It’s been a big month in my shed, probably one of the busier ones I’ve had in a while. Somehow I’ve ended up with two bikes on test at the same time: the 2026 Yamaha YZ450F and the Sherco 300 SEF Factory. Not a bad problem to have, really, but it’s definitely kept me honest when it comes to finding time to ride.
The funny thing is, they’ve both slotted into my life perfectly, just doing very different jobs. The Yamaha’s been my go-to for motocross training, gate drops, motos, fitness, and reminding myself how demanding a modern 450 really is. The Sherco, on the other hand, has been all about trail riding, endurance, and just ticking off hours without feeling like I’ve been in a fight afterwards.
I’ve had the Sherco for about a month now, and it’s been a great bike to live with so far. Being a 300cc four-stroke, it really sits in that sweet mid-capacity zone. It’s not as aggressive as a full-blown 450, but it’s got more presence than the smaller bikes, and that balance has made it really enjoyable in the bush.
So far, most of the riding has been trail-based, along with a few smaller test loops we use regularly. Nothing fancy, just real riding. The bike’s now got about four hours on it, and you can feel everything starting to loosen up nicely. The suspension and frame are definitely settling in, which is exactly what you want to feel at this point. Shercos, like a lot of bikes, seem to need that three-to-four-hour window before everything starts working together properly, and it’s right on cue.
One thing that’s stood out straight away is how little I’ve had to touch it. I haven’t changed anything yet. No clickers, no parts, nothing. It’s just been ride, clean, repeat. Maintenance-wise, it’s been the usual air filter routine, which has been made even easier thanks to the side-access airbox. It’s genuinely one of those small things that makes a big difference when you’re riding a lot. I’ll be doing an oil change this week just to freshen it up, but that’s standard practice more than necessity.
Looking ahead, there are a couple of changes I’ll probably make, but only because I plan to race it. Tyres will be first on the list. The stock ones are fine, but I’ve got my preferences when it comes to racing. I’ll also likely stiffen the fork slightly once I start lining up for events. My plan is to race all the AEC rounds this year, cover them for the mag, and also just do it for my own enjoyment in the Vet class. For trail riding though, the current setup has been spot on.
The motor is probably the highlight for me. I really enjoy it. It’s got a solid bottom end, not quite the grunt of a 350, but definitely more than enough, and the mid and top-end pull is really usable. It’s a smooth, enjoyable engine that doesn’t wear you out, and that’s exactly what I want for long days in the bush or multi-hour rides.
The suspension has also impressed me out of the box. For trail riding, it’s been excellent. Composed, predictable, and forgiving when things get a bit messy. If I was racing seriously, I’d firm it up a touch, but as a stock setup, it’s hard to fault.
There are also some nice practical touches. The grips are good straight out of the crate, it comes with handguards as standard, and the steel chassis works really well in the bush. It tracks nicely, feels planted on off-cambers, and doesn’t get deflected easily when the terrain turns ugly.
All up, having both the YZ450F and the Sherco 300 SEF Factory in the same month has really highlighted how different bikes suit different jobs. The Yamaha keeps me sharp and fit on the track. The Sherco lets me rack up hours, enjoy trail riding, and think about endurance and racing ahead. It’s been a huge month, but a bloody good one. Jeff Briggs
2026 Sherco 300 SEF Factory
RRP
$17,999 + ORC
WARRANTY
6 months parts only
DISTRIBUTOR
Mojo Motorcycles
INTERNET
sherco.com.au
SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS
4
MODS THIS MONTH
None
MODS next MONTH
None
