2023 KTM 300XC First Ride: Believe the Hype!

Описание: More recent rides on my new '23 300XC...
23 300XC Does it All....    • 2023 KTM 300XC Does it All!  
Briarcliff MX ride....    • 2023 KTM 300XC Review 2nd Moto Ride  
300XC TBI vs 300XCW TPI....    • TBI vs TPI! 2023 KTM 300XC vs 2021 KTM 300...  
Slow trail ride....    • 2023 KTM 300XC Review: Slow Trail Ride  
'23 300XC vs '23 350SXF...    • 2023 KTM 300XC vs 2023 KTM 350SXF Moto Bac...  

First ride on my new 2023 KTM 300XC (thanks Pony Powersports, Mansfield Ohio!). Believe the hype! I always have a 300 2-strokes around since 2012. I currently ride a 2021 KTM 300 Erzberg which has been my favorite 2-stroke to date. I was very excited to try the throttle body fuel injected 300, especially after hearing all the good things the magazine riders and dealer associates that got to ride the TBI 300 at the recent dealer show. The all new throttle body fuel injected 300cc 2-stroke engine is impressive. The biggest difference I can feel between TPI (transfer port injection) and TBI (throttle body injection) is the partial throttle/roll on feel. This new 300 TBI engine has stronger roll on torque feel, a more meaty feel low to mid RPM, compared to the 300 TPI engine. The TBI 300 engine responds quickly with an almost classic 2-stroke style hit but is still very controllable and linear power but more exciting than TPI, especially low to mid. I think TPI is easier to control in the woods or tight trails.

The suspension felt very compliant for being brand new. My 22.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition rear shock feels fairly stiff and gives me more feedback than I want even after spinning the clickers. I did not get any of that feeling on this new 23 300XC rear shock. In fact even with the fairly stiff brand new seat the rear of the bike felt absorbing over the little chop. I ran the clickers stock position. I like the new ergos and footpeg: both combine to keep you connected to the bike. The new bike does have a somewhat bigger feel overall compared to my '21 KTM 300 Erzberg. I did install a smaller '22 model year front fender to give the front end a smaller feel from the saddle (the new fender is wider and heavier).

Summary:
1. This new engine is very fun to ride with strong power and impressive partial throttle torque feel
2. The XC suspension settings feel compliant
3. The new chassis has a bigger feel

I will be doing some back to back comparison rides with more KTM 300 Erzberg with a focus on TBI vs TPI fuel injection. I will also get the 300XC to some motocross track soon. My opinion may change with more tie in the saddle but after the first ride I have to say believe the hype!