2023 KTM SX300 Official Thread

sandman768
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12/28/2022 3:14pm

Put a solid 10 hrs on mine, riding nothing but this bike. Last week I hopped back on my 22 350sfx just to compare the 2. I can not ride the 350 for a month, which is what I did, and then feel comfortable within a few laps, one of the reasons the 350”s are so awesome. No issues, as usual riding the 350 is effortless. Today I rode the 300SX…. Holy shit! I was over jumping all the jumps and had a few whiskey throttle moments until I got 2-3 motos in & got acclimated to the 300”s hit. Everything is quicker on the 300SX,  more intense. There is no doubt in my mind that the 300SX is faster than my 350, problem is, it requires more energy, commitment and focus to ride it correctly. It’s funny, I can easily go from the 300SX to the 350, but the 350 to 300SX takes much longer to make that adjustment. 

11
Magic Man
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12/28/2022 7:17pm Edited Date/Time 12/28/2022 7:19pm
Let me know on the calipers and rear shock, I'd get the forks but already have 6500 cartridges in mine that feel damn good. breden487@yahoo.com
240NEKDUD
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Glover, VT, USA
12/29/2022 8:32am
sandman768 wrote:
Put a solid 10 hrs on mine, riding nothing but this bike. Last week I hopped back on my 22 350sfx just to compare the 2...

Put a solid 10 hrs on mine, riding nothing but this bike. Last week I hopped back on my 22 350sfx just to compare the 2. I can not ride the 350 for a month, which is what I did, and then feel comfortable within a few laps, one of the reasons the 350”s are so awesome. No issues, as usual riding the 350 is effortless. Today I rode the 300SX…. Holy shit! I was over jumping all the jumps and had a few whiskey throttle moments until I got 2-3 motos in & got acclimated to the 300”s hit. Everything is quicker on the 300SX,  more intense. There is no doubt in my mind that the 300SX is faster than my 350, problem is, it requires more energy, commitment and focus to ride it correctly. It’s funny, I can easily go from the 300SX to the 350, but the 350 to 300SX takes much longer to make that adjustment. 

Do you have a preference on which bike you would prefer? Sounds like the 300 long term, could be more enjoyable after adjustment. 

 

sandman768
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12/29/2022 9:07am
240NEKDUD wrote:

Do you have a preference on which bike you would prefer? Sounds like the 300 long term, could be more enjoyable after adjustment. 

 

As smooth and awesome as this new 300SX is, it still requires more effort out of the rider compared to the 350. I”m an old 2stroke guy, still ride them often and feel I race them better. I think the 300 favors a more aggressive rider that is in good physical condition. I think a lot of older guys that bought these are probably starting to figure that out. I will use this 300 the same way I used my 2018 250Sx, a training bike, if you can do a 20-25 minute Moto on the 300, then you will be able to do a 30-40 minute Moto on a 350.

10

The Shop

stonerb
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12/29/2022 9:26am

hate to see you get rid of that beaut! which ti pegs do you have on it?

Ob917
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Cardiff, CA, USA
12/29/2022 2:34pm
240NEKDUD wrote:

Do you have a preference on which bike you would prefer? Sounds like the 300 long term, could be more enjoyable after adjustment. 

 

sandman768 wrote:
As smooth and awesome as this new 300SX is, it still requires more effort out of the rider compared to the 350. I”m an old 2stroke...

As smooth and awesome as this new 300SX is, it still requires more effort out of the rider compared to the 350. I”m an old 2stroke guy, still ride them often and feel I race them better. I think the 300 favors a more aggressive rider that is in good physical condition. I think a lot of older guys that bought these are probably starting to figure that out. I will use this 300 the same way I used my 2018 250Sx, a training bike, if you can do a 20-25 minute Moto on the 300, then you will be able to do a 30-40 minute Moto on a 350.

I agree, to ride fast these 300s do take effort just like any two stroke. But they are better than a pipey old school 250 2t. They have with a broad power and that can be ridden mellow if you want. But they just love to be ridden super aggressively 

2
12/29/2022 9:40pm
sandman768 wrote:
As smooth and awesome as this new 300SX is, it still requires more effort out of the rider compared to the 350. I”m an old 2stroke...

As smooth and awesome as this new 300SX is, it still requires more effort out of the rider compared to the 350. I”m an old 2stroke guy, still ride them often and feel I race them better. I think the 300 favors a more aggressive rider that is in good physical condition. I think a lot of older guys that bought these are probably starting to figure that out. I will use this 300 the same way I used my 2018 250Sx, a training bike, if you can do a 20-25 minute Moto on the 300, then you will be able to do a 30-40 minute Moto on a 350.

You’ve nailed it with your post. This is is exactly how I feel about the SX300. It’s a fantastic bike, but it’s not the VET bike I thought it was going to be. I sold my 350 too soon… 

With that said, the XC300 is without a doubt the best motorcycle I’ve owned. Riding OffRoad takes way less concentration and I use way less energy. I don’t hold my breath nearly as often on the trails as I do riding the track. I found myself riding the SX with a bit of uncertainty when jumping some of the more technical jumps. Front end is very light and was causing me to be a little nervous about how the bike was going to react. 
 

I’m going to take a break from the track and enjoy my XC. I’ll probably end up with a 350 when I get the itch again. 

1
12/29/2022 9:43pm Edited Date/Time 12/29/2022 9:43pm
Ob917 wrote:
I agree, to ride fast these 300s do take effort just like any two stroke. But they are better than a pipey old school 250 2t...

I agree, to ride fast these 300s do take effort just like any two stroke. But they are better than a pipey old school 250 2t. They have with a broad power and that can be ridden mellow if you want. But they just love to be ridden super aggressively 

Another great analogy of the bike. 
I’ve had many RM250’s and had one with an Eric Gorr 300 kit, but they were nothing like the SX300 motor. It’s kinda more like riding a 500, than a 250

1
urbanlift707
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Humboldt, CA, USA
12/29/2022 10:38pm Edited Date/Time 12/30/2022 7:11am
sandman768 wrote:
Put a solid 10 hrs on mine, riding nothing but this bike. Last week I hopped back on my 22 350sfx just to compare the 2...

Put a solid 10 hrs on mine, riding nothing but this bike. Last week I hopped back on my 22 350sfx just to compare the 2. I can not ride the 350 for a month, which is what I did, and then feel comfortable within a few laps, one of the reasons the 350”s are so awesome. No issues, as usual riding the 350 is effortless. Today I rode the 300SX…. Holy shit! I was over jumping all the jumps and had a few whiskey throttle moments until I got 2-3 motos in & got acclimated to the 300”s hit. Everything is quicker on the 300SX,  more intense. There is no doubt in my mind that the 300SX is faster than my 350, problem is, it requires more energy, commitment and focus to ride it correctly. It’s funny, I can easily go from the 300SX to the 350, but the 350 to 300SX takes much longer to make that adjustment. 

My best friend just got a 23 350 and we’re headed to the track next weekend, I’m really excited to try it out. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed riding a four stroke, I dunno why but I feel like I’m gonna love that 350! Curious to find out how it feels on lap 10 too, the reason I stopped racing 450’s was cause I found them to be way more tiring that racing 250 two strokes. Felt they were riding me, whereas with the two stroke I could wick it up handle and everything it could offer. I bet the 350f is a lot more like that where ya don’t feel all that engine inertia. 
 

I’m up to 15 hours on my 300, the lack of initial hit I missed from my built 21 300 is gone now, this thing pulls in such a sneaky way. It’s just so smooth and linear it doesn’t feel as fast but it’s just metering out torque and moving your ass forward. I’ve adjust my style a bit and can open the throttle sooner on corner exit now. 

4
sandman768
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12/30/2022 6:18am
Langhammx wrote:
You’ve nailed it with your post. This is is exactly how I feel about the SX300. It’s a fantastic bike, but it’s not the VET bike...

You’ve nailed it with your post. This is is exactly how I feel about the SX300. It’s a fantastic bike, but it’s not the VET bike I thought it was going to be. I sold my 350 too soon… 

With that said, the XC300 is without a doubt the best motorcycle I’ve owned. Riding OffRoad takes way less concentration and I use way less energy. I don’t hold my breath nearly as often on the trails as I do riding the track. I found myself riding the SX with a bit of uncertainty when jumping some of the more technical jumps. Front end is very light and was causing me to be a little nervous about how the bike was going to react. 
 

I’m going to take a break from the track and enjoy my XC. I’ll probably end up with a 350 when I get the itch again. 

When I rode nothing but the 300SX, I slowly became acclimated to its power, solid 10 hrs of nothing but this bike on an MX track. It’s when I rode my 350 one day last week that I realized how fast the 300SX really is. I”m 55 years old, if I had single track/ woods riding closer to me here in Florida, I would have bought an XC, all I have down here is MX tracks ….

1
sandman768
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12/30/2022 6:30am
My best friend just got a 23 350 and we’re headed to the track next weekend, I’m really excited to try it out. It’s been a...

My best friend just got a 23 350 and we’re headed to the track next weekend, I’m really excited to try it out. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed riding a four stroke, I dunno why but I feel like I’m gonna love that 350! Curious to find out how it feels on lap 10 too, the reason I stopped racing 450’s was cause I found them to be way more tiring that racing 250 two strokes. Felt they were riding me, whereas with the two stroke I could wick it up handle and everything it could offer. I bet the 350f is a lot more like that where ya don’t feel all that engine inertia. 
 

I’m up to 15 hours on my 300, the lack of initial hit I missed from my built 21 300 is gone now, this thing pulls in such a sneaky way. It’s just so smooth and linear it doesn’t feel as fast but it’s just metering out torque and moving your ass forward. I’ve adjust my style a bit and can open the throttle sooner on corner exit now. 

No doubt about the sneaky fast, that will be confirmed when you hop on the 350. That new 350 is going to feel very tight the first 5-10 hrs, they get better with time on them. I still feel the 350 is the best Vet/Sr bike on a day to day basis. I will do a lap time comparison at some point, currently looking for the best lap timer setup. I have a feeling I can do a faster lap time on the 300Sx but the times would be inconsistent from lap to lap. 

Spooner
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12/30/2022 7:20am

I finally am getting a start on my TX.  Test fit the new wheels to make sure it worked with the new axle and started tearing it apart to grease it and will start installing parts hopefully today.  I have a pretty good pile going but still waiting for a few items to show up.  I got some help from my youngest haha!

 

image-20221230091645-1

 

image-20221230091742-2

6
12/30/2022 7:48am
sandman768 wrote:
When I rode nothing but the 300SX, I slowly became acclimated to its power, solid 10 hrs of nothing but this bike on an MX track...

When I rode nothing but the 300SX, I slowly became acclimated to its power, solid 10 hrs of nothing but this bike on an MX track. It’s when I rode my 350 one day last week that I realized how fast the 300SX really is. I”m 55 years old, if I had single track/ woods riding closer to me here in Florida, I would have bought an XC, all I have down here is MX tracks ….

I haven’t dedicated myself to only riding the SX at the track. I have the XC and also a EXC500 that I ride in the hills by my house. Lots of different terrain and on different bikes as well. I’m 56 

rohleder644
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12/30/2022 10:59am

Put that SX in the trees Langers! I’m curious how it’d do as a dedicated XC race bike. I’ve always loved my 300’s but feel like they fall flat when getting racy. Doesn’t sound like the SX is in any danger of that.

12/30/2022 11:34am
Put that SX in the trees Langers! I’m curious how it’d do as a dedicated XC race bike. I’ve always loved my 300’s but feel like...

Put that SX in the trees Langers! I’m curious how it’d do as a dedicated XC race bike. I’ve always loved my 300’s but feel like they fall flat when getting racy. Doesn’t sound like the SX is in any danger of that.

I sold it. But for the areas I ride, I think I’d miss the XC tranny ratios. As you know, it’s more than just not having a 6th gear. (Which rarely gets used) it is very much like the XCW tranny this year. The XC last year had a different feel. 
 

I’m sure the SX could be made to satisfy a guy for certain types of off-road riding, but there’s an XC model that’s already set up. Lol

1
philG
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12/30/2022 4:19pm
Ob917 wrote:
I agree, to ride fast these 300s do take effort just like any two stroke. But they are better than a pipey old school 250 2t...

I agree, to ride fast these 300s do take effort just like any two stroke. But they are better than a pipey old school 250 2t. They have with a broad power and that can be ridden mellow if you want. But they just love to be ridden super aggressively 

Langhammx wrote:
Another great analogy of the bike.  I’ve had many RM250’s and had one with an Eric Gorr 300 kit, but they were nothing like the SX300...

Another great analogy of the bike. 
I’ve had many RM250’s and had one with an Eric Gorr 300 kit, but they were nothing like the SX300 motor. It’s kinda more like riding a 500, than a 250

Not ridden the KTM 300, but raced TM300 in various guises , and that is exactly it, they are 3/5 of a 500. not a big 250, and making a big 250 doesnt give you a 300. 

Smooth power, no need to touch the clutch ( i rode mine for 15mins once after the clutch wouldnt release after being stood for months) once you are moving , and power that always seems to be enough, and never too much. 

 

4
1
bambam14
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1/6/2023 9:02pm Edited Date/Time 1/6/2023 9:02pm

Finally picked my 300 SX up today and got a quick ride in after some heat cycles.  Wow, what a machine!  Quick question for everyone.... anyone have it "pop" when killing the engine? 

Ob917
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1/6/2023 9:56pm
bambam14 wrote:
Finally picked my 300 SX up today and got a quick ride in after some heat cycles.  Wow, what a machine!  Quick question for everyone.... anyone...

Finally picked my 300 SX up today and got a quick ride in after some heat cycles.  Wow, what a machine!  Quick question for everyone.... anyone have it "pop" when killing the engine? 

Yes

4evermx
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1/10/2023 9:33am
58 hp is a stretch..I would love to see the dyno.

KTM Site say 57hp at the crank.

 

Broseph
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1/10/2023 9:47am Edited Date/Time 1/10/2023 9:49am
58 hp is a stretch..I would love to see the dyno.
4evermx wrote:

KTM Site say 57hp at the crank.

 

JD Jetting has a bunch of dyno numbers. The carb and TPI bikes top out right under 50hp on his dyno, even with high compression heads and carb tuning. Check out the TBI stock and then with a fuel tuner. This thing is a beast:

 

7906F24A-1E63-45D0-99A4-38B36899D6A9

7A11A1C6-3B6D-47F0-8A74-ED515F58FA98.jpeg?VersionId=BSbCR


Here’s the link to more of JD’s dyno charts:

https://pbase.com/jdjetting1/ktm_husqvarna_tpi_fuel_injection

1
1/10/2023 12:25pm
58 hp is a stretch..I would love to see the dyno.
4evermx wrote:

KTM Site say 57hp at the crank.

 

Can you please post the link where the KTM site says 57hp at the crank?  thx- J

2
WTF_M8
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1/10/2023 12:44pm
58 hp is a stretch..I would love to see the dyno.
4evermx wrote:

KTM Site say 57hp at the crank.

 

Can you please post the link where the KTM site says 57hp at the crank?  thx- J

Website just says 57 HP.

It does not specify.

4evermx
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1/10/2023 12:44pm
58 hp is a stretch..I would love to see the dyno.
4evermx wrote:

KTM Site say 57hp at the crank.

 

Can you please post the link where the KTM site says 57hp at the crank?  thx- J

Capture

 What the heck is wrong with you people!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought motor heads were a_sholes but Jesus people love to argue.  

3
cable
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1/10/2023 2:01pm

Has anyone checked their sag?   holy cow, im 190 and the spring is jingly loose at 105mm.  40 mm static.   Usually need a stiffer spring.  

1/10/2023 2:01pm
4evermx wrote:

KTM Site say 57hp at the crank.

 

Can you please post the link where the KTM site says 57hp at the crank?  thx- J

4evermx wrote:
 What the heck is wrong with you people!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought motor heads were a_sholes but Jesus people love to argue.  

Capture

 What the heck is wrong with you people!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought motor heads were a_sholes but Jesus people love to argue.  

I hope you aren’t talking to me.  

I just asked if you could post where you saw that bc I couldn’t find it.

thx for posting that.

1
1
1/11/2023 10:30am Edited Date/Time 1/11/2023 11:16am
4evermx wrote:

KTM Site say 57hp at the crank.

 

Can you please post the link where the KTM site says 57hp at the crank?  thx- J

4evermx wrote:
 What the heck is wrong with you people!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought motor heads were a_sholes but Jesus people love to argue.  

Capture

 What the heck is wrong with you people!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought motor heads were a_sholes but Jesus people love to argue.  

ps- that page doesn’t exist (or it’s my iPhone?) on KTM.com for the USA.

I also noticed the price is in AUD and checked the main KTM site and the 300sx does list 57hp…Ktm.com/en.au

All the download brochure files leads the to e-bike line and the dukes.

2
bambam14
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Spring, TX, USA
1/12/2023 11:16am Edited Date/Time 1/12/2023 11:24am
cable wrote:

Has anyone checked their sag?   holy cow, im 190 and the spring is jingly loose at 105mm.  40 mm static.   Usually need a stiffer spring.  

Just checked it last night.  Stock spring 40 mm free sag and 101 mm race sag.  I am 165 lbs.  Haven't completely broken it in yet though.  1.2 hrs on it.  Curious if others have noticed a difference in suspension action after a break in period?  Edit:  Should probably mention it is the 300 SX not XC.  My buddies XC is softer.

Spooner
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1/12/2023 6:18pm

Anyone else have a bike with the braketec setup?  My TX has them and they have a ton of travel at the lever before they engage.  I bled them and nothing came out and they are plenty firm once they engage.  Its like the lever ratio is off or something?  The strange thing is that I was at a dealer today with several bikes on the floor with these brakes and all but one actually felt normal?  But one was just like mine.  Maybe they have more than one lever they are using since they are obviously just using any parts they have that fit the bike?

1/12/2023 7:17pm
cable wrote:

Has anyone checked their sag?   holy cow, im 190 and the spring is jingly loose at 105mm.  40 mm static.   Usually need a stiffer spring.  

bambam14 wrote:
Just checked it last night.  Stock spring 40 mm free sag and 101 mm race sag.  I am 165 lbs.  Haven't completely broken it in yet...

Just checked it last night.  Stock spring 40 mm free sag and 101 mm race sag.  I am 165 lbs.  Haven't completely broken it in yet though.  1.2 hrs on it.  Curious if others have noticed a difference in suspension action after a break in period?  Edit:  Should probably mention it is the 300 SX not XC.  My buddies XC is softer.

The SX has a 45 N/mm spring and the XC has a 42

1
Magic Man
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Albuquerque, NM, USA
1/12/2023 8:19pm
Spooner wrote:
Anyone else have a bike with the braketec setup?  My TX has them and they have a ton of travel at the lever before they engage...

Anyone else have a bike with the braketec setup?  My TX has them and they have a ton of travel at the lever before they engage.  I bled them and nothing came out and they are plenty firm once they engage.  Its like the lever ratio is off or something?  The strange thing is that I was at a dealer today with several bikes on the floor with these brakes and all but one actually felt normal?  But one was just like mine.  Maybe they have more than one lever they are using since they are obviously just using any parts they have that fit the bike?

Mine has the Braktec too and feels like shit. I tried bleeding many times, have since ordered a brembo sxs caliper and master cylinder.

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