Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1489777
RIDE REVIEW I 2023 KTM 300 SX P100 map. Map two (green light) is the more ag- gressive setting since it allows the powervalve to open all the way. These two maps notice- ably change the engine's character and pro- vide unique feelings. This can be useful late in the day or if you frequent different styles of tracks. Just think green light means go. As for where this bike fits in, that's a differ- ent story. It's an open-class racer, possibly a 450 competitor (depending on what race series you ask), a fleet killer, or just the go- to ride if you're looking for fun. That's what it's been for me lately. If I'm having trouble deciding which bike to ride (a good problem to have, I know), I just pick the 300. It's fast, light and just plain fun. The only real issue I see is it being the first model year with the EFI system. I haven't seen or heard of any real problems with this, but new technologies can be prone to glitches. If you're wondering, the KTM 300 SX is eligible for several racing classes in motocross around the country, especially age classes, and can be ridden in any 450cc class, includ- ing Open Pro Sport, at Loretta Lynn's. Howev- er, despite having "SX" in its name, you won't be seeing it raced in AMA Pro Motocross or Supercross anytime soon; it's not eligible for either 250SX/MX or 450SX/MX classes. Regarding competition, the KTM 300 SX has only the Beta 300 RX to be concerned about. The RX made its debut last year, and the current model sells for $9399, which is $200 more than the KTM. One of the main differences between the KTM and Beta is the fueling system. The Beta is carbureted, via a 38mm PWK Keihin. We're excited that KTM is still putting this much effort into the two-stroke scene. No matter what kind of buyer you are—the one who wants a bike for every type of riding, or the one who wants one bike to do it all—put the KTM 300 SX on your short list of must- rides. CN 2023 KTM 300 SX ($9199) ENGINE TYPE: 2-stroke, single DISPLACEMENT: 293.2cc BORE X STROKE: 72 x 72mm COOLING SYSTEM: Liquid STARTING SYSTEM: Electric FUELING: Fuel Injection (Throttle Body Injection) TRANSMISSION: 5-speed, w/ hydraulic clutch FRAME: Steel central-tube SUBFRAME: Polyamide, reinforced aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION: WP Xact 48mm REAR SUSPENSION: WP Xact Monoshock with linkage FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: 12.2 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: 11.8 in. FRONT WHEEL: 21 in. REAR WHEEL: 19 in. FRONT TIRE: Dunlop Geomax MX-33F REAR TIRE: Dunlop Geomax MX-33 FRONT BRAKE: Brembo 260mm REAR BRAKE: Single 220mm, Brembo caliper WHEELBASE: 58.7 in. STEERING HEAD ANGLE: 63.9° SEAT HEIGHT: 37.7 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: 13.9 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 1.9 gal. WEIGHT (NO FUEL, CLAIMED): 219 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S