Although there aren’t a lot of changes for the 2023 KTM XC-W lineup, there is one significant technical update. The 2023 KTM XC-W lineup gets a Dunlop Geomax MX33 front tire, replacing the Dunlop Geomax AT81. However, KTM still taps the AT81 for rear rubber duties.In the marketing realm, TPI is gone from the model names of the three XC-W two-strokes—the 300, 250, and 150—though they still feature the innovative fuel injection system. The 2023 graphics pay gentle tribute to the KTM enduro models of the 1990s, with white, purple, and orange taking center stage on the stickers. Also, the frame is now orange—something we were used to seeing only on special editions.2023 KTM 300 XC-W
Returning features include WP Xplor suspension, with a linkage-free shock with progressive damping. An electronic oil pump eliminates premixing gasoline and two-stroke oil, and reduces oil consumption. Electric starting is standard on all three 2023 KTM XC-Ws, with the 150 retaining a backup kickstarter.2023 KTM 150 XC-WPrices are up this year, with the 2023 KTM 300 XC-W cracking the $11,000 barrier, though the 150 XC-W keeps its price in four figures.
2023 KTM 300 XC-W (250 XC-W and 150 XC-W) Specs
ENGINE
Type: Single-cylinder 2-stroke
Displacement: 293cc (250: 259cc; 150: 144cc)
Bore x stroke: 72 x 72mm (250: 66.4 x 72mm; 150: 58 x 54.5mm)
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This week, in the first segment Editor Don Williams talks to us about the new Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It’s the middleweight ADV style machine that uses the same 650 parallel twin motor as the Ninja 650, so it’s an excellent performer in a user-friendly, good looking package.
In the second segment, I chat with one of my dearest industry friends—now retired Honda PR executive, Jon Seidel. Jon’s fascinating career spans some 30 years with Big Red, and gave him some great experiences with some incredible machines. I was fortunate enough to be invited on many of the press launches that he organized. His new project is documenting and saving many of the old archives from years gone by—and incidentally, if you have anything that may be of value to the project, please contact us by email at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com and we’ll pass it all on to Jon.
So on that note, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
