KTM 300xc... moto worthy?

Outsider
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Outsider
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 1:06pm
So, finally getting to the point of being able to get a bike again after some "time off".... *cough* (divorce) *cough*

My riding will be mostly on the outdoor style tracks, maybe a little vet class moto, some GP's, and some dez, and trail riding. Is the XC model waaay off for the track? or "close enough" as far the suspension in stock form ?

I've been riding 400-450's since the YZ came out, looking for a change.
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Motoxc
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Motoxc 11/30/2009 1:13pm
11/30/2009 1:13pm
you can buy a brand new 250 SX and get a 300sx kit from KTM. Comes with cylinder, piston and power vavle parts needed for conversion. This way you will have better suspension, lighter bike and spare parts for 10-15% less than brand new 300xc. KTM sells 300sx kit in hard parts cataloge.. 250SX's rip and the SX conversion will rev faster. I ride a 250SX off road and I am vet rider
rockcrawlerdude 11/30/2009 1:16pm
11/30/2009 1:16pm
seeing that your not trying to become the next RC or JBS im sure its moto worthy but as with all suspensions it will need to be "fitted" to the rider and riders riding style... hell i've seen a dualsport being raced before ! funny seeing a headlight go up and down through the whoops LOL...
Outsider
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Outsider 11/30/2009 1:24pm
11/30/2009 1:24pm
The SX kit sounds like a great idea, didn't think of that. hmm...

The 450 motocross bikes have worked for me in the past just fine for everything, but, I can race the 40+ class now, so, yeah... no plans to get my pro card anytime soon...lol.
kardy
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kardy 11/30/2009 1:36pm
11/30/2009 1:36pm
For a not-so-fast vet on an mx track, that XC suspension will be just fine. For every other type of riding you mentioned, it will be superb.

The Shop

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bartziokas123 11/30/2009 1:51pm
11/30/2009 1:51pm
I Have raced both 250sx and 300xc, if you are just going to race moto get the sx250 its lighter and you dont need the e start, if you are going to do some moto with off road riding go with the 300xc, the suspension is pretty much the same as the sx(closed cartridge fork)
FreshTopEnd
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FreshTopEnd 11/30/2009 2:04pm
11/30/2009 2:04pm
Sounds like a fun dilemma. The 300 and 250 KTM smokers are nice bikes in whatever configuration they come.
maicoman
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maicoman 11/30/2009 2:20pm
11/30/2009 2:20pm
The XC is better suited for moto with it's semi wide ratio gearbox. I have the XCW and it doesn't have that snap I like for track at low end with it's wide ratio gearbox.
Outsider
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Outsider 11/30/2009 2:28pm
11/30/2009 2:28pm
Seems like the XC would be a good compromise, I don't need the XCW either as I always head for the technical stuff anyway.

That SX kit goes back to 08 I believe, so if I could find a good used SX that may be the best route, maybe a little flywheel weight would smooth it out?

wakeriderof87 11/30/2009 2:32pm
11/30/2009 2:32pm
I have heard of many recreational riders who prefer the xc's to the sx's on the motocross track.
Motoxc
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Motoxc 11/30/2009 2:33pm
11/30/2009 2:33pm
Look for an 08 250 sx. Buy it for under 4k and spend $700 on 300 kit. Ride it prior to flywheel weight. the best part of SX compared to XC 250/300 is the way it revs... I have had way too many KTM's over the past 10 years and I always go back to the 250 SX. If I ruin my cylinder I will be getting 300 kit. Just an opinion.
Outsider
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Outsider 11/30/2009 2:51pm
11/30/2009 2:51pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 7:12pm
Motoxc wrote:
Look for an 08 250 sx. Buy it for under 4k and spend $700 on 300 kit. Ride it prior to flywheel weight. the best part...
Look for an 08 250 sx. Buy it for under 4k and spend $700 on 300 kit. Ride it prior to flywheel weight. the best part of SX compared to XC 250/300 is the way it revs... I have had way too many KTM's over the past 10 years and I always go back to the 250 SX. If I ruin my cylinder I will be getting 300 kit. Just an opinion.
Yeah, that sounds like a good plan.... at least if I buy used, I will be tearing it apart anyways so not such a big deal... have some cash to get suspension done.Cool

The last KTM I had was one of the last years for the 360exc's....Sideways
lucero10x
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lucero10x 11/30/2009 3:04pm
11/30/2009 3:04pm
my 08 300XC is the most moto capable KTM I have ever owned. And that includes several of the SX models.
Outsider
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Outsider 11/30/2009 3:21pm
11/30/2009 3:21pm
lucero10x wrote:
my 08 300XC is the most moto capable KTM I have ever owned. And that includes several of the SX models.
oh yeah?

Would you say the power delivery is as usable as a 450mx bike?
lucero10x
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lucero10x 11/30/2009 3:28pm
11/30/2009 3:28pm Edited Date/Time 11/30/2009 3:30pm
Like any of the 450's you need to be transitioning to an attack stance when you grab the throttle but I don't think it hits as hard as the 450's. I had to re learn how to ride sandy rut corners on the thing after years on 4 strokes so the low end grunt isn't the same.
CamP
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CamP 11/30/2009 3:34pm
11/30/2009 3:34pm
One of our local vets races a KTM 300. Not sure if it's a converted 250SX or a 300XC but he did holeshot four motos in a row a few weeks ago.

Outsider
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Outsider 11/30/2009 3:46pm
11/30/2009 3:46pm
I think on rough tracks the 450 actually slows me down... I use all of it in the desert though... so you guys are confirming what I thought, that a 300 would be just the ticket. The days of having 2 or 3 different bikes are gone for the time being anyhow.
mjskier
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mjskier 11/30/2009 4:16pm
11/30/2009 4:16pm
I have an 07 crf450 and an 07 300 XCW. The 300 front end doesn't feel as planted as the CRF, but besides that it is a very capable machine on the track (if you have the correct spring rates)
For real moto I would have Slaven Racing do some head/cylinder work. But for a mixed environment like you describe it is a real good machine.

dcg141
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dcg141 11/30/2009 4:35pm
11/30/2009 4:35pm Edited Date/Time 11/30/2009 4:40pm
My favorite moto bike ever...on my 3rd one now a 09 model. Send the carb and head to Dicks racing and use the stock pipe w a Pro Curcuit shorty silencer. Get the suspension dialed into whatever speed you ride and wonder why anyone would ride anything else. Oh yea..once you try the button your addicted.

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Outsider
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Outsider 11/30/2009 5:01pm
11/30/2009 5:01pm
dcg141 wrote:
My favorite moto bike ever...on my 3rd one now a 09 model. Send the carb and head to Dicks racing and use the stock pipe w...
My favorite moto bike ever...on my 3rd one now a 09 model. Send the carb and head to Dicks racing and use the stock pipe w a Pro Curcuit shorty silencer. Get the suspension dialed into whatever speed you ride and wonder why anyone would ride anything else. Oh yea..once you try the button your addicted.
Wow, must be an awesome bike... you used your first post to endorse it!

I'm in.... Smile
dcg141
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dcg141 11/30/2009 5:07pm
11/30/2009 5:07pm
Yep could not hold back any longer. Someone finally asked about one of the best kept secrets around. Enjoy the ride if you get one.
Highsider
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Highsider 11/30/2009 5:55pm
11/30/2009 5:55pm
a reprint:

When I get much older and more feebleLaughing I will have a 300 with Rekluse clutch and the standard e-start for racing motocross. I have couple of 'retired' moto buddies that have that setup and preach like Jehovah Witnesses about it.

One, actually on occasion both, beat me at motocross with theirs. They mostly ride woods, now.

Already told my younger buds they will have to help me onto the bike and be sure I am pointed toward the first turn...I'll be good, from there!

Have fun with yours.
Audie
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Audie 11/30/2009 6:12pm
11/30/2009 6:12pm
Take it from a guy who just bought the 2010 300XC ... not XCW... just plain XC. This bike is absolutely kick ass and worth the money. I have a KX450F and I can tell you, that thing is a champion for MX, but this XC is the most fun I have ever had on a bike. Unbelievable quality coming from KTM and that damn electric start is just amazing. I havent had anything but great things to say about the 300XC, and have heard nothing but... hey man... can I ride that for a minute since I bought it. It is a real head turner - sounds amazing... and the stock suspension worked for me at 200lbs body weight and 6 foot 2 height.... although... I have since adjusted it. For the price you cannot find a better bike. You can even get a great deal on the 09's and 10's at this point... the dealerships are HURTING for business!!! Get one... you will not regret it.
oldx
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oldx 11/30/2009 7:50pm
11/30/2009 7:50pm
Should have never sold my 300. I kept the 450 because it was easy to convert to dual sport and get a plate up here. KTM 300 is the best all around bike ever made in my opinion.
user760a
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user760a 11/30/2009 7:53pm
11/30/2009 7:53pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 7:13pm
I have a friend who races off road on a 300xc...top local pro. He had several hundred hours on the bike before it even needed a top end

having said that, he just got a 250xcf and loves it too
dcg141
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dcg141 12/1/2009 6:05am
12/1/2009 6:05am
Wow..I have comrades. And all this time I thought I toiled in 300 anonymity. Maybe its not such a big secret after all.
ktm212
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ktm212 12/1/2009 8:17am
12/1/2009 8:17am
personally if your going to be riding all those diciplines the XC would be much better then a converted 250SX. i race full time moto with 2 250SXs and a 450 and those fricken 2strokes whoop my ass. they are so fast and so abrupt. i used to race harescrambles and GNCCs and the 300XC is a great bike and for moto, trail riding, having fun its perfect! and its got e-start now! haha what more could u ask for beside a pro circuit pipe (devoloped by jermey mcgrath, awesome power delivery) and a 304 silencer? lol great bike for everything though for sure
Outsider
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Outsider 12/1/2009 8:37am
12/1/2009 8:37am
Thanks for the replies...That will be my new bike for sure... can't wait.

Now, how to explain to everyone why there will be no Christmas gifts this year...j/k.


OH YEAH..

from dirt rider mag



Larry
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Larry 12/1/2009 8:44am
12/1/2009 8:44am
You will not go wrong no matter which model you get. I own a 200XC that my son now races and the quality and engineering of that machine makes it a pure joy to work on.
I rode a 300 this weekend, did a 7 mile single track loop then jumped on the MX track and had a blast.
dcg141
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dcg141 12/1/2009 9:00am
12/1/2009 9:00am
Outsider wrote:
Thanks for the replies...That will be my new bike for sure... can't wait. Now, how to explain to everyone why there will be no Christmas gifts...
Thanks for the replies...That will be my new bike for sure... can't wait.

Now, how to explain to everyone why there will be no Christmas gifts this year...j/k.


OH YEAH..

from dirt rider mag



You have to come back and fill us in when you get your new ride.
Highsider
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Highsider 12/1/2009 10:30am
12/1/2009 10:30am
This sounded like a nice scooter. Too bad. (from RacerX)


KTM 300 Stolen in Oregon

Dec 1 2009 10:30AM
Comment ShareThis Email Print
One of the top AA riders in the state had his '09 300 KTM XC removed from his garage in Oakridge just prior to Thanksgiving. Last four digits of VIN: 9414

Bike has red backgrounds with white #4's on it.

KTM Country decals.
- More than likely those have been torn off but it has white backgrounds underneath the red.
Flexx bars
Aluminum skidplate
FMF pipe and black FMF silencer
Bridgestone 200 series tires
Ironman rear sprocket
Solid rear brake rotor
Braking front brake rotor
Pro Taper pillow top grips
Orange handguards
Stock graphics
Twin Air coarse outer filter
Black BRP rubber mounted top triple clamp.

Link to more information.
http://www.omraoffroad.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7438

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