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/1532532
P106 BIKE BUILD I 2024 KTM 300 XC-W terrain very often. I just hosted the GRINduro 9 event in Texas, and the second day of riding features the 'extreme loop,' where participants trail ride the more rugged terrain that the property has to offer. This was the perfect tire setup for that ride since it features loose dirt, big rocky sections, and areas where high traction is a huge benefit. I paired the Michelin Enduro Xtrem rear tire with the Michelin Enduro Medium front, which has very good grip in a wide range of terrain. The grip that a gummy tire pro - duces is mind-blowing for me since I usually run a standard Michelin Bib Mousse with a Michelin StarCross 6 Med/Soft or Med/Hard depending on terrain. "One new tool on the bike that I have used a ton this year is the TSP ERM module via Slavens Racing. This module allows a ton of potential to fine-tune the engine character- istics to suit your riding needs. I opened up the powervalve response by seven percent all around, and it woke the bike up. The TSP tune also makes the bike much more respon- sive than in stock form, which I like. "Another thing to note is that I make my own mount for my Trail Tech Voyager Pro so that I can run it behind my OEM headlight mask. I cut slits in the OEM mask so I can use Voile straps or OEM KTM rub- ber straps to secure the mask to the forks and motorcycle. This opens up some room for the GPS but also allows the headlight mask to be removed quickly instead of using the OEM bolts. The Voyager Pro has become a must-have for me when I'm exploring new zones or riding with people on Gnarly Routes tours. "I run Enduro Engineering protection parts and have alternated this year from full- wrap guards to the open-ended guards, but I'm not sure that I'll stick with the open-ended setup. I'm so used to hav - ing the outside of my hands protected that I feel exposed with the open-ended version. It seems like a lot of people are curious when it comes to alu- minum versus polymer protec- tion parts, but I've been using Enduro Engineering since 2000 and the parts haven't let me down once. I'm a fan of the company and the people that make those great products. "One thing I love about the XC-W bikes is the lack of link - age. It's so easy to change the shock, and it's also nice not having to worry about scraping up linkage when riding in more extreme terrain. "I typically run the Michelin StarCross 6 Med/Soft or Med/ Hard front and rear tires with the Michelin Bib Mousse in- sert. The gearing I usually run on the bike is 13/48, but it's pictured with a 49 and that's why the rear axle block is so far forward in the swingarm. On the Gnarly Routes tours, I'll use the Seat Concepts Com - fort seat, but like the Race 2.0 for enduro racing and the riding I do at home." CN GOODIE BAG Bike: 2024 KTM 300 XC-W with 90 hours Tires: Michelin Enduro Xtrem rear and Michelin Enduro Medium front, both with bib mousse. Protection: Enduro Engineering Bars: Renthal 996, crossbar removed Bar Mount: XC Gear Mako 360 SX dually, green polymers, blue SB Exhaust: OEM pipe, Akrapovic slip-on silencer Seat: Seat Concepts Race 2.0 (I use the Seat Concepts Comfort seat on Gnarly Routes tours) Ignition: TSP ERM, latest map for the XC-W with Powervalve up 7% Powervalve cover: TSP Cylinder head: TSP with medium insert Reed cage: V Force 4X Graphics: Bike Graphix Brakes: DP brakes solid rear rotor Gearing: 13/49 (I typically run 48 but wanted an extra tooth for the extreme ride) Suspension: Solid Performance- tuned WP Pro Components. 4.6 fork springs, 6.9 shock spring Lubricants: Motorex Headlight: MotoMinded Clutch: Rekluse TorqDrive with billet cover (Extra protection and easier lever pull) Filter: Twin Air Fan: KTM PowerParts GPS unit: Trail Tech Voyager Pro