Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

(Right) The 300 offers open-bike-type power in an overall package as nimble as a 250. (Below) The liquid-cooled, case-reed Induction', 297cc motor is all "chug." It'll pull you up almost any hili. (Above) KTM made It easy to change flywheel weight - four bolts and that's It. ~ motor revs fairly quickly but you always have control of the rear wheel. Perhaps the best part about the 300 is the way it chugs off the bottom. As soon as you see a gnarly section or a particularly concerning uphill coming up, no worries - you just drop down a gear and chug 'your way up. Second gear works best for most situations, but when things really turn ugly, click down to first and-your problems should be solved. If that doesn't work, that section can't be ridden. For most tight trails, second gear is usually the ideal choice. You can bog the hell out of it without worry about stalling the motor and there's always enough power down there to pull the gear. When things open up a bit, second gear is wide enough to get the job done. Third, fourth and fifth gears are reserved for the two-tracks and long straights. When things do open up, the 300 gets along pretty well. The bike is by no means a CR500 when it comes to brute, open-class horsepower, but for off-road , riding, there is more than. enough power on tap to keep you happy. When you think of open bikes, one thing that usually comes to mind right away is vibration. This is another notso-good open-bike trait that the KTM 300E/XC does not exhibit. The lack of excessive vibration and horsepower overkill many big-bore off-road bikes have makes the KTM 300E/XC an excellent bike for those long days in the saddle. The bike won't wear you out anymore than a 250cc, maybe even less, because of its extremely cont'pliant motor. When it comes to off-road riding, this bike is one of the easiest to ride ever. A strong clutch is' a valued commodity on the trail. We found ourselves fanning the heck out of the clutch on one particular loose, rocky climb, and the clutch held up to the abuse with flying colors. The bike we rode shifted well and, as mentioned, the clutch is sturdy and has good feel. Our only complaint, as minor as it was, involved the shift lever itself. A couple of times, while leg-paddling through deep brush, the folding part of the lever seem 'to catch on small twigs (Left)The KTM Magnum (Marzocchi) forks have grown 5mm to .50mm. 1997 KTM 300EIXC Specificalions and branches and fold back too easily, and when we went to shift gears, there was no knob. It just seemed to happen enough times to mention. We'd like to see a stiffer spring. In the suspension department, the 300 rides well. The Marzocchi, er KTM Magnum, fork comes set up a little too soft for anything but a casual trail ride for our 160-pound rider, but bumping up the compression damping (right fork leg) two clicks and the rebound (left fork leg) one click seemed to help for more aggressive riding. Otherwise, we were quite happy with the forks. We had no complaints with the back end. The Ohlins shock required no immediate adjustments' and performed quite well over a variety of terrain. Once in a while the rear would step out over large, sandy, rolling whoops at speed, but would almost always correct itself without having to make major bodyposition adjustments. The KTM steers extremely well. Just point the front end where you want to go and you're there. As a result, the 300 is an absolute blast on the single-track twisties, but with bushes and trees on both sides of the trail, your fingers will be praying for hand guards. Your dealer will be happy to sell you some. Both front and rear brakes are strong and offer good feel. KTMs have always been tough to drown in the deep water crossing, and the same can stilI be said for the 300. We submerged the 300 a couple of times and not once did the motor burble or cough. The new, dimpled seat cover helps hete, too, offering just enough traction to keep you on the seat. And speaking of the seat, KTM has finally got the padding down right. No longer do you feel as though you're sitting on a brick. As you can probably tell, we absolutely love the KTM 300E/XC. The bike is super easy to ride thanks to its excellent "chugability," usable power, nimble handling and precise steering. Plus, the bike is enduro-ready right out of the crate, thanks to its built-in odometer and spark arrestor, but you might want to slap on a pair of hand guards. Otherwise, be prepared for- a lot of zeroes on your scorecard. (N engine Type .. . .Uquid-cooled. case-reed induction. Twin Valve Control.2-stroke Bore & stroke· 72.0 x 73.0mm ~nt 297cc Carburetor Keihin PWK 38mm - D" SlideSilencer Muffler w/integrated spark arrestor T m 1on 5-speed. WR PrI_ry drive 25/72 final drIv. . 14/52 (O-ring chain) Ignl~ Kokusan 2K·2, Digitsl Control w/flywheel weight and lighting coil F type Chrome-Moly Rake 26.5 degrees Suepen.1on Front Rear 50mm, non-inverted Ohlins. type 3A. 1S-way rebound/compression damping Wheel_.... Front .. , A_r B Front Reer KTM Magnum (Marzocchi) , '" 11.8 in. 13.4 in. . 10.2-in. disc. double piston caliper, organic peds ..8.65-in. disc. single piston caliper. organic pads n.... Front . . . Reer .Pirelli MT18 80/100-21 in. P'trelli MT18 120/100-18 in. Seat height 37.2 in. Wheel 57.8 in. Ground deal'lln.,. 15.2 in. Claimed dry weight 228.8 Ibs. MSAP $5295

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