Blue Rush
By TMX Archives on 6th May 15
Sherco release its latest factory trials weapon - and its's not for the faint-hearted...
The current Sherco range features a conventional steel tube perimeter-type chassis finished in a nice deep blue, with equally conventional link-type rear suspension controlling a tasty aluminium swinging arm.
The five-speed reed-valve two-stroke engine – built in-house at the Barcelona factory – has been proven down the years and like most motors, if you look after it and keep the radiator clean so it doesn't overheat (as with all water-cooled motors) it will prove reliable.
Suspension is good with quality Tech forks up front, while Braktec brakes (formerly AJP) are industry standard.
Where the Sherco strays from the conventional is by switching the fuel tank and airbox with the fuel going in the back in an aluminium tank alongside the silencer box, the two items being virtual mirror images.
Fuel is lifted to the carb via a vacuum pump and any excess returned to the tank.
The idea is to lower the centre of gravity while the airbox is mounted high to help stop water ingress to the carb and checking/ changing the air-filter is the job of seconds.
That's the stock Sherco – a good-looking, solid, well-sorted model with good quality components and right on the money.
So, what do you get with the limited edition Factory model? Quite a lot actually – and all good!
For starters you get a considerable suspension upgrade, with the Tech forks sporting coated aluminium stations – in fact the forks are 100%aluminium – that offer both a weight-saving and a plusher action thanks to that loss of metal.
Then, at the rear you will see an Ohlins unit that has been developed especially for the job with the Sherco factory.
You can put up a convincing argument that these two components alone are more than worth the extra couple of hundred quid that the Factory model will cost you.
FOR FULL WORDS & PICTURES SEE THIS WEEK'S TMX NEWS, MAY 7, (ISSUE 1970)
