SHERCO 300 SEF FACTORY

The Sherco 300 SEF-R has always held a special place in my list of favorite motorcycles, but has never reached the top spot. The Factory Edition might just take it there.

The Sherco 300 SEF engine was always very nice as a 303cc four-stroke, and the light and nimble setup was a pleasure to weave through the trees, but the suspension always limited the bike's performance. .

That all changed when Sherco introduced KYB suspension front and rear on their Factory version for MY19. And with new refinements for the 20 version, such as a better monoshock suspension, an AFAM steel rear sprocket, a better gear lever and a 400 g weight saving in the starter motor and the lubrication system, not to mention of a whole series of aesthetic improvements, the Sherco began to touch my heart.

When I combine the improved performance with a wider network of distributors spread across all states and regions, I can tentatively say that the MY20 Sherco 300 SEF Factory is now my favorite.

WHY IS SHE FAVORITE?

Nobody wants to choose their favorites, it hurts the feelings of those who are excluded. But sometimes you have to have these serious conversations. Sure, numbers 2 or 3 will feel abandoned, left out, not good enough, and deprived of your unconditional affection, but when you have close to $15,000 at stake, the second favorite will have to do with it!

When the Sherco 300 SEF burst onto the scene nearly a decade ago, its DNA was that of a nimble, ATV-like, trail-scorching machine. His maneuverability was amazing. You could manipulate it or force it into positions that most motorcycles couldn't. The engine had an accelerated, almost electric feel, and the bike felt narrow and light between the legs. The first model's suspension was supple and ideal for chunky trail riders.

A decade later, the Sherco 300 SEF got the Factory Edition update. It remains one of the most nimble and light bikes to ride, but its power has increased, probably thanks to the Akro manifold and exhaust that come standard on the Factory, and the suspension has improved by leaps and bounds. The closed-cartridge 48mm KYB fork offers more adjustability than its open-cartridge opponents and more drag than the WP Xplor 48 found on the standard Sherco Racing.

My weight was a little on the high side for the standard springs so I felt a bit harsh in the fast and choppy bumps, but my confidence in the fork action, knowing it wouldn't dive and cut, allowed me to push a little harder. The fork used by Sherco is nothing revolutionary, it is a similar unit to the one used by Yamaha in their YZs for over a decade, but it works perfectly. It is far superior to the Xplor and far superior to most other mid-size machines. In fact, it looks more like a Yamaha WR250F than a Euro bike, and who knows, they both use a closed-cartridge KYB unit.

In addition to its top-notch suspension, the Sherco 300 SEF Factory uses a different fuel injection system than some other enduro models, which I believe reduces the risk of bogging down or crashing a bit. 'extinction. In the tests we've done with the bike (including going through this log when the bike was straight out of the factory with zero running hours) we didn't experience any issues with bogging down, although I felt some reluctance on other Factory models we've ridden over the past two years.

The Synerject digital EFI system doesn't bog down as much as some other ranges, meaning you can smash into a log, cut the throttle and lift the front end without fear of toppling over the handlebars. It was precise and punchy, especially with the mapping in race mode.

So Sherco looked into the problem and it looks like the MY21 models will minimize it with remanufactured crankcases and a new plain bearing connecting rod designed to reduce stalling.

POSSIBILITY OF IMPROVEMENT

Like in a package of our favorite sweets, there are always some that we don't like. The problem I had with the Sherco was low revs. When crawling up long, steep hills, I didn't know if I should be in first or second gear. The second didn't have the torque to pull me up a hill and the first was too fast. That meant I had to go uphill in 2nd gear and be ready to cash in if I got off the line, or climb up in 1st gear at a much slower, boring pace. Like I said, I'm a big guy and a bigger rear sprocket would have allowed me to run second.

Thankfully, it looks like Sherco has upgraded the low end for MY21, with details revealed in last month's ADB. With lower compression and new intake and exhaust cam profiles, low-end power delivery should have a bit more punch. Add to that the previously mentioned changes, and the 300 SEF Factory will be even harder to stall and more adept at dropping into second on the climbs.

Like all of our favorite toddlers, the Sherco was able to move ahead of the pack while digital editor Olly Malone was strapped into the set. The 300 SEF Factory's incredible suspension, super fun engine and plethora of stock parts, like black Neken CNC triple clamps, Oxia handlebar with neon handlebar pad, white, neon and silver graphics kit, rims blue, swingarm decals and Brembo brakes with Galfer solid rear disc, make this package complete. There's nothing to do on this bike (unless you weigh over 100kg with your gear), which makes the slightly high price tag a little easier to swallow.

Features of the Sherco 300 SEF Factory

Motor

DOHC type, four valves

Cylinder 303.68cc

Bore & Stroke 84 x 54.8mm

Liquid cooling

Compression ratio N/A

Synerject EFI fuel supply

Tank capacity 9.7L

Transmission Six-speed, constant mesh

Brembo hydraulic clutch, wet multiplate

Dimensions

Wheelbase 1480mm

Seat height 950mm

Ground clearance 355mm

Empty weight 102kg

Suspension

Front KYB 48mm spring cartridge, 300mm travel

Rear KYB gas monoshock, 330mm travel

Brakes

Front: Brembo twin-piston caliper, 260mm wave

Rear: Brembo single piston caliper, 220mm wave

Racing equipment

Oxia tapered aluminum alloy handlebar

Pirelli Scorpion MX front tire 90/90-21

Pirelli Scorpion MX rear tire 120/100-18

Prices and Contacts

Price: CAD 20,830

Website: sherco.com.au

PHONE: (03) 8363 1600

Warranty: Six months parts and labor