Here is another short video of my 2023 KTM 300XC trail riding, slow trail riding, finally open trails with 5th gear wheelies. I still think the '23 KTM 300XC might be the best "does it all" off road bike available this year! I've ridden my new '23 300XC in the woods, tight trails, fire roads, and vet moto and this all new throttle body fuel injected 300cc engine never stops impressing me. The engine is so powerful and responsive (I call Map 2 Beast mode) yet able to run down to what feels like zero RPM, lug up a hill, and then cleanly rip through the gears including 5th and 6th gear wheelies. This engine has impressive partial throttle linear torque response and smooth/strong low to mid power. Throttle body fuel injection with an electronically controlled power valve works. Map 1 offers the same big power but a little slower throttle response but I would not call it a mild map. I am running the recommended 60:1 mix with Motorex 2-stroke oil.

The WP suspension really started to free up at around the 4-hours of use and should feel even better with 10~12 hours of break in time. This year's XC suspension setting works well for a wide range of terrain. The stock clicker settings worked well on a groomed moto track with little fore/aft pitch under braking and acceleration. Today for the slow trail riding I wanted more comfort especially at the top of the stroke for going slowly over the trail chop at slow speeds. There are 38 clicks of compression and rebound adjustment in the AER forks along with a wide range of allowable pressure. I ran the forks at 8.7 Bar (stock is 9.7 Bar) with C30 and R30 (stock is C12 R18). I softened the shock to C24 R24 HSC 2.75 (stock is C15 R15 HSC 1.5). This setting really freed up the suspension and brought a noticeable improvement in absorption and comfort in the slow speed chop. Of course I lost a bit of precision and there was more fore/aft pitch under braking and acceleration but for the slow trail riding I was doing today it worked great This suspension responds well to clickers and don't be afraid to open them up.

The low engine inertia/low engine braking combined with the lightweight of the 300XC makes for a responsive and quick handling bike that is playful in the woods yet stable at speed. The ergos are spot on with excellent rider contact with the sides of the bike. The seat height is a little taller on this new layout. Brembo brakes are strong. The Dunlop AT81 rear tire has good traction with a compliant carcass while the Dunlop MX33 front tire works well.

This all new 300cc TBI engine has really grabbed my attention. Free feeling quick revving 2-stroke style power with strong linear 4-stroke like torque in a 2-stroke engine that runs crisp and clean all the time with no jetting...this is an impressive engine and simply so much FUN to ride! Yea this all new '23 300XC really does do it all!

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