2017 KTM 300 XC/XC-W
PROJECT
P128
To help protect the shock
linkage from trail damage, a
Pro Moto Billet guard replaces
the stock unprotected link. The
Pro Moto Billet guard is also
adjustable for those looking for
different handling traits. On this
bike it was used in the stock
position.
A lot of KTM lovers weren't
exactly happy on KTM's deci-
sion to ditch the Keihin carb for
the Mikuni, and we weren't either. The Mikuni is
much more finicky to set up and more sensitive
to altitude change. The main focus of this proj-
ect was to improve the performance of the carb.
Clark completely changes the jetting and
also performs a slide modification, which helps
to rid a rich spot at about quarter-throttle that
is really hard to eliminate. A triangle file is used
to cut a notch in the slide. On top of the slide
modification, the jetting is as follows: 420 main,
35 pilot, 43-75 needle in position two. The air
screw is 1.5-2.5 turns out.
A V-Force reedcage replaces the stock
reeds. To up the compression, .018-.020 was
cut off the head, providing a bit more bottom-
to-mid power without hurting the top end. This
amount keeps the engine safe for pump gas.
Other cool additions to the
2017 300 XC/XC-W include a
fresh coat of orange powder
coating, an FMF pipe and Pow-
ercore non-sparky muffler. For
riding in areas that require a
sparky, Clark swaps the muffler
for an FMF Q.
Protection for the pipe
comes from a P3 carbon
guard. Full Cycra orange plas-
tic, covered in Decal Works
graphics and a MotoSeat cover
completes the cool look of this
KTM two-stroke.
(Above) Our biggest
gripe with the 2017 300
XC is its finicky Mikuni
carburetor—it's hard
to jet compared to the
previous Keihin. But we
found a way to fix it.
(Below) Priority number
one with off-road bike
builders is protection,
keeping the bike intact
during a ride or race. We
trust P3 Carbon with our
FMF exhaust pipe.
+
