The 2012 TM 300 EN is put to test by top British Enduro Championship rider Carl Tiley…
The Italian motorcycle manufacture TM Racing are a unique entity. Nestled in the tourist resort of Pesaro, situated along the Adriatic coastline of Italy, they quietly and very secretly go about their business of manufacturing high-end machinery. Unlike their Japanese counterparts who produce bikes that are then later customised for Grand Prix racing, TM Racing machinery ooze factory special parts as standard. The difference between what we see raced on the track and what are available for purchase in the showrooms is minimal. Everything from frames, engine casings, triple clamps, pistons and even sprockets are manufactured on site enabling them to push the boundaries of what is possible in real time production.
With an invite to their official 2012 launch, Enduro.ie hopped on a plane and flew to Italy to put their latest models through their paces. Former British Enduro contender and all round good guy Carl Tiley gives his feedback on the TM 300EN…
“My favourite bike of the 2012 range was the TM 300EN. Hands down it was the bike for me. It has a really strong engine that pulls from nothing. It’s a light, nimble two-stroke but with a thumpy four-stroke feeling. The engine is incredibly useable, even exiting corners in third gear the motor quickly picked up RPM’s and pulled away strongly. For the less experience riders you can short shift through the gearbox using the torquey bottom end to climb any hill. If you want to be aggressive, lift the revs and let the motor really attack. Chuck it into a loamy corner and it will handle it without any refusal. It really was a blast to ride, so much fun”
“Overall the TM aluminium chassis gives excellent feed back and the 50mm Marzocchi forks soaked up any hit I could throw at it. New for 2012 is TM’s own rear shock. Developed in the Enduro World Championship during the last couple of seasons, the new shock uses some Kayaba internals to replace the Ohlin shock they previously used. Combined with the slim feel and firm sat, the TM is easy to ride.”
“As usual the TM comes with all the best bits. A Brembo/Nissan braking system with over sized wavy discs controls braking. A clear 9L fuel tank lets you know how much fuel is left, while blue Excel rims are mated to billet hubs. More tasty billet parts include triple clamps, side stand and rear brake lever. A bash guard as standard protects the frame rails from pesky tree stumps.”
“So if you’re in the market for something different, want to stand out from the norm and turn heads, the TM 300 EN will steer you right.”
The 2012 TM 300 EN is available right now from CCM Racing. Carl Tiley, a former British Enduro Championship winner is also the man in charge of the highly successful CTR Events While running races throughout Wales, Carl also actively organises coaching days for those wishing to improve their bike skills. Contact Carl on www.ctrevents.co.uk
Italian Delight: The 2012 TM 300 EN
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