QUICKSPIN I 2023 KTM 125, 250, 300 SX
P108
On the track is where the
differences become clear. The
300 is about as smooth as you
can get from a two-stroke. The
new electronic fuel injection
and power valve make throttle
response, delivery and output
ever so sweet. There's no real
hit from the engine like you'd
expect, and you can lug the bike
in third gear almost everywhere
on the track. It's torquey down
low like a four-stroke but main-
tains that strong rev character in
the mid to top. We weren't huge
fans of the previous KTM and
Husqvarna 300cc motors which
had a light-switch powerband,
but this bike feels much differ-
ent. Map two again packs a bet-
ter punch for more aggressive
riders, but map one will be the
common rider's dream.
WRAP UP
While we only got about five laps
on each bike during our day at
RedBud, it's easy to see the
future of two-stroke technology
is in good hands. Again, these
new KTMs were still in the final
stages of pre-production, and
aside from suspension settings,
it's hard to pick them apart.
New chassis, bodywork and
rider cockpits almost go unno-
ticed since everyone is talking
about the new engine, but these
changes all felt familiar and
comfortable after riding the new
four-stroke models. Fuel injec-
tion is certainly a step forward
for premix lovers. We see it as
an advantage for its ease of use
and the reduction in jetting head-
aches. These bikes will perform
at any altitude and offer a similar
feel to the old trusty carbureted
machines. In the end, we're
more than impressed with KTM's
2023 two-stroke models and
are excited to mix some gas and
spin more laps in the coming
future.
CN
KTM has a two-stroke for you.
