QUICKSPIN I 2024 KTM 300 XC-W
P110
lately on the new KTM chassis,
two- and four-stroke, and find
this one to be a pleasant and
neutral platform. The seat is
more defined and less round
or vague than the previous
generation. The bodywork is
nice and slim, too.
I fired up the 300 XC-W and
was eager to put it to the
test in the tacky, wooded
conditions. I've never been
a fan of the TPI engines.
To me, they always feel like a
carbed two-stroke that always
needs to be cleared out. But
when you do, it only pings and
doesn't deliver that snappy
response you get from a well-
tuned carb bike.
I've raced the TBI 300 XC
and am also familiar with the
300 SX. Right away, the new
XC-W runs much better than
the previous TPI bike and feels
a lot like the latest-generation
SX's and XC's. It might not
deliver as much raw power as
300cc SX or XC (57 horsepow
-
er versus 49), but the respon-
siveness is largely increased
from the former TPI engine.
It's not a wide-open racing
machine, but the roll-on is
snappy, and the mid-to-top pull
is on par with what I expect
from a 300cc motor. And the
first and second-gear torque is
crazy usable. It sounds crisp
as you click through the gears,
and the power doesn't fizzle
The XC-W might be more at
home in the woods, but it's quite
happy when things open up,
and the jumps get bigger.
