Words: Guy Streeter

Reigning EnduroGP world champion brand Sherco – won with Aussie Matthew Phillips at the helm! – continues to go from strength to strength with its latest 2017 model Sherco SEF-R and SE-R Factory range. The Factory models feature a host of upgrades over the regular 2017 Sherco Racing models, not only making them stand out and look trick, but they also deliver great value for money as well.

The first thing you will notice on the Factory range of bikes is going to be the graphics kit, no doubt about it they are eye-catching and look so damn cool, but that isn’t where the value or added performance is going to be coming from obviously. After taking in how impressive the bike looks overall, you will probably pick up on the new forks Sherco fitted to the Factory models.

The WP 48mm XPlor fork is now featured on the 2017 Sherco Factory range and if you’re into the European enduro bikes, you will know that these are the same fork that will find on the latest KTM and Husqvarna models. Upon closer inspection, the Sherco XPlor fork is more similar to the Husqvarna using a pre-load adjuster on the top of the fork tubes.

Although it is the same fork we see offered on those KTM and Husqvarna models, Sherco went ahead and tested the suspension to develop their own settings to suit the Factory range and, by using factory Sherco rider Jordan Curvalle, Sherco created their own combination to ensure the four Factory models reach an optimum handling level.

A selection of more subtle upgrades to the Factory range include a solid rear brake disc and a pyramid seat cover which is slightly taller than the Six Days and Racing models. To really add to that ‘factory’ feel, the models have also been fitted with a black sprocket and blue anodised rims to match the rest of the bike’s factory appearance right out of the box! All of the above upgrades spread across the entire range which includes the 450 SEF-R, 300 SEF-R, 300 SE-R and 250 SE-R.

But here’s where the models vary between the four-stroke and two-stroke offerings. If you take the four-stroke route, you will receive a full Akrapovic exhaust system standard and if you’re a two-stroke guy? Well, you’ll pick up your Factory model with an FMF Powercore 2 silencer and FMF Gnarly expansion chamber. The four-stroke models also feature updated mapping to suit the aftermarket exhaust system.

The 2017 Sherco 450 SEF-R Factory model features a great combination of light and nimble handling along with brute power. Being light and nimble through the trees, the 450 SEF-R still has enough power to make life interesting on the bigger and more wide open desert-type race events. The power on the 450 SEF-R is really smooth and really forgiving, making it a pleasure to ride on a range of terrain.

The Akropovic exhaust system sounds great on the 450 SEF-R and combined with the updated mapping, this boosts the power of the model over the regular 450cc offering. Overall the 2017 Sherco 450 SEF-R Factory model is one solid machine, with improved handling, a selection of high-end features and added power, it’s a hard one to go past that’s for sure.

The 2017 300 SEF-R Factory model is based off the bike Phillips rode during the 2016 EnduroGP World Championship and he won! If that doesn’t sell you on the bike, then what will? Out of the entire Sherco Factory range, you will more than likely set the fastest lap times on this bike. It doesn’t have the same horsepower as the others, but you will be able to wring its neck as much as you like and push it harder than the models.

The power is spot on, you might think you want a little more, but the stop-watch probably won’t be saying that. The bike feels effortless to ride and with the improved feel and action from the new WP 48mm XPlor fork, it makes it that much more fun to ride. I wouldn’t do anything other than set the suspension up to suit my weight and then it’s time to get out amongst the trees right off the showroom floor.

If you are looking for two-stroke enduro bike with ample power, then the Sherco 300 SE-R Factory model is going to deliver for you. The motor is definitely strong with plenty of torque to lug you around any single-trail and it also has enough balls for the open bush tracks. The 300 SE-R hits hard right from the bottom and it sounds sick with the FMF Powercore 2 pipe.

The mapping switch was definitely used to its advantage on the big 300 oil burner as we rode the enduro sections of Wollongong. With some recent rain, we saw damp off-camber corners and some slightly dry conditions all mixed together. Obviously the racing map is great for anything dry or loamy, but for the slick roots and tricky trail sections, having a little less power getting delivered to the rear wheel was exactly what the doctor ordered.

The 2017 Sherco 250 SE-R Factory model would have to be one of the best performing and fun bikes around. It’s perfect for single-trail and it turns very well in tight, rough corners. The new WP 48mm XPlor forks really did feel like an upgrade compared to the Racing model, which isn’t to say the standard option is inferior, but the XPlor fork really felt more forgiving and confidence-inspiring on some of the slippery and more rough sections of trail.

The 250 SE-R has plenty of smooth yet punchy power and can be adapted for trail conditions with the different maps at the flick of the switch. The way the bike handles and performs means you could definitely ride single-trail all day and never get tired!

Overall the 2017 Sherco Factory range offers great value for what you get and really throws out the need to upgrade anything once you walk out of the showroom. The 2017 Factory range is now available at your local Sherco dealer at a recommended retail price of $14,990 for the 450 SEF-R, $14,490 for the 300 SEF-R, $13,490 for the 300 SE-R and $13,090 for the 250 SE-R.

For more information on the 2017 Sherco SEF-R and SE-R Factory range or to locate your nearest authorised Sherco dealer, head to www.sherco.com.au.

Vital specifications (450 SEF-R Factory)

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder
Capacity: 449.40cc
Bore/stroke: 95 x 63.40mm
Transmission: Six-speed
Seat height: 950mm
Ground clearance: 355mm
Weight: 109kg (dry)
Fuel capacity: 9.7L
Price: $14,990
More details: www.sherco.com.au

Vital specifications (300 SEF-R Factory)

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder
Capacity: 303.68cc
Bore/stroke: 84 x 54.80mm
Transmission: Six-speed
Seat height: 950mm
Ground clearance: 355mm
Weight: 102kg (dry)
Fuel capacity: 9.7L
Price: $14,490
More details: www.sherco.com.au

Vital specifications (300 SE-R Factory)

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, single cylinder
Capacity: 293.14cc
Bore/stroke: 72 x 72mm
Transmission: Six-speed
Seat height: 950mm
Ground clearance: 355mm
Weight: 105kg (dry)
Fuel capacity: 10.4L
Price: $13,490
More details: www.sherco.com.au

Vital specifications (250 SE-R Factory)

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, single cylinder
Capacity: 249.32cc
Bore/stroke: 66.4 x 72mm
Transmission: Six-speed
Seat height: 950mm
Ground clearance: 355mm
Weight: 105kg (dry)
Fuel capacity: 10.4L
Price: $13,090
More details: www.sherco.com.au