Smartcarb First Impressions Sherco 300SE

First impressions review of the 36mm Smartcarb 2 on a 2021 Sherco 300se. The throttle response is good off idle and it gives smooth power throughout the rpm range. I use this carb because it lets me ride any elevation without having change jetting and the improved fuel economy is an advantage for the long rides in the mountains.
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[@Zeus33rd]

I LOVE the Smart Carbs. After dickin around for months and spending hundreds of $$$ on a leaky 36mm Keihin on my 2016 300xcw, I got fed up and bought a 38mm billet SC2. 38mm because I ride in the desert. I'll never ever go back to a Keihin or conventional carb. I live at 5900' elevation, ride from 4,000 to 8,200, with one day temp swings up to 50+°f. Plug and play for the most part, minus clearanceing the air boot a bit and some initial tuning, I leaned it out about 8 clicks over factory, adjusted idle speed and that was it. Awesome setup now. I just get on it and go. 38mm gives me a bit more rpm and speed at the top and a VERY smooth bottom to mid. Sold my Keihin, all the jets and needles and other parts I acquired over the years. Good video.

[@keeganmoshe6816]

instablaster.

[@wesmorey6167]

Glad there's companies still making carb bikes out there. Rode a friends 300 TPI and it felt like a clapped out 4 stroke. Looks like I'll be going from orange to blue!!

[@larryjames2656]

I have about 26 miles of rough Ozark single track on my new SC2 on my Beta 300RR and I love it. Very crisp down low and responsive. I didn't touch a thing, worked right as delivered. Can't wait to get more time with it and I'm looking forward to Colorado this year, 10,000 to 13,000 feet and not having to spend time changing jets.

[@P4ddyC4ke]

I love my 36mm SC2. I bought it and had it one my 99' ktm 300 exc knowing I'd eventually move it onto the next bike I owned. I eventually got a 2017 ktm 300 6d and moved it on over with very few changes. I live at sea level but make yearly trips to the mountains of Colorado to ride. It's super nice to not have to worry about anything. I always have tons of fuel at the end of the day. I did have to do the air boot mod at first. Now, I couldn't be happier!

[@bwhartman1]

Ran a sc for a few years, no real complaints. Loved how easy it was to make an adjustment every now and then if needed. Curiosity got the best of me last year and bought a stic metering block for the 36pwk that came on the bike. The delivery is so different it's unreal. Like the rear brake was stuck and dragging with the sc. I'll admit it took some tinkering, which is more complicated than the sc, but it really runs better. Fuel economy is on par with the sc, and it compensates with temp and elevation as well. I'm glad there's companies still dedicated to carbureted bikes, both oe and aftermarket. Thanks for the vids!

[@offroadtrailrider77]

My 36 SC2 on my 18 300xc works great when riding between TX and CO. Love the simplicity.

[@throttlejunkiesofthefraser9346]

Excellent review, great job on the hill climb that rock step up tends to get me and it always amazes me how the GoPro makes everything look so easy. Thanks for the review.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks bud!

[@TheDirtyBirchTrails]

Wow you've got that thing pretty well sorted out, watching you hit those roots and rocks !!

[@minnionator]

Saw this and was wondering why you were doing a review of this bike again and forgot that you actually own it and it will be in every video hahahaha. Love it!

[@PNWEnduro]

Yep, lot's of Sherco content coming out this year!

[@jacalnan]

Perfect conditions what a ride!

[@SteveB3737]

Glad to hear you got the carb dialed. Sounds great.

[@twowheelpilot]

I run a Lectron carb on my KTM 300. It's epic, tried TPi. It's a deal breaker for me. Like you said in the video no sensors to worry about, no injections, oil pumps etc. I've never ever ridden my bike and thought oh maybe this can run better. Ive just changed brands as I DO NOT want TPi.

[@ianmangham4570]

AMAZING moderntechnology

[@maximumeffort8829]

that was such smooth riding man i loved it

[@SingleTrackTherapy]

bike sounds really good, need one of these on my 300!

[@esmeben]

Awesome trail, wish we had some like that in the UK.

[@ianmangham4570]

America is MASSIVE

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Thousands of miles of trails in 50 states , COME ON OVER !!

[@AudreyH48]

I ended up on a TX300i simply because the tpi system for sure. I even muddled the idea of a Beta with their oil injection but found this 2020 with 20hours on it for thousands less then a new bike and went that way. If Sherco ever do get into injected 2T I'll be back for sure! My previous bike was the 20 300SEF but I just didn't like the engine characteristics of the 300F and my riding style suits 2T so much better. If I didn't have to worry about money, my dream bike would be the engine setup from the 300i in the 300SEF frame haha. That would be a cool project!

[@PNWEnduro]

Sherco has FI two strokes ready, you will probably see them in a few years.

[@TheFastphill]

good review i loving my 2021 Sherco se 300

[@RJvidmoto]

Just ordered the 36 for my X-Trainer.

[@RichPlakas]

Did you get it? Thinking of getting one for my Xtrainer too.

[@MXJEFF94]

I think Sherco will be a great option in the future. KTM/ Husky just have the TPi (300) thing dialed...I love not messing with a carb anymore or pre mix.

[@twowheelpilot]

Funny as TPi was the deal breaker for me. I don't want it. Changed brands after being on KTM for almost 25 years. Ridden Tpi bikes, they ride ok but my 2017 with Lectron carb still has more grunt and with all the Tpi benefits without the tech draw backs. No jets, better fuel gas mileage. Lectron all the way!

[@aries300x]

@@twowheelpilot I was totally not a fan of my tpi in stock form. Changed the power valve and did a get ecu/ injector relocation and rk-tech head . Everything Changed and I love it way more than my carb bike . Way more power and torque now.

[@daveyboy7305]

Beautiful trails , dirt bike heaven

[@evr-mr3cp]

Doesn’t the STIC modification to the factory Keihin claim to do the same things as the smart carb?

[@SmartCarbFuelSystems]

yeah they make some of the same claims, some of which they do seem to be able to back up while others appear to be more marketing fluff. We hear that they do make power but that they’re quite poor on fuel economy due to the always-on pilot system. Increased fuel economy is actually one of the claims they don’t make, and since emissions outputs are directly related to fuel economy/consumption, their claim of increased combustion efficiency and reduced emissions falls flat. You won’t see the STIC passing emissions certifications but the SmartCarb already has, twice. At the end of the day a Keihin is still a Keihin, STIC or not. It still has to be jetted for varying air density factors (elevation/temperature) and jets do not compare or compete against a metering rod for fine fuel atomization.

[@kraigvanderwyk1153]

@@SmartCarbFuelSystems I’m surprised the smaller manufacturers like Sherco who still run carbs haven’t partnered up with SC or Lectron. Seems like it would draw in a lot of customers who would be otherwise deterred to spend more money for a new carb on a new bike as opposed to buying a tpi bike. My 2cnts.

[@jonathondavis170]

My keihin on my new TM Racing EN300ES is PERFECTLY dialed from the factory, and I just live a couple hundred miles south, 30 min above Seattle, WA at the foothills of the Cascades. I think I shall go with the STIC, and JD Jetting kit with little adjustment rod from Tokyo Offroad. I already have to run VP C12 mixed with 92 octane/non ethanol...not very economical at all, however, I like to go too fast and get myself into trouble due to being a supersport rider, racer, and enthusiast back in my hellion days! Haha I'm no bad-a** though! Lmbo I just want to have fun cause after PTSD and brain problems from military deployments, I need this vital throttle therapy to fight these demons with my inner speed-demon. ;) Oh yeah, forgot my point - I would love the SC2 cause it would match all the black, magnesium, and gold on my TM 300...but, but, but, but, buuutt...with already owning a brand new keihin tuned to race, the stic seems like the best choice due to a lesser price point WITH the kind of power I'm looking for (specifically a "do-it-all" bike much like a Cross Country platform). That SC2 looks like it belongs on my bike since that hardware matches as well - so someone talk me into it? Can it be tuned and tailored to pull out some more over-rev? How crisp is the power response? Does it out-perform a STIC in power increase? Cause this bike will soon have pipes for enduro & moto where it will ride on every track and trail I can find - looping out jumpo-mundos on Mondays, and double-blip-flippin on Tuesday's! haha Alright...I'm finished speaking my nonsense. Lol 😆 I really like the economical advantage that the SC2 has...I also love the emissions part cause we need to do better with tending to our planet altogether! -I think I may have just sold the product to myself! 😄 🤣 😂

[@jonathondavis170]

Hey friend, So happy for your new purchase! I have to admit that when I picked up my new TM I could not stop glaring at the Sherco 2Ts as well! Haha Your bike looks and sounds great! And you have the talent and skills to match! ;) Every single time I go to the moto shop I find more bikes and gear that I want! -Wish I could have taken 1 bike from each brand sold back home with me! I would have ended up with a TM, Beta, Sherco, AJP, SWM, Rieju, and GPX Moto!!! How awesome would that be?? I hate being lower middle class sometimes!! Haha jk jk more money = more PROBLEMS also with more money, comes more solutions too! Haha Take care brother! Hopefully we'll send it together this year - send it right over a cliff! Ha Later broski!

[@MotoSquidGames]

What is the reservoir under the rear number plate for?

[@PNWEnduro]

Coolant overflow catch tank.

[@russelljohnson6829]

I have yz 125x thinking ab getting the lexnor or SC, elevation doesn't change alot in Indiana have JD jet kit dialed in pretty good, what do you guys think ?

[@russelljohnson6829]

Oh also have boysen rad valve system everything else is stock

[@PNWEnduro]

If you are happy with your current jetting and don't do big elevation changes I don't think a Lectron or Smartcarb will be worth the investment for you.

[@justinclackler8990]

Just ordered a sherco se300 factory, do you need the TPS smart carb for this bike?

[@PNWEnduro]

Not required on the Sherco.

[@Mountainjock4ever]

I have a new 2022 Sherco 300 SE with a 36 mm smart carb 2 install. I was wondering what premix 2t oil you are using and the mixture? I have about 6 hours in my new bike and I have the factory pipe on it. I have an issue with premix spooze coming out of my pipe during and after the ride. I'm currently using the Motul 800 2t premix as told by the dealer at 64-1. The smart carb is currently set at 72 clicks. Any help would be helpful. Thanks

[@PNWEnduro]

It sounds like your dealer doesn’t know what they are talking about. Manual says 50:1, smartcarb may tell you 60:1. I run around 50:1. Motul 800 has a high flashpoint so is fine for wide open desert riding but for slow technical trails you should try Motul 710. 72 clicks is probably way too rich, I’m at 92, I know others with the same bike as high as 120 clicks.

[@Mountainjock4ever]

Thanks@@PNWEnduro

[@robrozek9265]

How is this better than a electron carb

[@suzyamerica4679]

I almost went with SC, but they weren't sure which model & setup to use for my bike (antique KDX) whereas Lectron already had that dialed in. My sole remaining gripe with the Lectron is that it doesn't have any provision for draining the bowl easily. Does the SC have a screw or something so you can drain the bowl in the field without tools?

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes, easy to drain with screwdriver. Drain on the lower side of the bowl.

[@SmartCarbFuelSystems]

We're still working through the carb/frame contact fitment issue preventing us from equipping the KDXs. Hoping to have something available soon!

[@suzyamerica4679]

@@SmartCarbFuelSystems Thanks guys! It's a very tight fit because of the placement of that crossways frame member.

[@jeffb6350]

Nice vid, Greg. Just ordered a SC2 for my ‘18 250 xc. Did you need to modify your air box on that Sherco?

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes, I had to trim the top part of the lip on the air boot.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Man I hate carbs so much. But that Sherco looks so cool!

[@henryhawk978]

Are you running the stock frt/rr sprockets in this vid? My elevation here is 325' in S. Alabama so fuel mileage would be economical for me using the Smart Carb.

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes, gearing is stock.

[@robsonenduro3316]

For me kaihin carb works perfectly fine in sherco.

[@mikebarger3563]

What metering rod did you end up with?

[@PNWEnduro]

AQ-11.

[@viperracing2889]

Nice! Which smartcarb would you recommend for a 2021 Sherco 300 SE (in case there are different ones to choose from)?

[@PNWEnduro]

Most get the 36mm. If you do mostly more open higher speed riding consider the 38mm.

[@mrmauco]

What oil and ratio are you using for your premix ?

[@PNWEnduro]

Motorex 50:1.

[@JHNguyen89]

Is the SmartCarb truly set it and forget it vs TPI?

[@PNWEnduro]

Smartcarb is set it and forget it. Tpi needs no adjustments.

[@walkeryost7135]

Are you happy with your choice of changing from the ktm brands? Maybe need an updated comparison and opinion video

[@PNWEnduro]

So far I am happy with the Sherco. I will compare the back to back eventually.

[@wednesdar452]

Were you able to eliminate the sharp deflection off of high speed rocks/roots? My 2021 is brilliant suspension-wise in all other situations.

[@PNWEnduro]

Mine feels pretty good at the high speed hits so far.

[@wednesdar452]

@@PNWEnduro Thanks for replying. I thought you had mentioned deflection in the last video, so I thought you might have an idea how to minimize it without giving up all the things the suspension is doing so well.

[@PNWEnduro]

I'm currently running close to the middle of the clickers, 10 comp and 12 rebound. There was a bit of defection when I had it on the full soft settings.

[@wednesdar452]

@@PNWEnduro Perfect. Will give that a shot. Thank you very much!!

[@f18a]

Was that the Sherco's fan that I heard? Does the Sherco run hotter than other bikes?

[@jobbo01]

I have a 21 sherco with a temp gauge on my radiator cap and the fan comes in to keep the temp between 80 to 95 deg Celsius (around 180 to 200 deg f) or there abouts to keep it in a good operating temp range. So at least with mine it seems to just keep it in check. But mine is a 300 sef so 2 stroke might be different. Hope this helps

[@PNWEnduro]

Mine is not running hot I think the fan just comes on at a lower temperature than other fans. If you shut the bike off the fan stops right away.

[@hoptard]

Installed the RK Tek head on my Sherco 250 Factory 2020, runs cooler (as does on KTM 2t's), fan doesn't come on as much as with stock head and the bike has better pull and grunt. Thx for the review PNW!!!...definitely piqued my interest on this 36mm SC for both my Sherco and KTM.

[@1MarkBevans]

Makes sense Gregg, sweet!

[@skylineenduro]

Is most of your riding in BC?

[@kawajean900]

Hi buddy. Do you think the smart carb is better than a JD jetting kit?

[@PNWEnduro]

No comparison. JD kit will help you get your jetting sorted out for one condition, go up in elevation or have a big change in temperature and you still need to re-jet for the conditions. Smartcarb does all of that automatically.

[@kawajean900]

@@PNWEnduro thanks for quick answer bro!

[@Montana_Motorized]

Great trails! Still sounds a little rich to me though!

[@PNWEnduro]

Just a little, was still finding the sweet spot this ride. I think I have it set now.

[@gregjohnson8285]

Name another 2 stroke with that much low in power. Climbing that hill with out slipping the clutch is insane. Mine does not use much fuel, it can run for 5 hours or more on a tank. Elevation is low here.

[@LizardHunter777]

CR500 & KX500

[@sullivanseeley8550]

The beta 300rr race edition was

[@codyjoseph44]

I remember when you first got your last KTM you said the smart carb was nice, but doesn't compare to TPI. Has your opinion changed on that?

[@PNWEnduro]

I think what I said was "it's the closest thing you can get to FI". TPI bikes feel different than carb bikes in general, in some ways I really like and others not so much. I am planning to do a video comparing the differences in the future.

[@codyjoseph44]

@@PNWEnduro yeah I'm not saying you were hating on the Smart carb. I just remember you saying the throttle response and fuel mileage was better on TPI... I'm on a '21 300xc TPI, but I would go back to my carbed 2019 if I could.

[@tylerpreston95]

Any smart carb promo codes? :)

[@freebird7284]

that doesn't look remotely fun, i'm here for the carb!

[@rglce25]

Rip on that sucker, it's hard to tell putting around. Let that 300 sing. Is it crisp up top?

[@carlosribeiro753]

formidable 😜

[@ianmangham4570]

Perfect,a tiny bit rich but she'll last twice as long before new rings 😄

[@Dropsix]

How do you feel about the weak idle without the dedicated pilot jet?

[@PNWEnduro]

I don't feel it has a weak idle at all. I put a lot of hours on the last SC2 on my KTM and never once thought about the idle.

[@hoptard]

personally, I think the SC2's probably run/idle better "immediately" on bikes with stock heads.....during burn in, I have an idle issue with my SC2 36mm on my 250xcw (2017 with RK Tek head w/compression at 185psi, running 95octane with motorex 60:1 premix). Never had idle issues before with my Keihin or Lectron 38mm's on same bike. TE sent me the richer metering rod with my order, but I think it's too rich on the bottom and not fat enough in the middle (metering rod shape design possibly?), resulting in horrid 3rd gear lean bogs. TE's been helping with this issue and hopefully things will get sorted but I'm becoming pretty disgruntled.

[@Dropsix]

@@hoptard I’d agree with this too. The SC2 didn’t run great with the head, it needed to be richer in the mid but since you can’t adjust individual circuits you’re kind of at the mercy of the metering rod. I also tried a richer rod and it wasn’t good. It worked best with the stock head. I’m running the rktek head and using the keihin now and I’m very happy with the power the delivery and the motor is very happy too. I expect everything will look better when it comes time to do the top end. That being said, maybe the Lectron is better if you have a head since it offers more adjustability. In any case I’m sticking with keihin now.

[@hoptard]

@@Dropsix yep....the thing is and the odd part...I'm able to get the bike to rip and lug like a raging screaming hyena with 3rd gear pull/torque, however, it's at the effort of tuning the idle/air screw beyond the Tech Elevated recommended idle setting (the VForce reeds in mine are in great shape, so no issue there). The initial adjustment (after 2 rides) I made worked very well even though TE wasn't favorable regarding the idle adjust setting I ended up with. The bottom line is, not 1 bike out there is the exact same as the next. The next step would be to have TE send the next leaner metering rod (hopefully carrying an idle at their recommend setting) and then I'll tune the metering rod "richer". The big question is....are we now tuning metering rods to chase an idle/air screw setting,,,,OR,,,,is the idle/air screw supposed to accommodate a strong metering rod tune/setting? It's a balance...and the latter would seem the smartest to me....if a carb company "thinks" (and it's really all an initial guess anyway) their carb idle setting for a bike they've never sat on and tested is the "must be setting", I probably won't be subscribing to that theory or company for very long. TE has an opportunity to help figure this out.....so far, they've been great, very helpful and engaging, so I'm hopeful for positive results.

[@Dropsix]

@@hoptard I think you answered the question in your previous post. In any case who cares about their settings when you’ve modified the bike right? They’re basing on a stock motor so what else can you do but find your own way

[@ianmangham4570]

Even got a starter motor

[@justinsavs]

I have a hard time believing things like xxx% less emissions or better efficiency etc. If it's running right, then it's more efficient than it was before when it wasn't.

[@PNWEnduro]

I can't test the emissions obviously but on my 2017 I could get a lot more miles per tank over the stock carb so I can vouch for the fuel efficiency.

[@justinsavs]

@@PNWEnduro For sure yeah. I'm just saying sometimes it's hard to see wild claims like that and believe them. I believe that you probably do get more mpg, since it's jetted in such a way that it runs crisp all the way up the Revis, and then doesn't dump fuel when you lay it down.

[@SmartCarbFuelSystems]

No doubt the claims are a bit hard to believe at first. They are bold, but the SmartCarb does live up to them as validated internally, experienced by our customers, tested 3rd party in labs and by factory race teams, etc. The key to all of it is the fine fuel atomization. The fuel burns more completely and efficiently and so we can get away with using less. Less fuel burned means greater fuel economy and also reduced emissions. The SmartCarb has already been EPA certified for on-road emissions, twice, and we did it without catalytic converters. Of course emissions reductions isn't normally high on the list for bike owners but they are a priority at the OEM level, especially as emissions requirements keep tightening down on the manufacturers.

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

I ride 20-30 Mike's out in the woods , I don't want pumps, computers, sensors and Fuses on my bike.

[@kenbishop2455]

It sounds much better. Your first ride was a blubbering one.