Off-Road Racebikes—Manuel Lettenbichler’s 2023 KTM 300 XC-W

September 9, 2022 c_admin Dirt Bike Racing Comments Off on Off-Road Racebikes—Manuel Lettenbichler’s 2023 KTM 300 XC-W

Manuel Lettenbichler recently took over the point lead in the 2022 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship after winning the Red Bull Outliers race in Canada, the penultimate round of the series. During last month’s Tennessee Knockout (TKO), we got a chance to check out “Manni’s” championship-leading 2023 KTM 300 XC-W with the help of his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing mechanic, Charlie Christian. Here’s what we learned about it.

Manuel Lettenbichler’s 2023 KTM 300 XC-W combines factory parts with aftermarket goodies to produce an all-business hard enduro mount. (Shan Moore/)

Lettenbichler’s suspension is set up and maintained by the team’s own WP technician, who travels to all the races. The WP PDS shock is a special factory item, while the fork is WP’s Xplor Pro 7548 48mm coil-spring unit, which uses Cone Valve Technology and is available to the public.

Related: 2023 KTM Enduro and Dual Sport Motorcycles First Look

The triple clamps are PowerParts items with a 20mm offset and PHDS bar mounts supporting a Renthal Twinwall handlebar without the crossbar. Also, notice the backup electric start button on the clutch side.

The triple clamps are PowerParts items with a 20mm offset and PHDS bar mounts supporting a Renthal Twinwall handlebar without the crossbar. Also, notice the backup electric start button on the clutch side. (Shan Moore/)

The triple clamps are also from the PowerParts catalog with a 22mm offset and PHDS bar mounts. Lettenbichler prefers Renthal’s Twinwall handlebar, but without the crossbar for some added flex. There is a second electric start button positioned next to the clutch master cylinder for backup. The throttle housing and throttle cable are from Domino. The Acerbis hand guards are special and not available to the public. There’s also a metal plate reinforcement on the clutch perch for added strength.

“If there’s any crashes and the perch breaks, they have a reinforcement to keep it together so there’s no zip-tying or duct tape needed; [that way, the rider is] still able to use the clutch,” Christian said.

Related: WP Xact Pro 6500 Cartridge Suspension Kit Review

Lettenbichler’s mechanic fashioned an aluminum brace that fits on the clutch perch to hold it together in the event that it’s broken in a fall.

Lettenbichler’s mechanic fashioned an aluminum brace that fits on the clutch perch to hold it together in the event that it’s broken in a fall. (Shan Moore/)

The stock radiators are modified with the lower spigot fashioned in an elbow shape (same as Taddy Blazusiak’s factory 2023 GasGas EC 300) so that in event of a crash, it isn’t pushed into the engine or exhaust, which might cause a leak. A PowerParts radiator fan is added for cooling.

The radiators are standard KTM items, except the lower spout has an elbow in it to keep the hose out of harm’s way. The addition of a PowerParts radiator fan helps keep the engine cool in the rugged terrain.

The radiators are standard KTM items, except the lower spout has an elbow in it to keep the hose out of harm’s way. The addition of a PowerParts radiator fan helps keep the engine cool in the rugged terrain. (Shan Moore/)

The 293cc two-stroke factory engine, which features KTM’s transfer port injection (TPI) system, comes straight from the Austrian factory motorsport division and uses a 165-gram flywheel weight added for smoother power and torque delivery. Christian noted that the throttle body is standard. Meanwhile, a Hinson Racing clutch transfers power from the engine to the countershaft sprocket. The exhaust is a full Akrapovič system. Christian noted that the wiring is special as well.

Related: 2023 KTM 125 SX, 250 SX, and 300 SX First Ride Review

The fuel-injected two-stroke engine has a 165-gram flywheel weight added for a smoother power delivery, while a Hinson Racing clutch handles the transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheel. The Dell’Orto 39mm throttle body is stock.

The fuel-injected two-stroke engine has a 165-gram flywheel weight added for a smoother power delivery, while a Hinson Racing clutch handles the transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheel. The Dell’Orto 39mm throttle body is stock. (Shan Moore/)

The wheels are made up of Excel rims, stock spokes, and standard hubs. The front and the rear brake discs are Moto-Master, which are the same diameter as the stockers. The brake calipers are factory Brembo units front and rear.

An Acerbis carbon fiber front disc guard protects the factory Brembo caliper and Moto-Master rotor.

An Acerbis carbon fiber front disc guard protects the factory Brembo caliper and Moto-Master rotor. (Shan Moore/)

The Raptor Titanium footpegs are 5mm lower than stock and the rear brake lever features an Enduro Engineering folding tip. Sprockets are supplied by Supersprox with 12/49 gearing. Normally, Lettenbichler will run a 49-tooth rear sprocket all season, but in some cases, he will change to a 50-tooth. A TM Designworks chain guide keeps the Regina chain running true and protects it from rocks.

Related: What Is the Most Difficult Hard Enduro Race in the World

Christian told us that Lettenbichler normally runs a 12-tooth countershaft sprocket with a 49-tooth rear, though he will sometimes switch to a 50-tooth depending on the terrain and conditions.

Christian told us that Lettenbichler normally runs a 12-tooth countershaft sprocket with a 49-tooth rear, though he will sometimes switch to a 50-tooth depending on the terrain and conditions. (Shan Moore/)

Michelin tires and mounted on both wheels with an Enduro Xtreme rear in the 140/80-18 size and an Enduro Medium front in a 90/90-21, both with bib mousses. The skid plate and front rotor guard are carbon fiber items from Acerbis, while the plastic is OEM. The team also uses Twin Air air filters, Brisk spark plugs, and Motorex lubricants and coolant.

Related: 2023 KTM 300 XC-W Erzbergrodeo First Look

A carbon fiber guard protects the fuel line on the left side of the engine.

A carbon fiber guard protects the fuel line on the left side of the engine. (Shan Moore/)