manageable , probably ideal for deep sand where you want maximum snap from the motor . And the traction control – difficult to assess in the conditions and I have to say I was perfectly happy with it turned off . It ’ ll be interesting to test it fully . The 310 did then feel like a great 250F made even better . To all intents it feels the perfect clubman bike . Easy to ride , very capable , fast as you want it to be , yet happy at slow speed too . An all-rounder . Only it ’ s more than that , it suits experts too – for his step-up to the ‘ adult ’ ranks of EnduroGP , Enduro Junior world champion Jed Etchells has chosen this model ( out of all the Fantic range ) for his 2024 season . It works for him too .
IN CONCLUSION … Yes , one would definitely say Fantic has done a good job here – fitting in two great new models where there were obvious gaps in its range . I have absolutely no qualms in saying the XEF 310 is an absolute winner , it just feels so right , so well balanced and so capable . It ’ ll be a great racer , yet I ’ m sure it would double as an excellent trail bike too , it ’ s so even mannered .
The XE 300 has a tougher job to do , it ’ s stepping up to challenge the toughest competitors in the enduro paddock . And these 300s have to succeed in a such wide range of arenas . There ’ ll be guys who value them as the best trail bike money can buy . Then there are the full-gas E3 championship contenders , looking to cut the fastest test times . Then there are the extreme competitors , who want to ride up and down the most precipitous of mountainsides , where precision is king . Delivering all that capability in one bike is a mighty big ask , and undoubtedly it ’ s for this reason that Fantic took so long in developing and delivering this bike , they had to get it right . It is one trick unit . In the 300s market we ’ re talking fine margins , though – and it would need a back-to-back test with its competitors to see which brand really has the upper hand . It ’ s close . All up though , Fantic continues its story of providing premium products . Slick competition machines , perfectly tuned to the European enduro classes and conditions . Will we see a New Zealand importer ? It doesn ’ t seem likely any time soon , now , where can I thaw my hands ?
KIWI RIDER 47