KTM 300 XC-W (Weight, Horsepower, Top Speed, Specs, etc.) – Worth Buying?

Are you in the market to buy a 2-stroke enduro? If so, the KTM 300 XC-W is one of the better options out there. I’ve never owned one of these, but my buddy had one for a while and I did get to ride it. They are awesome, however, they aren’t the right bike for everyone.

Below is a review of all of the dirt bike specs including the weight, horsepower, top speed, seat height, and more.

In addition to KTM 300 XC-W specs, I’ll also cover the main pros and cons, the maintenance schedule, how much they cost new, and how much a used bike should be worth. Basically, I’ll cover all of the most important info about this 2-stroke KTM.

What is a KTM 300 XC-W?

The KTM 300 XC-W is an enduro dirtbike that is powered by a 300cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine.

Overall, this cross-country’s light and nimble frame, along with its high-performance two-stroke motor, is a serious dirt bike. It has an exceptional power curve that covers the low-end and midrange torque quite well for a 2-stroke. And yes, it still has a solid top-end.

The XC-W 300 model is an electric start dirt bike that comes with an 18-inch rear wheel, a kickstand, a headlight, and adjustable suspension – a solid list of enduro bike accessories.

Overview:

Type: Enduro, 2-stroke
Stree-legal: No
Rider’s age: Adult
Rider’s height: 5’10” or taller

Who Should Buy?

Here are a few questions to ask if you’re considering one of these:

1. What is my current skill level?
2. What type of riding do you do most?
3. Do I want a 4-stroke or a 2-stroke?

Current Skill Level

Being a 300cc two-stroke, this enduro is made for experienced riders only. Most beginners would do better on a trail bike like an older 225 TTR Yamaha or, something a bit milder like a CRF 250F.

On the other hand, if you have experience riding and are ready for a high-performance, fast 300cc 2-stroke, this is a solid option.

What Type of Dirt Bike Do You Want?

Again, this is an enduro dirt bike, but it is not street-legal. If you want a street legal KTM enduro, check out the KTM 500 EXC-F.

Alternatively, if you are in the market for an off-road enduro 2-stroke, this is a great option. I had a different buddy who had a 2-stoke KTM that he really liked as well. Overall, these things look, run, and handle great.

What Type of Riding?

Being an off-road enduro, these bikes work great for a wide range of riding. The 2-stoke 300cc engine puts out incredible low-end torque and can be lugged around much easier than most other 2-strokes. However, these are still not designed for slow riding around your backyard. They like (and need) to be opened up and run.

In fact, if you are mostly going to be doing slow and tight trails, you may want to consider a different dirtbike. Having said that, these certainly can handle technical trials adequately.

Here are a few reasons to buy one of these KTMs, and a few reasons not to. Of course, no dirt bike is perfect for every situation, so you’ve just got to prioritize your needs and do your best.

Reasons to Buy:

• You do more enduro and trail riding than motocross
• You already know how to ride and have experience
• These need relatively little maintenance (compared to some others)
• If you’re ready for a ton of power

Reasons Not to Buy:

• If you’re looking for your first dirt bike
• It isn’t cheap
• KTM dealers and service centers aren’t as common as other brands
• If you’re short (this bike is tall)

KTM 300 XC-W Specs

Here are all of the KTM 300 XC W specifications taken directly from the KTM website and owner’s manual. I have also gathered a few of the specs that were not provided by the factory.

Engine Specifications

Chassis Specifications

Miscellaneous

Here are the most important specs:

Manufacturer: KTM
Model Name: 300 XC-W, 300 XCW
Dirt Bike Type: Enduro
Years Made: 2006-2024 (present)

Seat Height: 37.9 inches
Dry Weight: 230.6 pounds (without fuel, fluids, etc.)
Top Speed: ~85 mph
Horsepower: 49 HP

KTM 300cc Engine & Transmission

If you’re looking for top quality, KTM is certainly one of the front-runners. Not only has KTM made a name for itself by producing high-performance motors, but they tend to put up with abuse quite well.

Either way, the 300 XC-W engines produce incredibly usable power, and the bikes come equipped with two different engine maps for fine-tuning.

• Map 1
  This is the standard setting that encourages the bike to produce a more linear, predictable power that performs well on most terrain.
• Map 2
  This is the more aggressive setting that increases throttle response and allows for a quicker, harder-hitting powerband.

Horsepower

A stock KTM 300 XC-W makes 49 horsepower. I have seen a few modified KTMs that produce a little more, but having more HP isn’t the most important performance factor coming from a dirt bike motor.

Instead of focusing on peak horsepower, KTM has designed this engine to produce a very useable 49 HP, which is plenty for most people.

To compare this KTM to some of the Honda, Kawasaki, or Yamaha dirt bikes isn’t necessarily fair because they don’t offer a 300cc 2-stroke. However, just to give you an idea, here are the closest bikes to compare to:

• Beta 300 RR (2-stroke) – 39.3 horsepower
• Husqvarna TE 300 (2-stroke) – 54 horsepower
• CRF250RX (4-stroke) – 37 horsepower
• CRF450X (4-stroke) – 41 horsepower
• CRF450RX (4-stroke) – 53.2 horsepower
• KX450X (4-stroke) – 52 horsepower
• YZ450FX (4-stroke) – 48.9 horsepower

Top Speed

With a top speed of around 85 mph, the KTM 300 XC-W is not the slowest or the fastest.

Here’s a video of someone getting their XC-W up to maximum speed on a dirt/gravel road:

Ultimately, the top speed of a stock 300 XC-W is 80-85 mph. However, it isn’t difficult to get these enduros to go faster with taller gearing, an aftermarket exhaust, or some other high-performance mods.

In reality, a fast top speed isn’t the most important measurement for a good dirt bike. Instead, it is more advantageous to focus on overall performance and power delivery.

And when it comes to being usable, this 2-stroke makes very useable power.

Maintenance

Surprisingly, at least to me, these enduro KTM dirt bikes don’t need nearly as much maintenance as some of the other high-performance bikes out there. To give you an idea of how much maintenance these KTM 300s need, I’ve included the maintenance and service schedule that I took from the owner’s manual.

KTM 300 XC-W Maintenance Schedule

Below is a screenshot of the service/maintenance schedule for the 300 XC-W KTM. As you can (hopefully) see, the majority of the maintenance needs to be done after every 15 hours of operation. It breaks down into the following:

• After 1 hour
• 15 hours
• 45 hours
• 90 hours
• Every 24

You will notice hollow circles and filled-in circles on the schedule. The hollow circles represent a “one-time” item, while the filled-in circles represent continual items.

NOTE: The screenshot above does not show ALL of the maintenance items or schedules. With that in mind, I’ve included the entire service schedule below.

Once after 1 hour

Read out the fault memory using the KTM diagnostic tool
Inspect the electrical system for proper functionality
Check and charge the 12-V battery (here’s the best battery maintainer for motorcycle use)
Check the free travel of the hand brake lever
Make sure the idle speed is adequate
Change the gear oil
Inspect all hoses
Check the rim run-out
Check the spoke tension
Inspect the chain, chain tension, rear sprocket, and chain guide
Grease all moving parts
Inspect screws, nuts, and hose clips for a tight fit
Change the fuel screen
Check fuel pressure
Check coolant level
Verify that the radiator is functioning
Check the headlight settings
Inspect the steering head bearing for play

After every 15 hours

Read out the fault memory using the KTM diagnostic tool
Check that the electrical system is functioning properly
Check and charge the 12-V battery
Verify that the brake linings of the front and rear brakes are secured
Check the brake discs
Inspect brake lines for damage and tightness
Check the rear brake fluid level
Confirm the free travel of the hand and foot brake levers
Check the idle speed
Inspect all hoses
Check the cables for damage and kinks
Inspect the throttle cables
Look over the frame and link the fork
Inspect the tires and check the tire pressure
Inspect the wheel bearing for play
Check the wheel hubs and the rim run-out
Check the spoke tension
Inspect the chain, rear sprocket, engine sprocket, and chain guide
Check chain tension
Grease all moving parts
Clean the air filter and filter box
Verify all screws, nuts, hoses, and clips are tight
Change the fuel screen
Check the fuel pressure
Check the coolant level
Verify that the radiator fan is functioning
Check the headlight setting
Check the steering head bearing for play

Every 45 hours

Everything from the 15-hour list, plus the following:

Check/correct the fluid level of the hydraulic clutch
Change the gear oil
Inspect the fork bearing for play
Check the shock absorber heim joint for play
Check the basic throttle valve position sensor setting
Change the spark plug and connector
Inspect the clutch
Service the front fork
Service the shock absorber
Check the antifreeze and coolant level
Lubricate the steering head bearing
Inspect the reed valve housing and intake flange
Check the electric starter drive
Minor engine service (Change the piston and O-rings. Check the cylinder head and Z dimension. Inspect the exhaust control and clean the crank chamber pressure sensor hose.)

Every 90 hours

Everything from the 45-hour list, plus the following:

Change the front and rear brake fluid
Change the hydraulic clutch fluid
Replace the fuel filter
Replace the glass fiber yarn of the main silencer
Major engine service (Change the connecting rod, conrod bearing, and crank pin. Inspect transmission. Check and clean the crank chamber pressure sensor hose.)

Every 24 months

Everything from the 90-hour list, plus the following:

Change the coolant (Motorex Coolant M3.0)

What motor oil does a KTM 300 XC-W use?

The KTM manual recommends Motorex Top Speed 4T – 15W/50 (view on Amazon)

However, if you use another oil that meets the JASO MA2 standard (KTM manual states: JASO T903 MA2), and is SAE 15W/50, you should be good.

KTM 300 XC-W Handling

The 300 XC-W KTM is a great handling enduro. Not only do these do great on trails and hill climbs, but they’re also capable of pounding whoops and hitting jumps.

Here are all of the different handling specifications to know:

Weight

The dry weight of a stock KTM 300 XC-W weighs 230.6 pounds. Although the “dry” weight doesn’t include fuel, 230 pounds is light for a full-sized, 300cc dirt bike with a headlight, kickstand, etc.

Depending on how much gas a dirt bike can hold, the “wet” weight is around 10 more pounds, plus or minus.

To get an idea of what similar dirt bikes weigh, we’ll take a look at a few other makes and models. Although not an exact comparison, a Honda CRF450RX weighs 251 pounds wet, while the dry weight of a Beta 300 RR is 228 pounds, and the dry weight of the Husqvarna TE 300 is 225.8 pounds.

KTM 300 XC-W Weight Limit

Does the KTM 300 XCW have a weight limit? Yes, actually it does.

The owner’s manual states that the maximum weight limit is 739 pounds for this dirt bike. Here are the separate weight limits for the front axle and rear axle loads:

• Maximum overall weight capacity: 739 pounds (335 kg)
• Maximum front axle load: 320 pounds (145 kg)
• Maximum rear axle load: 419 pounds (190 kg)

It’s important to know that this includes your weight plus any gear and anything else like a tool kit, etc.

The manual also states that a rider should weigh between 165-187 pounds (75-85 kg) with all of his/her riding gear on for optimal performance.

Seat Height

A KTM 300 XC-W seat height is 37.9 inches. The bike will squat slightly when you get on it, but not a whole lot.

Depending on your inseam, a 38 inch seat height is generally a good height for someone who is 5’11”-6′ tall.

Here’s a list of a few other brands and models to get an idea of how this enduro compares to other enduros.

• Beta 300 RR – 36.6″
• Husqvarna TE 300 – 38″
• CRF250RX – 38″
• CRF450X – 37.9″
• CRF450RX – 38″
• KX450X – 37.4″
• YZ450FX – 37.6″

Can you lower a KTM 300 XC-W?

What do you do if you’re a bit shy of that 6′ mark and the bike is too tall? The good news is that you can lower these dirt bikes, like most others, without too much work.

Here are the most common ways to lower one of these dirtbikes:

1. Adjust the sag and spring rates
   Setting a dirtbike’s sag and spring rates can lower it without adding or subtracting anything. After you have dialed in the suspension settings you’ll be able to see just how much lower you need to go.
2. Shave the stock seat down
   Some guys chose to shave off some of the padding from the stock seat. If you’re like me, however, you may be hesitant to start hacking away at your bike. If so, I recommend looking into getting a short seat and/or a lower link or kit.
3. Install an aftermarket, low seat
   Granted, if you shave your seat you don’t have to spend any extra money, but a KTM 300 XC W low seat isn’t too much money. Not only do you get to save your stock seat, but you can get the bike down about a half-inch shorter than stock. Here’s (a good low seat) on Amazon.
4. Install a lowering kit
   Another way to lower this KTM is to buy a lowering kit or lowering link. (here’s a good one on ktmtwins.com)

Suspension

One of the best aspects of the suspension on this bike is its adjustability.

As shown in the screenshot above, the 300 XC-W has three different recommended settings. The riding settings include comfort, standard, and sport options. Here are the different settings for the front and rear suspension.

Front Fork Settings

Compression Damping
Comfort – 17 clicks
Standard – 15 clicks
Sport – 7 clicks

Rebound Damping
Comfort – 19 clicks
Standard – 17 clicks
Sport – 9 clicks

Rear Shock Settings

Low-speed Compression Damping
Comfort – 18 clicks
Standard – 15 clicks
Sport – 12 clicks

High-speed Compression Damping
Comfort – 2.5 turns
Standard – 2 turns
Sport – 1.5 turns

Rebound Damping
Comfort – 18 clicks
Standard – 15 clicks
Sport – 12 clicks

Is the KTM 300 XC W a Good Dirt Bike?

Just in case you haven’t figured out my personal opinion of this dirt bike, I like it. Granted, I haven’t ridden one of 2020’s models, but I imagine they’d only get better.

As I’ve mentioned though, these aren’t the right choice for every rider.

Here are some of the positives and negatives of one of these KTMs:

Positive Reviews

• It’s a 2-stroke (rare these days)
• Good handling and power at all speeds
• Lightweight
• Narrow feel
• Great, adjustable suspension
• Reliable motor
• Great torque for a two-stroke
• It has an electric start
• Fuel-injected
• Great battery
• Headlight

Negative Reviews

• A bit expensive ($11,449)
• Too tall for many riders
• Limited local dealers (compared to Honda, Kawasaki, or Yamaha)
• No headlight
• Not street-legal

In the end, these are solid dirt bikes.

Buyers Guide (Best Year, Pricing, etc.)

If, after all of that, you’re still interested in this enduro, here are a few things to know about buying one:

• What’s the best year KTM 300 XC-W to buy?
• What they are worth used
• Where to look to buy one

Best Year

Picking the best year of a KTM 300 XCW is straightforward, and fairly easy to figure out. Basically, the newer models are best, but if you can find an older used KTM that’s in good shape, it’s probably a good bike.

The older models are certainly “good” bikes, but if you can find a 2008 or newer, that would be good. Additionally, if you can find a 2012 KTM 300 XC-W that would be even better. They have an updated frame that makes the bike handle quite a bit better.

How much does a KTM 300 XC-W cost?

BASE MSRP: $10,999
Destination Charge: Contact a local dealer
Freight Surcharge: Contact a local dealer

Without talking to any of the local KTM dealers near me, I’m guessing it would be around $11,500-$12,000 to take one home.

How much is a used KTM300XCW worth?

Even though getting a new bike is fun, you can usually save quite a bit of money if you buy used. Since these have been around for so long, the price range is fairly broad. Having said that, a used KTM 300 XC-W should cost somewhere around $6,500-$7,500.

How do I know?

Not only did I check Kelley Blue Book, but I also looked up used bikes on Facebook Marketplace and Craiglist. Unfortunately, for me, there weren’t too many in my neighborhood. There were, however, quite a few within 200 miles of me.

Here are the best listings I found:

2024 KTM 300 XC-W – $11,999 (new, from a local dealer)
2022 KTM 300 XCW – $9,000
2022 KTM 300 XC-W – $8,900
2021 KTM 300 XCW – $9,500
2021 KTM 300 XC-W Erzberg – $9,999
2018 KTM 300 XCW – $6,800
2016 KTM 300 XCW – $5,100
2015 KTM XCW – $5,100
2014 KTM 300 XC-W – $5,200
2014 KTM 300 XC-W – $5,000
2006 KTM 300XCW – $3,500

From this list of 11 KTM dirt bikes for sale, the average price comes out to about $7,300. However, as you can see, the price ranges from as cheap as $3,500 to as much as $9,500 (not counting the brand-new 2024 or the Erzberg).

Is Kelley Blue Book Price Accurate?

Now that we’ve got a good idea of the real-world value, I decided to check the Kelley Blue Book website to see what they have the bike valued at. Here’s a screenshot of the price:

Apparently, KBB has found that these bikes typically sell for more than my guesstimate of $7,000.

Trade-In Value: $6,240
Typical Listing Price: $8,920

With this in mind, a used KTM 300XC-W may typically sell for more than $7,000. As I mentioned, I was only able to find these used outside of my region, and in my region. Also, the KBB price is for a 2020 model, which doesn’t take into account all of the older years.

Where to Buy?

As you know, if you want a new, 2023 or 2024 KTM 300 XC-W, all you have to do is head over to your local KTM dealer and pick one up.

If you want an older, used enduro, just check Facebook Marketplace, Craiglist, Cycle Trader, etc.