Small Changes, Big Difference
Over the weekend our friends at 413 racing in Natal gave us a call and asked if we’d like to ride the new Sherco 300 SE 2027. Ummm yes?
They had business GP side and dropped the bike off with us for a day so we could get a ride and what we found was quite surprising.
Our two resident test riders Tristan and Kyle have ridden every brand of 300 that has come into South Africa.
As Sherco goes, Kyle rode the 2025 Sherco 300 last year and Tristan rode the 2026 model earlier this year.
Although the differences between this year’s model and last years are small, the jump from the 2025 model was definitely noticeable.
Key Differences
Right off the bat the first difference is the graphics kit, the 2027 model features a darker graphics kit, this has been done to make the bike look more dynamic and modern, traditional Sherco fans may not like the change.
They’ve fitted a less aggressive seat. The material used in the seat cover for the 27 model is less grippy than the 26 model’s and – well it feels better. The smoother material might just be a welcome change when riding heavy enduro over multiple days. Chafing can really ruin your mojo!
On the more technical side of things Sherco’s introduced some changes to the gearbox. This change is spring-mounted shift fork shafts designed to improve shift feel and smoothness under load. This difference was noticed particularly in the faster sections and through tight twisties where gears shifting up and down is constant.
The gear shifts feel lighter and more predictable, making the ride feel better.
A small thing that’s big for a rider – this bike’s clutch actuation and lever felt a lot better than the last bike we rode.
What Sherco stuck with:
The Sherco is carbureted which some people argue is old fashioned and limits the bikes performance. Carbs have worked perfectly for decades. They are easy to service and maintain – so why change what works?
It does mean that you need to premix fuel, Sherco recommends a 50:1 ratio.
Sherco has also kept the rider map switch system on the 2027 model which like previous years makes a huge difference in the bikes personality and performance. The mapping can be simply changed with a flick of your thumb on the handlebar and can also be changed on the fly. The switch offers two modes “hard” and “soft” modes and the soft mode reduces the power of the bike by 7 horsepower.
We kept it on the softer mode while bashing around the rocks. It makes the bike more predictable and linear, however as soon as we were off the rocks, flick the switch and hang tight! Flicking the switch also helps with leaping up the rock faces.
Easy access air filter cover.
Adjustable KYB Suspension.
They’ve kept that lekker easy access air filter cover and the KYB suspension.
This factory model features the KYB 48mm closed-cartridge spring forks in the front and a KYB 50mm rear shock absorber in the back which is an upgrade on the standard bikes. The boys found the suspension to be perfect in the rocks, no smashing of bashplates and plenty of spring to pivot or wheelie.
On the faster stuff the bike feels planted and secure the whole time, once again showing the suspension can cater to all types of riding even without customization. But…
The fact that these units are so multi adjustable is cool for competition.
General Comments
From the factory the bike comes stock with a few added extras that are appreciated.
The 300 comes with handguards, a belly plate and a frame guard which are all crucial for enduro riding. What’s more the bike features In mould plastics, that air filter box with side entry access and CNC machined triple clamps. Excel Rims, Michelin Enduro tyres, a KYB 50mm rear shock, Brembo hydraulic brake and clutch systems, Galfer brake discs, BS Lithium battery. The fan and boil bottle arrive as standard. LED headlight, Lock-on grip, a Selle Dalla Valla seat with optional higher or lower seat available and a tasty SPES exhaust, which A. looks cool and B. sounds even cooler.
These added features help distinguish the brand from others and add a lot of value to the bike.
413 Racing have fitted some tougher aftermarket goodies to this one.
Kyles Comments
When Tristan finished hogging the bike, I eventually got to hop on near our little track. The track nothing too special, just a few jumps and climbs… and hurling the through, I immediately knew that this bike was something special.
The first thing I noticed was just how light and small the chassis feels. Hitting jumps and corners is a breeze.
I experimented with the mapping modes.
1 is really aggressive, and 2 is a lot more controllable with smooth power. I won’t say which one is better (aggressive), but I think both have their uses.
Up on the koppie in the loose rocks, I found map 2 quite useful as the rear tyre spins far less and really finds that traction. When I was about to head up something a bit more tricky or steep, I’d flip the switch over just for that extra grunt, and open it up.
Hard rocks are what this bike is built for, and I have no .
Power is great, suspension is supple and she rails like an MX machine in the fast stuff.
What else can I say other than – in terms of suspension and handling, I really felt the improvements over the last ‘25 model that I rode Click Here. I also don’t remember such a noticeable difference in the mapping on the previous model.
It goes to show how small changes every year add up to big dividends over the years.
The new model is a serious piece of kit.
Tristan says:
Sherco has become one of my favourite brands over the years and the latest model has only reinforced my opinion.
This new 300 is nothing short of a joy to ride, whether you are gassing it down the tight twisties or you’re hoisting it over rocks, the bike does it all so well. Compared to the last model that I rode in Utrecht Click Here, Shercos deffinitely made some improvements. Gear transitions felt far somoother both at speed and when in the rocks. The cluth actuation is better on this one and the high-end KYB suspension is always a winner. I felt super planted the whole time on the fast stuff and didn’t bottom out once when jumping. I also didn’t hit the bash plate at all.
From a pure riding feel, the 300 is pretty aggresive even afer you switch to the lower power mode. It’s not a fault, it makes the bike exciting to ride…
At A Glance: Small, Light, fast and tractable.
What’s new on the 2027 Sherco 300 SE?
The 2027 model gets updated graphics, a less aggressive seat cover, changes to the gearbox shift-fork shaft arrangement and improved clutch and lever feel. The changes may look small on paper, but the riders noticed a worthwhile difference on the trail.
Is the 2027 Sherco 300 SE carbureted?
Yes. Sherco has stuck with a carburettor on the 300 SE. It keeps the system relatively simple and easy to service. Fuel needs to be premixed at Sherco’s recommended 50:1 ratio.
Does the Factory edition have upgraded suspension?
Yes. The factory model tested features KYB 48mm closed-cartridge spring forks and a KYB 50mm rear shock. The suspension worked particularly well in rocky technical sections while remaining planted and secure when things get faster.
What are the two engine mapping modes?
The handlebar-mounted switch gives the rider two maps: Hard and Soft. Soft mode delivers a more manageable and linear power delivery, making it useful in loose rocks and technical terrain. Flick it back to Hard and the bike gets considerably more aggressive.
Is the 2027 Sherco 300 SE a good all-round enduro bike?
From our ride, absolutely. It feels light and compact, works brilliantly in technical terrain and remains composed at higher speeds. Add the KYB suspension, Brembo brakes, Michelin Enduro tyres, protection equipment and other factory extras, and you have a seriously well-equipped enduro bike.
Small changes, big difference. That pretty much sums up the 2027 Sherco 300 SE Factory. It may not look radically different from last year’s bike, but spend a day riding it and those little changes start to add up. It’s light, capable, seriously well suspended and an absolute blast when you point it at the rough stuff. If this is where Sherco is heading, we’re keen to see what they do next.
Get in touch with your Sherco Dealer.
