Ryan Nitzen | July 30, 2024
For a lot of people, the 300cc two-stroke is the preferred weapon for hardcore off-road riders. Even weekend trail riders can’t resist the amazing versatility of a 300cc two-stroke engine. So, it’s no surprise that the SE 300 two-stroke is the top-selling motorcycle in the French manufacturer’s lineup. After revealing its 2025 model line a few weeks ago, Sherco invited us to France to test out the all-new SE 300 on its home turf.
We aren’t in Kansas anymore, Toto. Here’s what the Sherco SE 300’s natural habitat looks like.
Photography by Ron Lawson
Big Picture | 2025 Sherco SE 300 Review
While we were in France, we saw Sherco’s complete 2025 dirt bike line. Both the SE (two-stroke) and SEF (four-stroke) enduro range receive similar generational updates, including lighter frames with specific head-tube angles.
As for the SE 300, its updated SPES exhaust pipe tucks up and further out of harm’s way. The bike still has 14 inches of precious ground clearance. The new frame also mounts up to a new subframe and airbox, complete with tool-less access to the redesigned quick-release air filter. Closed-cartridge KYB forks and a KYB shock are standard on the Factory SE and SEF models, along with Brembo brakes and clutch systems.
The French engineers focused on the SE’s chassis and suspension for 2025.
Sherco is adamant about its Factory line of bikes coming off the production line with trail-ready items like a radiator fan, handguards, skid plate, gripper seat cover, frame guards, a quality exhaust system, and more. For 2025, Sherco will also offer Racing-spec bikes, which feature less protection and open-cartridge forks in exchange for a lower price point.
The last time I rode the SE 300 was a few years ago in the Southern California desert, where it was dry, sandy, and rocky, and the trails were either slow-going or high-speed. I remembered the Sherco performing very well in the single-track technical terrain but it was twitchy and nervous at speed. However, after having ridden the 2025 bike in its home environment in France, I realized that this made sense to me. The high-speed sand washes and wide-open spaces of America’s West Coast deserts simply don’t exist in France. It quickly became clear to me that this bike is a product of its environment, and it excels in the conditions that it was built in. It indeed felt right at home in the wet, muddy and technical conditions when I rode the latest Sherco SE 300.
Braking in slick conditions isn’t scary with the Sherco’s top-notch components.
The SE 300’s engine was and still is its greatest asset. Why mess with a good thing? And they didn’t. The 293.2cc motor is still mated to a six-speed transmission and still utilizes a Keihin carburetor for mixing air with fuel, which it does very well. There is still much to be said for the old-school carburetor versus FI, especially if you like raw two-stroke aggression, which the Sherco certainly has.
Behind the left side panel, you’ll discover a new airbox and air-filter design.
Two engine maps—standard and aggressive—are controlled via a switch next to the throttle. You can feel the difference between the two maps in the varying conditions. I preferred the aggressive setting most of the time, as the mid-to-top-end power was addictive. On the faster access roads, the motor’s throaty notes pulled well into fourth gear while still retaining some strong low-end grunt for the techy wooded trails. Carburetors may have their flaws, but when tuned correctly, like with the SE 300 I rode, they feel soooo good.
In the French woods, the bike was super planted, even at higher speeds, despite the wet conditions. In the tight stuff, the bike felt more agile than I remembered, which most likely has to do with the new frame. It was simple to pick and choose my lines at a moment’s notice. Point it and it goes there. The rain worsened the trail conditions throughout the day, but my confidence in the bike never wavered. This is crucial when you never quite know what obstacles are lurking around the next twist in the trail.
Ahh, the engine. 300 cubic-capacity of pure two-stroke fun.
Pairing the steel frame with the KYB suspension helped keep the bike pointed straight at speed and even while maintaining compliance in the rutted woods. The Sherco’s enduro-tuned closed-cartridge fork is one of the best in the business. It comes out of the crate a little softer than I’m used to but still offers comfortable damping characteristics at slower speeds without sacrificing too much once you open it up. It’s great for riders tackling the tough stuff but would likely need some adjustment for Grand Prix or faster off-road racing. But again, this is an enduro-ready bike, not necessarily an all-out off-road racer.
The Sherco’s engine is raw like a 300cc two-stroke should be.
The overall fit and finish of the bike caught my attention, not just with the 300 but with all the bikes in the Sherco fleet. The Sherco’s Brembo brakes and clutch systems, KYB suspension, and SPES exhaust are top-notch components. The brakes and clutch work well and provide a consistent feel even in wet conditions. The suspension is plush, and the Sherco’s throaty exhaust note that echoes through the woods is music to my ears. With a new color scheme, an easily removable side panel, and all the extra enduro add-ons, the bike is ready to tackle any trail you throw its way.
Snappy two-stroke power and light weight equal a very agile motorcycle.
The Sherco SE 300 exceeded my expectations. Riding the bike in its “natural” off-road environment allowed me to truly appreciate its capabilities. The bike impressed me with its stability at high speeds, predictable performance in different conditions, and the ample power it delivered when needed. The classic carb design of the engine provides a raw and exciting feel, while the updated bodywork brings it in line with other enduro bikes. Additionally, the inclusion of a skid plate, fan, seat cover, and other features makes it an obvious choice for those who want a motorcycle they can take straight to the trail from the showroom floor. The Sherco SE 300 can certainly be that bike.CN
VIDEO | 2025 Sherco SE 300 First Ride
| MSRP |
$11,999 |
| Engine Type |
two-stroke, single with electronically controlled power-valve system |
| Displacement |
293.2cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
72 x 72mm |
| Starting System |
Electric |
| Fueling |
Keihin PWK 36 carburetor |
| Transmission |
6-speed, w/ hydraulic Brembo clutch |
| Frame |
Semi-perimeter high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel |
| Front Suspension |
KYB 48mm, closed-cartridge, telescopic fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension |
KYB 50 Ø18mm shock absorber, fully adjustable |
| Front-Wheel Travel |
11.81 in. |
| Rear-Wheel Travel |
12.99 in. |
| Front Wheel |
21 in. |
| Rear Wheel |
18 in. |
| Front Tire |
Michelin Enduro Medium |
| Rear Tire |
Michelin Enduro Medium |
| Front Brake |
Brembo 260mm |
| Rear Brake |
Single 220mm, Brembo caliper |
| Seat Height |
37.4 in. |
| Ground Clearance |
13.97 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
2.64 gal. |
