Sherco showed enduro motorcycles 2021. First impressions

First impressions from a test drive of the 2021 Sherco line of enduro motorcycles after the press release are evolution, not revolution. The motorcycle models receive upgraded engines and new rear shock absorbers with improved performance for Factory models that improve handling.

Sherco has been quietly developing and manufacturing enduro motorcycles for over 20 years. The French company has been producing enduro motorcycles since 2004 and has always gained a reputation as a competitive manufacturer.

Enduro motorcycles Sherco 2021

Designed for enduro and hard/enduro, Sherco's new 2021 range features the SE 125/250/300 two-stroke and 250/300/450/500 SE-F four-stroke models. There is also a top-end line with higher performance, which includes 250/300 two-stroke and 250/300/450/500 four-stroke. Add to this four non-homologated Cross Country SC and SCF models: the 125 and 300 two-strokes, plus the 300 and 450 four-strokes.

Sherco 300 SEF Factory

And then, right before the start of the Geico AMA Enduro Cross National Championship (which he missed last season while recovering from knee surgery), he decided to change his bike to a Sherco 300 SEF Factory. Yes, yes, four-stroke! And without much chance of having time to get used to it properly. Despite this, he took one win in the six-round series and finished second in the championship.

At first, I thought I would ride a two-stroke all year because I was comfortable on it,” Cody said. -Then we tried a little endurocross two-stroke suspension, and it was heavier than I would have liked. The feeling was like being in a boat on water - he floated, swayed and dived instead of sticking and clinging.

I had a 250 SEF in my van that I was going to take back to the mechanic (Cody Richelderfer) after racing at the GNCC last week, and now the suspension was in perfect order. And I'm like, well, I'll try it.

And it was a mistake, because after a few laps I realized that I was less tired, less exhausted - there was something about how tenaciously the four-strokes held onto the track.

They get hot in extreme races and are not very reliable in long races, but they are good for short races. I suspected that the endurocross tracks would be bouncy - I didn't race last year, but I got familiar with the tracks. So I was counting on a lot of jumps.

One would imagine that for Webb, one of the lanky riders out there, the four-stroke 300 would be a bit of a challenge next to the 350s and two-stroke 300s. But he counters:

The advantage of 300 is that I can use it to its fullest and even a little more. I'm not very good at supermoto, although I've tried, so by choosing a smaller bike, I can push it a little harder.

And it’s easier for me on it than on the 350s. When I first tried the 350, I couldn’t even think about competing on it. I didn’t like it - it always stalled when I let off the gas suddenly. The 300 won't stall like that.

I'm very happy with this bike. And quite impressed from the very beginning. It is lighter than a two-stroke, oddly enough (almost 3 kilograms, as it turned out).

Cody continues:

Switching to the Sherco 300 SEF Factory helped me feel more comfortable and corner better. On a two-stroke, you come out of a corner and first prepare yourself, pull the clutch, and you don’t know whether your front end will be low or high. On the Sherco 300 SEF everything is simpler.

Sherco 300 SEF Factory

I'll go almost stock. At the first race, all we did was tweak the TPS a little to make the mixture richer. Another full FMF release - a Titanium MegaBomb Plus pipe and a Factory 4.1 Titanium muffler - helped to reveal the engine, which was strangled under Euro in stock. Actually, that’s why we enriched the mixture, that the blowing increased. We are also playing with variants of cards from France, that is, from the factory.

Webb's Sherco 300 SEF Factory features a short-throw throttle for quicker response, a Rekluse Core Manual TorqDrive clutch for improved reliability and durability, and a Rekluse cover that's stronger than stock. The team pours VP Racing's T4 racing fuel just to be sure. Regarding oil, Webb prefers Motul - synthetic 300V 10w-40, which he fell in love with based on the results of tests on a two-stroke Rekluse clutch.

Sherco 2021 models, changes:

On all enduro models, work has been done to reduce friction in the suspension and improve build quality to increase service life.
Redesigned air filter housing for 250/300 two-stroke models to increase power at low and mid-range speeds, which is important for extreme riding.
The carburetor on the 250/300 2T engines is mounted 15mm closer to the cylinder with a shorter tube to improve low speed response. It is now one piece instead of two, which also saves weight.
The 250/300 2T models feature a modified reed valve for improved sealing, airflow and performance. The new design is made of plastic, using fiberglass / carbon / Viton (artificial rubber).
Following this, the internal shape of the engine crankcase has been optimized for improved scavenging and mid-range enhancement, as well as a wider powerband.
Lightweight clutch basket on 250/300 2T engines for reduced inertia and easier clutch lever pull.
Reduced master cylinder piston and hydraulic clutch cylinder piston sizes also reduce lever effort.
Improved clutch lubrication system.
The 250/300 models have easier access to the fuel tap and have 1.5 liters of fuel reserve when switching to reserve.
Blue wheel rims on Factory models.
Factory and XC models feature a 48mm KYB fork and a new 50mm KYB shock for improved high-speed stability and improved shock absorption.
New front drive sprocket with perforation.
SC models are basically Factory models with no lighting, no wiring, and firmer suspension settings.
Factory and XC models received an AFAM steel rear sprocket.
All Racing models have a 150 g lighter plastic muffler tip.
The 250/300 four-stroke bikes have a lighter starter sprocket to improve starting - important in tough racing conditions.
On the 250/300 4T, work has been carried out to refine the gearbox - a 60% improvement in gear shift accuracy is claimed.
The larger 450/500 4T engines are 600g lighter thanks to lighter crankshaft, clutch plate material, clutch basket, input shaft, balancer shaft, oil pump gears.
The 450 4T has a new timing chain to reduce friction and noise to meet Euro4 noise requirements.
The 125 two-stroke features an adjustable power valve for more tuning options.
New piston shape on the 125 2T for improved wear evenness and stability.
New engine tuning on the 125 2T for quicker throttle response.

Driving impressions

The 2021 Sherco graphics look great in the early morning light as we begin some woodland track riding, special testing on grass and mixed surfaces on the track.

Given that many units have undergone internal changes, the first test sessions are more about the differences between the models, in particular the Racing and Factory versions, than identifying the main differences.

Notably, the WP suspension found on the standard Racing trim has not been upgraded for 2021, and while it remains quite suitable for what might be called normal riding, the updates we've seen to the WP suspensions on the 2021 KTM and Husqvarna models We left Sherco with stock suspensions a little behind.

When you go fast, you find the KYB suspension on the Factory versions has a clear advantage and it gives you more performance.

The more stable behavior of the new shock absorber means it copes better with impacts and allows for grip in corners and on the straight. Simply put, Factory KYB motorcycles can be ridden faster than standard WP models.

In general, the Factory version package of upgraded parts (handlebar, grips, graphics, skid plate, rims, sprocket, seat, suspension), Akrapovic exhaust system on four-stroke models and FMF exhaust on two-stroke engines makes a noticeable difference to the motorcycles, both from the point both in terms of power and weight. Weight affects handling, and with increased power it's like using a sharper tool to do fine work, which adds confidence.

On the 250 and 300 two-stroke models, a lighter clutch lever really makes a difference. A lighter clutch basket on the 250/300 2T engines and a reduction in the size of the master cylinder piston and clutch cylinder piston gave the two-stroke enduro bike leverage that is more similar to a trials bike. In long races where you use the clutch a lot, this will help keep your left hand strong.

The new fuel tank design, which includes a 1.5 liter reserve fuel tap on the 250 and 300 2T, is also a positive update for 2021. When you turn that tap on, you know you definitely still have something in the tank.

Our test rider actually preferred the two-stroke 250cc model of the bike, saying he could control it while the 300cc could be too much at times. The 300 has plenty of pickup, which will help if you're riding the hills of Erzberg , but for easier conditions you might find it overpowering.

In the four-stroke line, a favorite remains the excellent Sherco 300, which has the right amount of everything: power, weight, stability and control. Almost as handleable as the Sherco 250SE-F in terms of weight, but with more power, it requires a little more skill to fly confidently, but if you can do it, you'll have a happy smile on your face.

FIRST LOOK! 2021 SHERCO “FACTORY” OFF-ROAD 2-STROKE AND FOUR-STROKE

2021 Sherco 300 SEF "Factory" four-stroke.

The French brand produces two completely different models of its off-road bikes. The "Racing Range" and "Factory Range" models have 125 two-stroke, 250 two-stroke and 300 two-stroke, while the four-stroke line consists of 250SEF, 300SEF, 450SEF and 500SEF.

2021 Sherco 450SEF in action.
According to Sherko, the Racing Range is designed for people who like to have fun on their bike. It's designed for all-day Sunday riding, while the Sherco Factory line features high-quality, premium components and is designed for racing. For MXA purposes, we'll focus on the 2021 Sherco Factory race bikes because they come with the most race-ready components.

HERE'S A QUICK LIST OF FACTORY SPECIALISTS: (1) New 2021 Racing in-mould graphics (2) Kayaba forks and shock (3) Akrapovic four-stroke exhaust system ( 4) FMF two-stroke exhaust (5) Keilhin PWK 36 (two-stroke) / Synerjet fuel injection (4-Stroke) (6) Black Anodized Excel Wheels (7) Sherco 2-Piece Handles (8) Blue Tread Bezel (9) Blue Selle Dalla Valle Seat (10) Coolant Reservoir (11) Six-Speed Transmission (12) Michelin Tires ( 13) 18" rear wheel (14) Fuel capacity 2.75 gallons (two-stroke) and 2.58 gallons (four-stroke) ( 15) 260mm Galfer front brake rotor, Brembo hydraulics

2021 SHERCO 125SE “FACTORY” TWO-STROKE

The 2021 Sherco 125SE has a 54mm by 54.50mm bore and stroke. Electronically controlled power valve. Carb is 36 mm Keihin Pvk.

With forks and shocks, the Kayaba 125SE “Factory” offers 300mm of travel at the front and 330mm at the rear.

2021 SHERCO 250/300SE “FACTORY” TWO-STROKE

The 250SE and 300 SE are virtually identical except for ride and travel. Sherco 249.3SE 250cc The cm has an internal diameter of 66.40 mm and a stroke of 72 mm. The 300SA actually displaces 293.1 cu. cm with the same stroke, but with a diameter of 72 mm.

All 2021 Sherco "Factory" models come with electric start, including the 125, 250 and 300 two-strokes. Shido LTZ5S lithium battery.

2021 SHERCO 250/300SEF “FACTORY” FOUR STROKE

The Sherco 300SEF Factory four-stroke engine is one of the few 300cc four-stroke off-road motorcycles available. See: Although the engine shares the same major components as the 250SEF, the 300's bore and stroke are changed. The cylinder diameter has been increased from 78 mm (for the 250 model) to 84 mm (for the 300 model), and the crankshaft stroke has been increased by 2.6 mm. The 300SEF actually displaces 303.68 cu. Cm.

The fuel injection system comes from Synerjet and the exhaust is a complete Akrapovic system. The tires are from Michelin, what you would expect from a French motorcycle.

2021 SHERCO 450/500SEF “FACTORY” FOUR-STROKE

Sherco riders can choose between 448.40 cc. cm or 478.22 cc. See large diameter motor. The displacement upgrade is achieved with a 3mm larger piston.

Sherco doesn't make a motocross version, only off-road models, even though platform sharing would make that very easy. All it takes to turn one into motocross is a 19-inch rear wheel, a small Ergas tank, reverse suspension, a new mapper and a close-ratio transmission. Oh yeah, the coaster had to go.

Sherco loves carbureted two-strokes

Sherco's view on the fuel-injected two-stroke engine remains the same as it has been for the last couple of years: they have it in development, but they are not ready to use it.

This is mainly due to the fact that the injection 2T is more expensive to produce, and this is naturally reflected in the price for the buyer. Another important factor is the performance, according to them, is not as good as a 2T with a carburetor, so there is no point in releasing a bike that does not perform as well as a carbureted one and costs more.

As long as manufacturers manage to meet European emissions standards (Euro 4 remains in force until 2024), they will stick to carburetors on two-stroke models.