Jeff Slavens, the owner of Slavens Racing, is an experienced off-road rider and is passionate about riding in Colorado. He owns two KTM 300 bikes, the 300XC-W TPI and the new 300XC TBI. In this article, he shares his experiences and modifications he made to these bikes for off-road riding in the high elevations of Colorado.

First, let’s talk about the KTM 300XC-W TPI. Jeff first rode this bike in stock form to establish a baseline for its performance. He found that the suspension and engine lacked stability and bottoming resistance when riding at higher speeds or in more aggressive terrain. The stock engine also lacked low-end grunt and midrange pull compared to carbureted models. To address these issues, Jeff made modifications to increase compression and correct the fueling. He installed a high-compression head and used a remapped ECU to improve the engine performance. He also upgraded the suspension with aftermarket components to improve comfort, stability, and bottoming resistance.

Now let’s talk about the KTM 300XC TBI. This bike has a new chassis and swingarm that offer improved rigidity. The new 300 TBI engine is powerful and torquey, but the power delivery is more aggressive compared to the XC-W model. The XC-W has a more compliant suspension and is better suited for trail riding, while the XC is stiffer and designed for racing. However, Jeff found that the stock suspension setup of the XC is not well suited for rocky and rooty trails in Colorado. He made modifications to the suspension to improve compliance, stability, and tracking.

In addition to these modifications, Jeff recommends several must-have items for both bikes. He suggests installing radiator guards for impact protection, SXS handguards for hand protection without limiting mobility, and various other protective guards for the bike’s components. He also recommends adding a cooling fan to keep the engine temperature in check during tight and technical trail riding. For better traction, he suggests using specific tire setups with Tubliss inserts to adjust air pressure according to the riding conditions. He also recommends upgrading the seat for better comfort and using stainless steel footpegs for a more comfortable and effective riding position. For longer rides, he suggests installing oversized fuel tanks.

In conclusion, Jeff prefers the XC-W model for its forgiveness, comfort, and manageable power delivery, especially in tight and technical terrain. He describes the XC as intense and more suitable for experienced riders who want an aggressive and thrilling riding experience. Both bikes can be significantly improved with modifications to the engine, suspension, and protective components.