I did the build in 2 days last weekend, except for graphics which arrived yesterday. I'll finish the cosmetics today and post a video later this week. Stay tuned.
It seems like buying a 2018 and avoiding injection, is a pretty good plan. Carbs are easy. Guys have spent a lot trying to make tpi right, or some are happy with it.
I know you don't like WP suspension but have you ever considered doing a build and working with what comes on the bike as 99.9% of people don't really want to spend another $6000 to $7000 on completely different custom built suspension, yes it's the ultimate way to go but about as impractical as it gets, if your racing at a pro level it makes total since but most people who buy new dirt bikes are not pro level riders but do benefit from suspension mods and would benefit from your experience , knowledge and testing on that type of project or build.
Rob: Thanks for your response. I have never said that I don't like WP suspension. WP components are very high quality compared to what comes on other MC brands. I'm 6'3"/215lbs so the stock settings don't work for me. I can improve the stock suspension with valving changes and springs rates for my weight and I have done that in previous builds. I fully understand that the suspension components I use on my personal bikes fall into the unobtainium category for most guys but it is a huge misconception that they only benefit upper level riders. Actually, great suspension is a bigger benefit to slower riders. Why? Because it improves their confidence, saves their ass when they makes mistakes, requires less energy to ride (lower level riders typically lack conditioning), makes the ride much safer and more enjoyable and keeps them off their head. Every year I let people of all skill levels ride my bike and almost every time their first comment is "that is a cheater bike" . We have a surprising amount of blue collar customers that will spend their last dollar on quality engine and suspension components as well as guys with deep pockets that are always searching for the best of the best. They enjoy my builds and appreciate that I test, test and test to provide them with accurate information from which they can make informed purchase decisions. I could do a build with stock components that I modified, but I don't offer that service to the public or I could have them modified and post that contact information, but that would be a boring video. People like to dream. If you give me specific guidelines of what information you would like to see in a video, I'll give it my best shot. Regards, JS
@@slaverace1 Sounds like what springing for top-of-the-line ski boots + custom liners is like. It's a whole new world. And you find you can now learn to do things on skis that just didn't seem possible in the rental-class gear. I've re-sprung my suspension for my weight, but didn't re-valve it 🤔 I'll have to head over to your shop and see where you think I should go with that. The higher end suspension upgrades on your site that I've been dreaming about would be a *helluva* gut punch; but I keep thinking of how those nice ski boots completely change the game. Maybe next year.
Jeff, thanks for the detailed response, I'm coming out to Colorado to ride your bike, I know it will make any bike I've ever ridden or any other bike I will ride in the future seem inadequate but I'm willing to make that sacrifice in my never ending quest for the ultimate dirt bike experience.
I bought a shiny new 2023 KTM 300 xc-w from Adventure Moto in McKinney Texas. Invested another $5k before I’ve ever pick it up so it’s the bike I will love.
@@mrrandy1 new tires, mouse bibs, suspension pro cartridges and springs, race tech fan, pipe guard, AXP skid plate, enduro engineering hand guards, bullet proof designs radiator guards, a few other minor protection items and the street legal conversion kit.
For your type of riding here, and everything you just explained you are about to do, you just told me you want a 250XC. With the exception of a rich bottom end. Interesting.
@@Bobby_Uterus Most of it was 4 to 6 foot wide and more, if a quad wanted it could fit thru. I'm in nor cal, we build our own hidden trails......I know Colorado has some of the best trail no doubt....tends to get over ridden due to popularity.
I'm 54 and hadn't ridden since my 20's which were all 2T. Feeling like my advanced age wouldn't translate well I bought a CRF 250F. Well that lasted about a week. Had to wait a season and was all set to buy a FE 250 or XCF-W until I dove into the 411 on the XCW 300. Needless to say I was sold. Smooth linear power delivery. Low end torque lugger so I won't be stalling out on hills and wear my hand out clutching. Much better suspension and above all almost 50 lbs lighter. Stoked to pick it up. Wondering about a radiator fan for sure. Maine is pretty mild year round so not sure it'll be an issue. Anyone has any feedback would be awesome. I'm also 6'0 220 so I'm wondering about the springs as well. Have to see how it feels I spose.
What’s your plan with the suspension? It sounds like the oem isn’t salvageable at all. I’m considering replacing my 2014 and I’d rather have the last gen than the first....or is the 24 that much better (suspension too)? Also worried about not having a kicker option.
I had a few 500 exc and I just got this exact bike as my first 2 stroke. Gotta say I’m somewhat disappointed in the power. I put an FMF pipe on it, played with the power valve a bit. I got a RK tech head coming in the mail, hopefully that wakes it up a bit, what else do you suggest to add mid to top end power, I don’t do slow technical stuff, just wide open dual trails. Can’t wait to see your build
The O.E.M ECU is the problem. A properly mapped GET ECU delivers a big HP gain. slavensracing.com/shop/slavens-mule-get-ecu-race-kit-for-ktm-hqv-250-300tpi/
My buddy just got a 2022. He has a hard time getting his boot under the shifter and he can't fund a Hammerhead extended one like I have on my Beta. Do you have a solution for that?
Hammerhead is a very unreliable supplier with very poor delivery to customers. Maybe he just needs to relocate it on the splines. I wear a size 13 boot and have no shifting issue on my 300s.
@@slaverace1 Last time you offered a ride I was with Mike Shown at Taylor. We were able to keep up with you almost to Spring Creek road from the campsite across from Mosca, maybe 50 yards. ;)
Torn between a te300 or a 300xc-w. For the gnarly stuff I feel both would be good. Mainly torn because of the PDS, never had a bike with one before. Any recommendations either way?
My last new 300,with PDS worked great for what I do right out of the box. Plush and soft for tight/tight trail in the woods......KTM built it as a trailbike and that's what it was...lots of guys do great with PDS.
Why would you pay $11,000 for a brand new bike and then completely redo it spend thousands of dollars to change it around why don’t you just buy an older bike and do all the modifications you want it’s ridiculous to spend that much money on it. If it’s no good why did you buy it? Why would you need a 2023 bike if your just gonna throw a whole bunch more money on it that’s just stupid
Hello Scott: The bike is OK as delivered but I prefer to not ride a "one size fits all" bike. I like to customize them to fit me, perform better in the terrain I ride (rocks and roots) and overall improve the ride quality and rideability. There really is no need to say it is stupid just because it is out of your budget. Too each their own. Regards, JS
Long live the 2-stroke!
I'll take stock over sitting on the couch and getting fat. Look forward to the build.
I did the build in 2 days last weekend, except for graphics which arrived yesterday. I'll finish the cosmetics today and post a video later this week. Stay tuned.
It seems like buying a 2018 and avoiding injection, is a pretty good plan. Carbs are easy.
Guys have spent a lot trying to make tpi right, or some are happy with it.
Just got one--went out yesterday -- they are awesome. Set suspension and go!
I know you don't like WP suspension but have you ever considered doing a build and working with what comes on the bike as 99.9% of people don't really want to spend another $6000 to $7000 on completely different custom built suspension, yes it's the ultimate way to go but about as impractical as it gets, if your racing at a pro level it makes total since but most people who buy new dirt bikes are not pro level riders but do benefit from suspension mods and would benefit from your experience , knowledge and testing on that type of project or build.
Rob:
Thanks for your response. I have never said that I don't like WP suspension. WP components are very high quality compared to what comes on other MC brands. I'm 6'3"/215lbs so the stock settings don't work for me. I can improve the stock suspension with valving changes and springs rates for my weight and I have done that in previous builds.
I fully understand that the suspension components I use on my personal bikes fall into the unobtainium category for most guys but it is a huge misconception that they only benefit upper level riders. Actually, great suspension is a bigger benefit to slower riders. Why? Because it improves their confidence, saves their ass when they makes mistakes, requires less energy to ride (lower level riders typically lack conditioning), makes the ride much safer and more enjoyable and keeps them off their head. Every year I let people of all skill levels ride my bike and almost every time their first comment is "that is a cheater bike" .
We have a surprising amount of blue collar customers that will spend their last dollar on quality engine and suspension components as well as guys with deep pockets that are always searching for the best of the best. They enjoy my builds and appreciate that I test, test and test to provide them with accurate information from which they can make informed purchase decisions.
I could do a build with stock components that I modified, but I don't offer that service to the public or I could have them modified and post that contact information, but that would be a boring video. People like to dream.
If you give me specific guidelines of what information you would like to see in a video, I'll give it my best shot.
Regards,
JS
@@slaverace1 Sounds like what springing for top-of-the-line ski boots + custom liners is like. It's a whole new world. And you find you can now learn to do things on skis that just didn't seem possible in the rental-class gear.
I've re-sprung my suspension for my weight, but didn't re-valve it 🤔 I'll have to head over to your shop and see where you think I should go with that.
The higher end suspension upgrades on your site that I've been dreaming about would be a *helluva* gut punch; but I keep thinking of how those nice ski boots completely change the game.
Maybe next year.
Jeff, thanks for the detailed response, I'm coming out to Colorado to ride your bike, I know it will make any bike I've ever ridden or any other bike I will ride in the future seem inadequate but I'm willing to make that sacrifice in my never ending quest for the ultimate dirt bike experience.
@@robh3267
🤠
Jeff, Do you install a compression head and map reflash before or after the brake in period? Thanks!
I bought a shiny new 2023 KTM 300 xc-w from Adventure Moto in McKinney Texas. Invested another $5k before I’ve ever pick it up so it’s the bike I will love.
what are the parts?
@@mrrandy1 new tires, mouse bibs, suspension pro cartridges and springs, race tech fan, pipe guard, AXP skid plate, enduro engineering hand guards, bullet proof designs radiator guards, a few other minor protection items and the street legal conversion kit.
For your type of riding here, and everything you just explained you are about to do, you just told me you want a 250XC. With the exception of a rich bottom end. Interesting.
I have no desire to own a 250XC.
@Slavens Racing curious as to why you wouldn't choose the XC . Is it the gearing you prefer ?
Like the light switch in the original spot. Look forward to the build.
First time I’ve seen a vid of you riding. Love to see a comparison on how much faster you go on the same trail pre modification and post.
I’ll be posting more ride videos but not a comparison. That trail has other users and I don’t want to have a head-on collision.
That was some of the most pristine single track I’ve ever seen on a video lol.
Good stuff!!!
Looked like quad trail to me.
@@bradsanders6954 just well maintained. You a northwest guy?
@@Bobby_Uterus Most of it was 4 to 6 foot wide and more, if a quad wanted it could fit thru. I'm in nor cal, we build our own hidden trails......I know Colorado has some of the best trail no doubt....tends to get over ridden due to popularity.
@@bradsanders6954 Never been to Colorado myself. Northwest guy. Wow, must be nice having private trails.
still amazed at how this Bike can lug!! I was seriously thinking about going to a 4 stroke, but I think I might go this route.
I haven't ridden in years. I had a 2008, and all my riding buddies thought it was the fastest bike on the trails back then. Miss it.
I'm 54 and hadn't ridden since my 20's which were all 2T. Feeling like my advanced age wouldn't translate well I bought a CRF 250F. Well that lasted about a week. Had to wait a season and was all set to buy a FE 250 or XCF-W until I dove into the 411 on the XCW 300. Needless to say I was sold. Smooth linear power delivery. Low end torque lugger so I won't be stalling out on hills and wear my hand out clutching. Much better suspension and above all almost 50 lbs lighter. Stoked to pick it up. Wondering about a radiator fan for sure. Maine is pretty mild year round so not sure it'll be an issue. Anyone has any feedback would be awesome. I'm also 6'0 220 so I'm wondering about the springs as well. Have to see how it feels I spose.
What’s your plan with the suspension?
It sounds like the oem isn’t salvageable at all.
I’m considering replacing my 2014 and I’d rather have the last gen than the first....or is the 24 that much better (suspension too)?
Also worried about not having a kicker option.
So if the stocks suspension is so bad, why would you spend $11,000 to buy it?
I had a few 500 exc and I just got this exact bike as my first 2 stroke. Gotta say I’m somewhat disappointed in the power. I put an FMF pipe on it, played with the power valve a bit. I got a RK tech head coming in the mail, hopefully that wakes it up a bit, what else do you suggest to add mid to top end power, I don’t do slow technical stuff, just wide open dual trails. Can’t wait to see your build
The O.E.M ECU is the problem. A properly mapped GET ECU delivers a big HP gain. slavensracing.com/shop/slavens-mule-get-ecu-race-kit-for-ktm-hqv-250-300tpi/
You got the tight woods bike ,for wide open dual trails............a 450 might be your best bet.
I have a KTM 450 exc, and this is definitely my next bike.
I would have waited for the TBI .
I have a 2024 300XCW and a 2023 300XC TBI on order. Nothing wrong with the TPi system. I prefer riding over waiting.
@@slaverace1 are the '24 xcw/excs gonna have the all new frame and motor?
@@molly_daly4066 Bro, I’ve got the 2069’ she purrs like a kitten, your MOM loves it.
Orange frame means last year for that generation
My buddy just got a 2022. He has a hard time getting his boot under the shifter and he can't fund a Hammerhead extended one like I have on my Beta. Do you have a solution for that?
Hammerhead is a very unreliable supplier with very poor delivery to customers. Maybe he just needs to relocate it on the splines. I wear a size 13 boot and have no shifting issue on my 300s.
Those are some beauty looking trails
I agree. Where are you riding in this video Jeff???
@@timlandis2650 I want to know too.
Come to Colorado Springs and I'll take you for a ride, but I don't kiss and tell.
@@slaverace1 Last time you offered a ride I was with Mike Shown at Taylor. We were able to keep up with you almost to Spring Creek road from the campsite across from Mosca, maybe 50 yards. ;)
no rear grab handle area whatsoever ?
Just grab the fender just behind the seat. Grab handles are always in an awkward location.
Torn between a te300 or a 300xc-w. For the gnarly stuff I feel both would be good. Mainly torn because of the PDS, never had a bike with one before. Any recommendations either way?
I bought the te because of the linkage. I do not like the pds. I hope you can ride both.
My last new 300,with PDS worked great for what I do right out of the box. Plush and soft for tight/tight trail in the woods......KTM built it as a trailbike and that's what it was...lots of guys do great with PDS.
@@bradsanders6954 I went 300 XCW as well (though it was close, like Husqy color scheme better) Hear great things about the PDS
Man, what a Cool looking trail!!
Where is this trail?
Sorry, I don't kiss and tell.
Hit me back when you have a tbi bike 😉
The TBI models won't arrive until September/October.
💥💥💥
TPI is a no from me just saying gut Feeling don't like TPI
Jerry: If you rode a well tuned Tpi you might change your mind.
Stop whining!!! :):):)
Why would you pay $11,000 for a brand new bike and then completely redo it spend thousands of dollars to change it around why don’t you just buy an older bike and do all the modifications you want it’s ridiculous to spend that much money on it. If it’s no good why did you buy it? Why would you need a 2023 bike if your just gonna throw a whole bunch more money on it that’s just stupid
Hello Scott:
The bike is OK as delivered but I prefer to not ride a "one size fits all" bike. I like to customize them to fit me, perform better in the terrain I ride (rocks and roots) and overall improve the ride quality and rideability.
There really is no need to say it is stupid just because it is out of your budget. Too each their own.
Regards,
JS