Sherco SE 3.0i-F

French motorcycle company Sherco has grown its enduro range in Australia, with the addition of the new SE 3.0i-F model.

Taking the company's tried-and-tested single cylinder 250cc fuel-injected four-stroke DOHC engine, Sherco then bored out the cylinder, increasing displacement to 290cc.

This makes the French enduro bike unique, as no other manufacturer has a 300cc four-stroke model in its line-up.

Sherco says the new model "will place it in the very competitive 300cc racing class which has hitherto been reserved for two-stroke engines," adding that this move will "revolutionise the class with the inclusion of the competition proven electronic fuel injected four-stroke engine."

Fighting words indeed, but it doesn't end there. Sherco is confident it has "the lightest and most compact bike in its class" -- one that can successfully challenge the predominant models in the 250cc two-stroke class while meeting Euro 3 emission standards. Mean and green, you could say.

The new model can only compete in the E2 enduro class with 250cc two-strokers and larger 450cc four-stroke bikes and, like all 2010 enduro models from Sherco, it benefits from several changes to the chassis to improve handling and feel.

Up front are Ceriani telescopic forks, adjustable for rebound and compression with 295mm of travel, while a "multi-adjustable" Sachs shock lives at the rear delivering 320mm of travel.

The engine is slung inside a chrome-molybdenum and aluminium double cradle design and brakes are AJP jobbies with discs measuring 270mm fore, and 240mm aft. Seat height is 900mm and the bike weights 102kg and rides on aluminium rims (21-inch front, 18-inch rear) shod with Michelin Enduro Competition tyres.

Built at Sherco's factory in Nimes, in the south of France, the new SE 3.0i-F will be available in Australia via Motocentral, priced at $12,790 (not including government and dealer charges).

Check out the Motocentral website or call them on (02) 6248 0229.

SE 3.0i-F technical specifcations

- Engine: 4 stroke DOHC, 4 valve Sherco proprietary technology
- Engine Size: 290.05 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 84 x 52,25 mm
- Fuel System: Electronic intake pipe
- Injection/digital engine management: Magnetti Marelli
- Cooling system: Closed water circuit with constant water circulation
- Starting: Electric started system 
- Battery: 12 V / 7Ah
- Exhaust: Stainless steel header pipe and muffler with catalytic converter meets Euro 3 standards.
- Transmission: 6 speed sequential gearbox. Gears in primary drive secondary drive with chain
- Clutch: Hydraulic, multidisc in oil bath
- Alternator: Ducati Energia alternator 150 W
- Chassis: Simple Chrome-Molybdenum and aluminium double cradle design
- Fuel Tank: 7.5 Litre nylon fuel tank
- Brakes: Hydraulically activated AJP Ø270 mm front and Ø240 mm rear
- Front Suspension: Ceriani telescopic fork, Ø46 mm tubes rebound and compression adjustable, 295 mm of travel
- Rear Suspension: Sachs progressive, multiadjustable rear shock utilizing a linkage and rod system, 320 mm of travel
- Front Wheel: Excel 1.60 x 21" aluminum rim, steel spokes and Michelin Enduro Competition tube type
- Rear Wheel: Excel 2.15 x 18" aluminum rim, steel spokes and Michelin Enduro Competition tube type
- Weight: 102 kg (225 lbs.)
- Wheelbase: 1.485 mm (58.5 in)
- Ground Clearance: 385 mm (13.8 in)
- Seat Height: 900 mm (35.4 in)