The KTM 300XC-W TPI isn’t that totally different from a traditional two-stroke. We’ve been coping with fuel-injection for over a decade now on four-strokes, and the remainder of the bike provides no actual technological variations from a motorbike within the late ’90s. In response to a lot of requests, listed here are my prime 10 upkeep ideas for the bike.

KTM 300 TOP 10 MAINTENANCE TIPS

1. Bleed forks: Air bleeder screws ought to be bled earlier than each trip. There are a lot of handy push-button bleeders, however most of them leak and permit air to be drawn into the forks in the course of the rebound stroke. Air strain makes the fork harsh on small path trash. I exploit STR bleeders.

2. Throttle free-play: This isn’t a should do, however if you need crisp throttle response versus turning the throttle 1 / 4 flip earlier than getting a response, regulate the cables on the throttle housing so there are 3 to 5mm of free-play.

3. Spoke adjustment: Each KTM wheel I’ve checked over time has a couple of free spokes from the manufacturing unit. If left unchecked, it places extreme pressure on the opposite spokes and causes untimely spoke failure.

4. Tranny oil: KTM recommends Motorex, however any name-brand, transmission-specific fluid like Maxima or Motul will work nicely. Some budget-minded guys use 10w40 automotive oil, however these oils lack polymers that cushion the gears and clutch plates. You will get by with the automotive engine oil, however it must be modified two to 3 occasions extra usually to supply ample safety.

5. Brake fluid: It’s tough to assign a time or mileage interval, as a result of the service interval is dramatically affected by the kind of use. For the typical weekend warrior who isn’t arduous on brakes, annual service is ok. Guys driving hilly/mountainous terrain ought to change their brake fluid three to 4 occasions per 12 months. Off-road woods racers (GNCC, enduros, HS) ought to change it after each occasion. Use a high-temp DOT 3, 4 or 5.1. By no means use DOT 5 silicone-based fluid. Motul 660 is my favourite.

6. Air filter: Single-use throwaway filters are all the fad in air filter upkeep proper now. I’m not a giant fan. Identical with spray-on filter oil. It’s handy, however I’ve seen many engines broken from the shortage of safety. It’s not cheesy sufficient and often not sufficient is utilized. Grease the sealing floor? If it makes you’re feeling good, do it; however all it does is make a giant mess.

7. Gas filters: There are two filters, a big one within the tank and a small one within the gasoline line. The small inline filter is straightforward to examine and straightforward to scrub with compressed air. The a lot bigger in-tank filter is tough to examine. KTM says to alter it at 40 hours, however I feel 80 hours is extra wise.

8. High finish: Though KTM says to exchange the piston meeting at 10 to 40 hours, 100 to 125 hours is a standard service interval. I change mine at 80 hours as a result of I wish to hold the facility crisp. Some guys go 200-250 hours. Changing rings alone isn’t really useful.

9. Clutch: KTMs have wonderful clutches. Should you don’t abuse the clutch, like by getting caught in an axle-deep bathroom, it’s going to final without end. I’ve seen them with 500 hours and nonetheless in good condition. Aside from requiring common tranny fluid adjustments, clutches are usually upkeep free.

10. Starter-drive gears: Yearly clear and re-grease the flywheel gear and Bendix gear with wheel bearing grease. The Bendix physique ought to be lubricated with a silicone spray. The gears and Bendix are positioned behind the ignition cowl on the engine’s left facet.