2019 KTM 300 EXC

The KTM 300 EXC is an off roader marketed as a serious enduro purchasers. It’s a two stroke, electronic fuel injected engine which is not common  in 2019 due to emissions standards in most parts of the world.  Furthermore it’s the 4th most popular motorcycle in the LAMS category sold in Australia, selling 1052 units in 2018.

The reason for the KTXM 3000 EXC being so popular in 2018 is two fold. The 2018 model was the last carburettor model while the ‘all new’ 2019 KTM 300 EXC is fuel injected. They reported problems with adding EFI to 2 stroke engines and KTM are the first to do so. Hence in 2018 either lots of folks bought the last of the Carbed models or they upgraded to the new EFI model or perhaps bough one of each!

I like the current KTM motorcycle range as they all look great with so much detail and recognisably different to most of the other brands. They really give off the air of performance whether road or off road version and high quality regardless of the model in the range.

In terms of engine and technology KTM reports a stack of changes to the 2019 design which summarised is focused on enabling electronic feel injection. I also like the integrated oil in the frame trick which simply cool. It’s also weighs just over 100kg which is impressive. The 2 stroke design is clearly for off road use with traditional power curve low in the rev range but claimed refinement with balance shafts. Of course the design is also claimed to be simple to fix and maintain due it’s operating environment but only the discussion boards will be tell the long term success of the design. Note that the 250 EXC version is the same just with smaller engine capacity.

For those intending to register the KTM 300 EXC for on road use as a daily ride or LAMS or Learner bear in mind it’s main design purpose is for off road trails or riding not cruising on the freeway. High performance but not for the road. I don’t usually write about these sort of motorbikes but it’s nice checking one out in real life. It’s popularity in 2018 is clearly due to the introduction of the new model and only its buyers will be able to explain why they either bought the older Carbed one or the EFI new model. As far as pricing is concerned it is expensive compared to other motorcycles in the LAMS category but average for the Enduro class.