Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/280528
34 Trail Rider A s you will likely read in the 300-SE-R 2 stroke arti- cle above, the Sherco 300i wowed us in a big way last year. Despite its first year in production, the 2013 Sherco achieved something no one else had; they made a 4-stroke big bore as light and agile as most 2-strokes - while maintaining that coveted 4 stroke stability. It was pretty darn impressive! If there was any area of concern that kept people from running out and buying one of these bikes, it was likely due to the unfamiliar 300cc four stroke motor. While the motor proved to be reliable, it was best described as a punched out 250f. Sherco must have paid attention to the feedback they received because this year's motor is markedly improved. Whereas last year's power felt most comparable to a torquey, punched out 280, this year it feels closer to a 350. The Sherco 300 4-stroke motor loves to be revved, but it can also chug down low in ways other 4-strokes cannot. We rode the Sherco through the twisty, leaf-covered hillsides of Ten- nessee on day one of a two day test and came away im- pressed with how easy it was to sling through the trees. Once we knocked the leaves off the trail, I could alternate from wringing it out to carrying an extra gear or two without issue. When I wanted to close in on race pace, the Sherco would not complain. And when I wanted to stand up and trail ride, it was equally happy. A 200 pound AA-rider friend recently picked up the 2014 Sherco 300i and had no issues or com- plaints about the 300cc motor in the faster, sandy venues of Colorado. That's says something about the improved motor. SHERCO 300i 2014 Story and Photos by Kevin Novello