There’s something exotic about the Fantic XE 300 – a bike that feels half-factory special, half secret project, all wrapped in Italian flair. In Europe, Fantic is a rising star in enduro racing, and their XE line now features on EnduroGP rosters and elite hard enduro circuits. Yet here in Australia, seeing one on the trails still turns heads – largely because the brand’s local presence remains niche and the distributor is small, meaning Fantic has never quite broken into the mainstream.
Despite its limited footprint Down Under, the XE 300 carries serious credentials. Its 293cc (or 292.9cc) two-stroke heart is fuel- and oil-injected, compliant with Euro5 regulations, paired with electric start, a hydraulic clutch, and advanced electronics including multiple engine maps and traction control. It’s not a glorified toy – it’s a purpose-built machine aimed at riders who demand performance, finesse, and uniqueness.
In Europe, the XE 300 is already making noise in the Enduro World Championship paddocks, entering a space most would argue belongs to the “big four.” That makes its appearance in Australian dirtbike circles all the more intriguing – will it remain a boutique curiosity, or could it become a sleeper hit among serious enduro and adventure riders here?
Does it cut it?
Fantic’s XE 300 arrived at our test carrying more questions than any bike we’ve tested. We took it along to an organised trailride and boy did it turn some heads. It’s probably the most unknown but also most eagerly anticipated bike we’ve tested. Fresh into the Australian market (albeit through a small-scale distributor), the XE 300 draws scrutiny simply by showing up on an organised trailride. In Europe, Fantic has pushed this model into EnduroGP programs; here, its presence is still that of a boutique import. Will it ever become a mainstream option in Oz? Probably not, given the limited dealer network and low volume. But that makes every ride on one feel a little special.
What makes the XE 300 exotic is how it swings off Yamaha heritage while staking its own claim. Fantic long ago cast a deal with Yamaha to use YZ-derived platforms, and the XE 300 leans into that DNA – but only in certain areas. The frame, suspension and brakes carry the YZ lineage; nearly everything else – from the engine, plastics, exhaust, electronics, to airbox – is Fantic’s own work. In effect, you’re riding a hybrid: part Yamaha, part full Italian design.
Power comes from a Motori Minarelli engine: a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke with reed-valve intake and an electronically controlled exhaust valve (ECV). Displacement is 292.9cc (bore and stroke: 72.0 × 72.0 mm). Fueling is handled via indirect EFI with dual injectors. There’s electric start, and a hydraulic clutch controlled via an STM actuator tied to a Brembo master cylinder. Gearbox? It’s a 5-speed, not 6, because the crankcases are based on the YZ250 architecture. That might be a drawback for some.
Weight is claimed at 107 kg (wet with fluids), seat height is 970 mm, and the frame geometry shows a wheelbase of 1485 mm, rake of 27.7°, and trail of 122 mm. Brakes are 270 mm front and 240 mm rear, suspension is via KYB: 48 mm fork with 300 mm travel and a rear shock offering 315 mm.
On our organised trail ride, the XE 300 feels surprisingly familiar. That aluminium semi double-cradle frame and progressive-link swingarm give it planted, predictable manners – not overly aggressive, not vague. In open, flowing sections it feels confident and composed. But the engine’s bottom-end proved a bit of a double-edged sword: off-idle grunt is modest. You’ll need to ride it – clutch it, body-shift, coax it forward until it gets going. It doesn’t hesitate once rolling into the mid-range or top-end, where it really wakes up, and the twin injector system delivers sharp throttle response when you’re keeping revs high.
Switching maps via the dual-mode bar switch helped mask some of the bottom-end lull. The “hard” map sharpened response and gave the bike a livelier feel; I found myself leaving it there more on the “soft” map, which offered more control but felt a touch reserved. The suspension impressed: the fork and shock attacked the terrain without getting overwhelmed. The setup is firm – better suited when you carry momentum – but it absorbs rock edges, drops, and rough singletrack better than many would expect for a first-run model.
That said, the XE 300 isn’t flawless. It vibrates more than any other 300cc two-stroke we’ve tested (likely because it lacks a counter-balancer). Over rough terrain, it becomes noticeable, particularly through the grips and pegs. And in tighter, technical terrain where you crawl, power off the throttle is down, the lack of low-end throttle punch and the 5-speed limitation make you feel its design constraints. The brakes are solid and reliable, but in ultra-slow sections you miss the extra spread pf gears a sixth gear might offer.
We want more
For all its quirks, the Fantic XE 300 is an exciting machine – a proper injection of Italian flair into a segment that’s mostly dominated by the usual suspects. It’s proof that there’s still room for creativity in the 300 two-stroke game, and that the Italians aren’t afraid to blend Yamaha DNA with their own engineering philosophy to make something genuinely different. It looks the part, feels sharp on the trail, and shows that Fantic’s EnduroGP ambitions aren’t just marketing noise.
But, we’re not sure Australia’s dirt bike market is big enough to support every new player that wants a seat at the table. Between the established European heavyweights in the 300cc two-stroke space there’s only so much room left in the shed. With a small distributor network and limited dealer support, the XE 300 may remain a unicorn here – admired from afar, rarely seen in the wild.
It’s a bit of a shame, really. The bike has the pedigree and performance to shake things up, but geography and population make it tough for niche brands to gain traction. Maybe we’re just a little unlucky – stuck watching Europe enjoy the full spread of enduro exotica while we get the occasional taste. Still, the fact that a bike like the Fantic XE 300 even made it to our shores is something worth celebrating.
