VOLUME ISSUE JANUARY , P83
KTM 300 XC-W
MSRP: $12,349
WEIGHT (MEASURED, WET): 243 LBS.
Since the beginning of time, it seems,
KTM's 300cc two-stroke off-road en-
gine has been the engine by which all
other 300cc two-strokes are judged—
and pretty much the entire KTM 300
motorcycle, for that matter. If you've
ever ridden one, you understand.
Compared to the GasGas and Husky,
the KTM 300 XC-W also rides on WP
suspension components, uses TPI
fueling technology and is oil-injected.
Unlike the Husky, the KTM is not fitted
with an adjustable engine map switch.
Strange. However, a secondary map
is preprogrammed in the ECU, but to
access it, you must purchase KTM's
optional handlebar-mounted switch.
What sets the KTM apart from its
GasGas and Husqvarna cousins and
the other four bikes in this comparison
is its rear suspension system. It's the
only bike whose shock does not ride
on linkage; instead, it's bolted right to
the swingarm. KTM calls this design
PDS for Progressive Damping System,
which has been around since 1997.
With PDS, the shock progressively
increases damping through the stroke
via an inner needle and dual pistons.
For the off-road rider, PDS has sev-
eral advantages: the design is simple,
maintenance is low (no moving parts to
grease, and the shock is easy to replace
in a pinch), it's lighter than a linkage
system, and offers more ground clear-
ance, which is excellent for bashing
over logs, rocks and even K-rails. There
are tradeoffs, however. Mainly, some
off-roaders feel the linkage KTMs, like
the 300 XC (without the "W"), have a
plusher and more sensitive feel.
Other things to think about, the KTM
is the lightest of the five and costs the
most.
(Left) Going into
this comparison, we
thought the KTM would
be tough to beat, and
we thought correctly.
But the 300 XC-W
comes with a premium
price tag. (Right) Race
it or trail it, the KTM
will oblige.
