Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/318411
32 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com fice in low-end torque, making it the racer's choice and a fast venue specialist. The Sherco and GasGas have more closely spaced trans- missions than the KTM XC-W, but both still feel slightly wider than the KTM XC. Agility The Sherco has a bit of an edge here over the KTM XC-W. The Sherco feels so light and turns so quickly that it is almost effortless to maneuver, like a 250. We still haven't re- ceived an answer about the triple clamp offset on the Sherco, but it turns so quickly (without feeling twitchy) that it could easily be 20mm. Coupled with its smooth motor, this makes the Sherco easy to ride: it corners well, turns on a dime and isn't tiring to control. The XC-W is another quick turner, with its 20mm triple clamp offset and PDS shock system that rides high in the stroke. It is comparable to the XC and if you were to re- place the 22mm triple clamps on the XC with 20mm's, the XC would be right there with the W. In the back of the pack is the GasGas. Now, the GasGas has historically been pretty agile but the model we rode included the e-start, which adds significant weight to the bike - the left side. This is the only time the GasGas has felt a little cumbersome. The GasGas truly feels like a dif- ferent (read: better) motorcycle without the e-start. Cornering As we alluded to earlier, the Sherco is outstanding in the corners. It changes direction quickly and tracks cleanly through the corners. The truth is, all of the bikes corner well when properly balanced. I will, however, opt for The KTM XC 300 has the most aggressive and versale motor in the bunch. The GasGas 300 is graced with fine suspension and is stable over rough terrain. It also has an excellent motor that lugs down low. The Sherco is super-agile with a torquey motor. The SE- R 300 excels in the nasty condions and is plenty quick.