Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1483118
RIDE REVIEW I 2023 SHERCO 300 SE FACTORY P72 The stock headlight is sufficient to get you back when you stay out past dark but like most stock lights, it is not enough to ride at a high pace at night. The computer provides the necessary information with two trip meters, an odometer, speedo and clock. The Brembo brakes and hydraulic clutch performed very well in all condi- tions. The brakes are powerful and easy to modulate. Sherco deserves kudos for including a 6mm AXP skid plate and radiator fan as standard equipment. We put both to heavy use. The stock Polisport hand guards are also appreciated and adequate for most off-road riding. Working on the 300 SE was straight- forward. The air filter is easily accessible via the toolless removal of the seat. We did notice that some bolts vibrated loose including the rear skid plate mount and countershaft sprocket guard, so we got into the habit of checking bolts. So how much will one of these beauties cost? The suggested retail price is $11,849, which is about $500 less than a 2023 KTM XC-W 300 TPI at $12,349. The standard ra- diator fan and AXP skid plate on the Sherco make that price a little more palatable. Several great rides with multiple riders spending time in the saddle provided very positive feedback from everyone on the Sherco 300 SE Factory. The performance of the motor, especially the very different characters of the two-map switch got the most thumbs up. The more aggressive map provides some thrilling power, and rid- ers that like snappy response will love this setting while the soft map provides nearly perfect power for technical trails. The standard fan, skid plate, comfortable ergo- nomics and quality brake performance also got a lot of praise. If you are looking for an alternative to the Austrian two-strokes, the Sherco is a great choice. CN SPECIFICATIONS 2023 SHERCO 300 SE FACTORY ($11,849) ENGINE TYPE 2-stroke, single, electronic power- valve COOLING SYSTEM Liquid DISPLACEMENT 293.1cc BORE X STROKE 72 x 72mm STARTING SYSTEM Electric LUBRICATION Pre-mix FUELING Keihin PWK 36mm TRANSMISSION 6-speed CLUTCH Wet multi-disc with hydraulic actuation FRAME Semi-perimeter chrome- molybdenum steel FRONT SUSPENSION 48mm KYB closed-cartridge fork REAR SUSPENSION KYB 50 Shock FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 11.8 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 13.0 in. FRONT WHEEL 21 in. REAR WHEEL 18 in. FRONT TIRE 90/90 x 21 Michelin Enduro Medium REAR TIRE 140/80 x 18 Michelin Enduro Medium FRONT BRAKE 260mm, Brembo master cylinder and caliper REAR BRAKE 220mm, Brembo master cylinder and caliper SEAT HEIGHT 37.4 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 13.9 in. WHEELBASE 58.27 in. FUEL CAPACITY 2.75 gal. WEIGHT (WET, FULL FUEL) 257 lbs.