Words: Guy Streeter

Sherco Motorcycles Australia has released their Factory edition 300 SE-R and 300 SEF-R to the market, offering an up-spec option from the French manufacturer that delivers a high quality, attainable off-road range of motorcycles.

In previous years the Factory models have had a limited release and no opportunity for the media to sample the Factory line-up before they have been sold out. However this year, MotoOnline.com.au was invited down to Victoria’s Krusic’s Ride Park to test the bikes on a purpose-built off-road enduro loop.

Starting with the Sherco 300 SE-R, it comes equipped standard with an FMF pipe, Brembo brakes, hydraulic clutch, ignition map switch, WP suspension, billet triple clamp with two-position handlebar mounting options and reversible off-set handlebar mounts, an electronic power valve, tool-less air filter access, electric-start-only, tapered handlebars and a plastic skid plate.

For $12,990, the 300 SE-R Factory edition is a mere $1000 extra than the standard 300 SE-R, giving real value for money from the French brand. Extras you get with the Factory edition include a full FMF exhaust, DG2 double-grip seat cover. Sherco Factory graphics kit, translucent 9.5-litre fuel tank, solid racing rear disc and an AXP bash plate.

Image: Stephen Tuff.

Let’s face it if you are going do any after market mods to your new bike, these extras that come with the Sherco Factory models will be high on any riders list anyway – racer or weekend trail renegade.

The 300SE-R is a bike that draws a lot of attention for a heap of reasons. Firstly, the 300cc segment is hugely popular with older riders who grew up on two-stroke bikes, however the interesting thing is the Sherco 2 stroke is not like the two-strokes of old.

My initial thoughts on the bike was its slim feel between the legs and nimbleness in change of direction, which is expected with the weight of a big-bore two-stroke compared it’s four-stroke counterpart of a 450 or 500.

I found the bike easy to change lines after a mistake or poor line choice from the previous corner. The bike has a stable feel front and back, giving a good sense of confidence and grip on the slippery hard-pack surfaces and a balanced feel on the rougher sand straights and corners.

Image: Stephen Tuff.

The Sherco 300SE-R’s power is awesome and there is plenty of it. The choice of two ignition map settings makes the power delivery adjustable to the rider. Set the ignition switch to ‘Mild’ and the bike tends to feel like a four-stroke with fat power right across the rev range.

Flick the switch to ‘Race’ and the beast comes alive. The power still rolls on smooth, but it will tear the track apart. I really found the use of on-the-fly map switch a really good tool, although this is a feature Available on both Factory edition and standard models.

Aiding the smooth delivery is the electronic powervalve, this is controlled by the engine’s timing. This allows the bike to determine how quick the powervalve operates maximising performance in a smooth manor. Ride the bike smooth and you will get smooth power; get aggressive with the throttle and you will have a hard time taking that smile off your face.

Powerful Brembo brakes are going to help you stop this rig and the solid rear disc offered on the Factory will help prevent brake fade and brake pad wear, especially in muddy and wet sandy conditions.

Image: Stephen Tuff.

I honestly don’t understand why many manufactures don’t have hydraulic clutches standard on their bikes. I was stoked to see that Sherco had one fitted, which seems like one of the most obvious improvements you could have on a production bike.

The DG2 seat cover, apart from looking trick, really does help keep you planted in the one spot and helps to grip the side of the bike when you’re making your way up steep, snotty hillclimbs and getting hard on the power out of turns.

Overall the 2015 Sherco 300 SE-R Factory looks incredible and, combined with the sound and power output, this bike would be well-suited to the weekend warrior or to the racer looking to compete straight from pick-up.

As for the 300 SEF-R Factory, it’s also loaded with value for money. At a price of $13,690 (again $1000 more than a standard model) you get a Factory grahics kit, ASX bash plate, translucent fuel tank of 8.5 litres, solid racing rear brake rotor, DG2 double grip seat and a full Akrapovic exhaust system.

Image: Stephen Tuff.

Again, the Factory shares the same great features as the regular version with Brembo brakes, synerject EFI, billet triple clamps with two position bar mounting positions, reversible off-set handlebar mounts, dual-curve ignition switch, tool-less air filter access, tapered handlebars.

Again, this bike is electric-start only, so no kick-start. Is that a problem? Well, your car hasn’t got a crank-handle, has it?

The Sherco 300 SEF-R shares the same great factory look as its 300 two-stroke stablemate and same slim feel between the legs. The bike really has the handling of a smaller 250 four-stroke, but with the extra power of a bigger bore, which I really like when riding in the bush.

Getting started on the bike I used Map 2 (Mild) for the first few laps around the track we had set out for us and then never really felt there was a need for it on this bike in those conditions once I switched to Map 1 (Race). However in muddy conditions this would be a must have – once you have had a taste for it you won’t want to not have that as an option on your bike.

Image: Stephen Tuff.

This engine will get up and boogie when you rev it in Race trim, but what’s really appealing is that it has torque. The engine is so smooth and it will pull off the bottom and chug up hills. It’s not one dimensional like a 250cc thumper that needs to rev high to go anywhere.

It’s physically smaller than 350cc options from other brands and yes, it’s got less cubes, but it’s extremely nimble and handles incredibly well, so it performs in impressive fashion. The overall package is suited to the mid-size and it works.

We’re really impressed with the Sherco Factory models we tested – albeit minus the 250 SEF-R due to availability – and you can’t deny that the brand is really establishing itself here in the Australian market. For further details on the brand, be sure to stop by www.sherco.com.au.