VOLUME ISSUE JANUARY , P97
300 is seven pounds lighter than
the current-gen four-stroke KTM
450 SX-F. Lifting it off the stand
requires noticeably less muscle,
which translates to a lightweight
feeling on track. You can easily
switch lines and move the bike
around in the air. If you're familiar
with two-strokes, this isn't going
to surprise you, but that classic
"no engine-brake" feeling was
a smile-inducing reminder of
how fun a two-smoker can be.
Bombing the downhills or carry-
ing roll speed in and through a
corner feels easy and smooth on
the 300.
Plus, it rides on that new KTM
chassis. After having swung my
leg over practically every orange
'23 machine already, I've be-
come accustomed to the new
frame and swingarm combo. I
like it. It feels slightly longer than
it did in years past, therefore,
it creates a stable feeling while
at speed. This was something I
wanted—rather, needed—while
clicking into fourth gear on the
start straight or trying to pick
a rut at speed. The cockpit is
neutral and comfortable right
from the get-go and doesn't feel
super "European" like some of
the KTMs of the past.
The only thing I really tinkered
with was the suspension, as the
fork felt a bit harsh and chop-
pered out at times. I softened
the compression with the tool-
less adjusters and opened the
rebound to free up the fork and
get more function from the front
end. This was especially helpful
as the track roughened up later
