TM need to be applauded for their own TM branded rear shock as it works just as good as any other big named shock on the market. This is our test on the 2024 TM Enduro Range.
The most noticeable changes for the 2024 TM Enduro Range are the new colour plastics with the grey coloured rear guard and new graphics, new non-slip seat covers, Circuit carbon look hand guards and soft Circuit grips. All models received updated suspension settings and ECU mapping for better performance as well as new frame forging for added strength. The four-stroke models all received new electric start gear systems and a new subframe with a silent block in the exhaust fastening. All the four-stroke models get new exhaust systems to reduce noise decibels.
The two-stroke models all get new improved two-stroke cylinder designs, updated exhaust valve settings and new TPPS cylinder sensor as well as improved crankshaft bearing lubrication on the 250 and 300.
TM EN 450 Fi
The EN450Fi is much like the Yamaha’s in the way that it has the airbox located at the front of the motorcycle and the fuel tank under the seat with the filler cap in the right hand side number plate. The TM’s frame is handmade of aluminium and is fitted with the highly regarded KYB closed chamber fork that we have seen fitted as standard equipment on the Yamaha’s since 2005.
The power of the 450 is very impressive. It has a very big bark with a super torquey engine. The power comes on hard off the bottom and continues to pull right up until you need to shut off for the next corner. It’s hard to tell if the 450 even has a rev ceiling because it would take a very fast track with some lengthy straightaways to even be able to top it out.
I would go as far as saying the TM 450 would have to be one of the fastest production enduro engines I have ridden. It has far more power than anyone will need in the bush but it’s always nice to have too much instead of not enough.
The chassis handles well but the power and size of the bike does make it feel like a big bike. In saying that, it is a perfectly capable big bike and one that is very stable while still being nimble enough to get around tight trees and corners. The suspension package works very well. TM need to be applauded for their own TM branded rear shock as it works just as good as any other big named shock on the market which was something I was absolutely not expecting.
TM EN 300 Fi / TM EN 250 Fi
The 300 Fi and 250 Fi almost look identical from the outside. It’s not until you get up close and read the sticker on the guard that you can tell which one is which. Both of these bikes are also fitted with the hand welded aluminium frames as well as the KYB front fork and TM rear shock. They both also have the fuel tank fitted under the seat and the airbox at the front of the motorcycle.
The big difference for these two models is the twin exhaust systems. The twin pipes definitely grab your attention when looking at the bikes. The twin pipe motor has two separate ports leading to two independent exhaust systems that sound more like a big bore rather than a small bore four-stroke. The two exhaust systems can look bulky but absolutely serve a purpose when you ride the bikes.
The 300 has stronger power than the 250 but it’s not a drastic difference as both bikes produce loads of torque for small bores and ride much more like a 450 than a bottom end lacking 250 four-stroke.
Both bikes ride very much the same, they are little bikes to ride and are much more nimble than the bigger 450 machine. Again the suspension action was impressive even when slamming into logs at speed or slamming into braking bumps.
TM EN 300 /TM EN 250
The TM 300 and 250 two-strokes are impressive engines with loads of power that hits hard enough to make you grip and hang on for your life. TM built their brand up making two-stroke machines and still to this day have a very big market in karting engines. They certainly know what to do when it comes to engines.
The power of both of these machines is very abrupt and aggressive. The 300 power surge is harsher than the 250 but that by no means suggests that the 250 is slow. They both have a power band that kicks in and requires you to grip the bike with everything you’ve got. Throttle control is key on these machines because if you haven’t got it you’re going to be in for one hell of a ride. The power valves are electronic and if I had the chance I would have liked to adjust it to open earlier to make the bike less aggressive and easier to manage.
The two-stroke TM’s are different to the four-strokes as the two-strokes have the fuel tank and airbox in the traditional positions not reversed like the four-strokes. They are both still fitted with the KYB fork and TM shock paired with a hand welded aluminium frame which has to be commended because the bikes feel very balanced and nimble. The clutches are all light with nice action and the brakes work just like we all know Brembo’s should.
TM EN 144 / TM EN 125
Small bore two-strokes were TM’s core identity for a very long time and very much still are. The MX144 and MX125 have different bore and stroke configurations but are otherwise identical. The power valve is electronic, but starting is accomplished through an old school kick starter unlike the electric start 250 and 300. The frame is the hand welded aluminium frame with KYB fork and a TM built rear shock.
The six speed gear box pairs with a hydraulic multi disc clutch and goes together with engines that produce loads of power. Typically these are the types of bikes you spend the entire time smashing through the gearboxes to keep them moving but to my surprise TM have done a great job getting some torque out of the small two-stroke motors.
Handling wise a small bore two-stroke is a little different. You don’t have the weight of the bike or the inertia in the engine dictating how you can turn the motorcycle. These things are fun because you can just put them anywhere you want them whenever you like. You also get to scream the guts out of them and make them sound like you are really flying.
WHAT WOULD I TAKE?
This one is a hard decision for me because my favourite bike isn’t actually the bike I would buy. The bike I had the most fun riding is the EN 300 Fi. It had plenty of power for trail riding, the suspension worked well and it was easier to manage and easier to handle than the EN 450 Fi.
The cockpit was comfortable and the controls were easy to reach and easy to use. The brakes were strong, the clutch had a nice smooth and precise feel to it and it was less fatiguing to ride and was just an all-round excellent trail bike that I rate quite highly.
My problem is I would only buy one if an EN 450 Fi was not available. Even though I found the 450 to be a heavier bike to ride and more fatiguing to manage with a heavier clutch I would still always lean towards the 450 if I was spending my own money. I feel like a 450 guy, maybe it’s an ego thing that I don’t want to acknowledge but even though I very much enjoyed the 300 Fi I feel like my place is on a 450.
For the full feature, check out issue #531 of ADB.
WORDS MAT BOYD || PHOTOS MITCH LEES