Sher can!

So when editor JD asked me to get to Helmsley in north Yorkshire to test the new Sherco I said, "Yes, why not, I can do that, but it's been a while since I have been on a trials bike.”  

 

The reply came as somethong of a shock: "Err no, the Sherco Enduro range!” 

 

Even though Sherco have made Enduro bikes for a few years now, it's always difficult for a small European concern – best known for making fantastic trials bikes – to make the transition to enduro or motocross for obvious reasons (money, R&D costs, etc etc).

 

I tested the initial 450 model a couple of years ago and by no stretch of the imagination was it the best out there.

 

It certainly didn't have any Japanese or Austrian factories quaking in their boots. 

 

But having chatted to Britain's Sherco importers Malcolm and Martin Rathmell about the latest bikes – and where they want the bikes to be in the future – it was all looking much more promising.

 

Checking out the 2012 models it was instantly obvious by their looks and workmanship that the factory has delivered the goods.

 

They have definitely upped their game in producing what looks to be a good ready-to-go race bike. 

 

Malc is really excited about the range at the minute, especially with talks of a two-stroke racer on the horizon – so watch this space.

 

Back to the test in question though and the two bikes on offer were the 250i and 300i four-strokes. 

 

As I sent chief photographer Sutty out scrambling into the woods, I thought I'd give the 250 a thrashing, first on a full lap of the course which Wayne Braybrook had just set out for the following day's race. 

 

At first I felt a little rusty, a fresh course, a new bike and new boots – not a good recipe. 

 

It felt like Boxing Day 1980 all over again with my dad shouting at the top of his voice, "Stop whingeing NCB wellies are just fine!”  But, after a couple of laps everything was beginning to bed in and starting to feel more natural and I was starting to enjoy the ride. 

 

What hit me straight away with the Euro bikes is they are built as a specific model and not simply derived from an MX bike, so through the woods they felt confident and exciting to ride.

 

Both bikes were bog standard from out the crate and for 2012 they come with the all-conquering WP front forks, which in my opinion worked as well as anything I have ridden straight out the box. 

 

Couple the 48mm forks with the WP rear shock and the bikes felt like they were on-rails. 

 

 

Semi-perimeter steel frame (1kg lighter)

Strengthened cylinder head (improved performance and durability in extreme

conditions)

New ignition map (better responsiveness, more power at low and high speeds)

Eight-litre tank

Larger air filter

New shock-absorber linkage for more progressive feel

WP shock absorber

WP fork 48mm diameter

Brembo brakes

Brembo clutch master cylinder

Neken, adjustable triple clamps, fully machined

Exhaust, more efficient, quieter, (brushed stainless tubes and TIG welded)

Bodywork 100% new, more ergonomic and durable.

New wiring harness with sealed 

connectors