@@Tocco609 yea. Honestly a lot of things are like that. Some cars, trucks, fourwheelers for sure and my buddy bought 2 brand new yz125s and they both had completely different problems. Very little problems but still problems
Agree with your points: Missing on the 2021 Husky: spark arrestor, capacitor so i can push start the bike...and a fan. Yes, a TE woods bike should have a fan.
Was thrilled that the 21 125 xc I just bought for my son has e start and kickstart. Was a major factor in choosing KTM . Also on a side note, just have a few hours on it but we are loving that bike so far!
@@Conandestrya I am very impressed with the low end power. My son is average, at best, with clutch skill and he doesn't have any issues. I have not ridden it yet through any highly technical stuff, but seems like it will handle it well.
I don’t really think the radiator issue is an issue depending on how the bike is used. My 2020 has been used in mostly hard enduro and hard enduro races. I installed enduro engineering radiator braces. Not guards. And have zero issues with punctures or bending of the rad pipe. Personally I think braces are the only way to go.im not one to ghost ride my bike and usually try to save it if at all possible unless in a race situation. Never had any power valve issues either at 65 hrs. A good tugger strap fixed the issue with the fender. Overall these bikes are outstanding for technical riding
I've poke the radiator hoses twice now. Both times were crashes. One was harder and one was a little flop over crash. This is definitely an issue. In fact the replacement hoses are on backorder because so many have had to be replaced.
@@russphillips3732 how did he blow it up? What issue are you referring too? I cm confirm I've had the leaking power valve, but I fixed it 100% threw out KTM's 2020 gasket and made my own with a high temp silicon product. Other than that, no issues. I'm at 50hrs owned for 5 months.
@@russphillips3732 So he crashed it and punctured the radiator hose in the first 5 hours? Unlucky. It is a flaw on the bike, no dispute. But i can't see why it would need to be towed, don't you carry tools?
you took the tail light / plate bracket off of the XC-W. This has a frame built in which makes the rear fender more rigid and gives you a good place to lift from
I have a 1982 Husqvarna 430 WR. I’ll be watching both of you compare who’s bigger while I try to kick start the thing. Once it goes, though, I’ll try to keep up.
Thank the EPA (40 CFR section 1051.620) for lack of spark arrestor. A bike, in order to be sold as a closed course machine cannot have more than 2 of the following 1 headlight or other lights 2 spark arrestor 3 a manufacturer's warranty 4 suspension travel less than 10" 5 engine smaller than 50cc 6 a seat So you get a seat and a headlight and you're done. Add a spark arrestor and the machine now must meet U.S. emission standards. Neither of my Shercos had spark arrestors from the factory for that reason. You sure your 300SEF does? Did the dealer install it?
Curious EPA does not care about people going to the bathroom in the streets (seems to becoming normal) guessing from California where it is wildly popular. Then they want to put mandates on a few thousand 'dirt bikes' ridden (occasionally through the year). Seems quite interesting indeed.
@@mt1885 At least there is an exemption and at least some states don't yet care if you operate closed course only vehicles on public land. I can buy a spark arrestor for reasonable and still ride trails. I imagine that eventually we will no longer have such legal ways around the laws. What starts in California infects the rest of the nation, and look where they're headed.
@@tonymiller3788 Agree - it is a bad direction and guessing it will result in pre-industrial man is what they are pushing (exempted) elites like Mr Gord...
Kyle - You screwed the pooch on the spark arrestor issue. KTM cannot put a spark arrestor on a "closed course" bike. Doing so would cause the EPA to reclassify the bike and KTM would have to meet EPA emissions. Their XCF-W bikes are EPA compliant bikes (i.e. not closed course only) and do come with spark arrestors. They also run like crap and need an aftermarket ECU to run properly. But that's what KTM has to do to make them EPA compliant.
@@danielhicks5031 yea, I have a 4 stroke, it never over heats because it came with a fan. I had to add a fan to my 2 stroke to get to stop over heating.
Idle adjustment and spark arrestor: I'm definitely not an expert, but I don't think either can be fixed from the factory (legally - emissions-wise). In order to meet emissions, the stuff that adjusts emissions needs to be set and not adjustable - otherwise they get into trouble with the EPA - if they sold it meeting emissions, but permitted end users to make adjustments, they'd be in trouble. Similar to how Harley got huge fines for reselling fuel programmers etc. by selling something that let end users get around emissions controls. Ditto on the spark arrestor - the bike is sold as a 'closed course competition' bike, which means it doesn't need a spark arrestor (you only need a spark arrestor if riding somewhere not on a 'closed course'). If they sold it with a spark arrestor, then it couldn't be classified as 'closed course competition', and would need to meet even stricter emissions laws in the US (particularly in Cali) - somebody with more detailed knowledge can hopefully expand on this (or link somewhere that shows that I'm wrong on this.) So, yes, engineering wise, they could 'fix' these 2 items, but legally (emissions-wise) I don't think that they can. I think that since Sherco and Beta are much smaller production numbers, they fall into a different category that allows them to bend the emissions a little bit more. Seems the more bikes you sell, the tighter the emissions controls that are required.
@@polaridoo1 I wouldn't change the emissions compliance directly, but my thinking is that if they sold it with a spark arrestor, that would indicate (to the EPA?) that the 'intended' use of the bike wasn't 'closed course competition', which would mean it would fall into a category that required a higher emissions standard (I think it's a 'green sticker' in California), which would require more work by KTM to meet and likely result in less power etc. Be selling with bike with a factory accessory (spark arrestor) that would ONLY be required if riding it outside of a 'closed course competition' environment, it would be an indication that the bike isn't really being sold as a closed course competition bike. Note that Kyle said that the KTM Akropovic exhaust does not have a spark arrestor - again, if they sold an accessory for a bike that made it appear to be intended for a different purpose, they'd probably force the bike to be categorized differently by the EPA and have to put stricter emissions controls on it.
Good List, So far I have installed the rad hose guard and a spark arrestor, When I do the Kick start install, I will put a 2019 gasket on that power valve. I need to get grab handles aswell. This is for a 2021 250XC
@@mixalis6168 True, one can add the capacitor from the XC or aftermarket easy enough. For almost 10K though, all the TPI bikes should come with one. Luddite '18 XC 300 rider here with a Lectron and factory mini kicker on the bike, happy as can be. Snagged my bike while I still could get it in that configuration ;)
I have owned two KTM. Yes I like them but for the money they need some better finishing. Some experienced enduro riders were pushing me to go Beta for that reason.
Awesome video kyle! Huge props for addressing these problems. I have the same gripes. KTM please address this. Also, add more stator output that will actually charge the battery and allow us to run some good racing lights. The 450xc needs more juice. I almost got stranded from not having a kickstarter on a 2020 450xcf because my fan was kicking on a little too much. This should not happen.
I agree to almost everything but the kickstart. Had 300s for more than 15 years now, and since 2007 the electric start was on the stock bikes. Since then I never had to kick once in hundreds of hours of riding and I ride extreme stuff a lot. The Bendix start was improved a lot over the years and works even more flawlessly. And without a capacitor an kickstart isn´t helping anyhow with a broken battery. So I having no problem to save another kg of weight and getting rid of the thing completely. The 4 strokes are showing it already and no ones asks for it anymore... so now the shitstorm may come over me of you guys... :-)
2000 YZ (I mean 2020 YZ) Vibration, horrid aluminum frame, NOTCHY shifting, cable clutch, expensive parts - best of all NO INVOATION they can't as they can't meet EMISSIONS and would mean they have to STOP making them. Real classy there... So pom-poms engaged about a 20+ year old bike that is light switch power but an 18" wheel and kickstand (sounds like an enduro to me).
Yes they leak, my 2020 250 xc-w started leaking exactly where you pointed, out only mine was more of a gusher. Tried the silicone, also tried new ktm gasket in addition to the rtv sealant and only slowed the bleeding, so at 6 hours I returned to service department of dealership. First thing they said was " its out of warranty" which it was, as I was still enjoying putting hours on my non leaky 2018 300 xc-w. The service manager at Nash powersports in Phoenix AZ, was sympathetic and said " bike isn't even broken in yet and shouldn't leak" so he contacted ktm corp to submit fix request, they said yes to the repair and parts were ordered and bike is fixed and leak free as it should be. I must say that in this world of low expectations, we are sometimes expecting the worst and I was so impressed with how the guys handled this situation. Other than this issue in manufacture, ktm still checks all the boxes for the hard enduro I enjoy here in AZ desert.
Totally agree with the kickstart thing! I get it if you ride a motocross track only but so many people have there batteries die and they have to jump them. Seriously annoying
The most annoying point is that KTM does know all about these problems. They run many test bikes and analised the leaks, the bad points of the bike - and they made the decision to sell it after all. The lean mixture is first of all because of the emission and I'm sure that the injection and ignition maps can be modified but you'll need a laptop and a software.
Is it just me or do you think Kyle loops out his bikes and pitches them WAY too much - even in tough terrain? Totally unnecessary. But I will say I'm glad he's getting so fired up about KTM's flaws. I'm not a KTM hater, just see a little bias from time to time on this channel.
Too much power and too little control. those 300s are very powerful. never seen the power used 100%, only as a shortcut to plow over rocks in the "hard/soft" enduro lmao. I believe a ktm 200 teaches discipline and control better. 300s encourage laziness.
@@Bryan-Hensley weak in their setup, and their tractor like power, but they have a monster amount of torque, especially when tuning is dialed in, hence why these guys slingshot them so often lmao
@@TroNPopz209 I've owned a KTM 300 since 1999 until a few years ago. Still riding one quite a bit. Won Open A championship on one in 2002. My favorite was a 380 KTM 2 stroke. But my gas gas 300 was quite a bit more powerful than the KTM. The 300 tpi feels like the weakest 300 KTM has ever built. My 03 honda cr250 would out drag race the 300 tpi. The 05 KTM 300 still had the most powerful engine in my opinion. The 350sxf is much easier to lift the front tire across stuff than the 300 though. It has more usable power range. But I miss my 2 stroke.
Had the nut on the end of the impeller shaft shear off my 2020 xc250. The bouncing nut cracked the water pump cover. While waiting for the replacement shaft, KTM admitted that the part had been super ceded by a different “improved” part. Heads up!
Really appreciate all the videos you put out and the wealth of knowledge you share! Thanks! I agree with this video, and get excited every time you release a new one. However, I noticed in this video a green bike in the background.......... knowing you give ample time to get riding hours before the review, I'm excited to hear what you have to say about the green XC. Keep up the good work Kyle.
Totally agree on the grab handle. Re the kickstarter, I'm going to suggest it's related to cost/$ and weight. They want to advertise their bikes as being as low weight as possible. Removing the kickstart lowers the advertised weight (which offsets some of the added weight that the TPI adds.) Since not 'everybody' feels they need a kickstarter, they're leaving it as an option (although they seem to be going away from even offering it as an option as some of the cases don't even have the option any more), so that those who want it can pay for the 'upgrade' and have it. I think it's a good idea having the kickstart.
Completely agree, almost. Kick start would be nice but I haven't needed it......yet. Can we add it easily later on? The lack of spark arrestor is a HUGE let down though. Probably because of the fmf and ktm partnership and a way of squeezing more money out of us.
I'm convinced ktm has a deal with fmf to not put spark arrestors on there bikes. It would destroy FMF's bottom line if we all didnt have to buy a diffrent exhaust every time we bought a bike.
I 100% agree with the tail Fender, my 2020 450 EXC-F broke the notch pieces that hold it all together. And the grab handle was annoying too. Dont get me wrong, my 450 is the best bike i have ever had, but i agree with the fender tail issue.
@@dustinbugal2069 yes, Beta has good solid grab handles but when KTM owns Husky they don't even need to look at the competition to see a better designed rear plastic and they still have a terrible designed rear plastics that it looks like GASGAS is also going to use that terrible design as well.
Kickstart doesnt help anyway on a exc tpi if the battery is goosed, the fuel pump won’t run an you’ll be kicking for ever, you’ll need that capacitor fitting aswell like you mentioned in your other video 👍🏻
Sorta, if you have a Kickstarter you can kick start it before you completely kill the battery. I have a 350sxf with no Kickstarter but I can bump start it really easy if I don't completely kill the battery. I wish it had a Kickstarter. I believe it's got a capacitor though.
I picked up a 20- 250sx. And the only thing I don’t like with it is on the shock they have a sort of nylon plastic locking nut on it. So the first thing I did was set the sag and then proceeded to mangle the locking nut before I even rode it. Other than that the bike is miles ahead of anything iv ever ridden before.
Just had to do the left side radiator hose. Dropped bike and put a pin hole in it. The replacement part is $200 from ktm. I ended up making my own setup with heater hose and hose clamps for $10.
My 2020 Beta 250RR came spark arrested but it was because the dealer inserts the spark arrester when they get the bikes. My dealer actually told me Beta can’t ship the bikes with spark arresters in them because they have to be sold as closed course race bikes to be legal and pass emissions (for the 2Ts). So it may just be KTM doesn’t want to give that dealer support to add it in. Not 100% sure, but just an idea
I hate that both side plates are held on by the subframe bolts. Anytime you want to take them off you have to unbolt the subframe... that's ridiculous!
100 percent agree I bought a 2020 300 xcw in the spring and emailed you about my oil injection failing after 2 hours of riding that amoung the things you mentioned are things I will agree on
100% agree that that these bikes should come with spark arrestors... all the other emissions/legality stuff that's already on the bike, why skip this one? It would cost literally nothing to have that built into the stock silencer. For closed course racing most hardcore racers will usually swap their pipes anyway, so why not make something that's ready to rock for the recreational/trail rider?
My KTM 2 stroke was a waste of 10 grand. It left me stranded twice where recovery was complicated and a huge hassle. The colour orange has been purged from my garage and blue and red are all we bleed. KTM is a great bike to ride but mine had overwhelming reliability issues and I would never trust it enough to purchase one again.
The PV gasket should be a recall worldwide!! The fact that the KTM dealer fix is to use the '19 PV gasket instead of the '20 gasket just screams recall...if it's good enough for automobile and road motorcycles then offroad should be no different. Beta are the gold standard for grab rails, KTM's have never had decent grab rails and they probably aren't going to change anytime soon!!
Orange bike Bad 😁 I ride a GPX 250 two stroke , Many of the components are exactly like a KTM or husky. At half the price , with no problems after two seasons of riding the black diamond trails of the Oregon coast range . I am vary happy with my bike 😁❤️🇺🇸
Very good list! I think adding a nylon grab-strap around the back of the seat for pulling the rear around would be enough if they don't want to redesign the plastics. Also, I think FMF should step up with a simple redesign that would allow all their systems to accept an FMF spark arrestor. Nice T-Shirt BTW!
They're not going to allow you to adjust idle by yourself. that's part of the emissions requirements that it's not tamper able. Also with the spark arrestor issue, it's a government regulation that you can't have too many features otherwise it'll have to be considered a street vehicle.
You forgot the plastic coupling on the fuel tank. They break. Pre 2020 were alloy. You also forgot that you can't bump the exc as it doesnt have a capacitor. Capacitor would be needed if a kick start was fitted as well. Oh, and a vulnerable TPS. All fixable, but a PITA to have to do.
My biggest gripe with KTM and the other brands right now is pricing. At 11,329.00 plus tax ( probably close 13,000.00) I just can't afford to purchase one of these bikes. Beta, Sherco, are guilty of it here too.. I would be happy to buy a used one but even then, they are 8 to 9 grand and usually need some parts replaced... I love my ktm's but my kids have to eat and be able to play sports so we have reached an impasse. Great vids Kyle, virtual riding is the only riding a lot of us can afford it seems these days....
I think KTM are starting to listen a little as they have made a plastic shield for the rad hose near the PV cover. This is now a power part. However they have a long way to go yet. My understanding is that because of their success they have not been focused enough on customer feedback and have just been hitting the sales button. I work in a KTM hard enduro focused shop and I see some interesting things from time to time. In the couple of years I’ve only seen a few component failures which have been a big issue. The majority are small detail easy fixes. I think the 2023 next generation of bikes will be a revelation from what I’ve seen. 🤞🏻
On a 2 stroke you can at least do a rolling start without the kick start... Try that on a 450 or 500 four stroke and you will find out that it is pretty much impossible to roll start on anything else then dry tarmac unless you weigh 250kg....
In europe we don’t have to run spark arrestors. Thats probably why ktm doesn’t have them pre-installed. Isn’t there any company that make inserts for the stock silencer? So you don’t have to buy a whole new one?
The idle screw thing has nothing to do with Euro 5 as Euro emission standards only applies to street bikes and these bikes cannot be made road legal in most European countries (2 strokes are completely illegal on the road)
The one thing I hate about ktm in general is that I can't afford one😂
Yeah I’m 11 I want a 125 sx but nope
Same
I just got a second one and I'm 18. No parents needed
no need to buy a 2020... just buy a 2015 ish that has been treated good!
@@MotoSly i have a 2008 and a 2003
My 2020 KTM 150 XCW TPI has a kick start, no leak, and I haven’t had any problems with picking it up. I love this bike. Never selling it
Not every bike is going to have the issues listed.
@@Tocco609 I know. I was just saying that there are some bikes that aren’t as bad as others. It’s hit or miss
@@tannerfisher4892 we see the same thing at my work dealing with husky,
@@Tocco609 yea. Honestly a lot of things are like that. Some cars, trucks, fourwheelers for sure and my buddy bought 2 brand new yz125s and they both had completely different problems. Very little problems but still problems
different bike. the 250/300 are the same bikes with different cylinder. 150 has a different design
Agree with your points: Missing on the 2021 Husky: spark arrestor, capacitor so i can push start the bike...and a fan. Yes, a TE woods bike should have a fan.
Was thrilled that the 21 125 xc I just bought for my son has e start and kickstart. Was a major factor in choosing KTM . Also on a side note, just have a few hours on it but we are loving that bike so far!
They're still running WP suspension bro. They wont listen to anybody.
Hr BeStalkinMe what’s wrong with wp
Thinking of getting my wife the 150xc do they stall easy and crawl climb on? Cheers
@@Conandestrya I am very impressed with the low end power. My son is average, at best, with clutch skill and he doesn't have any issues. I have not ridden it yet through any highly technical stuff, but seems like it will handle it well.
I don’t really think the radiator issue is an issue depending on how the bike is used. My 2020 has been used in mostly hard enduro and hard enduro races. I installed enduro engineering radiator braces. Not guards. And have zero issues with punctures or bending of the rad pipe. Personally I think braces are the only way to go.im not one to ghost ride my bike and usually try to save it if at all possible unless in a race situation. Never had any power valve issues either at 65 hrs. A good tugger strap fixed the issue with the fender. Overall these bikes are outstanding for technical riding
I've poke the radiator hoses twice now. Both times were crashes. One was harder and one was a little flop over crash. This is definitely an issue. In fact the replacement hoses are on backorder because so many have had to be replaced.
Buddy blew up his in like 10 hours. Def an issue
@@russphillips3732 how did he blow it up? What issue are you referring too?
I cm confirm I've had the leaking power valve, but I fixed it 100% threw out KTM's 2020 gasket and made my own with a high temp silicon product.
Other than that, no issues. I'm at 50hrs owned for 5 months.
Luke Morphett the coolant issue. Bike had like 5 hours on it and it burst through. Had to tow him back to the truck.
@@russphillips3732 So he crashed it and punctured the radiator hose in the first 5 hours? Unlucky. It is a flaw on the bike, no dispute.
But i can't see why it would need to be towed, don't you carry tools?
you took the tail light / plate bracket off of the XC-W. This has a frame built in which makes the rear fender more rigid and gives you a good place to lift from
My ‘18 300 xc has a kick start, and a rear fender seat grab, and no need for the air screw, it has a nicely tuned carb!
my 2001 yz has none of this shit and i probably ride better then the ktm people🤷
Sorry to hear.
@@Dudino1776 I'd smoke you on a TTR 230 though
iBrap boyyy this 250 two stroke will est that thing for breakfast lunch and dessert
I have a 1982 Husqvarna 430 WR. I’ll be watching both of you compare who’s bigger while I try to kick start the thing. Once it goes, though, I’ll try to keep up.
I love that you’re honest and tell the truth. The bikes are far from perfect.
I smell a Japanese bike enthusiast 😏
The 4 strokes are pretty much perfect. Lol. Except kick start but since Mine is dual sport I don’t want it anyway
I like the color tho
Thank the EPA (40 CFR section 1051.620) for lack of spark arrestor. A bike, in order to be sold as a closed course machine cannot have more than 2 of the following
1 headlight or other lights
2 spark arrestor
3 a manufacturer's warranty
4 suspension travel less than 10"
5 engine smaller than 50cc
6 a seat
So you get a seat and a headlight and you're done. Add a spark arrestor and the machine now must meet U.S. emission standards.
Neither of my Shercos had spark arrestors from the factory for that reason. You sure your 300SEF does? Did the dealer install it?
Curious EPA does not care about people going to the bathroom in the streets (seems to becoming normal) guessing from California where it is wildly popular. Then they want to put mandates on a few thousand 'dirt bikes' ridden (occasionally through the year). Seems quite interesting indeed.
@@mt1885 At least there is an exemption and at least some states don't yet care if you operate closed course only vehicles on public land. I can buy a spark arrestor for reasonable and still ride trails. I imagine that eventually we will no longer have such legal ways around the laws. What starts in California infects the rest of the nation, and look where they're headed.
@@tonymiller3788 Agree - it is a bad direction and guessing it will result in pre-industrial man is what they are pushing (exempted) elites like Mr Gord...
Kyle - You screwed the pooch on the spark arrestor issue. KTM cannot put a spark arrestor on a "closed course" bike. Doing so would cause the EPA to reclassify the bike and KTM would have to meet EPA emissions. Their XCF-W bikes are EPA compliant bikes (i.e. not closed course only) and do come with spark arrestors. They also run like crap and need an aftermarket ECU to run properly. But that's what KTM has to do to make them EPA compliant.
Xcw has good handles on rear fender due to the light/ plate holder
You should have mentioned that they should come with a fan. Mine would over heat all of the time until I put a fan on it. TE 300i
The 4 strokes come with a fan. Or at least the dual sport exc f. Very nice feature
@@danielhicks5031 yea, I have a 4 stroke, it never over heats because it came with a fan. I had to add a fan to my 2 stroke to get to stop over heating.
Idle adjustment and spark arrestor: I'm definitely not an expert, but I don't think either can be fixed from the factory (legally - emissions-wise). In order to meet emissions, the stuff that adjusts emissions needs to be set and not adjustable - otherwise they get into trouble with the EPA - if they sold it meeting emissions, but permitted end users to make adjustments, they'd be in trouble. Similar to how Harley got huge fines for reselling fuel programmers etc. by selling something that let end users get around emissions controls. Ditto on the spark arrestor - the bike is sold as a 'closed course competition' bike, which means it doesn't need a spark arrestor (you only need a spark arrestor if riding somewhere not on a 'closed course'). If they sold it with a spark arrestor, then it couldn't be classified as 'closed course competition', and would need to meet even stricter emissions laws in the US (particularly in Cali) - somebody with more detailed knowledge can hopefully expand on this (or link somewhere that shows that I'm wrong on this.) So, yes, engineering wise, they could 'fix' these 2 items, but legally (emissions-wise) I don't think that they can. I think that since Sherco and Beta are much smaller production numbers, they fall into a different category that allows them to bend the emissions a little bit more. Seems the more bikes you sell, the tighter the emissions controls that are required.
I think there is some truth in your spark arrestor thought, but I don't know how adding a spark arrestor would change its emissions compliance.
@@polaridoo1 I wouldn't change the emissions compliance directly, but my thinking is that if they sold it with a spark arrestor, that would indicate (to the EPA?) that the 'intended' use of the bike wasn't 'closed course competition', which would mean it would fall into a category that required a higher emissions standard (I think it's a 'green sticker' in California), which would require more work by KTM to meet and likely result in less power etc. Be selling with bike with a factory accessory (spark arrestor) that would ONLY be required if riding it outside of a 'closed course competition' environment, it would be an indication that the bike isn't really being sold as a closed course competition bike. Note that Kyle said that the KTM Akropovic exhaust does not have a spark arrestor - again, if they sold an accessory for a bike that made it appear to be intended for a different purpose, they'd probably force the bike to be categorized differently by the EPA and have to put stricter emissions controls on it.
No need to hate anything buddy.
Life is too short to hate.
Just buy a Yamaha.
Only love.
Problem solved.
Thats debatable
Trash opinion
I feel the same way about suzuki as you do abt yamaha
Good List,
So far I have installed the rad hose guard and a spark arrestor,
When I do the Kick start install, I will put a 2019 gasket on that power valve.
I need to get grab handles aswell. This is for a 2021 250XC
The 2021's already have the 2019 PV gasket.
@@Cactus73 Good to know. Feels like KTM has this bike pretty figured out.
XC-W needs to come with a capacitor like the XC does so it will run with a dead battery.
just make one then ~
@@mixalis6168 True, one can add the capacitor from the XC or aftermarket easy enough. For almost 10K though, all the TPI bikes should come with one.
Luddite '18 XC 300 rider here with a Lectron and factory mini kicker on the bike, happy as can be. Snagged my bike while I still could get it in that configuration ;)
@@gmoney6595 Sweet! Awesome machine.
KTM needs to put those things on their bikes. Especially if there being sold at the price they are.
That’s no joke.
You're right
I have owned two KTM. Yes I like them but for the money they need some better finishing. Some experienced enduro riders were pushing me to go Beta for that reason.
Awesome video kyle! Huge props for addressing these problems. I have the same gripes. KTM please address this. Also, add more stator output that will actually charge the battery and allow us to run some good racing lights. The 450xc needs more juice. I almost got stranded from not having a kickstarter on a 2020 450xcf because my fan was kicking on a little too much. This should not happen.
xcw's have 196w just like the 4 stroke exc.
But yeah it sucks to have a XC bike ''cross country'' without enough juice for proper lights
I agree to almost everything but the kickstart. Had 300s for more than 15 years now, and since 2007 the electric start was on the stock bikes. Since then I never had to kick once in hundreds of hours of riding and I ride extreme stuff a lot. The Bendix start was improved a lot over the years and works even more flawlessly. And without a capacitor an kickstart isn´t helping anyhow with a broken battery. So I having no problem to save another kg of weight and getting rid of the thing completely. The 4 strokes are showing it already and no ones asks for it anymore... so now the shitstorm may come over me of you guys... :-)
They won't listen to me, I hope they hear you
Forgot to mention they need to come with electric fan, another thing they need that we have to purchase.
Great points. KTM needs to send you a check for all those tips
2000 YZ (I mean 2020 YZ) Vibration, horrid aluminum frame, NOTCHY shifting, cable clutch, expensive parts - best of all NO INVOATION they can't as they can't meet EMISSIONS and would mean they have to STOP making them. Real classy there... So pom-poms engaged about a 20+ year old bike that is light switch power but an 18" wheel and kickstand (sounds like an enduro to me).
Email this to the guys at ktm! Keep em coming Kyle!
The spark arrestor thing is so true. These aren't track bikes, and I've never been to an off-road area that does not require them.
Yes they leak, my 2020 250 xc-w started leaking exactly where you pointed, out only mine was more of a gusher. Tried the silicone, also tried new ktm gasket in addition to the rtv sealant and only slowed the bleeding, so at 6 hours I returned to service department of dealership. First thing they said was " its out of warranty" which it was, as I was still enjoying putting hours on my non leaky 2018 300 xc-w. The service manager at Nash powersports in Phoenix AZ, was sympathetic and said " bike isn't even broken in yet and shouldn't leak" so he contacted ktm corp to submit fix request, they said yes to the repair and parts were ordered and bike is fixed and leak free as it should be. I must say that in this world of low expectations, we are sometimes expecting the worst and I was so impressed with how the guys handled this situation. Other than this issue in manufacture, ktm still checks all the boxes for the hard enduro I enjoy here in AZ desert.
I don't know why, but watching you yell about KTM's defects is so funny 🤣🤣🤣🤣
YES THE KICK START!!!!!!! BRING THEM BACK!!
Totally agree with the kickstart thing! I get it if you ride a motocross track only but so many people have there batteries die and they have to jump them. Seriously annoying
The most annoying point is that KTM does know all about these problems. They run many test bikes and analised the leaks, the bad points of the bike - and they made the decision to sell it after all.
The lean mixture is first of all because of the emission and I'm sure that the injection and ignition maps can be modified but you'll need a laptop and a software.
Handy way to get an arrestor without paying for a full can, FischMoto, nice little piece, screws in the back in 5 seconds
But it's $80 for $5 worth of metal
paul sladinski It’s just an alternative option my dude, you do you
Ktm should support you, im buying a Ktm 250 xcw because of you
I'm asking for a carburetor.
Best way to fix KTM is go for other brands. All my friends that have KTM's they are always working on them,there is always something
Is it just me or do you think Kyle loops out his bikes and pitches them WAY too much - even in tough terrain? Totally unnecessary. But I will say I'm glad he's getting so fired up about KTM's flaws. I'm not a KTM hater, just see a little bias from time to time on this channel.
Too much power and too little control. those 300s are very powerful. never seen the power used 100%, only as a shortcut to plow over rocks in the "hard/soft" enduro lmao. I believe a ktm 200 teaches discipline and control better. 300s encourage laziness.
@@TroNPopz209 that's weird, I think the 300 feels weak.
@@Bryan-Hensley weak in their setup, and their tractor like power, but they have a monster amount of torque, especially when tuning is dialed in, hence why these guys slingshot them so often lmao
@@TroNPopz209 I've owned a KTM 300 since 1999 until a few years ago. Still riding one quite a bit. Won Open A championship on one in 2002. My favorite was a 380 KTM 2 stroke. But my gas gas 300 was quite a bit more powerful than the KTM. The 300 tpi feels like the weakest 300 KTM has ever built. My 03 honda cr250 would out drag race the 300 tpi. The 05 KTM 300 still had the most powerful engine in my opinion. The 350sxf is much easier to lift the front tire across stuff than the 300 though. It has more usable power range. But I miss my 2 stroke.
Had the nut on the end of the impeller shaft shear off my 2020 xc250. The bouncing nut cracked the water pump cover. While waiting for the replacement shaft, KTM admitted that the part had been super ceded by a different “improved” part. Heads up!
My 98 has a grab handle therefore its definitely up to par with the 2020 😃😂
Really appreciate all the videos you put out and the wealth of knowledge you share! Thanks! I agree with this video, and get excited every time you release a new one. However, I noticed in this video a green bike in the background.......... knowing you give ample time to get riding hours before the review, I'm excited to hear what you have to say about the green XC. Keep up the good work Kyle.
The kickstarter seems to be a thing of the past, just like on street bikes, hopefully backup not needed.
It will be needed or keep replacing starting motors
Totally agree on the grab handle. Re the kickstarter, I'm going to suggest it's related to cost/$ and weight. They want to advertise their bikes as being as low weight as possible. Removing the kickstart lowers the advertised weight (which offsets some of the added weight that the TPI adds.) Since not 'everybody' feels they need a kickstarter, they're leaving it as an option (although they seem to be going away from even offering it as an option as some of the cases don't even have the option any more), so that those who want it can pay for the 'upgrade' and have it. I think it's a good idea having the kickstart.
So, I'm more than happy with my KTM 300 tpi 6days 2019.
I wanted that bike but couldn't find it, I got the 300XC-W. What's the difference and how do I get my 300 XC-W to 6 day standards :) thanks
@@ropa3905 6days just has these enduro parts ready and different graphics, just buy skidplate, rear disc guard. And it will be close
I have a '19 KTM 300 XC-W TPI Six Days too and completely agree
Hes talking about the 2020
@@fitzyschannel6160 we are all aware. Some of his big complaints aren't a problem on the 2019s
I agree with all those. Plus, I hate the rear fender / side panel design. I just want a rear fender and side panel, not an integrated version.
I agree the spark arrestor a sure thing even in NZ were it rains most of the time organised Trail rides ask to have on entry to events.....
It's funny you mention the lack of grab handles because my Husky's have great grab handles.
Completely agree, almost. Kick start would be nice but I haven't needed it......yet. Can we add it easily later on? The lack of spark arrestor is a HUGE let down though. Probably because of the fmf and ktm partnership and a way of squeezing more money out of us.
I'm convinced ktm has a deal with fmf to not put spark arrestors on there bikes. It would destroy FMF's bottom line if we all didnt have to buy a diffrent exhaust every time we bought a bike.
Number one thing I hate about 2020 ktm 2 strokes is that they're not 4 strokes.
It's a rule that if the main company color is orange, the bike MUST leak oil from somewhere! 😊
Not supposed to use red rtv to hold back oil. Black rtv is what you need 👍
Please review the 2021 Honda CRF450RX when it comes out! Looks like Honda is catching up in the enduro/XC segment.
I 100% agree with the tail Fender, my 2020 450 EXC-F broke the notch pieces that hold it all together. And the grab handle was annoying too. Dont get me wrong, my 450 is the best bike i have ever had, but i agree with the fender tail issue.
I’m with beginner and I just got a 2001 300 exc ( I’ve ridden quads for years and some dirt bikes when I was real little)
I’m super happy with my TX 300 2018 kick start proper tail piece reliable carb and anti vibration counter shaft
Trying to grab the fender clips were like an infomercial 😂
Why did they not use the 2019 and onward rear fender from the Huskies, the best rear end ever designed.
@@dustinbugal2069 yes, Beta has good solid grab handles but when KTM owns Husky they don't even need to look at the competition to see a better designed rear plastic and they still have a terrible designed rear plastics that it looks like GASGAS is also going to use that terrible design as well.
Kickstart doesnt help anyway on a exc tpi if the battery is goosed, the fuel pump won’t run an you’ll be kicking for ever, you’ll need that capacitor fitting aswell like you mentioned in your other video 👍🏻
Sorta, if you have a Kickstarter you can kick start it before you completely kill the battery. I have a 350sxf with no Kickstarter but I can bump start it really easy if I don't completely kill the battery. I wish it had a Kickstarter. I believe it's got a capacitor though.
Kick start! Kick start! Kick start! I like thumpers. But it’s just nice to have in an emergency
I picked up a 20- 250sx. And the only thing I don’t like with it is on the shock they have a sort of nylon plastic locking nut on it. So the first thing I did was set the sag and then proceeded to mangle the locking nut before I even rode it. Other than that the bike is miles ahead of anything iv ever ridden before.
Just had to do the left side radiator hose. Dropped bike and put a pin hole in it. The replacement part is $200 from ktm. I ended up making my own setup with heater hose and hose clamps for $10.
So much knowledge! You are awesome!
I picked up a 2021 XC 250 going from 2019 XCF250. Every excited to try it out this weekend😊 thanks for all of the informative videos!
My 2020 Beta 250RR came spark arrested but it was because the dealer inserts the spark arrester when they get the bikes. My dealer actually told me Beta can’t ship the bikes with spark arresters in them because they have to be sold as closed course race bikes to be legal and pass emissions (for the 2Ts). So it may just be KTM doesn’t want to give that dealer support to add it in. Not 100% sure, but just an idea
I hate that both side plates are held on by the subframe bolts. Anytime you want to take them off you have to unbolt the subframe... that's ridiculous!
Save the kick-starts! Thank you.
Makes me want to keep my 2018 300 XC for a few more years.
100 percent agree I bought a 2020 300 xcw in the spring and emailed you about my oil injection failing after 2 hours of riding that amoung the things you mentioned are things I will agree on
100% agree that that these bikes should come with spark arrestors... all the other emissions/legality stuff that's already on the bike, why skip this one? It would cost literally nothing to have that built into the stock silencer. For closed course racing most hardcore racers will usually swap their pipes anyway, so why not make something that's ready to rock for the recreational/trail rider?
My KTM 2 stroke was a waste of 10 grand. It left me stranded twice where recovery was complicated and a huge hassle. The colour orange has been purged from my garage and blue and red are all we bleed. KTM is a great bike to ride but mine had overwhelming reliability issues and I would never trust it enough to purchase one again.
The PV gasket should be a recall worldwide!! The fact that the KTM dealer fix is to use the '19 PV gasket instead of the '20 gasket just screams recall...if it's good enough for automobile and road motorcycles then offroad should be no different.
Beta are the gold standard for grab rails, KTM's have never had decent grab rails and they probably aren't going to change anytime soon!!
Orange bike Bad 😁 I ride a GPX 250 two stroke , Many of the components are exactly like a KTM or husky. At half the price , with no problems after two seasons of riding the black diamond trails of the Oregon coast range . I am vary happy with my bike 😁❤️🇺🇸
Thank you very much for the video
Getting famous off of comments day 184 just trying to live the dream 🤙🤙🤙🤙
Nice😂🤙
In my 2021 ktm 85 sx big weel has a slot were you grab the fender there is a cut out
Love my 2020 300 XC, best dirtbike I`ve ever owned even with the little things that Kyle mentioned!
That's one hell of a rant Kyle but you are absolutely right 👍🇬🇧
Very good list! I think adding a nylon grab-strap around the back of the seat for pulling the rear around would be enough if they don't want to redesign the plastics. Also, I think FMF should step up with a simple redesign that would allow all their systems to accept an FMF spark arrestor. Nice T-Shirt BTW!
Try a TM Racing
They're not going to allow you to adjust idle by yourself. that's part of the emissions requirements that it's not tamper able. Also with the spark arrestor issue, it's a government regulation that you can't have too many features otherwise it'll have to be considered a street vehicle.
Injection engines are almost impossible to kick start because of the extra power load also you can buy a in pipe spark arester
Always bothered me about the kick starter.... so I have to buy the bike for $10,199 then spend $240 on a kick start kit? WTF
you dont have to spend the extra, its all up to you
How can you not speak about the suspension while you’re at it?
KTM has the worst friction in the forks. I've tried everything I can think of. I can't get them no where near as free as I had my showa forks.
You forgot the plastic coupling on the fuel tank. They break. Pre 2020 were alloy. You also forgot that you can't bump the exc as it doesnt have a capacitor. Capacitor would be needed if a kick start was fitted as well. Oh, and a vulnerable TPS. All fixable, but a PITA to have to do.
My biggest gripe with KTM and the other brands right now is pricing. At 11,329.00 plus tax ( probably close 13,000.00) I just can't afford to purchase one of these bikes. Beta, Sherco, are guilty of it here too.. I would be happy to buy a used one but even then, they are 8 to 9 grand and usually need some parts replaced... I love my ktm's but my kids have to eat and be able to play sports so we have reached an impasse. Great vids Kyle, virtual riding is the only riding a lot of us can afford it seems these days....
The spark arrestor drives me nuts. I have never seen the coolant hose pinch. That is a good catch.
100% agree on needing spark arrestors! I'd say all non race bikes should include one standard.
Don't forget about the plastic fuel tank connector that used to be metal and some people are having break off.
for the first one I have always just grabbed the exhaust pipe (I'm usually wearing gloves)
What drone are you using for your videos?
Can you make a review or attach a link
Nice job K 👍👍👍
This is why I love my 13 250xc grab handle kick and go electric start
I think KTM are starting to listen a little as they have made a plastic shield for the rad hose near the PV cover. This is now a power part. However they have a long way to go yet. My understanding is that because of their success they have not been focused enough on customer feedback and have just been hitting the sales button. I work in a KTM hard enduro focused shop and I see some interesting things from time to time. In the couple of years I’ve only seen a few component failures which have been a big issue. The majority are small detail easy fixes. I think the 2023 next generation of bikes will be a revelation from what I’ve seen. 🤞🏻
LISTEN UP KTM!! Kyle knows his stuff. "We listen"
Great new shirt design. When are they available?
On a 2 stroke you can at least do a rolling start without the kick start... Try that on a 450 or 500 four stroke and you will find out that it is pretty much impossible to roll start on anything else then dry tarmac unless you weigh 250kg....
Are you going to bring back the tie down straps on the website? Love the set I bought from you earlier this year!
In europe we don’t have to run spark arrestors. Thats probably why ktm doesn’t have them pre-installed. Isn’t there any company that make inserts for the stock silencer? So you don’t have to buy a whole new one?
Agree but I think they should have kick start and electric
I have a 2015 xc300. Has none of these issues. Has a Kickstart. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
use yamabond on the gasket it will never leak again
hey kyle do you plan to get your hand on the xcw 2021 ? cant wait to see review this one !
Awesome honest commentary. Keep up the good work.
The idle screw thing has nothing to do with Euro 5 as Euro emission standards only applies to street bikes and these bikes cannot be made road legal in most European countries (2 strokes are completely illegal on the road)