Last week, I attended Sherco’s 2024 dealer meeting in San Antonio, Texas. It was an amazing opportunity to hang out with Gary Hazel, Pat Smage, Cooper Abbott, and Cody Webb, and check out the 2024 models. We then had the chance to ride the bikes at Zars Ranch, a private riding area outside of San Antonio. Here’s what I learned:
SHERCO 500 DUAL-SPORT
The Sherco 500SEF Dual-Sport is now approved by the DOT, EPA, and CARB, making it legal in all 50 states. This is a surprise because the U.S. homologation process is typically lengthy and costly. Sherco managed to keep this a secret, and they now join KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, and Honda as one of the few manufacturers committed to producing a fully legal dirt bike. The 500SEF is based on the 500SEF off-road bike that Grant Baylor used to win the 2020 National Enduro Championship. The Sherco 500 is the most powerful dual-sport 500 available, with excellent low-end power and substantial mid-range performance. It offers a smooth ride with no intense power surge at high rpm. The fuel delivery is clean, and the bike doesn’t stall, even when Cody Webb rode it over logs and rocks at low idle. More details will be available in the November print edition of Dirt Bike.
SHERCO 500SMF SUPERMOTO
Sherco went through the extensive homologation process again with the 500SMF Supermoto, which shares the same motor as the dual-sport version. The main differences are the wheels and brakes, targeting street-bike canyon racing. The front wheel features a 3.5 x 17-inch black rim with a 120/70 Michelin tire, and the rear has a 5 x 17-inch rim with a Michelin 150/60 tire. The front brake boasts a massive 320mm rotor.
125 DUAL-SPORT AND SUPERMOTO
Sherco recognizes the need to explore new markets to compete with the Austrian models. That’s why they invested in the homologation process for two street-legal 125 four-strokes. The 125SEF Dual-Sport and the 125SMF Supermoto are unique options in the U.S. market, featuring fuel-injected single overhead cam engines with six-speed transmissions. Although not particularly fast, their target price is under $5000.
300 AND 250 TWO-STROKES
The two-stroke enduro bikes are always highly anticipated by dirt bike enthusiasts, and Sherco understands this. The 2024 models of the 250SE and 300SE have minimal changes, including a new LED headlight, updates to the wheels, clutch cover, and swingarm. It’s hard to choose a favorite when riding both the 250 and the 300 back to back. Both offer excellent low rpm performance and similar peak power output. The 250 has a more aggressive feel but requires more shifting, while the 300 provides an effortless ride. We are excited to get our hands on these bikes in the DB shop.
250 AND 300 FOUR-STROKES
Sherco made significant changes to the 250 and 300 four-stroke enduro motors for 2024, although these changes may not be obvious externally. The center cases and head are new, and there are updates to the valves, valve springs, and the addition of a transmission sensor for different maps per gear. On the trail, the 250 has improved throttle response and more power, making it feel snappier. The small Sherco four-strokes have always delivered power suitable for off-road riding, without the intense hits of motocross bikes. The 2024 models offer even more power without sacrificing their smooth characteristics.
450 AND 500 FOUR-STROKES
The 500SEF off-road bike shares similarities with the 500 dual-sport, but without the homologation restrictions. It lacks DOT equipment, airbox restrictors, and exhaust catalysts. It also features a functional map switch. For those interested in racing without the need for a license plate, the large Sherco models are the way to go. They offer ample power but aren’t designed as motocross bikes. The power delivery is smooth, and the suspension provides a comfortable ride. The only difference between the 450SEF and 500SEF models is a 3mm bore size.
SHERCO TRIALS
Pat Smage recently won his 14th National Trials Championship using the brand-new fuel-injected STR300 bike. This was a bold move considering the bike was still in development, and mapping adjustments had to be made between rounds. Sherco has been working on fuel-injected two-strokes for more than five years, initially focusing on the enduro line. The technology has now reached a competitive level. While I didn’t have a chance to ride the trials bike, Pat Smage is absolutely in love with it.
See you next week!
