Utrecht.
Not a massive town or centre in SA, but that’s where you’ll find one of the most enthusiastic dealers around in the form of Derrick Solms and his 413 Racing Setup. We’ve featured his shop before, and you can see what it’s like right here.
These guys invited us out to the shop to have a ride on their personal Sherco SE 300. It’s a long way to go and ride a motorcycle, but it was so worthwhile. Just the drive there and back via Memel and Newcastle is glorious! Mountain passes, winding roads with a buddy or two in tow.
And we got to ride somewhere new, which is also seriously cool.
By now, you know Sherco. It’s a bike that has enjoyed much international Hard-enduro success with the likes of Mario Roman and our own Wade Young putting the bike on podiums all over. This French company really has taken the fight to the traditional Big Dogs with massive success.
For a lot of people, the 300cc two-stroke is the preferred weapon for hardcore off-road riders and weekend trail riders alike, thanks to the versatility of a 300 2-Stroke engine. It’s no surprise that the SE 300 two-stroke is the top-selling motorcycle in this French manufacturer’s lineup.
Major changes were made on the ‘25 model. For ‘26 it’s all quite subtle.
Changes on the 2026 Sherco 2-stroke Enduro models focused primarily on cosmetic updates and refined detailing while maintaining their established mechanical platform.
The bikes feature a Keihin carburetor fitted to a six speed 293cc engine and an electronic power valve. Minor detail changes include a lighter power-valve mechanism and an updated rear braking system for improved, lighter-weight stopping performance. A new seal at the bottom of the steering stem has also been added to reduce friction and improve protection against mud.
So, aside from the graphics, you won’t really see any difference between the 25 and the 26.
These models continue to use top-drawer KYB suspension, Brembo brakes, and hydraulic clutches.
As expected, the guys from 413 Racing fitted some cool protective gear from Omega, 69 designs, and PSP.
If you are going to tackle the rocks, it’s always a good idea.
Derrick also fitted those blue sprockets with standard gearing just for the bling effect.
This bike was shod in Michelin enduro mediums, not gummies, with a Nitro mousse.
But what’s it like to own and ride as a social rider who likes tech?
That’s what we went to find out.
Our tester is an experienced rider, who grew up on a 125 2-stroke and who has ridden just about every two-stroke that has made its way through our gates.
He spends most of his life on a Four-Stroke 250. This was his first time on a Sherco.
In the interest of absolute honesty, it took him a bit of time to get used to the Two-Stroke again. The power delivery is different to that of a four-stroke – you don’t need to be as aggressive – just adjust your riding style.
You also need to set any bike up to your liking. He went out, did a loop, came back to set the clutch. That’s all.
Climbing aboard, the bike feels narrow and light, not overly tall with a very firm seat. Pulling in the clutch and engaging first gear is all butter smooth.
Fun Fact:
The Sherco 300 features a handlebar-mounted ignition map switch that allows for on-the-fly toggling between two distinct power modes: Hard and Soft.
He forgot about that to start with and attempted to go rock hopping in Hard mode. The cooling fan quietly kicked on and off, and the bike showed no sign of overheating in the 30-degree-plus sunshine.
Our rider, however, did.
We found him perched on a rock at the very top sweating and mumbling away to himself. We politely pointed out the “Soft” switch and told him to do it all again…
His words:
Night and day! Suddenly the bike stops spinning all over the show, the power is toned right down and the Sherco turns into a (fast) tractor. It makes life so easy on the climbs! Ground clearance is excellent, I didn’t smack her anywhere and the suspension is really plush and stable.”
We could see that.
He is absolutely correct. Watching him tackle the tech in soft mode was like watching a different rider.
“The bike becomes a torque monster. It offers incredible, usable power for tight, technical terrain”.
You know what youngsters are all about – and the moment we hit the “lowlands” again, the bike was switched back into fast mode and ridden like a motocrosser.
“All you want to do is roost this bike through the corners. It becomes a whole different machine, so alive! It feels well-tuned, crisp, responsive, and predictable.”
“Again – I could not fault the handling – maybe this bike is quicker than I am, but it has such a grounded, plush but firm feel to it. It’s really easy to ride in any terrain. Light, agile, it’s easy to throw around.”
“If you want to go fast – use the mapping switch. If you want to climb mountains… again – use the mapping switch, a bike you can tailor to every ride and every terrain, on the fly.”
We quit while we were ahead and reluctantly reloaded the bike for the trip back to the shop. Our test rider is strongly hinting that “Perhaps we should look at getting a 300 into our fleet of bikes…”
He does like it. A lot.
Verdict:
These days there is no such thing as a bad bike from a mainline manufacturer.
The Sherco is one of those brands that is just a little bit unique.
Just looking at the quality components that are used as standard makes any off-road lover sit up and pay attention.
If you want to go fast, she does it in absolute style. They have made slower creeping easy. The trophies in showroom cases locally and around the world have proved that the bikes are dependable.
We know the Sherco importer. We’ve seen the volume of parts that they carry in stock. They also have passionate dealers like the 413 Racing outfit to look after your pride and joy.
More 413 racing News: They are expanding!
The original multifranchise store is in Uitrecht.
The second store in Newcastle is about to expand and plans for a new dealership in Hillcrest are well underway.
