a failing CCP sensor. Once a new sensor was installed, it was back to normal.
@@Cactus73 yeah I shouldn’t have said clear out since that’s a thing for carbureted bikes. I’m referring to when the bike starts to run clear and strong. Rather than have a little roughness to it at initial throttle tip which TPIs I’ve ridden have. They are all different though. My ‘22 runs better than my ‘20 did. The adjustable idle screw made them both run significantly different but I didn’t have an ECU mod like Cole which can fix some of that. But 2 stroke performance gives you an idle screw with their ECU and head kit.
@@ColeKirkpatrick i have the slavens idle screw in my 300 and my kids 250. I was able to screw in the air screw from factory almost 4 turns out all the way in to 1 turn out. Then I turned the idle screw in to get my idle back up. Both bikes were immediately better off idle! They still feel like tpi but way richer of a feeling when you twist!
Really interesting and helpful to me, I'm looking for a used do it all bike here in England 🏴 former mx clubman 250 2t rider I'll be mostly riding mx but been weighing up my odds do I go for the cheaper sx and put a big tank, handguards etc or go for the tpi which I've rode on a mx track and other than the suspension being way to soft the power delivery was great so much smoother. Decisions decisions 🤔
That's a tough decisions for sure! Both bikes are great but I have a newfound confidence in the TPI on race day after getting the stopwatch out.
Coop......did the same thing you're thinking, I found a used '19' Husky tc250 with like .1 hour for a great price (prefer a carbed bike), replaced with an extra 36mm Keihin I had that was bored for 39mm top end, added 18" rear....swapped to a '17' XCW head with '18' XC cdi (less compression, better traction/manageable, easier to kick), jetted for cross country, bike rips in both woods and mx. Depending where I ride, can easily swap chain (114 link or 116 is stock) for 14/48 or 14/49 (oem says it's 118 link, that's incorrect). Prefer mixing the fuel brew myself. The SX cdi/head combo is a beast to manage in the tight woods. In a number of scenarios, less is more.
@@hoptard I've always been a purist two stroke guy carbs mixing fuel etc but ended up being offered a cheap used 19 250 exc tpi so went with that only test rode the bike when I bought it but the pull and power were so smooth but I'm stil a little overwhelmed with the technology and things to go wrong so I'll see if it stays or I go the moto route like yourself kinda like the idea of riding something I built for a purpose. Thanks for your insight 👍🏼
@@ColeKirkpatrick went with a 250 exc tpi I'm hoping I can make moto friendly as I love how smooth the power pulls just off test ride. I think pushing 40 the tpi was the right choice and your video kinda settled that. Just hope I can find a good set up for moto/enduro as its a do all bike. Thanks for the insight though really helped man 😎👍🏼
You were racing against yourself. Were you nervous on the start?
How would the 300 xc compare do you think
I think it would do great. Almost identical power to the XC-W TPI.
Why is new KTM 300sx efi with premix fuel? Didn't use tpi
Not sure where your power valve screw is but i turned mine out on my tpi and its much more aggressive than my buddies carbed bike
I'm running mine out from stock as well and it is a noticeable difference.
Interesting video. Thank you
👍👍👍
Oh Lord I wish they made a bike to make me faster in my mid-50s. Is there such a bike or am I just too dang old?
There's several bikes that could make it easier to go faster but there is no replacement for seat time and fitness. You're not too old at all, find some younger guys that ride often and the practice will pay off. One of my closest riding friends turned fifty a couple of years ago and he's progressed so much as a rider in the last five years. He goes to the motocross track, woods tracks and turn tracks and puts in the work with the rest of us.
Awesome video.
What pegs do you use
IMS Core Enduro Sharp
@@ColeKirkpatrick thanks man
which bike is better? 250 2t tpi vs 300 carbureted?
EXC!
What headlight you have on the xcw
The headlight setup if from MotoMinded. It's a complete bolt on kit that is plug and play and features Baja Designs lights.
@@ColeKirkpatrick
It's a great set up. Just the quad lower light set up cast a shadow on the fender and isn't optimum. The upper light helps to cast a wide downward beam to compensate.
It still doesn't help enough to fill dips, drop offs in terrain at speed. It's like you can see EVERYTHING.
Then pitch black. ( Dipps / Drop offs )
I also run Moto Minded Cyclops light on my helmet tethered to bike with the Moto Minded bike light.
Really can't beat that set up.
"Super bright !"
Like Intense on high beam.
I honestly think that just one helmet light is enough. For most rides. But you can actually have 2 Cyclops lights if your stator can handle it.
Or a featherweight battery in backpack for Cyclops / 1 or 2 .
Would be interesting to see these tests done between a 300 XC TPI and 300 XC-W TPI
I think that the times would be even closer.
I just picked up a 2022 ktm 300 xc-w. Was wondering what headlight that xc-w had on it. Can’t seem to find it anywhere
motomind is the company you want for you new lighting needs.... absolutely plug and play...... super trick set up... check them out
Sir what is the price of this bike
I would think then that the 300XC tpi would be the best of both worlds.
I can’t decide between the 300xc or xcw!
The 2023 300 XC is an incredible machine! It will be interesting to see what the 2024 XC-W machines end up being like.
@@ColeKirkpatrick I like the idea behind the TPI, Gas and go. I am just old school on pre mix. I don't fully trust an oil injection. Kind of hope they make the xc-w a TBI. Only problem with that is, would the XC and XC-W be to similar..
from 19-22 they were very similar too. Linkage and transmission ratios make for some pretty significant differences.
@@ColeKirkpatrick Think I may go for the XC. sorry I do not trust Oil Injection. I want to test both the 250 and the 300.
“Really rough” “a lot of rocks”. Are you kidding. Your so called enduro loop is what I call flow . Good clip though
Awesome dirt bikes.
Cole - headed to pick up my new 2023 300 TPI. Where did you get you Akropovich silencer? I can’t seem to find one that fits the 23'
Part Number is:
55705981000
Link to a place online with it:
aomc.mx/KTM-PP-AKRA-SLIPONLINE-MUFFLER-250-300-EXC-XCW-20-23.html
@@ColeKirkpatrick Awesome. Thanks!!
Great video 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
It would be interesting to see a comparison between MY 2024 models, like the XC-W v XC.
The new chassis is in a different league to your older SX
It would be so interesting to see what you find
I agree, would be a cool comparison. I do have a new generation 350 XC-F and a 2024 250 XC-W at the moment but would prefer to do a similar test on 300 xc vs xc-w. The new bikes have the same transmissions so I think it would come down to rideability again. I think you can get the MY 24 bikes PDS or linkage to give simlar rider confidence in the handling if setup properly.
@@ColeKirkpatrick I was thinking of getting either MY 24’s in either 250 XC or XCW… but I rode the husqy version of the MY 24 300TX.. what a bike !
I’ve owned so many 300ktms over the last few decades .. but I’ve really enjoyed the last 2 of my 250’s.
I currently own a yz250fx which is super quick in the corners but it hates the creek beds and harder enduro stuff.. it’s just hard work in that stuff.
I’m from Melbourne Australia, it’s rare to find super flowy stuff like what you ride unless we cut in the tracks ourselves, our stuff is way tighter… and I haven’t really decided what to buy next !
It’s funny how you said you felt fast on the sx but in reality the XCW was probably faster even after your minor fall..
I’m keen to see what you post up next 🙏🏻
Duh. You’re a genius. There’s a reason manufacturers make enduro and motocross bikes. Apples and Oranges.
Skip ahead that insane riding footage?? NO THANKS!! :)
I heard the TPI bikes seize up.
Hi Red, I have had five and put well over one hundred hours on each one without having one seize. I had a sensor go out on one but that's it.
I love KTM's but have learned if you're going to race enduro's don't do it on a motocross bike. It may be fast but will be more fatiguing at least in Kentucky.
I think people downplay the tpi bikes in terms of power. Just because you can lug a 300 nicely around in the woods doesn't mean when you crank on the bitch she won't open up. Love my 300xcw, thing can ripppppppp
lets compare a i10 to a i 10 k lets see whats better
so, feeling slower...is faster
You have to go slow to go fast, or something like that, haha!
Sx is to fly the track not to cc -you are fast for shore
300SX's engine's have been a light switch for a decade. Not good at MX or Off Road.
there both the same wtf ?
Bridge the gap with an XC
Hard Enduro 300 xc-w
Both are race bikes.
this was biased from the get go unfortunately and it starts with the mindset. you already had your mind made up before hand
So your saying he preferred the tpi from the beginning yet the video said he thought his race bike was faster? Knuckleheads everywhere
@Joel Gouin it's pretty obvious before the vid even started he preferred the TPI right off the bat.
Great Video!