Sherco 300SE Factory Long Term 150 Hour Review

A long term review of the Sherco 300SE Factory edition. I've put over 150 hours on my 2021 model and I'm still very happy with the bike. The power delivery is great with the electronic power valve and the KYB suspension is very good. The bike is a bit on the heavy side at 267 lbs full of fuel. I did have one major breakdown at 106 hours when the shift shaft broke but other than that the bike has been trouble free.
/ pnwenduro
/ pnwenduro

[@onthethrottle7104]

As always another excellent review. Love your vids and thank you for always providing great content. Beautiful bike!!! Nice to see someone that rides the hell out of it.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks.

[@TorqueDorque]

Great review. I have the 2020 300 SEF 4T and still love it. The Shercos and the Betas definitely have the styling down and a blast to ride. I prefer the carburators on the 2 strokes. I recently picked up a Beta 200 race edition. So fun and so light

[@lifeoutdoors3953]

Does it have enough low end for hard enduro?

[@edsteward7717]

Great review. Like most of your mods. You mentioned having pipes fixed. It's easy to fix your own. You're plenty capable. I didn't know till I did it.

[@jamesdenton3692]

I've had several pipes heated and blown out to fix bad dints, but enough hits to the belly and the header pipe gets tweaked. Any hints on how to get them to fit again ??

[@edsteward7717]

@@jamesdenton3692 Heat a larger area and carefully tweak it back. Probably need to heat all the way around.

[@stevejones6647]

Definitely would like to try a Sherco at some point, seem to be a great pick for BC riding. Also the astra bars are the real deal, they cured my arm pump and my grips don’t wear out on the outside anymore.

[@whiskeytango854]

Which model? On a 300?

[@enduro-parts-aus]

Awesome and i also use grip wearing as a sign of improper bar setup ✌🏻

[@thesmoness]

Yah dude great review.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks bud!

[@jeff40]

I love the look of the new Sherco's a lot.. I had a KTM 300 xc and I ended up buying a low seat for it..? Even at 6' tall my old 2011 still felt a tad on the to tall side for me.. although I got use to it. The worst part about purchasing a new bike is that the new bikes are built for the average size man or woman and I am on the slightly heavier side.. That being 205 to 210Ibs. but with gear on I might as well be 225 to 230 which warrants stiffer fork springs + a stiffer/revolved shock! A small price all of us pay... I guess..

[@stepansy1143]

I run Tubliss at about 8 psi front and 3-4 rear. I realize you're using mousse but wonder if you've got any opinion on how the IRC VE33S and VX30 tires handle lower pressures. As a dedicated gummy I'm guessing the rear has no issues but I've had some front tires that liked to rip side knobs off at sub 10 psi. Kinda wondering about that.

[@DmitriyAdv]

In your experience does the smartcarb let any gas smell out at all like a regular carb? I'm not spoiled by TPI bikes not smelling up garages and vans with fuel and don't want to go back to that with a carb.

[@TraviNomotion]

Those astra bars look good

[@tkrey23]

I run SRT rear mousses. Hardness is determined by how much foam you put in the tire. I run a 19" mousse in an 18" wheel/tire which means there's a bit of an air gap between the mousse and the wheel. This gives a softer feel. I do run 2 rim locks to ensure the beads stay seated well but I don't really have a problem with that. It also balances the wheel to run two. I get a ton of hours out of them. Run silicone grease for mousse lube (which is what Nitro and Michelin include for lube). Not tire soap (which is what SRT includes with theirs). You don't need much silicone grease and the mousses will last longer. It's not water soluble and doesn't dry out either. I know those plastic skid plates hold up well but I always wonder about the frame protection. Have you pulled it and looked closely at your frame tubes for dents? That's the only thing I worry about with those.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks for the info on the SRT. I have not looked at my frame lately, I know some people use stick on foam under the frame to protect it.

[@SgtProstar]

watching your content for a while now.....thanks for posting..you have got me warming up to the euro brands... is the sherco a good choice for taller riders? I am slightly over 6 feet tall and I am curious about riding while standing.... sherco/ktm/gas gas? thanks again

[@PNWEnduro]

Taller guys will often run the bar clamps in the forward position. They do feel quite a bit different than the KTM brands.

[@nivero5038]

Because of your earlier reviews, I pulled the trigger on a sherco 300. Here in the Netherlands, they are not yet where they are in spain/france/Usa. Liking it a whole lot so far. Did change 3 clutch springs for the KTM ones. Also all the other typical bibs and bops. I do have a question however, because the deep sand/higher speed riding I do I am looking for more top end. How is the gnarly FMF in comparisson with stock? I already tried the DEP, but that did not do it for me.

[@PNWEnduro]

The gnarly pipe is stock, that’s what they come with. This pipe is designed for the best bottom end power and in comparison you do lose top end power in my experience with them on ktm’s.

[@Lib-enduromedia]

Talk to Harmsen MX in Hellendoorn. Nice bloke and knows together with Jan Olthoff a lot of the Sherco's.

[@cubebird1]

Have you done a top end rebuild

[@blucru4286]

Hey Greg, I'm just wondering what you think of the new Gemini bars you've been running. Do you feel any difference? I'm looking at them and the Aurora bars as well.

[@PNWEnduro]

They feel a bit different. I think I like them better so far.

[@jeffb6350]

Lol. I noticed the same thing about that 710 premix. Did I remember to put oil in my gas?!🤔

[@enduroslug1317]

great review. Im looking at switching from tpi ktm 300 to a sherco 300se factory or a beat 300rr. Is there anything you miss from switch from a ktm to the sherco. Im also wanting a shorter seat height bike as i find the ktm abit tall in certain bits. Do you have the low seat on your sherco? thanks

[@PNWEnduro]

Can’t think of anything I miss after switching. I shave the seats on all my bikes, this helps a fair bit.

[@singletrackjunkie488]

Great review! Would you consider the 300 SEF for the riding you do?

[@PNWEnduro]

I'd love to have the 300SEF as a 2nd bike but the 2T is more suited for the majority of the riding I do.

[@Endurogubben]

What about clutch? I agree in the most of your review, but my self 300SE also had a lot of trouble with the clutch? Stock clutch, I have to change oil every 5.h, and it just didn’t work properly at any time! Now with a Rekluse manual its better, just a bit funny when it get really warm. Seems like its ok to change oil every 15.h now. And your experience?

[@PNWEnduro]

Mine has had no problems. I think Sherco upgraded the clutch in the past few years. The clutch pull is a little heavy though. I changed oil between 15-20 hours.

[@themodifiedlife2774]

So how would u compare the sherco to ur new te300 pro?

[@jzezulka2357]

I just curious I’m 6 foot 220 pounds fit, I have some experience riding my buddies 350 about 6 hours of riding. I have a lot of rocky trails here and was wondering is this bike too much for a beginner?

[@sruzicka100]

Hey Greg I’m running the SRT mousse here in Sea2Sky and am very happy with it. Took a few rides to soften up and then super compliant. My friends often point at how squishy a profile it makes. Very durable, I’m over 80 hrs on it, highly recommend them.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@mikeburnett6222]

Good review Gregg.

[@escapeorion3741]

With the Motul 710 what ratio are you running? Also, curious About your bars, I’m 6’3” I’m undecided which ones to try? Right now they’re positioned the furthest away. I’m trying to do the standing thing, but it still feels too low.

[@PNWEnduro]

50:1 as per the manual. Astra offroad bars, they are all lower than the stock bars I really like them but they may not be for you if you feel you need taller bars.

[@joelappin9735]

How does the sound compare with the slip on? Just wondering if it's louder, I prefer a quiet bike.

[@PNWEnduro]

Sound is about the same IMO.

[@whiskeytango854]

Whats been the best Astra bar for that 300? I see you've tried a few and curious which helps the most with fatigue.

[@PNWEnduro]

I like the Gemini 27mm the best.

[@glennalderton1313]

2 questions: are you still running the stock 13:49 gearing? And 150 hours on the first piston? I gotta say 150 hours on the front sprocket is just incredible. We replace the fronts 2 to 1 for the rear.

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes, stock gearing. Piston was done at between 140-150, trip computer was broken for a couple rides.

[@darkodragic1963]

I made 266h with the same front and back sprocket and chain. Incredible!

[@marcusm.3486]

Lets talk Smart Carb for a second. I just picked up a 23' 300 Factory and I have the SC2 on my old bike that I was considering swapping over (keeping it either way). Did the SC2 dull down the low end a lot? Would love to hear your take man. For the record I don't change altitude as much as you. We ride 2500' to 6000' and very occasionally hit 8000'.

[@PNWEnduro]

I feel the bottom end power is very close to the stock carb.

[@marcusm.3486]

@@PNWEnduro Thanks for the response. I don't have a good comparison because the SC2 originally replaced a Mikuni on the old bike so it was automatically better in almost every way lol.

[@ddel5240]

Don’t be afraid to revalve the suspension during one of your services. As good as it is, it can be positively magic! My fork is amazing, firmer and more controlled, yet all that mid stroke harshness is gone. The rear is just plain plush, but will still take desert whoops just fine. The bike just tracks so much straighter when you have those long washed out hills of solid rock, where before it would dance around a bit. How has your fan been? Mine squealed like a pig at 90 hours, and a flushing only helped for three or four rides. You’ve probably already noticed the countershaft sprocket is trapped by the chain slider, I’ve gotten into the habit of just swapping it out when I grease the swingarm bearings once a season.

[@PNWEnduro]

In the past revalving has cost me $1000-1500 each time for IMO a very minor improvement. I know it can be better but I don’t see it being worth the cost unless you have something specific you want changed.

[@PNWEnduro]

Fan has been fine. I found if you just trim a small piece off the chain sider you can get the front sprocket off.

[@ddel5240]

@@PNWEnduro I here you, you suffer from Austrian PTSD! I was lucky to have a local Suspension guy that had tons of experience with KYB. $435 both ends with new seals. I had a real problem with it kicking off 4-6” rocks. I have one trail that looks like your terrain, otherwise I believe I am rockier and generally one gear higher in speed than you except when you get into your rocky peaks. Can’t stress how much better it is with minor revalving, No high dollar parts like KTM, but of course you have to have a good KYB guy close by to make it practical with todays shipping rates

[@ddel5240]

@@PNWEnduro True, but I think it was intentional that the shifter and sprocket are retained in that manner, But I could be giving Sherco too much credit!

[@stormxz600]

Ever tried the m59 front? Cant choose between the m59 or vx30.

[@PNWEnduro]

A few times. It’s by far the most popular front tire around here but I think it’s just average.

[@mmig2116]

Coming off ktms what do you mix oil/gas at 60:1 ?

[@PNWEnduro]

50:1 as per the manual.

[@stevencharron6864]

Great review.Where are buying the IRC vx 30 in Canada? is that the 90/90 ?

[@PNWEnduro]

I run the 80/100/21 and get them from Rocky Mountain but Gnarly parts also sells them.

[@stevencharron6864]

@@PNWEnduro Thanks for that Greg.I get my ve 33s from gmarly but didn't see that one online. Cheers

[@PNWEnduro]

Yeah outdated website lol. You have to call them.

[@stevencharron6864]

@@PNWEnduro Good to know.Thanks

[@stangindude99]

I am having a hard time debating between a new sherco or tx300 tbi. Would you switch back? Tbi seems nice but more crap to break and diagnose lol

[@PNWEnduro]

Both are great, right now I'm happy on the Sherco. If you wait until next year you could have both, a Sherco that is TBI.

[@stangindude99]

@@PNWEnduro I may need to pickup a 23 then haha. As much as I like efi the carb is just plain simple

[@harryridley2714]

How do you find the sherco compared to the betta 300rr, on the single tracks .. overall do you like the sherco more ?

[@PNWEnduro]

Both have great motors. The handling on the Sherco is much better imo.

[@harryridley2714]

@@PNWEnduro appreciate the feedback matey

[@brianjones7681]

Are all the astra bars bent with this same sweep?

[@PNWEnduro]

No they are all slightly different, all the specs are on their website.

[@krisf5247]

Are the ergos the same on the 4 stroke? I’m 5’11 and was wondering if it would be too cramped?

[@jeff40]

You should be able to get a decent carbon fiber pipe guard for your fmf gnarly pipe.

[@PNWEnduro]

No thanks, it just transfers the impact and bends the pipe near the exhaust which is harder to repair and effects performance more. I can have my pipe repaired 3-4 times for the cost of a carbon guard.

[@jeff40]

@hey it's pete true although I've had good pipe protection from a carbon fiber pipe guard although it was a stock KTM pipe.

[@elihamou6902]

What is range like compared to the KTM you've had?

[@PNWEnduro]

Similar to my 2017 250XC (both had Smartcarbs) and will go farther than my 250xc TPI did.

[@elihamou6902]

@@PNWEnduro Good to know, my Te300i seems to be a bit thirsty maxed out at 60miles on stock 2.25 tank.

[@Xoxo-md3pd]

is it worth buying a sherco se 300 2020 with 150 hrs? what do i need to watch out for when buying?

[@PNWEnduro]

Depends on the price. Keep in mind the 2020 is the last year before the counterbalanced engine. I seem to recall some electrical issues on 2020's.

[@Xoxo-md3pd]

@@PNWEnduro 9000$ for pay in 1 year

[@PNWEnduro]

I don't know the market where you live but here that price is a bit high imo.

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Is this bike heavier? can you feel it ?

[@PNWEnduro]

267 lbs full of fuel with all the guards, mousses, gummy tire etc. I bit heavier than a KTM but it's not noticeable when you ride it.

[@alang3991]

What ratio are you premixing at?

[@jeff40]

60 to 1 is the ratio I used in my 2011 300 xc.. I used Motorex but Amsoil or Bel-Ray 2t oils are great also.

[@PNWEnduro]

50:1 as per the manual.

[@kevindwyer3742]

Would love to see you ripping a TM as your next bike. A highly under rated OEM IMHO

[@PNWEnduro]

TM bikes are great, I would consider getting one.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

What's next? TBI?

[@PNWEnduro]

I've ridden the 2022 TM that is already TBI, it's good. I'm sure that's the direction Sherco will go as well.

[@maucina12]

Everybody just focuses on good things so here are negatives from my experience. Heavier compared to ktm, cramped cockpit, way to long throttle pull, bad build quality(cracked subframe, cheap shift lever, rear brake lever, plastics...), lots of vibrations, engine has power but takes to long to rev up, electric problems(bike doenst start because of bad contact). Overall still happy about the bike but i prefer ktm and would not go back to sherco

[@PNWEnduro]

I did point out the weight, plastics, crappy chain guide and brake pedal return spring. I still prefer the Sherco over the current ktm’s that are plagued with faulty sensor issues and have weak bottom end power. We are lucky to have several good Ike brand options these days.

[@SkylarRace]

@@PNWEnduro The sensor issues on TPI bikes is so over blown and seems to be fixed on 22 and newer models as well as the mapping. I know many guys with TPI bikes including myself that have hundreds of hours with no sensor issues. The bottom end power is incredible on my 2023 Husqvarna TE300 I sometimes like running map 2 just to tame it down a bit.

[@zacharysmith7872]

KTM build quality isn't better. The starter switch is an easy fix to a basic kill switch button. The "cramped cockpit" is like a legend at this point. Move the bars in the clamp. Get lower pegs if you want, but the real measured differences are very small. I haven't owned a 2T Sherco, but the 2 300s and the 500 have been amazingly reliable machines. We ran 2 500s in the Mexican 1000 and beat the snot out of them. No issues other than the starter switch.

[@maucina12]

@@zacharysmith7872 we had multiple hard ridden shercos in our area. Dont get me wrong it is a good bike but year after everyone is much happier with ktm. Broken subframes on multiple bikes(5 out of 7) prematurely worn clutches on multiple bikes, cylinder base gasket leaking on few bikes, plastics horrible, big gearbox problems on one bike...

[@zacharysmith7872]

@@maucina12 my experience is the opposite. Anecdotal evidence is meaningless.

[@509FUN]

So just because you don’t like something apparently it’s the wrong way to go? Lol

[@minkusmcminkus7598]

Bikes bikesbikes, just gota ride

[@postmortemspasm]

Why do you not just buy a skid plate with pipe guard? Why keep fixing and buying pipes? thats just dumb?

[@marshallkeller4381]

Cause they're expensive, heavy, stiff, loud, and likely dont slide very well.

[@postmortemspasm]

@@marshallkeller4381 He's got a bunch of junk on it already so he clearly doesnt care about weight, and you can get coated one thats slide well. New pipes are more expensive than a guard

[@PNWEnduro]

They are 8+ pounds, collect mud and that big hunk of aluminum attached to the frame reduces frame flex and affects handling. I've also seen buddy's with them still dent the pipe up higher and need repairs. I'll gladly pay the $40-60 bucks to have my pipe fixed once a year.

[@stevejones6647]

@@PNWEnduro most of my buddies run the emperor “composter” full skid plates and they def add weight as well as hold mud/branches/etc. They have also dented their pipes above the skid plate. I’ll stick with my axp skid and exposed and dented pipe lol

[@PNWEnduro]

@Steve Jones yes I've run one in the past. A pain to install, always came loose and when I ripped the slip liner off you could not re-attach it without removing the skid plate, it never went back on after that.

[@VineV-Dutch]

150 hrs, long term 😅😅😂😂😂. Call me when you're at 1500. For a short term review. 150 hrs isn't even from start to finish in the Dakar rally.

[@nilsk2897]

Think youve never driven Hard enduro 😬😅