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RIDING THE 2024 SHERCOS: THE WRAP

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

Cody Webb rode the 500 dual-sport like it was a trials bike.

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

2024 Sherco 500SMF

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

2024 Sherco 125 Dual-Sport

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

2024 Sherco 300SE

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

Hey, that’s me on the 2024 Sherco 250SEF! Photo by Andrew at Winpics.

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

2024 Sherco 500SEF, off-road version

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!

–Ron Lawson
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SHERCO 500 DUAL-SPORT: FIRST RIDE

We traveled to San Antonio, Texas for the 2024 Sherco dealers meeting. To our surprise, the Sherco team unveiled a brand new 500cc Dual-Sport motorcycle that had received approval from the DOT, EPA, and CARB. This means that the bike is now legal in all 50 states. It’s quite unexpected because obtaining homologation in the U.S. is usually a difficult and costly process. Sherco managed to keep this development a secret, and now they have joined the ranks of KTM, Husqvarna, Beta, and Honda as one of the few manufacturers committed to producing a dirt bike that is 100 percent street-legal. We were fortunate enough to witness the bike in action during our first ride, where Cody Webb showcased its impressive capabilities.

Motorsport

See The Porsche 911 Dakar Go Full Speed on the Autobahn

Last year, the Porsche 911 Dakar made its debut and garnered a lot of attention from the automotive press, including us, and for good reason.

Taking inspiration from the two-door models of the 1980s that participated in the iconic African rally raid with the same name, the 911 Dakar is Porsche’s response to the countless coachbuilders, tuners, and retrofitters who have gained recognition by raising the ride height and increasing the power of standard 911s, among other modifications.

Based on the 911 Carrera GTS, it features all-wheel drive, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine producing 473 horsepower, and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This powerhouse combination allows the 911 Dakar to achieve a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 3.2 seconds.


Motorsport

New Honda N-Box Debuts With Tiny Wheels, Huge Interior Space

The first-generation Honda N-Box was released in Japan in 2011 and had a very square appearance. Now, the automaker has unveiled the third-generation N-Box, which will be available in Japan this fall. Orders will begin in August, but pricing details have not yet been announced.

Similar to its predecessors, the latest N-Box maintains its boxy design. Even the headlights now have square surrounds, and the vehicle features a short front end with the majority of the space dedicated to the passenger compartment. The rear doors slide open, similar to those found on a minivan. For those looking to add some style, there is an optional Fashion Style package that includes off-white accents on the mirrors and door handles, as well as body-color wheel caps.


Motorsport

Unique Mazda RX-8 Convertible Goes On Display In Japan

The Mazda RX-8, which went into production in 2003, is currently being celebrated by the company for its 20th anniversary. As part of the festivities, Mazda has put on display a unique RX-8 convertible at the Mazda Brand Space Osaka in Japan. Interestingly, Mazda never sold an RX-8 convertible to the public.

It is unclear how the roof of this special RX-8 fits onto the car. What is noticeable is the presence of a large roll bar in the area where the B-pillar would normally be. The photos suggest that this bar is taller than the windshield. There are also small nacelles located behind the rear seats. Inside the cabin, there is a combination of red and black leather upholstery.

The announcement for the display states that visitors must seek permission to open the doors or sit inside the RX-8 convertible. This suggests that it may be possible to get up close to this unique car, with permission from the staff present.

The RX-8 convertible made its debut in 2008 during a Mazda corporate event. At the event, senior employees were seen standing in the convertible as part of a parade showcasing the automaker’s various models.


Motorsport

Tour An Abandoned Saab Dealership With Over 20 Forgotten Cars

In 2011, Saab went out of business. While many dealers transitioned to selling other automobiles, an abandoned Saab dealership in France did not. Urban explorers recently visited the dealership and discovered that it closed suddenly, leaving behind around 20 cars in various states of repair.

The Saab dealership originally opened in 1972, and it was operated by the same family that also ran a Husqvarna store in the same building. The business reportedly faced difficulties when one of the brothers fell ill.

Unfortunately, the abandoned dealership has been previously visited by less scrupulous individuals who broke windows and stole parts from the vehicles.

Inside the main showroom, there are two Saab 9-3s and a Saab 9-5. Aside from missing pieces and broken windows, these cars appear to be restorable.

The various offices are filled with garbage, as people seemingly tore things apart in search of valuables. However, the brochures, dealer artwork, and even paint samples and upholstery offerings remain, although they have significantly faded due to sun exposure.

In the workshop, there is an even bigger surprise. Alongside more Saabs, there are also Citroen, Peugeot, and Renault models. Several Saab 9000s, possibly dating back to 1998, can be found. The Saab 9000 model was first produced in 1984.

Some of the cars in the workshop have managed to avoid damage from looters. While covered in dust, many of these vehicles could potentially be restored to running condition with some cleaning and fresh fluids. There are plenty of YouTube channels specializing in cleaning vehicles in much worse condition than these.

The workshop also houses various spare parts, including at least one engine block. For Saab enthusiasts and specialists, this collection of cars and components would be considered a treasure trove. The spare parts could keep many Saab 9-3s, 9-5s, and 9000s on the road as donors.

Following Saab’s bankruptcy, the factory and remaining assets were purchased by NEVS. Although NEVS had plans to produce an electric version of the Saab 9-3, they ended up building a few combustion-powered versions using the leftover parts.

News

Under the skin: How tyres are changing for electric cars

Are electric vehicle (EV) tyres different from regular tyres? Can any tyre work for an EV? Many drivers may prioritize the cheapest option, disregarding the evidence that premium tyres outperform super-cheap unknown brands in terms of grip, handling, braking distance, comfort, noise, economy, wet performance, and wear rate.

However, fitting a tyre that is not specifically designed for an EV can lead to costly mistakes. So, why are tyres engineered differently for EVs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars? There are four main reasons.

Firstly, EVs weigh significantly more due to battery weight. For example, the entry-level Volkswagen ID 3 weighs almost 30% more than the conventional Volkswagen Golf equivalent.

Additionally, torque plays a crucial role. Electric drive motors deliver high torque instantly, even in ordinary EVs, which can potentially result in increased tyre wear.

Noise is another important factor. The quiet drivetrain of an EV makes road and wind noise more noticeable, even during acceleration or cruising at high speeds.

Finally, there is the aspect of economy and rolling resistance. While rolling resistance affects both ICE cars and EVs, a 10% increase in rolling resistance during a 200-mile drive is more noticeable to an EV driver.

Tyre manufacturers address the added weight of EVs by enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the tyre carcass. This involves reinforcing sidewall construction and using tougher rubber materials.

In 2021, Continental introduced the first tyre with a load rating of HL (‘High Load’, with a load index of 825kg), while an ICE car of the same size may have a rating of SL (a load index of 94kg).

Continental also developed a new compound called Green Chili 2.0 for its EcoContact 6 tyre. This compound consumes less energy when deformed (while rolling) and reduces energy consumption by 15% compared to its predecessor. Other tyre manufacturers have also developed lower-rolling-resistance compounds.

The tread design, distribution on the road surface, internal belt design, and the bead that grips the wheel rim all impact rolling resistance. These factors are crucial considerations for engineers when developing tyres for heavier and torquey EVs.

Tread block widths are already varied randomly to minimize droning noise, and their design is now under increased scrutiny. Foam layers on the inside of the tread help absorb noise from vibration. Continental refers to its polyurethane foam as ContiSilent, which reduces road noise by 9dBA.

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Trystan Hart Secures 2023 U.S. Hard Enduro Championship with Silver Kings Victory

Trystan Hart: “The race went really well here in Idaho, not a lot of drama for me – I caught the guys early on and then Cody [Webb] and I battled for a bit before he had a huge high-side down the hill. The track got harder and harder closer to the finish and I was just coasting on the trails, which I don’t normally do, but I was conserving energy in case there were any more surprises. It was a good race, I was so nervous bringing it home!”

Trystan Hart from FMF KTM Factory Racing has successfully defended his AMA U.S. Hard Enduro Championship title by winning the Silver Kings Hard Enduro race. This year, Hart has maintained his winning form from last season and continued his perfect record in Round 6 at the Silver Mountain Ski Resort, also securing the AMA West Extreme Regional Championship.

Hart took the lead during the early stages of the Main Event, finishing with a total time of 2:52:36 and securing a winning margin of 40 seconds. This victory marks his third consecutive crown in the series.

Ryder LeBlond: “It was a gnarly day on the mountain here at the Silver Kings Hard Enduro. This was definitely a real hard enduro – probably one of the toughest ones I’ve done in the United States so far, it was just a long, brutal beat down. We had some good battles all day, which was fun, and at the end there I was able to break away from the group and grab P2 for the day, which is awesome.”

Ryder LeBlond from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing finished in second place, with Cody Webb from Sherco taking the final spot on the podium. Despite a detour that cost him significant time, Colton Haaker put on a solid performance and secured fourth place at the Silver Kings event.

Colton Haaker: “Super steep, super long, and I got some cramps. I had a great time, just had a small mishap at the first checkpoint where I went down the silver route for about 20 minutes and had to double-back to hit the gold run. I was in the lead, then that put me back to 15th, charged through the race, and pulled it in for a fourth-place finish. All in all, great day, and the bike was awesome.”

1.) Trystan Hart

2.) Ryder LeBlond

3.) Cody Webb

4.) Colton Haaker

Citreon

FIRST CITROËN MY AMI BUGGY II SOLD IN THE UK IN UNDER 3 MINUTES

  • A UK buyer purchased the first My Ami Buggy in just 2 minutes and 10 seconds
  • A limited run of 40 My Ami Buggy II was released for sale in the UK and sold out quickly
  • The My Ami Buggy II features a rugged design, colorful accents, and exclusive accessories
  • The My Ami Buggy is the latest addition to the Ami range, joining the versatile Ami Cargo and Ami 100% Electric

 

The first UK customer managed to purchase their My Ami Buggy II in just 2 minutes and 10 seconds, with ten units sold in the first 4 minutes.

 

Following the public’s enthusiasm for the My Ami Buggy last year, which sold out in France in 17 minutes and 28 seconds, Citroën decided to create a limited run of 40 units for the UK market.

 

The My Ami Buggy features an adventurous design, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with fun accessories like the Khaki exterior color, black protective elements, reinforced bumpers, skid plates, headlamp surrounds, wheel arch extensions, and a rear spoiler for a muscular appearance.

 

The My Ami Buggy II is part of the Ami range and is based on the Citroën Ami 100% Electric, which is a sustainable mobility solution aimed at addressing environmental challenges in cities. The Ami range also includes the My Ami Cargo model, which has a payload capacity of up to 140kg, a maximum load capacity of 400 liters, and a tight 7.20m turning circle.

 

Like all Ami models, the My Ami Buggy emits zero emissions during use and has a 5.4kWh battery that can be fully charged in four hours. It has a range of up to 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph, making it an affordable and clean mobility solution offered by Citroën.