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Author Topic: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI  (Read 5322 times)

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Offline eprovenzano

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Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« on: February 20, 2019, 08:10:27 AM »
My wonderful bride suggested that I sell all of my bikes, and buy a new bike...  I've been riding for over 45 years (damn that's a big number) and I've never, never owned a new dirt bike.  I think it's time to treat myself to a new 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI.  I've been doing a lot of reading, yes I understand the issue with the electronics... I understand it's a lot of $$$ but you only live once, enjoy it while you can.  To make this deal, I need to sell some toys... 

1st will be a winter project from a few years ago, a 1991 KDX 200.  It was a basket case that I built as a buddy bike. Worked out great, but hasn't been used much in the last few years.  I posted it on CL on Monday night, has someone come on Tuesday to look at it.. explained I haven't started the bike in a year and a half...  The damn thing started on the 3rd kick.  HE bought it on the spot.  Hard to believe it was sold in less than 24 hours and within $50 of my goal proce....  SCORE  KDX's have a cult following so I knew selling this bike would be easy.

Next will be this winters project, a 2002 Polaris Xplorer 400 (smoker).  Bought as a non-runner it has been completely overhauled and is ready to go.   This one could be a little more difficult to sell, but the right person will come along... I just don't expect it to happen within 24 hours.

Finally my 01 KTM 380.. The bike I lusted after... the bike I always wanted... I've really enjoyed the bike. I overhauled the jetting to get it as close to perfection for my area as I could.  This bike has never let me down, only fouled one plug, and that was because I over oiled the air filter.  I'm sure it will sell pretty quickly.  There's still a strong demand for a big bore KTM.  Of course I'm saving this one till last...  I cannot be bikeless.... I would feel naked... AND NO ONE WANTS TO SEE THAT!  :o

Then I'll be bringing home a shinny new 300 TPI.  I'm going to work on getting it plated as well... we'll see how that goes. 
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2019, 06:32:38 PM »
Well boys.. I feel naked. I sold the 380... I almost teared up when the mighty 380 was loaded up and hauled away to her new home.  The new owner tried his best to pick the bike apart... the best he could do was some the graphics were curling up on the edges and the counter shaft sprocket is showing some wear... Really that’s all you could find wrong... a $15.00 sprocket... yea, that’s why you paid my asking price. 

I’ve already called my KTM shop to prep a new 300 for me.  (The owner and the staff belong to my off-road riding club) If they didn’t close early Saturday to go to a race, a new bike would be in my garage right now.  I pick it up Saturday... boy this is going to be a long week...
« Last Edit: February 27, 2019, 07:05:07 AM by eprovenzano »
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline _X_

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2019, 01:27:12 PM »
good on you epro!

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #3 on: February 27, 2019, 07:46:43 AM »
good on you epro!

Thanks Boogsy... This has been the longest week and its only Wednesday morning...   :'(  I've already started shopping for some protective equipment...  Skid plate, (want to protect the frame a little) wrap around bark busters, (cause those damn trees keep jumping out in front of me and I'd like to keep my fingers) 

To keep my mind from going off the deep end ( yea I know I'm pretty close to it)  I've been reading everything I can find on the new TPI (Transfer Port Injection) and oil injection systems.  What I've found...  a lot of people are afraid of new technology.  Is the TPI perfect... no. With that being said it's still a large step up from a carbed bike. 

For those that are constantly tinkering with their jetting, no the TPI system is not for you.  The maps are lock and you cannot just add a laptop of a cell phone link and adjust the curves.  Yes there are aftermarket EPU maps that you can change the performance, but several stated they purchased the different maps, and ended up going back to the stock map.  Me, once I found the sweet spot on my 300 and then 380, I rarely changed it... If I did it was only a quick adjustment of the air screw to correct a lean idle.  So I'm fine with not having to touch the jetting.  Then you read from a lot of nay sayers about what if's... What if the fuel pump dies, or the oil pump, too much electrical potential for problems.  Well older bikes had points and drum breaks.  We've moved onto electronic ignition and disk brakes. Oil injection has been around and used for quite some time.  Maybe not an electronic pump, but non the less, but it's not "new" technology.   The movement to FI / TPI is just the next step in keeping our beloved smokers available.  Look at the snowmobile industry, all the smokers are electronically controlled for both fuel and oil.  So this is not a huge step... yes dirt bikes are different in regards to throttle response, and power delivery, but at the core it's still a 2 stroke engine. 

Of course on the interweb, all you'll find is mostly those with issues / complaints etc.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of quality write ups by many riders who gave an honest opinion...  Most loved it, some were just ok, and a few didn't like it.  95% of those that didn't like it were not happy that they couldn't adjust the power curve to better suite their riding style. Basically they wanted to adjust the needle and jets to change the performance.   I would put them into the constantly tinkering category, and no matter what they will never be satisfied.  (you know the kind... every time you stop they break out the tools to adjust something...)  :o

So as I sit here and wait... and wait. (yes it's killing me) I'm happy to see that the majority of owners are very happy with their new steeds.  I've even read about a few occasions where the bike was swamped.  They went through the standard procedure to get the water out of the bike and to get it restarted.  No issues with the electronics.  I will continue to read as much as I can, there's a lot to learn and right now I've got nothing but time.
« Last Edit: February 27, 2019, 07:55:55 AM by eprovenzano »
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline citabjockey

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #4 on: February 27, 2019, 08:19:28 PM »
Hey Eric, you forgot the "sold" prefix on your 380 entry in your sig!

Can't wait for the write up on your spanking new TPI. Bet it will even smell like a new bike. Right up until you start it -- then it will smell like a.... two stroke  ;-) Have a blast buddy!
Yamaha CT3, RT3, MX125, SC500, Toy Prius, Diesel F250 (it all balances out)

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2019, 05:57:02 AM »
Hey Eric, you forgot the "sold" prefix on your 380 entry in your sig!


Changed it...   ;D  :P  I'm dying...  cant wait to go pick her up.
« Last Edit: March 04, 2019, 06:12:50 AM by eprovenzano »
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline nancis

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2019, 09:20:41 AM »
Oh...it's Friday!  Tomorrow is the day!!  Can't wait to see some pics!  I can relate, a few years ago I put my name on a Beta XT300 (arrival date from Italy unknown) in November...finally got her in April...it was painful but I got regular updates from the dealer on status, the hardest was when the shipment was finally on US soil but had to get thru customs...aauuugh!
On a side note...my Beta has oil injection and it's great.  I've never had issues with it.  We did check all connection completely before riding tho and I think many overlook that process.  The amount of oil it uses definitely varies depending on riding conditions and speed.  I think that freaks people out too :)
More bikes than I can list...regular riders 2015 Beta XT300, 1986 IT200, 1980 IT175

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #7 on: March 04, 2019, 07:02:43 AM »
Friday night my 4 year old grand daughter stayed with us.  Wore her out by letting her swim in the hot tub...  Saturday morning I was up early, ready to go, but my wife and grand daughter were slow to wake up... and slow to get ready.... Finally make the 75 min drive to Action Extreme Sport in New Philadelphia Ohio.  There was my shinny new toy...  She was prepped and waiting for me.  I picked out a skid plate.  I don't need a huge metal plate as rocks are not the biggest issue, as most of our trails are littered with tree roots and downed logs.  Also on my list was hand guards.  Yes it comes with the flag guards, but sometimes those damn trees just out in front of you.  I'm an accountant and need to use my hands and fingers for work. 

Since my grand daughter asked to stay Saturday night too, I was only able to unload the bike and put her into the garage...  Instead of playing with my new toy, I spent time with my grand daughter, so my wife could paint one of our rooms.  We played dollhouse, puzzles, play doh, dressing and undressing her dolls, hide and go seek, and many, many craft projects...   yea Pap Pap was tired after she went home.... 

Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline _X_

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2019, 02:05:05 PM »
very nice epro!

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #9 on: March 05, 2019, 06:37:52 AM »
Of course the weather is bitter cold and ll I can do is look at her...  Working on some honey do projects then I'll start setting the sag, and installing the hand guards. 
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2019, 06:26:32 AM »
The weather has been shitty... but I had to make a few laps around the house last night... 

With the TPI, there is a choke, but all it's really not needed. It does not enrichen the fuel mixture, but adds air. For a bike that's so close to lean, I'd rather not add air.  But, from a cold start, you can simply hit the magic button and go...  I'm still a little old school, and will slowly kick the bike twice before hitting the button.  When you slowly push the kick starter, the pumps (fuel and oil) kick in.  This way I know the oil pump is primed and ready.  Then hit the starter and she comes to life.  Even stone cold, she will sit there and idle... last night with the temps around 20, it did stall when I tried to blip the throttle, but hit the button and all is good.  This was the 2nd full heat cycle.  I let her idle and get a little heat in the rads and went around the house. 

The bike is very light compared to my ol 380, (it's 20+ lbs lighter and you can tell).  It very narrow as well, with a KTM rock hard seat.  One feature I like is this model has a counter balance in the engine to reduce vibs.  When idling is has a different tone, as the pumps are working their voodoo. The idle is set very low... too low from my tastes, but it's something I will look into after a get a few rides on the bike.  The Clutch pull is so light, so smooth.  Even in the short time I was on the bike, you could tell power is very linear.  Still has the two stroke feel, but very linear.  There's a reason these bikes have been called 3 strokes... this one is no exception.  I barely got it into 3rd gear, so this was far from a real test, but I did find it easy to loft the front wheel... I really didn't feel any vibrations from the motor, just a rock hard seat.  The ergonomics feel good, the suspenders I've not touched yet.  I still need to set sag, and get a base line of the clickers. One thing I did notice how it's funny that you get accustomed to something as simple as hand grips, and really notice them when its not "your" brand.  I've run pillow top grips for a long time... and the stock grips feel so small, I'll be swamping them out sometime in the near future

Hope to get a real ride in next week and will report back with an real ride report.   
« Last Edit: March 08, 2019, 06:33:35 AM by eprovenzano »
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline _X_

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2019, 01:10:39 PM »
man, thats a good feeling when you get a new girl.

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #12 on: March 18, 2019, 06:32:38 AM »
Planned to the get new Katoom out over the weekend, but... Grand Child #3 came 3 weeks early, so riding was put on hold....  He's little under weight, but he's a fighter.  There was the potential for other issues, but each potential isses has subsided.  He's still in the intensive care unit, but getting stronger everyday.  Hope to bring him home later this week.  Mom and Dad are doing well, but just want to bring the baby home. 
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline Flettner

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #13 on: March 22, 2019, 02:44:32 AM »
TPI, remember you saw it here first!  The YZ250 TPI.

Good on you eprovenzano now you can see what I was trying to explain about the power delivery way back when we were developing TPI here on TSM.

Offline eprovenzano

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Re: Looking at a 2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
« Reply #14 on: March 22, 2019, 06:29:33 AM »
TPI, remember you saw it here first!  The YZ250 TPI.

Good on you eprovenzano now you can see what I was trying to explain about the power delivery way back when we were developing TPI here on TSM.

Oh I remember it well as I followed every word and drooled over every pic and video you posted...   ;)
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125