This video is a few years old, since then the TPI bikes have shown to be very problematic. The TPI system needs a ton of sensors, (crank pressure, ambient pressure, etc...) to work correctly and there are many reports of problems. Stick with a carb for 2t, or go 4t if you want EFI. Yes a carb requires tinkering, but at least I know that when i have fuel/air problems its the carb and not of a plethora of sensors that you can't diagnose without a trip to the dealer.
Keihin can work just as well. JD kit and dial it in. Lectron is cool but a good feel for jetting goes a long way. Ive gotten better mileage out of a Keihin then on lectrons.
Great videos and info Kyle. Be good to hear comparisons on efi, stock carb and a lectron carb. Some guys are buying new bikes and installing lectron carbs so they don't haft to re-jet for elevations
Kyle, I bought a 1998 ktm 250 EXC. totally re-built the entire bike. Looks brand new. Haven’t had a chance to take it out yet but, but looking forward to trying KTM out.
the nice thing about the TPI system.. 150 lb rider in the 280 lb Rider can ride the same bike and NOT have to rejet it... racing at sea level in the desert this is very impressive.
That's what you get when emissions are crawling up your ass.. A remap will fix that as i heard, but you still have to deal with that crappy mikuni oil pump that has failed in many bikes..
Kyle i love your videos and awesome dad skills. This is the video where you get into real issues of carb v tpi. My question: how better is tpi over lectron if at all
On a carb, when you crack the throttle from idle there is a surge in air velocity before it settles. the overlap between slow speed and mid range circuits in the carb act a little like an accelerator pump so you get a quick bump a low speed. Put a vcuum metter on it ,,,you can see it happen
Good wrap up on pros and cons on these bikes, I saw in other videos that there is other maps available for the TPI now so it runs a little bit richer and cooler that might make them run even better and eliminate the missing grunt as compared to the carburated motor
I only have 997 hours on my 12 250 so I'll be rebuilding it and running it for another few years and hopefully in that time the efi will mature and the performance will come up to the level of a perfectly tuned 12 to 16 bike.
Has the problem of oil leaking from the plug been corrected yet ??? Been watching other videos of yours, where that seemed to be an issue. Just curious if KTM and Husky has cleaned that up yet.
Especially when u can just put a lectron carb on ....i have a 17 ktm and i wouldnt trade it in for a efi even if i got the chance ....the lectron runs so good that im happy with the carb ...and just less to go wrong ...i like efi onn lots of stuff but not on dirtbikes ...they should keep selling carb models.
In Australia, they said we would have the option to do TPI or Carb as we don't have the emission needs to force TPI. So I got a carb 18 model. Now they have said all bikes 19 and onwards is TPI. I wonder why the US still have the option but we don't.
We don't get a lot of bikes that you guys and the European market gets. I think it has a lot to do with import taxes so they limit what all comes to the States. It is frustrating to see all the awesome bikes the rest of the world has available to them while we get slim pickings.
Dirtbike Boy Colton Watts I agree they are beautiful, but there are very hard to find, there not very local, you might have to travel quite a bit too pick one up depending on we’re you live.
Does the fuel injected bike have an electric fuel pump that you have to consider and worry about I don't know I'm an old carburetor guy been working on those carburetors for 50 years and no trouble for me you're looking pretty good bud hope you're feeling better keep it up good video
I’m from Australia I bought a 2018 carbi exc 300 not many left and they aren’t selling the carbi in 2019. I’m stoked with the bike after spending years on motocross 450s. Wanted the carbi for its simplicity
On my snowmobiles EFI gets about double the gas mileage which is big for riding all day. And it seemed similar with my 4 stroke 250s. And a always hated taking the carbs off to clean them every year on my quad and bike.(even running ethanol free)
How much of a difference is there between the 18 300xc and the 19 300xc. It reads like there was a lot of upgrades... I can get the 18 for about 800 dollars less... is it worth it to go with 19???
Just my opinion since we’re on the subject. I have a 300 Gas Gas with a Lectron and a TE250i. I ride all street. TPI is a no brainer. No mixing gas at the pump and guessing how much is going to fit in the tank. I spent a lot of money on the TE but it run phenomenal. So does the Gas Gas. Just one thing to consider. Driveability / street manners can’t be beat on the TE though. The Gas Gas even with the Lectron can’t compare. Not a knock. Just and observation
I'm from the netherlands. I went to my local KTM dealership and asked about how the tpi bikes are selling. I was kind off suprised he told me de tpi's didn't sell that good. Most riders who wanted to buy a new bike prefered the left over 2017 version. But it had more to do with being able to work on your bike yourself. It's more about acceptation instead of the bike being worse to ride.
Judging from all the broken down KTM TPI bikes I've come across in the mountains around here. TPI adds about 100 new points of failure. 2 of them I think maybe KTM was trying to be too neat witth wiring. The bundle leading into the ecm module was just plain too tight and I think the natural flexing in the frame, over time, just wore out the retention clip and pulled the plugs loose just enough to were the motor just wouldn't stay lit.
Before my 17 ktm 300 I never messed with Jetting on any of my bikes. Now it takes me less than 15 minutes to change a needle or pilot on my bike, it's not that difficult and I like doing it I wish I would have tuned the other bikes I had before.
I would put a caveat on the "tuning a carb isnt rocket science statement" after having tried to tune an early 2000's CR125 and its stupid mikuni. Its not rocket science with a good bike and carb.
Layne Ford I wanted to but the cost put me off.. the bike was only 1800 and i couldnt find any used ones at the time so it was gonna cost like 350 or something which was just too much. I counted my lucky stars when i just got it to a point where it only fouled 1 or 2 plugs a year instead of every other ride.
4-5 years? its 2021 (almost 3 years from the video upload date) and i already cannot get a brand new carburated version anymore (at least in my country), KTM only sale the TPI version for offroad bike, and stop importing the XC version, so if i want to get a brand new carburated 2 stroke offroad bike, the only option is with converting SX bike for offroad, or get the bike from another manufacture like yamaha or sherco.
My TPI runs to rich in the low end and I have had to clean the plug multiple times because it's caked in oil. It is Kind of aggravating because I bought the TPI so I would have to worry about that stuff way less. Getting stuck in the middle of a trail because of a plug on a 18' TPI is embarrassing.
aaron johnson that's odd. Probably a issue with how new tpi is. It's going to take a few years to get everything dialed on the product from ktm. I'm actually shocked it runs as well as it does fir being 2 yrs in the making.
In Europe they were having g problems with them running to lean, but I know it's running to rich on the low end. This is the first 2 stroke dirtbike to have a throttle body and no carb, but yeah Polaris has been injecting oil for awhile.
That's interesting. Not sure what could cause that. The tpi bikes run very lean. You may want to take it to the dealer to make sure nothing is amiss with your bike.
The pros and cons argument of carb over fuel injection is getting much less compelling, even from you Kyle. Maybe it's because all the top enduro riders switched, maybe because it's the Future, maybe both. I find it shocking that the oil pumps only last 60-80 hrs, what's up with that?!? I won't bother going into the snowmobile industry argument this go around. I'm elated these enduro manufacturers are going into efi with both feet. Future is bright. We will be laughing at these arguments for carbs sooner then later.
80 hours is the recommended replacement interval. I'm sure you do a piston EVERY 80 hours as per the service schedule. I'm pretty sure they'll last longer and that the aftermarket will come to the rescue with alternate parts!
TPI bikes a brilliant, future is this, not carb... I also read Graham Jarvis mechanic stating fuel economy is way better on the TPI, where some races done need a fuel fill as previous one did !!
Wow, you got me thinking. My riding goes from between 3500-4500 feet in the mountains, to less than 100 feet in the valley at the mx track. You think a carburated bike would work for that? I don't want to re-jet every time I go ride moto.
Nice video as always. Whats the fuel average consumption in the carburetor version 250 and 300 (2017/2018)? Obviously depends on many variables, I am asking just because some riders are complaining about high consumption since 2017.
So I've noticed you haven't been using the lectron on your 17/18 ktms. Any reason for that? I have a 17 300 and I feel the low end power is a bit less now with a lectron fitted. Your thoughts?
I can get them to run 98 percent as good as the Lectron with the stock carb and for only about $10 in jets/needles. I'm saving $450 per bike. Don't get me wrong the Lectron carb is FANTASTIC. I just don't have to have it in order to make my bikes run the way I want them to.
I feel the same way about injection on 2 strokes as I do insulin pumps for diabetics. You just can't be certain you're getting insulin delivery. Just as you can't be certain you're getting oil delivery. I would rather mix fuel all day long and know the engine is not getting oil starved.
As for the advertised higher milage I'm sure they are comparing the new efi to a box stock carb bike as I get 42 to 50 mpg out of my old 12 250 depending on the ride and jetting.
Hey Kyle, Have you ever had to make any adjustments to your Lectron fitted bikes when you go down to St.george? Just curious what you've noticed. I had my Beta down there this spring at 40 60 degrees and it ran wonderfully with the Lectron. Just got back from Fish lake where it was close to 10k feet and 80 + degrees and it ran well there too.
Actually tpi bikes don’t mix the oil and gas for you it’s completely separate the oil goes in the crank case and the gas goes in the transfer port and if you’re oil pump fails the bike doesn’t run
Because I ride with major elevation changes, EFI has been the best since the invention of the wheel! Even my old yz250 has the closest thing, Lectron Carb, that thing once I had the lean/Rich perfect, that Bike has never been better.
Kyle, I'm new to your channel and enjoy your reviews. I've been riding and working on dirt bikes for over 40 years (mainly motocross bikes since I enjoy that type of bike and performance the most), and I'm looking at purchasing a high quality new bike for trail riding only, and want one that will last long term and doesn't require a lot of extensive maintenance. I'm leaning towards the KTM 300 XC-W and really like the idea of the TPI and not having to re-jet, but concerned about the issues I've seen they're having. I ride mainly around 1500' (occasionally Colorado Maintain trails), but have to deal with temperature and humidity changes regularly So my question is, should I go with the carbureted bike and change out the carb to a Smart Carb?
I was really excited for TPI to come to the 300 XC but it didn't happen this year. I feel like the holy grail is a Lectron-carbed XC. Got my '19 300 XC on order.
Nah, not worth the cost. Rather have something I can work on then adding more factors that can grenade an engine or require the dealer for a tune. Keep it simple stupid and just learn how to jet.
If you are a moto dad with a herd of small carbed bikes, get yourself an EFI. On my first one. In 3 years havent touched or adjusted a thing and after 100 hours its as barky as the first day.
The '18 carb'd bikes are in demand at this point as people want to keep it simple. All the '18 TE and XC-Ws are gone. Grabbing an '18 Husky TX300 now, will move the Lectron carb from my '13 300 over to it and rock on. I want, make that I need, the counter balancer and better e-start system :) My '13 has been a great bike. Has 300 hours in it and literally has been through Hell and High Water. The TPI bikes are cool, and my 450 has FI, but the old carb'd 2T engine combo is proven, so I am gonna stick with it. I prefer premix in 2Ts, I think the lube is dispersed through the engine better coming in with the fuel vapor. We will see long term how the TPI bikes hold up I guess. Hopefully fine, but I know for a fact the carb'd bike will last and last. When dropping 9 grand on a dirt bike, I want the sure thing...
I put a Lectron on my 2017 300xc and I absolutely love it. It's so much better than the carb that came on it that I can't believe KTM even ships it out with piece of junk. If you're on the fence about it and it's worth the money.
Rob Van Huss I had my lectron on my 17 300 for 60 hours and wasn't happy with how it was running. Tried everything but couldn't get it perfect. I got it running better with the stock carb and included jets and it runs absolutely flawlessly with a JD jet kit. I got the lectron used with 4 hours on it but I would never consider buying one new for 500$. I wouldn't even buy it used again. JD jet kit is 75$. It's at least Worth a shot first before spending 500$. Lectron is the only carb sold more than once
Lectron great if you have a carb bike, or can get a deal on carb new bike.. Graham Jarvis mechanic stated, they get way better fuel economy on the TPI compared to carb..
Carman E That's too bad. If you look at Lectron reviews, your experience is not typical. Did you also buy your bike used? I bought mine new, so it was nearly $9500, plus I spent probably $2k in upgrades. No way I'd buy a used Lectron. Sounds like maybe you got a bad one. If you bought it new you could have sent it back or if not at least they have great technical support and they'll work with you. A lot of guys say they just slap them on and go. Not my experience. I had to tune mine to get it right, but once I did, Holy smokes! bike runs like a horse on steroids. And I don't have to worry about rejetting with elevation changes. 60 hours is a lot of riding. Sounds like you might need a new top end.
mixalis The bike, carb or not, costs nearly 10k. After that, I can't see being too concerned about how efficient it is vs a carb with two gallons of gas. Something else is that if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere, now your EFI does not work. Carb bikes don't have that issue. Not to mention about 8 lbs lighter.
@Dirt Bike Channel Kyle great videos but really, could you make a video on any hard enduro competition experience. I have picked up on you channel 4 years ago and you got me hooked with this 300, since then I started looking for any feedback and video I could find on the 300 and everyone is saying it is great, which it is. Last year I bough a six days 300 2016 and before that I was a Honda guy with cr250r 2007 and crf450r 2008. This week I took part in a very difficult and challenging hard enduro competition where the conditions were rain, mud and sticky clay, well I can tell you that the 300 shines but I and many other riders in my Expert class got ‘beaten’ by a guy on a cr250 modded with a heavier flywheel. This guy was not a ‘sleeper’ i.e a pro dressed up in sheep’s clothing, the guy was a genuine enduro rider. Therefore the conclusion is if you want to be good, fast and skilful GO AND RIDE, it does not matter if the bike is 2005 or 2016 as long as it is a two stroke and you ride/train for HARD ENDURO. You make great videos but to be honest you can ride these tracks on any 4stroke, you are just touching the 2t 300 potential at 20-30%. I make this comment for everyone thinking that they need a new KTM to be good, and l TELL THEM YOU WILL BE GOOD IF YOU RIDE, BECAUSE I HAVE A NEW KTM AND A GUY WITH MY OLD BIKE BEAT THE PISTONS OUT OF ALL NEW KTM’s. Fair well and for everyone that want to see some of this competition see my videos that will be published shortly.
Yesterday I tried riding the ktm exc 250tpi 2020, I can't believe how much weaker it is than my sx 250 2011, the exc is great for its purpose, but it's not a fun bike for me
You mentioned TPI eventually becoming the only thing available... I think there is some confusion out there on what is coming with the 2019’s - I’ve been told (maybe they were uninformed) that 2018 was going to be the last year with a carb version for the 300 XCW. Do you know for sure whether there will still be a carb in 2019 models? Thanks!
I want your opinion Kyle what would you think would be a good next step bike for a 13- 14 year old and about done with my bike that I have now which is a klx 125?
This oil pump issue relates to your 2 stroke oil injection dude. That pump blows it's equivalent to straight gassing your bike. No thanks, that's kinda the last straw factor for me in wanting a carb bike.
Here in Europe (Czech Republic) you can find EXC 300 tpi in stock at almost every dealer store and it costs 9500€.. and it's still too much, i hope i could get 2015 Beta RR300 with 86hours for 4700€ on Sunday :)
Shoutout to all the people who can barely afford a dirt bike amirite
@Zane Roy flixportal :P
@Roy Derrick Thanks, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it!!
@Zane Roy happy to help =)
I really want a KTM 350 XCF-W but I am not sure if I can ever swing the 11k
This video is a few years old, since then the TPI bikes have shown to be very problematic. The TPI system needs a ton of sensors, (crank pressure, ambient pressure, etc...) to work correctly and there are many reports of problems. Stick with a carb for 2t, or go 4t if you want EFI. Yes a carb requires tinkering, but at least I know that when i have fuel/air problems its the carb and not of a plethora of sensors that you can't diagnose without a trip to the dealer.
Nice thing I found when riding a TPI is no vibration. Coming of an cr250 its quite amazing not having your feet and hands tingle at higher speeds.
Great deal on a used carb bike and then add "mechanical fuel injection" with a Lectron Carb. ;)
Not a bad plan, for sure!
Dirt Bike Channel
How about a quick thought on lectron vs tpi. I know you loved it on your 300.
+1 i'd like to hear a TPI vs. Lectron video!
Andrew Lok I have a ‘19 300exc tpi and my friend rides an ‘18 300 xc with lectron carb 🤣 could make that happen 👌🏻
Keihin can work just as well. JD kit and dial it in. Lectron is cool but a good feel for jetting goes a long way. Ive gotten better mileage out of a Keihin then on lectrons.
0:26 I want to see that video clip!!
Great videos and info Kyle.
Be good to hear comparisons on efi, stock carb and a lectron carb. Some guys are buying new bikes and installing lectron carbs so they don't haft to re-jet for elevations
Buy EFI / TPI bike and become KTM test rider for free.
I’m liking the 2 camera thing you’re doing Kyle, grabs attention and it flows well with the monologue thing you’re doing.
I was looking into buying a 2019 300 xcw brand new but my buddy is selling me a 18 300 for 6k what’s the best idea
Lectron carb sounds like a perfect median
Kyle, I bought a 1998 ktm 250 EXC. totally re-built the entire bike. Looks brand new. Haven’t had a chance
to take it out yet but, but looking forward to trying KTM out.
Yes, Kyle, your bike is okay.
Nice review. I just bought a 2018 carbureted 300 XCW and love it. I ride from 0-3500 feet and had to rejet when I got it. Not a big deal.
Trevor Laupmanis worked all these years just fine.
the nice thing about the TPI system..
150 lb rider in the 280 lb Rider can ride the same bike and NOT have to rejet it...
racing at sea level in the desert this is very impressive.
When the tpi models run out of oil or the pump stops they are designed to shut the bike down...
TPI bikes are showing evidence of dry/lean cold starts.
That's what you get when emissions are crawling up your ass.. A remap will fix that as i heard, but you still have to deal with that crappy mikuni oil pump that has failed in many bikes..
Kyle i love your videos and awesome dad skills. This is the video where you get into real issues of carb v tpi. My question: how better is tpi over lectron if at all
Tuning a carb is so easy. If you want to learn how to work on stuff a carb is a good start
On a carb, when you crack the throttle from idle there is a surge in air velocity before it settles. the overlap between slow speed and mid range circuits in the carb act a little like an accelerator pump so you get a quick bump a low speed. Put a vcuum metter on it ,,,you can see it happen
Good wrap up on pros and cons on these bikes, I saw in other videos that there is other maps available for the TPI now so it runs a little bit richer and cooler that might make them run even better and eliminate the missing grunt as compared to the carburated motor
I only have 997 hours on my 12 250 so I'll be rebuilding it and running it for another few years and hopefully in that time the efi will mature and the performance will come up to the level of a perfectly tuned 12 to 16 bike.
Imo TPI is only good for keeping 2 strokes alive in strict emissions places. I'd get a Lectron carb if I were constantly changing elevations
You videos are so detailed I love it keep up the good work 👍🏻
Kyle I'm picking up my 300 TPI today wish I lived closer would let you do a review with it
Well, I can't ride it yet... Not till November.
Wishing you a speedy recovery
Has the problem of oil leaking from the plug been corrected yet ??? Been watching other videos of yours, where that seemed to be an issue. Just curious if KTM and Husky has cleaned that up yet.
I haven't tossed around a 2 smoke since 2013 because carburetors suck (due to the modern fuel). This new TPI is a game changer!
Especially when u can just put a lectron carb on ....i have a 17 ktm and i wouldnt trade it in for a efi even if i got the chance ....the lectron runs so good that im happy with the carb ...and just less to go wrong ...i like efi onn lots of stuff but not on dirtbikes ...they should keep selling carb models.
looking at a new 2019 Husqvarna TE300i, so this has been very helpful, thanks
In Australia, they said we would have the option to do TPI or Carb as we don't have the emission needs to force TPI. So I got a carb 18 model. Now they have said all bikes 19 and onwards is TPI. I wonder why the US still have the option but we don't.
We don't get a lot of bikes that you guys and the European market gets. I think it has a lot to do with import taxes so they limit what all comes to the States. It is frustrating to see all the awesome bikes the rest of the world has available to them while we get slim pickings.
you really need to reveiw the new beta200rr it looks AMAZING and it would be different from all the other bikes
Dirtbike Boy Colton Watts I agree they are beautiful, but there are very hard to find, there not very local, you might have to travel quite a bit too pick one up depending on we’re you live.
Does the fuel injected bike have an electric fuel pump that you have to consider and worry about I don't know I'm an old carburetor guy been working on those carburetors for 50 years and no trouble for me you're looking pretty good bud hope you're feeling better keep it up good video
easy answer, carb
I’m from Australia I bought a 2018 carbi exc 300 not many left and they aren’t selling the carbi in 2019. I’m stoked with the bike after spending years on motocross 450s. Wanted the carbi for its simplicity
Hi Kyle. I think the beta 300rr RACE edition bike would be a entertaining series...
On my snowmobiles EFI gets about double the gas mileage which is big for riding all day. And it seemed similar with my 4 stroke 250s. And a always hated taking the carbs off to clean them every year on my quad and bike.(even running ethanol free)
A new KTM with the Lectron seems like the perfect combination. You used to run the Lectron, why not now?
Does TPI let you engine brake on a 2 stroke without risking of blowing the motor?
yes that why you buy it, its better for the road. Because you can ride it like a 4 strokes, and everyone love thats
I love my 2017 carbs model. No dramas with the but I haven’t had a ride on a TPI
How much of a difference is there between the 18 300xc and the 19 300xc. It reads like there was a lot of upgrades... I can get the 18 for about 800 dollars less... is it worth it to go with 19???
Just my opinion since we’re on the subject. I have a 300 Gas Gas with a Lectron and a TE250i. I ride all street. TPI is a no brainer. No mixing gas at the pump and guessing how much is going to fit in the tank. I spent a lot of money on the TE but it run phenomenal. So does the Gas Gas. Just one thing to consider. Driveability / street manners can’t be beat on the TE though. The Gas Gas even with the Lectron can’t compare. Not a knock. Just and observation
I'm from the netherlands. I went to my local KTM dealership and asked about how the tpi bikes are selling. I was kind off suprised he told me de tpi's didn't sell that good. Most riders who wanted to buy a new bike prefered the left over 2017 version. But it had more to do with being able to work on your bike yourself. It's more about acceptation instead of the bike being worse to ride.
What I do is
Carburetor for mx
And tpi for trials
Judging from all the broken down KTM TPI bikes I've come across in the mountains around here. TPI adds about 100 new points of failure. 2 of them I think maybe KTM was trying to be too neat witth wiring. The bundle leading into the ecm module was just plain too tight and I think the natural flexing in the frame, over time, just wore out the retention clip and pulled the plugs loose just enough to were the motor just wouldn't stay lit.
Efi vs lectron carb
also on the 18 exc in aus carby model we get the explor 48 fork
There is very little difference in fuel efficiency however the amount of oil a tpi uses is less than a quarter of the carburetors!
In regards to the oil pump, Why would they not simply put a pressure sensor in the oil line that kills the engine with loss of pressure?
strange a small country like australia we get the tpi offered straight up i still went with the carby as the tpi has a lot of known issues
Before my 17 ktm 300 I never messed with Jetting on any of my bikes. Now it takes me less than 15 minutes to change a needle or pilot on my bike, it's not that difficult and I like doing it I wish I would have tuned the other bikes I had before.
Have to wait it out a couple years like the sport bikes and first FI dirt bikes to work the bugs /power loss out .
I would put a caveat on the "tuning a carb isnt rocket science statement" after having tried to tune an early 2000's CR125 and its stupid mikuni. Its not rocket science with a good bike and carb.
Layne Ford I wanted to but the cost put me off.. the bike was only 1800 and i couldnt find any used ones at the time so it was gonna cost like 350 or something which was just too much. I counted my lucky stars when i just got it to a point where it only fouled 1 or 2 plugs a year instead of every other ride.
4-5 years? its 2021 (almost 3 years from the video upload date) and i already cannot get a brand new carburated version anymore (at least in my country), KTM only sale the TPI version for offroad bike, and stop importing the XC version, so if i want to get a brand new carburated 2 stroke offroad bike, the only option is with converting SX bike for offroad, or get the bike from another manufacture like yamaha or sherco.
you could probably buy a lectron for the price of the tpi, plus ive had a yamaha rt 100, which has a oil reservoir, and it cracked open 2 or 3 times
My TPI runs to rich in the low end and I have had to clean the plug multiple times because it's caked in oil. It is Kind of aggravating because I bought the TPI so I would have to worry about that stuff way less. Getting stuck in the middle of a trail because of a plug on a 18' TPI is embarrassing.
aaron johnson that's odd. Probably a issue with how new tpi is. It's going to take a few years to get everything dialed on the product from ktm. I'm actually shocked it runs as well as it does fir being 2 yrs in the making.
In Europe they were having g problems with them running to lean, but I know it's running to rich on the low end. This is the first 2 stroke dirtbike to have a throttle body and no carb, but yeah Polaris has been injecting oil for awhile.
That's interesting. Not sure what could cause that. The tpi bikes run very lean. You may want to take it to the dealer to make sure nothing is amiss with your bike.
Are you running motorex oil?
I have the Carb 18 model and I have the same issue weirdly enough. Got it jetted for correct elevation and temp but geez it loves to blacken plugs.
The pros and cons argument of carb over fuel injection is getting much less compelling, even from you Kyle. Maybe it's because all the top enduro riders switched, maybe because it's the Future, maybe both. I find it shocking that the oil pumps only last 60-80 hrs, what's up with that?!? I won't bother going into the snowmobile industry argument this go around. I'm elated these enduro manufacturers are going into efi with both feet. Future is bright. We will be laughing at these arguments for carbs sooner then later.
80 hours is the recommended replacement interval. I'm sure you do a piston EVERY 80 hours as per the service schedule. I'm pretty sure they'll last longer and that the aftermarket will come to the rescue with alternate parts!
TPI bikes a brilliant, future is this, not carb... I also read Graham Jarvis mechanic stating fuel economy is way better on the TPI, where some races done need a fuel fill as previous one did !!
that oil pump failure situation kinda scary, does it throw error message to the dash? ;)
Thanks Kyle! This has been very informative to me.
Wow, you got me thinking. My riding goes from between 3500-4500 feet in the mountains, to less than 100 feet in the valley at the mx track. You think a carburated bike would work for that? I don't want to re-jet every time I go ride moto.
Nice video as always. Whats the fuel average consumption in the carburetor version 250 and 300 (2017/2018)? Obviously depends on many variables, I am asking just because some riders are complaining about high consumption since 2017.
I found tuning with a JD kit really easy
love that t-shirt bro :D
Found the same shirt on Amazon...$15
So whats better for the weekend warrior just wants to go tear up trails and have fun ?
So I've noticed you haven't been using the lectron on your 17/18 ktms. Any reason for that? I have a 17 300 and I feel the low end power is a bit less now with a lectron fitted. Your thoughts?
I can get them to run 98 percent as good as the Lectron with the stock carb and for only about $10 in jets/needles. I'm saving $450 per bike. Don't get me wrong the Lectron carb is FANTASTIC. I just don't have to have it in order to make my bikes run the way I want them to.
I feel the same way about injection on 2 strokes as I do insulin pumps for diabetics. You just can't be certain you're getting insulin delivery. Just as you can't be certain you're getting oil delivery. I would rather mix fuel all day long and know the engine is not getting oil starved.
I have a husky te300i on order. It is suppose to show up mid july. The dealer told me they are getting 1 july 2 aug and 3 sep.
As for the advertised higher milage I'm sure they are comparing the new efi to a box stock carb bike as I get 42 to 50 mpg out of my old 12 250 depending on the ride and jetting.
Get a jd jet kit for your carb and don’t worry about efi. If anything it might run better than the efi.
Hey Kyle,
Have you ever had to make any adjustments to your Lectron fitted bikes when you go down to St.george? Just curious what you've noticed. I had my Beta down there this spring at 40 60 degrees and it ran wonderfully with the Lectron. Just got back from Fish lake where it was close to 10k feet and 80 + degrees and it ran well there too.
Actually tpi bikes don’t mix the oil and gas for you it’s completely separate the oil goes in the crank case and the gas goes in the transfer port and if you’re oil pump fails the bike doesn’t run
Ive seen guys spend 1000 bucks trying to get TPI to run absolutely incredible. Lean spots,etc.
Because I ride with major elevation changes, EFI has been the best since the invention of the wheel! Even my old yz250 has the closest thing, Lectron Carb, that thing once I had the lean/Rich perfect, that Bike has never been better.
Kyle, I'm new to your channel and enjoy your reviews. I've been riding and working on dirt bikes for over 40 years (mainly motocross bikes since I enjoy that type of bike and performance the most), and I'm looking at purchasing a high quality new bike for trail riding only, and want one that will last long term and doesn't require a lot of extensive maintenance. I'm leaning towards the KTM 300 XC-W and really like the idea of the TPI and not having to re-jet, but concerned about the issues I've seen they're having. I ride mainly around 1500' (occasionally Colorado Maintain trails), but have to deal with temperature and humidity changes regularly So my question is, should I go with the carbureted bike and change out the carb to a Smart Carb?
I was really excited for TPI to come to the 300 XC but it didn't happen this year. I feel like the holy grail is a Lectron-carbed XC. Got my '19 300 XC on order.
Nah, not worth the cost. Rather have something I can work on then adding more factors that can grenade an engine or require the dealer for a tune. Keep it simple stupid and just learn how to jet.
But if you need a smaller bike then no TPI. So factor that in, don't go to big if you don't need it
If you are a moto dad with a herd of small carbed bikes, get yourself an EFI. On my first one. In 3 years havent touched or adjusted a thing and after 100 hours its as barky as the first day.
The '18 carb'd bikes are in demand at this point as people want to keep it simple. All the '18 TE and XC-Ws are gone. Grabbing an '18 Husky TX300 now, will move the Lectron carb from my '13 300 over to it and rock on. I want, make that I need, the counter balancer and better e-start system :) My '13 has been a great bike. Has 300 hours in it and literally has been through Hell and High Water.
The TPI bikes are cool, and my 450 has FI, but the old carb'd 2T engine combo is proven, so I am gonna stick with it. I prefer premix in 2Ts, I think the lube is dispersed through the engine better coming in with the fuel vapor. We will see long term how the TPI bikes hold up I guess. Hopefully fine, but I know for a fact the carb'd bike will last and last. When dropping 9 grand on a dirt bike, I want the sure thing...
How would a lectron carb compare to efi ??
I put a Lectron on my 2017 300xc and I absolutely love it. It's so much better than the carb that came on it that I can't believe KTM even ships it out with piece of junk. If you're on the fence about it and it's worth the money.
Rob Van Huss I had my lectron on my 17 300 for 60 hours and wasn't happy with how it was running. Tried everything but couldn't get it perfect. I got it running better with the stock carb and included jets and it runs absolutely flawlessly with a JD jet kit. I got the lectron used with 4 hours on it but I would never consider buying one new for 500$. I wouldn't even buy it used again. JD jet kit is 75$. It's at least Worth a shot first before spending 500$. Lectron is the only carb sold more than once
Lectron great if you have a carb bike, or can get a deal on carb new bike.. Graham Jarvis mechanic stated, they get way better fuel economy on the TPI compared to carb..
Carman E That's too bad. If you look at Lectron reviews, your experience is not typical. Did you also buy your bike used? I bought mine new, so it was nearly $9500, plus I spent probably $2k in upgrades. No way I'd buy a used Lectron. Sounds like maybe you got a bad one. If you bought it new you could have sent it back or if not at least they have great technical support and they'll work with you. A lot of guys say they just slap them on and go. Not my experience. I had to tune mine to get it right, but once I did, Holy smokes! bike runs like a horse on steroids. And I don't have to worry about rejetting with elevation changes. 60 hours is a lot of riding. Sounds like you might need a new top end.
mixalis The bike, carb or not, costs nearly 10k. After that, I can't see being too concerned about how efficient it is vs a carb with two gallons of gas. Something else is that if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere, now your EFI does not work. Carb bikes don't have that issue. Not to mention about 8 lbs lighter.
I wish I could grab either one
10 months later I did.... and found this comment lol
@Dirt Bike Channel Kyle great videos but really, could you make a video on any hard enduro competition experience. I have picked up on you channel 4 years ago and you got me hooked with this 300, since then I started looking for any feedback and video I could find on the 300 and everyone is saying it is great, which it is. Last year I bough a six days 300 2016 and before that I was a Honda guy with cr250r 2007 and crf450r 2008. This week I took part in a very difficult and challenging hard enduro competition where the conditions were rain, mud and sticky clay, well I can tell you that the 300 shines but I and many other riders in my Expert class got ‘beaten’ by a guy on a cr250 modded with a heavier flywheel. This guy was not a ‘sleeper’ i.e a pro dressed up in sheep’s clothing, the guy was a genuine enduro rider. Therefore the conclusion is if you want to be good, fast and skilful GO AND RIDE, it does not matter if the bike is 2005 or 2016 as long as it is a two stroke and you ride/train for HARD ENDURO. You make great videos but to be honest you can ride these tracks on any 4stroke, you are just touching the 2t 300 potential at 20-30%. I make this comment for everyone thinking that they need a new KTM to be good, and l TELL THEM YOU WILL BE GOOD IF YOU RIDE, BECAUSE I HAVE A NEW KTM AND A GUY WITH MY OLD BIKE BEAT THE PISTONS OUT OF ALL NEW KTM’s. Fair well and for everyone that want to see some of this competition see my videos that will be published shortly.
love my 2018 exc 300 carby
Honda of Tulsa has one
Kyle, will be coming to Utah in August. Gonna bring my 09 300 XC with me, can you recommend some good day rides close to the Salt Lake Valley?
Are you in idaho I live up in the treasure valley area and am seeing some familiar spots
Great video i defiantly would not buy a tpi dirtbike, much rather jet my bike or buy a lectron
Get a carburetored bike and put a lectron in it. Way cheaper than efi and you still get the benefit of automated tuning.
I'm stuck between the Ktm 250xc and the Yamaha yz250 2 strokes. I've seen alot of your videos are on the Ktm dirt bikes.. which one would u guys get?
Yesterday I tried riding the ktm exc 250tpi 2020, I can't believe how much weaker it is than my sx 250 2011, the exc is great for its purpose, but it's not a fun bike for me
You mentioned TPI eventually becoming the only thing available... I think there is some confusion out there on what is coming with the 2019’s - I’ve been told (maybe they were uninformed) that 2018 was going to be the last year with a carb version for the 300 XCW. Do you know for sure whether there will still be a carb in 2019 models? Thanks!
FlyingJJD I had just read a couple nights ago all 2019 250/300 KTM's will be TPI. 150 keeps the carb. Guess we'll find out if that's true.
How can I eliminate popping on my 2016 KTM 4 stroke! My carbureted 4 stroke never did that??
I want your opinion Kyle what would you think would be a good next step bike for a 13- 14 year old and about done with my bike that I have now which is a klx 125?
The day they have tunable fuel curve maps available for EFI I'll consider one for a two stroke.
Why would you need that if they eun grear from the factory?
You can tune ecu but it will be great from factory
How can you tell if the oil pump is gonna fail, I got a kx450f it runs nice but I just don’t want to blow my bike up in case it fails.
12 minue video with a 12 second point...
Thanks for saving me wasting my time
Kyle what if the oil pump on a 4 stroke fails? And how often does that happen! I wouldn't be too concerned about the oil pump on the tpi
This oil pump issue relates to your 2 stroke oil injection dude. That pump blows it's equivalent to straight gassing your bike. No thanks, that's kinda the last straw factor for me in wanting a carb bike.
I love that shirt
Amazon....15 bucks
Wouldn’t touch an efi Ktm or husky way to many problems
Here in Europe (Czech Republic) you can find EXC 300 tpi in stock at almost every dealer store and it costs 9500€.. and it's still too much, i hope i could get 2015 Beta RR300 with 86hours for 4700€ on Sunday :)
Do you know the price difference. Of coarse a xcw 300 is a efi a 300xc is not
i am seriously considering changing my grom (with 181 bbk) to carb... not liking the efi system. is there any servicing the lectron carbs need?
A 4 minute video would be handy.
I’m in the market for husky 250 or300 is tbi mixin gas and no oil pump ?