TM chose the occasion of the Monster Energy MXGP of USA in Southern California to show off its newest model, the TM 300FI MX, in America for the first time; the new TM 300FI line fits in-between the company’s 250cc and 450cc four-stroke models.
“This is actually the first TM 300 FI to leave the factory,” said Ralf Schmidt, owner of TM Racing USA, the brand importer for America. “Why 300? They did the testing on it and found that the 350 was too much like a 450, and a 250 was not enough. They were already using it [the displacement] in the World Enduro Championship because in E3 it is possible to have a 300cc two-stroke, a 300cc four-stroke and a 450cc four-stroke. That is the E3 class regulation. And sometimes less is more.”
Schmidt said that the goal was to build a machine that handles more like a 250 but that develops the power of a 450—that’s no different than the stated goals of other manufacturers that have bridged the gap between their 250cc and 450cc models by introducing a machine of approximately 350cc. However, Schmidt says that the TM 300 is not just a stretched 250cc.
“Engine-wise, you cannot change the [TM] 250 to a 300,” Schmidt said. “The gearbox is different, the crank is different, the stroke is different, you would need to change engine cases… Everything is different.”
The chassis features TM’s version of an aluminum perimeter design which places the fuel tank under the seat rather than in its traditional space atop the backbone. One thing that we noticed immediately is that the TM 300 uses 48mm KYB Speed Sensitive System forks similar to those found on Yamaha’s motocross and off-road competition machines. It’s a fork that we’re familiar with because it is one of our favorites. Outback, however, the TM 300 uses the factory’s own in-house built TM Racing piggyback shock absorber, which is fully adjustable for preload, high- and low-speed compression damping and rebound damping.
Another interesting mix and match can be found with the 300FI’s braking components. A Brembo two-piston caliper squeezes a 270mm wave-style rotor up front, and a Nissin single-piston caliper is used with the 240mm wave-style rotor out back.
“TM feels that this is the best matchup for the bike,” Schmidt said.
When asked about the weight of the new TM 300, Schmidt responded, “It’s light. Less than 230 pounds… more like 227 without fuel. Fuel capacity is a little bit more than two gallons.”
MSRP for the 2017 TM 300FI MX is $10,595. The 2017 TM 300FI EN, which features enduro lighting and other changes for off-road use, is $10,995.
Under Schmidt’s guidance, TM may have a chance to break out of its exotic niche position in the marketplace. Bikes like the TM 300 FI could help.
“I have been with TM for almost 20 years, so I know what I am doing,” Schmidt said. “I am still the importer for Holland, and I moved here in 2014 and started the [TM Racing USA] business in 2015. I had to start completely from scratch, but we have new dealers and we are expanding our dealer base every month. We now have 30 dealers across the U.S., and that number is growing every week.”
For more information on TM motorcycles in the USA, email gravityracing@gmail.com.
Your Privacy Choices