TM EN300

Over the years we've had a love-hate relationship with TM's enduro offerings. At first we loved them – for about 30 minutes before arm-pump set in. Then we hated them. Then, in 2006, they got everything right and we just loved them again, full stop.

Now TM's made quite a radical departure from its previous design by introducing a new alloy perimeter frame to replace the Cr-Mo cradle frame. So is the latest EN300 a quantum leap forward? Read on.

FORMULA ONE
Like 'em or hate 'em, alloy frames look good. Done properly, they are drop-dead-gorgeous pieces of artwork. For this reason most people like them. Mind you, there are arguments from many in the engineering world that good old Cr-Mo is a much better material, but that's talk for another article. The frame on the TM is certainly very attractive. We wouldn't go as far as to rate it as a Charlize Theron, but it's a solid Angelina Jolie – attractive and oozing plenty of sex appeal.

The thing that stops it being drop-dead sexy is the front light/race plate and the gumby front guard. While the rest of the bike is sharp, angular and fast, these are the round mounds of Toni Collette.

However, if that's the only thing wrong with this bike you'd certainly still have one taking up space in your shed. The cockpit has a raw F1 appeal to it. Everything is minimalist and has purpose. There are no grip warmers, backlit speedos or ABS whizzos adorning this thing. Rather than ask you what you want, TM asks you what can you do without.

On that note, we'll let you know now this bike is a blingophile's nightmare. Let's see what we can replace. Billet anodised triple-clamps: nope, got 'em. Billet CNC-machined front and rear hubs: got 'em. Colour-coded anodised alloy handlebars: got 'em. Colour-coded anodised Excel rims, Ohlins suspension, polished nickel-coated exhaust system: it's got 'em all. All you need to replace is the awkward front mudguard and headlight and it's the trickest looking bike around.

EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT
A lot was said about the new and improved engine on the EN300. It was meant to have all the power of previous years, but its low-rev torque is not as prodigious as that produced by two of its rivals, the KTM 300 EXC and Gas Gas EC300. But it's there, and it's useable, which is more than we can say about previous EN 300s we've ridden.

But don't think for a moment this is a beginner-friendly engine. Don't even entertain that thought. Let this engine have its head and it pulls into the midrange with a surge like Ricky Carmichael's race bike. It's such a powerful surge that at first it hides the fact the bottom-end has anything at all. If you're not prepared for it, its midrange will plant skid marks on your brand new Bonds in milliseconds.

Normally a mid-range this strong comes at the expense of some top end mumbo. Not on the $11,940 (recommended price before dealer and statutory charges)EN300. It rips into a top end that's as raucous as a grandstand full of Man-U supporters, and just as unstoppable.

This is a firetrail blaster of the first order – it's easily the most powerful production two-stroke made and possibly the most powerful production bike full stop.
Agility and sure-footedness are attributes that TM had nailed on the previous Cr-Mo frame. This hasn't changed – the new alloy frame is just as good as its predecessor. Is it better? Well, we don't think so.

The precision of this front end can be matched by few other manufacturers. Throw in fantastic brakes and you have the basis for a marvellous bike.
The brakes are worth mentioning because, while the rear is totally Nissin, the front is a Nissin master cylinder with a Brembo caliper. The front brakes are astonishingly good. Plant them hard and you'll lose your contact lenses.

Cross Country Action is importing TM with an Ohlins shock and the Marzocchi 50mm Shiver fork in standard trim, while an optional Ohlins fork upgrade is available.

The rear, while being firm, was good at dealing with the little stuff. The Marzocchi is the same fork found on this year's Husky, but the valving is TM specific.

The fork was brilliant at pounding washouts and huge drop-offs, but over the little stuff you get a workout only a 50lb jackhammer can deliver. Forty-five minutes of single trail had me gasping for a ventilator.

This was disconcerting because we still had four hours of riding left before we could hit the beer. We wound the clickers right off but to little effect. It might be okay for Giovanni Sala, but at Dr Plod's speed it was uncomfortable and a little frightening.

THE VERDICT
If you think we like this bike, you're right. In our opinion it's not perfect, but the underlying foundation of the chassis and suspension is so good it's hard not to like the TM, despite its flaws. The power is like nothing else available on the market. It's the trail riding equivalent of hunting rabbits with a Javelin anti-tank missile – absurdly over-powered but incredibly fun at the same time.

The forks are just too far off the mark for the average trail rider. There's so much potential and it's only a re-valve away from being released. In standard trim it's too punishing. With a sensible fork the 300 would be damn hard to fault, and astonishingly fast in the hands of a competent rider.