The KTM 300SX is a powerful and exhilarating dirt bike. It’s fast, lightweight, and incredibly fun to ride. However, it might not be suitable for everyone, especially those who are used to riding four-strokes with smoother powerbands. The 300SX features a complex multi-level mapping system that allows the computer to adjust the fuel delivery, spark advance, and power valve timing. As of now, riders can choose between two pre-set options: a mild gray map and a full-boost green map. In the future, aftermarket options will likely become available for further customization. To learn more about the KTM 300SX and the new era of two-stroke bikes, watch the video below.
We recently had the opportunity to ride the 2024 KTM 300SX, and it did not disappoint. We were already familiar with the 2023 version, which left a lasting impression on us. Prior to 2023, KTM did not produce the 300SX for the U.S. market. Instead, buyers had to build it from a kit or modify an off-road bike. Some riders attempted to use the 300XC for motocross, but it didn’t quite fit, especially with the Transfer Port Fuel Injection added in 2018. While the injection system provided smooth off-road power delivery, it lacked the aggressive nature necessary for motocross. But now, KTM has introduced a whole new two-stroke engine platform with the 300SX. This bike features electric start, an electronic power valve, and throttle body fuel injection. While these components have been seen before individually, KTM has integrated them in a way we haven’t seen before. The bike’s CPU controls everything, including the powervalve’s timing and opening. This level of control is new to production bikes. Additionally, the chassis has been improved to match the specifications of the four-strokes, making it stiffer and more anti-squat. The suspension remains the same with a WP Xact air fork at the front and an Xact shock in the rear. The brakes and hydraulics are still Brembo, and you still need to mix oil and gas yourself for premix.
Ray Obermeyer on the 2024 KTM 300SX.
The 300SX is incredibly fast, potentially faster than even the most powerful 450s on a dyno. This is due to the way the power is delivered. At low RPMs, the 300SX is smooth and clean, allowing for respectable lap times without having to constantly stay in the powerband. However, the real power of the 300SX kicks in in the mid-range and hits hard. This may take some getting used to for riders accustomed to the smooth power delivery of modern four-strokes. Nevertheless, it opens up new possibilities for different riding techniques. Unlike most 450 riders who rely on the clutch for hard braking to avoid stalling, the 300SX allows you to brake hard without touching the clutch and then use old-school throttle control when needed.
The KTM 300SX sells for $9399.
The bike offers two maps that can be selected using the handlebar switch. Currently, KTM has locked the ECU to prevent end users from experimenting with other maps, as there are numerous ways it could go wrong. The green map, which provides an exhilarating ride, is favored by most riders simply because it’s fun. However, for non-professional riders, the gray map is recommended. It lacks the strong power hit and thrill of the green map but offers better overall performance and less rider fatigue. Ideally, KTM should offer more than just two maps, with five being a more suitable number. JD Jetting already offers a piggyback fuel controller that allows for some mapping adjustments, such as fuel delivery, but spark advance and power valve settings cannot be altered on the fly.
We still love this bike. It’s fast and incredibly fun. The KTM 300SX is the ultimate practice bike, and once you master the two-stroke technique, it becomes a great race bike as well. Stay tuned for more information on this bike in the November 2023 print edition of Dirt Bike magazine.
KAWASAKI KX250 FIRST RIDE
Jared Hicks on the 2024 Kawasaki KX250
This week, we also had the opportunity to ride the 2024 Kawasaki KX250. This bike remains unchanged from last year as Kawasaki focused on releasing an all-new 450 model. The KX450 will have an official introduction at the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals on September 22, 2023. We have a great mix between the KX450 and KX250 with Mark Tilley loving the former and me favoring the latter. One of the reasons I really enjoy the KX250 is because it’s a high-revving machine. It produces significant power at high RPMs, and if I miss a shift, it’s always ready to rev higher. The bike also has good mid-range power, beating all other bikes in the 2023 250 Shootout from 9500 RPM to 12,000 RPM. Only then does the KTM catch up and surpass it by a small margin.
I really appreciate the hydraulic clutch and the impressive brakes. However, I must admit that the KX250 could use some updated mapping options. It still relies on the three couplers and none of the pre-programmed maps are perfect. The bike tends to run slightly erratic and occasionally stall. It would be fantastic to have a tuning app similar to what Kawasaki is offering for the new 450. Perhaps next year.
TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT: RIGHT NOW!
The 2023 Tennessee Knockout enduro is happening this weekend and will be broadcast on MAV TV at a later date. Many top riders, including Billy Bolt, Jonny Walker, Cody Webb, and Colton Haaker, are participating. We will provide the results here, but in the meantime, you can check out last year’s event.
CASEY FOLKS VEGAS TO RENO
The 2023 Best in The Desert Vegas to Reno race started this morning and is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Casey Folks, the founder of the race, established this event almost 30 years ago, and his family continues to run it successfully. You can follow the live timing of the Vegas to Reno race here to see which riders are leading the pack. Unofficially, Danny Cooper seems to be leading in the Open Pro motorcycle division.
WORCS RETURNS
While most other forms of off-road racing are on hiatus for the summer, WORCS will be starting again on September 15 at Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex in Utah. On the same weekend, the GNCC series will kick off in Beckley, West Virginia for the Mountaineer event. The AMA National Grand Prix Championship will resume a few weeks later on September 30 for Ridgecrest. Time flies, so these races will be here before you know it!
JETT LAWRENCE
BUDD’S CREEK
Although the 450 class has already concluded, there’s still plenty of action to watch in the 250 class at Budds Creek. Plus, we may witness Jett’s perfect season. Here are the broadcast details:
BROADCAST TEAM Play by Play: Jason Weigandt Analysts: Ricky Carmichael Reporters: Will Christien & Jason Thomas HOW TO WATCH Saturday, August 19 Pro Motocross Championship: Race Day Live Peacock @ 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET Pro Motocross Championship: Budds Creek National [LIVE] Peacock @ 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET Monday, August 21 Pro Motocross Championship: Budds Creek National Replay CNBC, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App 11 p.m. PT [Sunday] / 2 a.m. ET
Product: Pro Circuit faced a challenge with the 2023 KTM 300SX as many riders found the stock powerband to be too powerful. The bike has undergone significant changes for 2023, with the inclusion of an electronically controlled power valve and throttle-body fuel injection integrated with spark advance through the ECU. It also offers two maps accessible through a handlebar-mounted switch – a mild white map and a powerful green map. However, the two maps have different port timing, which was not possible with previous systems. Improving the exhaust system for a bike with so many variables is quite tricky. The Works pipe, manufactured by Pro Circuit for almost 40 years, is typical of their systems. It features a raw, unfinished steel exterior and uses all the original mounting hardware. We paired it with the Pro Circuit R304 stainless/aluminum silencer, which is part of the Shorty line, similar in length to the original but with a round shape instead of oval.
The R304 is a round Shorty silencer made of aluminum and stainless steel.
Our Take: The stock KTM 300SX can be quite challenging to handle, especially in the green map. It provides power comparable to a 450, but only briefly in the middle. The ramp-up is short before and after the power burst, requiring the rider to hold on tight and shift quickly. The white map offers an easier riding experience, but once you have experienced the sheer power of the more aggressive green map, it’s difficult to go back. With the addition of the Pro Circuit Works pipe and silencer, the KTM becomes more manageable in the green map without sacrificing power. The ramp-up now starts at lower RPM and the over-rev is slightly higher. In the middle range, it actually produces a little more power than the stock exhaust, while still being easy to handle. The exhaust note is slightly louder than the stock system, but it has a rich sound that we enjoy.
Racing against 450 four-strokes will still be a challenge for the 300SX. It requires a tighter grip, quicker shifting, and more precise throttle control. However, the Pro Circuit pipe is a step in the right direction, and we are impressed that it is already available for such a new bike. We also appreciate the raw steel finish, although it’s important to note that it requires regular maintenance to prevent rust (minimum with WD-40) and occasional cleaning with Scotch-Brite.
Price: $334.95 for the pipe, $171.95 for the silencer
