Is there an ultimate enduro motorcycle to suit the NOCO FIM 6DAYS®? As we approach the ninety-eighth edition of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE), that is a question which gets asked almost every year.

As one of the toughest, most demanding and varied offroad motorcycle competitions on the FIM calendar, its parameters change from year to year. One year it is wet and muddy, the next year it is dry and dusty. Racing in Europe brings forest tracks, while South America features desert trails. Understandably, no two editions are ever quite the same.

Factoring in these elements, along with evolution of machinery, and current trends, makes it hard to pinpoint one motorcycle to rule them all, but there is a growing sweet spot to consider.

As a nine-time FIM Enduro World Champion, and winning member of the Great Britain FIM World Trophy team in 2022, Steve Holcombe (Honda) is well-versed in the demands of the NOCO FIM 6DAYS®. Highly qualified to weigh in with an answer, he agrees there is a sweet spot that now comes close to suiting the majority of amateur and hobby riders competing.

“Firstly, there is no exact answer,” laughs Holcombe. “Ultimately, it really depends a lot on the riding style of the rider, which is what makes enduro great. As much as I love two-strokes, I feel modern four-stroke bikes are the best and easiest choice for how the current races develop.

“For the FIM ISDE, I think any capacity is good, from 250cc to 500cc four-stoke. But the mid-capacity bikes – 300cc to 350cc four-stoke – are capable everywhere, and for everyone. They are light enough to throw around for six days straight, but still have torque and the top-end speed needed for the style of special tests we get in a race like the FIM ISDE.”

For this year’s race in Galicia, Spain, Honda-mounted Holcombe is following his own advice. After a season-long campaign on a 250cc four-stroke in the FIM EnduroGP World Championship, he has decided to mix it up and race a 400cc four-stroke in the NOCO FIM 6DAYS®.

“Racing the 250cc four-stroke in EnduroGP was a fun switch up this year, but, like I said, I just feel a bigger capacity suits the FIM ISDE special tests more. They’re generally less technical and more open, so suit a more powerful bike.

“Without having any class restrictions now, it’s easier for us to choose a bike that we feel will suit the race. I’m thankful to the team for allowing me to jump on the 400cc four-stroke, I think it will be the best bike for the job!”

Spectators will be granted free access to the paddock incorporating the NOCO Parc Fermé, opening ceremony, special tests days one to five, whilst the admission fee for the Final Cross Test will also include entry to the GASGAS 6DAYS® party complete with two free drinks.

If you cannot be there in person, FIM-MOTO.TV will be exclusively live streaming the final cross test on all days. The same programme will also welcome the top-ranking riders and nations who will participate in the 6DAYS MOTUL Studio Show as they return to the NOCO Parc Fermé in Silleda. This show will be hosted by motocross legend Paul Malin, who will provide live insights from the day’s racing and conduct interviews with the riders in a special studio set up inside the NOCO Parc Fermé. Access to this streaming service will be available at the special price of 6€ to stream live the 6DAYS (Live streaming day 1 to day 5). Detailed information about the live streaming can be found on FIM-MOTO.TV on the dedicated 6DAYS page: https://fim-moto.tv/fim_isde.

All in all, the ninety-eighth edition of the NOCO FIM 6DAYS® in Galicia, Spain from 14-19 October, is shaping up to be a not to be missed event!