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/1500749
QUICKSPIN I 2024 KTM 300 XC-W P112 out compared to comparable TPI bikes I've ridden. You can tell the '24 has some racing legs under her. It's a quick, agile feeling bike, just veiled in a velvety smooth package that you can ride all day. Our tight woods route was made up mainly of the GNCC racecourse, which offered some punchy uphills and a handful of areas where the 300 could stretch its legs. After a few laps on the ultra-linear standard (white) map, I bumped it into the aggressive mode (green). Each map has specific settings for the bike's electronic power valve and tells it when to open and how quickly. What I like about the XC-W is its ability to do it all. On the faster sections, the "open-class" power was reminis - cent of the 300 XC, but it continued to shine in the ultra-tight stuff, where enduro riders will be thankful. It's a nice blend between the SX version of the TBI and the smoothness of the TPI. The old bike could zip through the trees nicely but not with the same pizazz as the '24. The other big talking point here is the fork. The new Xact setup is a closed-cartridge oil and spring system rather than an open one found on the previous Xplor fork. The techs from WP said the simplistic open-cartridge de- sign allowed the fork oil to bubble and foam up under harsh conditions, resulting in an incon- sistent feel at the front end. The new closed- cartridge system eliminates this problem. The new fork, indeed, feels more predictable. It's plush up top and eats up the little bumps and roots while holding up nicely in the mid-stroke. Overall consistency and predictability are my real takeaways here. The Xact fork feels like a cushy KYB fork from top to mid. Coming off a moto bike makes these settings feel squishy, but the softer nature makes it easy to preload the suspension and get it to work with you as you finesse the bike around a tight corner. A hydro-stop in the final 2.5 inches helps with bottoming resistance. The toolless adjusters on the fork and shock are also a Godsend when making trailside adjustments. CN 2024 KTM 380 XC-W ($11,449) ENGINE TYPE: 2-stroke, single DISPLACEMENT: 293.15 cc BORE X STROKE: 72 x 72mm COOLING SYSTEM: Liquid STARTING SYSTEM: Electric FUELING: Fuel Injection with 39mm Keihin throttle body TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, w/hydraulic DDS Brembo clutch FINAL DRIVE: 13:45 FRAME: Steel central tube, double cradle SUBFRAME: Polyamide, reinforced aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION: WP Xact 48mm, closed cartridge REAR SUSPENSION: WP Xplor Monoshock with linkage FRONT SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 11.8 in. REAR SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 12.2 in. FRONT WHEEL: 21 in. REAR WHEEL: 18 in. FRONT TIRE: Dunlop Geomax MX-33F REAR TIRE: Dunlop Geomax AT81 FRONT BRAKE: Brembo 260 mm REAR BRAKE: Single 220mm, Brembo caliper STEERING HEAD ANGLE: 26.1 degrees WHEELBASE: 58.6 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: 14.7 in. SEAT HEIGHT: 37.9 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 2.37 gal. WEIGHT (NO FUEL, CLAIMED): 230.6 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S