Sherco is a company that combines old-school tradition with cutting-edge technology. The 125SE model has been around for years and offers features like electric start, electronic power valve, multiple maps, and a hydraulic clutch. However, it still uses a carburetor and requires premix fuel.
When it comes to technology, where should a 125cc two-stroke off-road bike stand? In this class, simplicity and tradition are usually prioritized. Sherco understands this balancing act very well.
THE FRENCH CONNECTION
Sherco started as a Spanish trials bike manufacturer before expanding into the off-road world and building a new factory in Nice, France. The company found success in extreme enduro, and its reputation grew when Cody Webb joined the Sherco FactoryONE team. The 125SE model bears similarities to the 300 two-stroke that Webb rides. It features a steel frame, KYB suspension, and Brembo brakes. The bike has an electronic power valve and an electric starter, without any provision for a kick-starter. The battery is mounted low in the chassis, and the carburetor is a 36mm Keihin PWK.
We’ve had prior experience with this bike but this was our first opportunity to ride it in the United States. When Sherco introduced the 125SE in late 2017, we had a chance to test it in Italy. While we loved it there, we had no reference point to compare it to other 125cc off-road bikes at the time. The KTM 125XC and Yamaha YZ125X, which have more traditional features like kick-starters and ball-ramp power valves, were still years away from release. KTM only recently introduced a more high-tech 125, while Yamaha has yet to do so.
Before understanding the Sherco, it’s important to understand 125cc off-road bikes in general. These bikes are often seen as transition bikes for young riders who have outgrown Supermini bikes. However, older riders can also benefit from riding a 125cc bike. Veterans, seniors, and riders who may be “over it” can find enjoyment in a 125. Unlike a powerful 450cc bike, a 125cc off-road bike serves as a reminder that experienced riders can still push a modern bike to its limits and have many years ahead of them.
SPIN IT UP
When riding the 125SE, the first adjustment is to relax and enjoy the ride. It’s incredibly easy to ride and starts with a push of a button. Unlike a big four-stroke bike, you don’t need to be in peak condition, worry about arm pump, or get scared. The Sherco provides just enough power to entertain and make you feel like you’re going somewhere. While it may not be as fast as a full-fledged 125 motocross bike, it offers more low-end torque and is more forgiving.
For comparison, we have a brand-new Yamaha YZ125X off-road bike, and the Sherco can hold its own against it. The Sherco offers more low-end power, a smoother transition, and similar peak power. However, the Yamaha has an advantage in terms of weight. The Sherco weighs about 226 pounds (without fuel) on our scale, which is about 20 pounds more than the Yamaha. The primary reason for this difference is the electric starter. Nevertheless, the Sherco feels substantial and resembles the Sherco 300 in terms of bodywork and frame design. Once the engine starts, the 125SE develops its own character. Engine characteristics play a crucial role in handling, and the Sherco’s mellow and smooth power delivery allows riders to toss it around like a BMX bike. It offers stability at speed and overall impressive handling.
Previously, only the premium edition of the Sherco 125SE came with KYB suspension. However, now all the models available in the United States are in the “Factory” configuration, which includes a closed-cartridge KYB fork and additional extras. The suspension settings indicate that Sherco considers this bike as a product for older riders, as it is relatively stiff. Even a 180-pound veteran rider would have to ride hard to make full use of the suspension travel. The advantage is that KYB suspension components are widely available, making it easy to find a suspension tuner who can adjust the settings for the 125SE, without the need for a Sherco specialist.
BITS AND PIECES
The Sherco 125SE comes with several additional features straight from the factory, including Polisport handguards, frame guards, a skid plate, and an odometer. Upon delivery, the bike may be slightly rich, but a minor adjustment of the needle position can resolve this. The bike performs best when fueled with a mix of pump gas and race fuel. Despite concerns about ordering parts online, there’s nothing overly exotic about the Sherco, and the U.S. aftermarket has readily embraced it. It comes with premium-level parts like a Moto Tassinari reed, and companies like Wiseco offer piston kits for it. Furthermore, the Sherco shares clutch plate compatibility with earlier KTM, Honda, and Husaberg models. The Sherco 125SE comes at a premium price of around $10,000, and whether it’s worth it or not is subjective. However, most test riders who have experienced the Sherco choose it over bikes with double the power.
