TEST: We rode the 2020 Sherco enduros!
Sherco sought out an exquisite setting for the presentation of its 2020 enduro range. We were able to put the 2020 Shercos through their paces in the hills around the famous Lake Maggiore. Let's be honest, we've had it worse!
Under a radiant sun while the thermometer showed almost thirty degrees, a very cool special was planned for the occasion. Sherco figurehead Fabrizio Azzalin had come up with a route of just over five minutes in his proverbial backyard. There was no lack of variety because meadows alternated with a stream, single track through a forest. In short, a nice mix of faster and more technical passages.
Ideal conditions to get to know the new gems from the French manufacturer better. We are not going to bombard you with a detailed description of all the technical specifications - you can find them here - but let us just say that the Shercos lost a kilo across the board. In addition, the focus for the blue-yellow motorcycles was on the refinement of the power source. Read, better usable performance, more bottom end and mid range power. The look was also improved with a new sticker kit and a touch of gray on the Factory models.
The 250 SEF-R: a pure pleasure
The small Sherco four-stroke is distinguished by its discretion at low speeds. Almost as if the engine has been muted. Good news for those who don't want to attract too much attention during a quiet tour. The progressive character of this small engine was also appreciated. Lots of fun when he climbs the revs!
As a package, the Sherco 250 SEF-R can best be described as easy to handle. Not explosive but still devilishly effective. This engine does what it should. Actually our first favorite of the day. Fast during a special and pleasant during a leisurely tour. It's actually a shame that you don't come across this light all-rounder in competition more often!
50cc more: a world of difference
Of course, when you switch from the 250 four-stroke to the 300cc four-stroke, you first and foremost expect more punch. Yet this mid-range car has more to offer. Those extra 50cc actually make for a completely different engine. As soon as we touch the throttle, we are impressed by the extra power. Physically, the Sherco 300 SEF-R is more demanding than its little brother. Technical sections therefore also require more steering skills. In order to make optimal use of the extra potential, the condition of the rider is also important.
A 450 for powerhouses or open spaces
Knowing that the winding and slow route would not allow me to test all the capabilities of this bike, we started a longer loop at a more leisurely pace. The bike feels comfortable navigating through the woods. In terms of handling, this 450 SEF-R confirms everything that Sherco is known for, the engine is pleasant and responds very smoothly at the bottom. Nevertheless, this engine capacity remains the choice for those who look for open spaces, want a lot of power or are larger in stature.
Nice and surprising that 500 SEF-R
When we read “500” on the radiator flap of the engine, we look with slight reluctance at the tight bends that await us. However, the last four-stroke we test surprises us almost immediately. Contrary to our expectations, this motorcycle is not a monster at all. Actually, the Sherco 500 SEF-R is just the opposite. Of course there is more inertia than on the lighter engines, but this engine is very smooth and responds progressively to the throttle. We were never bored for a moment!
Fun and punch with the 250 SE-R and 300 SE-R
Sherco's two-stroke range has again been significantly improved in many areas. The concept of the 2020 two-stroke is rock solid: the sound is fantastic, the engines are light and steer very sharp, the clutch works perfectly, in short, a real pleasure to ride. The Sherco 250 SE-R is a very playful motorcycle that climbs quickly. The block gives this quarter liter a distinctly sporty character, but this is never at the expense of ease of use.
After the 250 four-stroke, the Sherco 300 SE-R is our second favorite of the day. We appreciated the smoothness and linear nature of the power source. Personally, I like torque more than pure power. Because the Sherco 300 has a more linear power curve, it is also easier to choose a higher gear. To thoroughly test this, we put it to the test by completing the entire loop in third gear without shifting gears. The 300 Sherco two-stroke passed this challenge with flying colors! Whether in the technical passages or on the faster meadow section, this Sherco 300 SE-R handles everything with ease.
A 125 for the scratch?
Our colleagues from the French Moto Verte magazine described the Sherco 125 SE-R in their latest comparison test as “particularly flamboyant”. This stimulated our curiosity even more. The mapping was completely revised for the new model year. According to Sherco, this should result in more power at high revs. This seems to be correct at first glance, because the engine pulls well.
Unfortunately, we have never found the right way to properly rev the engine from the bottom. The block did not seem linear enough for that. This problem was felt, especially in the connecting stages. While in the specials you had to work a lot with the clutch.
When we presented this problem to importer Michael Vukcevic, he confirmed our impressions during his test session the next day. However, further investigation revealed that the valve cable had not been adjusted correctly. We will have to wait until we can test the 125 SE-R again in Belgium or the Netherlands for a final judgement. The electric starter is striking. Quite unusual on a 125cc, especially because it can in principle be started easily with the kick starter. However, an electric starter remains an asset, both in a difficult situation and for smaller drivers.
Factory or 'just' Racing?
As usual, the entire Sherco range is offered in a Racing and a Factory version. Only the 125cc has to make do with a Racing version. It is important to know that Factory is much more than visual adornment. The extra parts of the Factory package certainly have an influence on the character of the engines. On the four-stroke models we find an Akrapovic exhaust line that certainly helps to get the most out of it. The Kayaba suspension provides a sportier feeling, while the WP Suspension package on the Racing version seemed more comfortable to us. We must mention that this test did not allow for intensive comparison of the suspensions in different situations. We were not short of fast pieces and jumps for that.
As far as the brakes are concerned, we did not find the stopping power to be ultra-aggressive, but as far as we are concerned, that is certainly not a shortage for an enduro motorcycle. We can be brief about the gearbox because it is precise and smooth. Since the launch of its first enduro motorcycles, Sherco has acquired a solid reputation for its chassis. Fortunately, the playful character and user-friendliness that is so typical of the Shercos were retained.
Initially, the French brand - which has now been around for 20 years - made its mark in the trials, but for 2020 Sherco is once again presenting a strong enduro line-up. There is nothing to complain about in terms of finish and the very complete equipment. In contrast to other brands, the Factory version appears so well armed on the battlefield that it is unnecessary to purchase additional pieces. It is immediately ready to set fast times, while the Racing version also appears competitive.
The Shercos exude quality and reliability. Although there are no earth-shattering innovations to be found, the SEF-R and the SE-R impress with their proven concept. In any case, the French are ready to compete with all other brands.
Available from July 2019
Contact the Dutch-speaking agent Fersie NV for more information
via info@fersie.be or by telephone via (+32) 056 50 65 20
Text and photos: Frédéric David
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