Once I was given the chance to tour South Africa for six days with rally icon Alfie Cox, it was instantly clear to me: This may not be an peculiar bike take a look at. The person who received the “Roof of Africa” 9 instances and made it to the rostrum on the Dakar Rally not solely is aware of each stone in his homeland – he lives and breathes KTM like no different. He has been main excursions by his homeland for 28 years, and his alternative of touring bike is stunning: as an alternative of heavy four-stroke engines, he constantly makes use of the KTM 300 EXC two-stroke engine for his touring bikes.
The right bike for African adventures
The 2025 KTM 300 EXC comes with spectacular gear: Mitas Supersoft Enduro tires with mousse, radiator safety, seize handles for restoration work on the fender and extra protectors make the machine prepared for actual exhausting enduro. Throughout our each day levels of between 70 and 100 kilometers by the Wild Coast, it turns into clear that this preparation is spot on. Six riders, six intensive days – and never a single technical defect. The one “upkeep” is proscribed to Alfie’s meticulous chain care.
Between dream seashores and technical trails
The terrain is as diverse as Africa itself: from abandoned dream seashores on the Indian Ocean to technically demanding forest passages, from slippery river crossings to steep cliff climbs. What Alfie describes as “comfy enduro driving” (the 4-stroke fan himself rides a 450 EXC on this simple terrain) seems to be an actual exhausting enduro for us. However the 300 EXC masters each problem with flying colours.
What notably distinguishes the KTM 300 EXC is its excellent steadiness. The engine response is exact, the clutch dosage is masterful. Whether or not on steep slopes, sloping or water crossings – you all the time discover the suitable torque. The maneuverability in technical passages is spectacular, the ergonomics are excellent even for tall riders. The 2024/25 chassis units new requirements with a large adjustment vary and delicate response. I might describe the entrance as flawless. On the rear, nevertheless, I favored the older fashions higher. The brand new bikes had been nonetheless a bit cussed on the rear – a attribute that ought to enhance considerably after a couple of hours of operation.
Small Weaknesses, Massive Influence
After all, there are additionally factors of criticism: The Euro 5 fashions have their pitfalls in terms of gearbox air flow, and the location of the gasoline pump shouldn’t be supreme. This present answer is a thriller to KTM followers. How can an skilled producer like KTM make such a silly mistake? In reality, you can’t use the complete tank capability off-road and the vary of the bikes is decreased. That is untypical for KTM – as a result of in lots of areas the EXC fashions have all the time been constantly developed additional on the premise of intensive expertise. Nonetheless, the brand new placement of the gasoline pump was a really annoying step backwards.
However these particulars can’t spoil the excellent general impression. Even four-stroke followers in our group had been impressed by the low weight and intuitive dealing with of the two-stroke KTM.
Within the ingredient between ocean and wilderness
The true qualities of the KTM 300 EXC are notably spectacular within the Espresso Bay space on the Indian Ocean. Between abandoned dream seashores and plush vegetation, the extraordinary vary of the terrain is revealed. The excessive humidity mixed with the marginally damp however not soaked floor creates excellent traction circumstances. It’s downright spooky to see the steep slopes the machine climbs thanks to those circumstances and the proper tires.
From Jungle to Savannah
The range of the panorama calls for the complete vary of motorbike expertise. One second you might be crossing dense forest passages which are paying homage to residence terrain, the following second the panorama opens as much as huge grasslands with breathtaking views of the ocean. The 300 EXC demonstrates an astonishing capability to adapt: whereas it scores factors for its maneuverability within the technical forest passages, it impresses on open passages with stability, directional stability and a excessive degree of driving consolation. Drivers of different manufacturers and even older fashions can be shocked by the low vibration degree when switching to the brand new 300 EXC. This low vibration degree will definitely additionally make sure the long-term reliability of the bike.
With native respect by the terrain
A particular side of the tour is the proximity to the native inhabitants. The route typically leads immediately by small farms, previous herds of cattle and thru villages. That is the place one other benefit of the 300 EXC turns into obvious – its mild response lets you experience by populated areas respectfully and with out disturbing noise air pollution. The locals are surprisingly pleasant to the motorcyclists, which isn’t least because of the respect that Alfie Cox enjoys within the area.
The changeable climate in South Africa presents an extra problem. Throughout our tour we expertise all the things from tropical downpours to oppressive warmth. What is especially spectacular is how the KTM copes with these excessive circumstances. After heavy rainfall, innocent streams flip into actual our bodies of water, however the 300 EXC all the time finds a manner by the obstacles because of its delicate throttle response and balanced chassis.
The machine is especially spectacular within the legendary Valley of 1000 Hills close to Durban. What appears like a picturesque title seems to be a real enduro paradise – or as in our case it turned extra just like the “Valley of 1000 Water Crossings” after heavy rainfall. The mix of steep climbs, deep water crossings and technical trails impressively reveals why Alfie Cox recommends the 300 EXC to his clients regardless of his private choice for the 450 EXC. The decrease weight and higher dealing with repay particularly when your power wanes after hours of driving.
KTM 300 EXC – What the group thinks
The feedback below our movies and on social media mirror a transparent enthusiasm for the newest era of the KTM 300 EXC. Though this two-stroke exhausting enduro has been fine-tuned in comparison with earlier fashions, many riders nonetheless reward the characteristically highly effective punch of the 300 cc class and the linear energy supply of the brand new injection system. With Throttle Physique Injection (TBI), many consider that the 300 EXC lastly will get its considerably snappier character again with out having to forgo the smoothness and ease of use of its TPI predecessors. The sleek clutch and the extraordinarily excessive traction when beginning off on blocked terrain are highlighted positively. The vibrations are additionally noticeably low for a two-stroke engine, which is an actual plus level on powerful enduro levels. Opinions are considerably divided on the chassis: the closed WP fork receives numerous reward for its big selection of adjustment choices and comfy response, however in keeping with some house owners, the stiffer body means much less flexibility on the rear. Those that experience aggressively welcome the extra stability and higher precision, whereas gentler enduro riders generally miss the consolation of the earlier fashions. Other than that, particulars such because the LED lighting, the simply detachable seat and the tool-free adjustment of the suspension parts are spectacular. On the similar time, small inconveniences are famous, such because the hard-to-reach radiator cap and the generally unreliable gasoline provide when the gasoline degree is low because of the pump put in on the prime of the tank. General, nevertheless, satisfaction with the brand new mannequin prevails, because it gives a classy and versatile general bundle each for formidable exhausting enduro use and on longer off-road rides. Anybody on the lookout for a light-weight, technically trendy and powerfully tuned two-stroke enduro will discover, from the group’s perspective, an especially profitable successor to the already well-liked earlier generations within the KTM 300 EXC.
Technical information KTM 300 EXC
| engine and drive | |
|---|---|
| variety of cylinders | 1 |
| timing | 2-stroke |
| displacement | 293.15 cc |
| drilling | 72 mm |
| Hub | 72 mm |
| combination preparation | injection |
| starter | electrical |
| coupling | a number of discs in an oil bathtub |
| drive | Chain |
| variety of gears | 6 |
| chassis | |
| Body | Metal |
| body building | double loop, central tube |
| steering head angle | 63.9 levels |
| entrance suspension | |
| suspension | Upside-Down telescopic fork |
| model | WP |
| diameter | 48 mm |
| suspension journey | 300 mm |
| rear suspension | |
| suspension | two-sided swing arm |
| shock absorber | monoshock |
| model | WP |
| suspension journey | 310 mm |
| entrance brakes | |
| design | single pane |
| diameter | 260 mm |
| rear brakes | |
| design | disc |
| diameter | 220 mm |
| information and dimensions | |
| entrance tire width | 90 mm |
| entrance tire top | 90% |
| entrance tire diameter | 21 inches |
| rear tire width | 140 mm |
| rear tire top | 80% |
| rear tire diameter | 18 inches |
| wheelbase | 1489 mm |
| seat top of | 963 mm |
| dry weight | 104.6 kg |
| tank capability | 9 l |
Conclusion of an unforgettable journey
After spending six intense days within the saddle of the KTM 300 EXC, it’s clear that this bike is greater than only a bike – it’s the key to actual adventures. It’s downright spooky how the machine can nonetheless get out of seemingly hopeless conditions. KTM’s picture could have suffered in different areas, however within the exhausting enduro phase – particularly with the 300 EXC – its popularity is impeccable. I can solely underline Alfie Cox’s suggestion to go for this two-stroke queen. And if the 300 shouldn’t be obtainable: the 250 EXC can be a superb various that hardly has any disadvantages in observe.
