The 2014 KTM 300 XC-W is a reliable off road machine that offers a perfect mix between power, agility and handling. The motorcycle offers the best power to weight ratio in its class and is propelled by a 293 cc, 1 cylinder, 2 stroke, water-cooled engine with reed intake and exhaust control.

The unit is combined with a kick starter and an electric starter and is mated to a 6 gear, claw shifted transmission. You also get a sporty exhaust control that ensures a manageable power delivery. It is also worthy to mention that the 2014 engine features an enhanced cylinder head and new reed valve.

The motorcycle’s backbone is represented by a central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing. The frame sits on a front WP Suspension up side down fork and a rear WP shock absorber.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 KTM 300 XC-W.

2014 KTM 300 XC-W

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 KTM 300 XC-W
  • Engine/Motor: 1-cylinder 2-stroke engine, water-cooled, with reed intake and exhaust control
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

The 300 XC-W has clearly proven what it can do in many offroad competitions. The combination of massive 2-stroke performance, unrivaled torque and a super agile chassis make it the first choice when the going gets really difficult. There is no better power-to-weight ratio on the market in a standard bike. The compact 2-stroke engine offers the strongest performance money can currently buy. A perfectly tuned exhaust control ensures a manageable power delivery, while the 6-speed gear box, specially geared for enduros, has always the right gear ratio on offer. With its enhanced cylinder head and new reed valve, the new 300 XC-W is better than ever.

Electric Starter

The KTM 300 XC-W is equipped with both kick and electric starter and includes a stronger (4 Ah) battery which simplifies starting the bike in all situations. With its patented placement in a longitudinal direction above the ignition, the compact starter system is highly protected and provides a decisive advantage in hard offroad use.

Optimized Engine

The engine has a redesigned reed valve housing featuring Boyesen high-performance reeds that aid performance and responsiveness. The ignition curve and cylinder head have been optimized and the carburetor setting adjusted to make the 300 XC-W a joy to ride on any terrain.

Cylinder Head

New cylinder head with optimized combustion chamber offers more efficient combustion, better response especially under partial load, better power delivery and optimized rideability.

Frame

The modern and lightweight frame design made of high-strength chromoly steel sections combines maximum longitudinal stiffness with optimum torsional ridigty. It guarantees easy handling and precise cornering, but also outstanding stability.

Swingarm

Designed using the latest in calculation and simulation software, the design and wall thickness of the cast aluminum swingarm have been optimized for minimum weight at optimum stiffness and precisely defined flexibility. For 2014, the engineers have revised the chain guide to increase reliability while lowering the weight.

Triple Clamps

The lower triple clamp has been redesigned for optimum accomodation of the new front fender. Thanks to its new contour and mounting with two front and two bottom bolts, the new fender has a lot more stability.

Superior Suspension Settings

300 XC-W
KTM

The first rate WP Suspension elements have been further improved for 2014. Specially designed for enduro riding and in some models with an optimized tuning, they ensure maximum traction and plenty of comfort. Of course, compression and rebound damping can be adjusted to the track conditions and the rider's preferences with a twist of the wrist - the rear monoshock has separate high and low speed adjustments.

Bodywork

Shrouds, airbox cover, front fender, headlight fairing and the headlight have all been restyled for 2014. The KTM designer's focus was to achieve complete ergonomic harmony between rider and bike for a more stable ride and effortless movement on the bike. Adding to the improvements is a high-quality seat foam core to maximize comfort and durability. With the new front fender, the designers omitted ribbing on the inside to reduce mud and dirt buildup while increasing rigidity over the previous component by 50%.

Handlebar

All XC-W models are fitted with the super strong, tapered Neken handlebar made of high tensile strength aluminum alloy. The proven standard KTM mount allows to fix the handlebar in four different positions. 2014 sees the introduction of newly-developed hand guards made of 2-component polymer for more effective hand protection.

Graphics

New, classy graphics with clear lines visually underscore the exacting standards of what KTM deems a true, cutting-edge offroad bike.

Wheels

High-quality, CNC-machined hubs are standard on all KTM wheels. The now black coated spokes increase corrosion resistance and center the new, extremely stable, 7050 aluminum rims from GIANT. Dunlop GEOMAX MX51 tires - provide excellent traction, very precise directional control and a long service life.

Brakes

High-Tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad bikes, and combined with the lightweight Wave discs, they are the ultimate solution in braking technology. In 2014 the XC-W models gain a new master cylinder with a new reservoir, a smaller piston diameter and a new lever with optimized kinematics. Combined with new sinter brake pads (Toyo B169), this makes for another perceptible improvement of front brake performance and action.

Specifications

Engine Type

1-cylinder 2-stroke engine, water-cooled, with reed intake and exhaust control

Displacement

293.2 cm³ (17.892 cu in)

Bore

72 mm (2.83 in)

Stroke

72 mm (2.83 in)

Starting aid

Kick starter and electric starter

Gearbox

6-gear, claw shifted

Primary transmission

26:72

Secondary ratio

14:50 (13:50)

Clutch

Multidisc clutch DDS in oil bath/hydraulically activated

Ignition

Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type Kokusan

Frame

Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing

Fork

WP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA PA

Shock absorber

WP Suspension PDS 5018 DCC

Suspension travel Front

300 mm (11.81 in)

Suspension travel Rear

335 mm (13.19 in)

Brake system

Disc brakes, brake calipers on floating bearings

Brake discs - diameter Front

260 mm (10.24 in)

Brake discs - diameter Rear

220 mm (8.66 in)

Chain

5/8 x 1/4"

Steering head angle

63.5°

Wheelbase

1,482±10 mm (58.35±0.39 in)

Ground clearance unloaded

355 mm (13.98 in)

Seat height unloaded

960 mm (37.8 in)

Total fuel tank capacity, approx.

10 l (2.6 US gal) Super unleaded gasoline (95 octane), mixed with 2-stroke engine oil (1:60)

Weight without fuel, approx.

102.1 kg (225.1 lb.)


Verdict

The KTM 300 XC-W was already a capable motorcycle so the 2014 model year should be at least as impressive as its predecessor. Especially if we take into consideration that the new model comes with an enhanced cylinder head and new reed valve.