KTM 300 EXC 2025 Test

When I got the chance to tour South Africa for six days with rally icon Alfie Cox, I knew right away: this wasn't going to be an ordinary bike test. The man who won the "Roof of Africa" nine times and stood on the podium at the Dakar Rally doesn't just know every rock in his homeland - he lives and breathes KTM like few others. For 28 years he's been leading tours through his home country, and his choice of touring bike is surprising: instead of heavy four-strokes, he consistently relies on the KTM 300 EXC two-stroke as his tour bike.

The 2025 KTM 300 EXC comes with impressive equipment: Mitas Supersoft off-road tires with mousse, radiator guards, grab handles on the fenders for recovery work, and additional protectors ready the machine for genuine hard enduro. During our daily stages of 70 to 100 kilometers along the Wild Coast, it becomes clear: this preparation is spot on. Six riders, six intense days - and not a single technical failure. The only "maintenance" was Alfie's meticulous chain care.

The terrain is as diverse as Africa itself: from deserted dream beaches on the Indian Ocean to technically demanding forest passages, from slippery river crossings to steep climbs up cliffs. What Alfie calls "relaxed enduro riding" (the four-stroke fan himself rides a 450 EXC on this "easy" terrain) turns out to be genuine hard enduro for us. Yet the 300 EXC masters every challenge with flying colors.

What sets the KTM 300 EXC apart is its perfect balance. Throttle response is precise, clutch modulation masterful. Whether on steep slopes, side-hilling, or water crossings - you always find the right amount of torque. The nimbleness in technical sections is impressive, and the ergonomics fit even tall riders perfectly. The 2024/25 chassis sets new standards with a wide adjustment range and sensitive responsiveness. I'd call the front end flawless. The rear, however, I preferred on the older models. The new bikes were a bit stiff out back - a trait that's said to improve somewhat after a few hours of operation.

Of course there are also points of criticism: the Euro 5 models have their quirks when it comes to gearbox venting, and the placement of the fuel pump isn't ideally solved. This current solution is a mystery to KTM fans. How can an experienced manufacturer like KTM make such a nonsensical mistake? In practice, you can't use the full tank capacity off-road, which reduces the bike's range. This is atypical for KTM - because in many areas the EXC models have always been consistently developed further based on intensive experience. The new placement of the fuel pump, however, was a very annoying step backward.

But these details can't tarnish the overall outstanding impression. Even the four-stroke fans in our group were thrilled by the low weight and intuitive handling of the two-stroke KTM.

The true qualities of the KTM 300 EXC show themselves particularly impressively in the Coffee Bay area on the Indian Ocean. Between deserted dream beaches and lush vegetation, the extraordinary range of the terrain reveals itself. The high humidity combined with the slightly damp but not soaked ground creates perfect traction conditions. It's almost eerie what steep climbs the machine conquers thanks to these conditions and the perfect tires.

The diversity of the landscape demands the full range of the bike's technology. One moment you're crossing dense forest passages reminiscent of terrain back home, the next the landscape opens up into wide grasslands with breathtaking views of the ocean. The 300 EXC proves remarkably adaptable: while it scores with its nimbleness in the technical forest sections, it impresses on open stretches with stability, tracking, and a high level of riding comfort. Riders coming from other brands or older models will be surprised by the low vibration level when switching to the new 300 EXC. This low vibration level surely also contributes to the bike's long-term reliability.

A particular aspect of the tour is the closeness to the local population. The route often leads directly through small homesteads, past cattle herds and through villages. Here another advantage of the 300 EXC becomes apparent - its gentle throttle response allows you to ride respectfully through inhabited areas without disturbing noise. The locals greet the riders with surprising friendliness, not least thanks to the respect Alfie Cox enjoys in the region.

South Africa's changeable weather presents an additional challenge. During our tour we experience everything from tropical downpours to oppressive heat. It's especially impressive how the KTM shrugs off these extreme conditions. After heavy rainfall, harmless streams turn into real bodies of water, but the 300 EXC always finds a way through the obstacles thanks to its sensitive throttle response and balanced chassis.

The machine presents itself particularly impressively in the legendary Valley of 1000 Hills near Durban. What sounds like a picturesque name turns out to be a true enduro paradise - or, in our case after heavy rainfall, more like the "Valley of 1000 Water Crossings." The combination of steep climbs, deep water crossings, and technical trails impressively shows why Alfie Cox, despite his personal preference for the 450 EXC, recommends the 300 EXC to his customers. The lower weight and better handling pay off especially when strength fades after hours of riding.

The comments under our videos and on social media reflect clear enthusiasm for the latest generation of the KTM 300 EXC. While this two-stroke hard enduro has gained refinement compared to earlier models, many riders still praise the characteristically powerful punch of the 300cc class and the linear power delivery of the new injection system. With Throttle-Body Injection (TBI), many feel the 300 EXC finally regains a bit more bite without having to sacrifice the smoothness and user-friendliness of its TPI predecessors. The light clutch action and the extremely traction-rich starts in blocked-up terrain are highlighted positively. Vibrations are also noticeably low for a two-stroke, which is a real plus during tough enduro stages. Opinions are a bit more divided on the chassis: while the closed-cartridge WP fork earns a lot of praise for its wide range of adjustment and comfortable responsiveness, some owners say the stiffer frame results in less compliance at the rear. Aggressive riders welcome the added stability and improved precision, while gentler enduro riders occasionally miss the comfort of the previous models. Beyond that, details like the LED lighting, the easily removable seat, and the tool-free adjustment of the suspension components are convincing. At the same time, minor annoyances are noted, such as the hard-to-reach radiator cap and the sometimes unreliable fuel delivery at low fill levels due to the pump being mounted at the top of the tank. Overall, though, satisfaction with the new model prevails, as it offers a mature and versatile overall package both for ambitious hard enduro use and longer off-road rides. Anyone looking for a light, technically modern, and powerfully tuned two-stroke enduro will find, from the community's perspective, that the KTM 300 EXC is a highly successful successor to the already popular previous generations.

After spending six intense days in the saddle of the KTM 300 EXC, it becomes clear: this bike is more than just a motorcycle - it's the key to real adventures. It's almost eerie from what seemingly hopeless situations the machine can still claw its way back up. KTM's image may have suffered in other areas, but in the hard enduro segment - especially with the 300 EXC - its reputation is flawless. I can only underline Alfie Cox's recommendation to go with this two-stroke queen. And if the 300 shouldn't be available: the 250 EXC is also an excellent alternative that shows hardly any drawbacks in practice.

• Clothing, helmet, boots, gloves: https://foxracing.at/moto/
• Communication: Cardo Packtalk Edge
• Waterproof Enduristan backpack: https://enduristan.de/collections/rucksacks-1
• The travel bag for enduro trips: Ogio 9800
• The tires: Mitas EF-07 Supersoft
• Travel report Hard Enduro Tour South Africa

Want to explore South Africa on a hard enduro yourself? 5 days "all inclusive" with Alfie Cox costs 2,300 euros. Food, accommodation, and bikes included.

https://alfiecox.co.za/bike-hire-tours/