2014 Sherco 2T & 4T 300's... quick test ride

[Boogie]

So hows everything going? Any issues? ...

It's going well thanks LOM. 19hrs and 550kms so far and zero issues except for steering stem nut coming loose. No big deal and wired on now.

... Have you found anything you don't like?

I had a good think about this and the only things that are minor annoyances are:
- Fuel tap access. Its hard to get at and fingers will get burnt if you're not careful.
- Air filter remove/replace. Its very easy to access BUT... I haven't yet worked out how to remove/replace the filter/cage through subframe without hassle.
- a little bit of fuel leaks from the valve on the cap.




A few other points on previous comments...

Also, the stock rear tyre sucks on loose over hard pack (Michelin Enduro Comp 3 140/18).

Stock Michelin Enduro rubber is probably the worst tyres I've had on a bike, mine haven't worn in 300klms and skate all over the shop.
Will be getting them off ASAP (said that 3 weeks ago ) Absolutely shocking rubber.

The Sherco has Michelin Enduro Comp 6, not 3 as i said above. (I'm sure 3 are on the Husky's.)The rear is gone but I am liking the front. It's oversize 100/90/21 and works well.

... I like how the PV on the beta and husqvarna are adjustable and it sounds like you can completely change the feel. The only thing I don't like is the adjustability of the. PV on the Sherco. Can't get an answer if there's a tuner anywhere to change the settings since it's electronic.

Sure, I can't adjust the PV setting but I can flick "on the go" between two very different settings. I think it's plus for Sherco.

...
I'm convinced on the "slow tech riding" cred but not yet on the "fastest top end 300". In saying that, I've ridden exactly 2 x 300 smokers. ...

The Sherco rules the slow stuff. keywords: Stall proof. mild map. torque. agile handling

Fastest top end? hhmm... words from the Transmoto 2015 KTM Beta Sherco 300cc comparo are:

... the 300SE-R remains the most aggresive powerplant of the three. ...
... its power delivery is more akin to what you'd expect from a 250cc MXer than a 300cc enduro bike. ...
... Once the 300SE-R's mainjet comes into play, though, hold on to your hat, cos this thing boogies! It's got a hair-raising mid-range and just keeps pulling up top, and it put several bike-lengths on both the KTM and Beta through fourth, fifth and sixth gears when we drag-raced the trio on the tarmac. ...

Will need to buy the mag to read it all, here: https://transmoto.com.au/2015-300cc-enduro-shootout-extras/


So... A few weeks back I took both the Sherco and 310 to a ride park. Rode the Sherco mostly but took the 310 out for a short loop... first since buying the blue bike.
Confirmed: 310 is not for sale. It still rules too Good times.

Happy New Year

 

[fletchman45]

No kickstart equal no sherco ever for me. A revalved Tm with a light clutch pull.....if my new Husqvarna doesn't fit the bill I'll toss it around. My 12 Tm handled much better and more predictable then my 12 gasser and was right on par with a xlight chassis my bike had stock stiff suspension and a horrendus clutch pull. Engine fast won't stall and rocks when you want it to. Steering stem bearings will get shot quick with pressure washing change to Honda Cr bearings. No and I say again no quirks associated with riding this bike at all. Gas capacity small and after market factory aluminum tank I am told will not fit right. Mine had a horrible clutch pull but did have a Cr basket and HD clutch springs I am told. Sherco seems cool but no kickstar . Ha ha I like the Tm better two stroke no electric start option. A bad asss mans bike that rewards you if your in shape and will spit you off hard if your not.....

 

[racemx904]

Sherco needs to get their dealer pricing in order.... basically $700 OFF RETAIL...... not

 

[wallybean]

Can't seem to get into the back issues of Transmoto to buy and read. Can you give a high light/ low light of that comparison?

 

[Boogie]

Can't seem to get into the back issues of Transmoto to buy and read. Can you give a high light/ low light of that comparison?

I found the correct link to buy the mag in digital form here: http://au.zinio.com/www/browse/issue.jsp?skuId=416321317
Quick sum up below.

1. KTM: + Best overall package IN STOCK TRIM. - Gives away some bottom and top end to both Beta and Sherco
2. Beta: + Good user friendly engine. - Suspension lacks (sachs)
3. Sherco: + Exciting power. - Can be a handful in tight terrain but biggest complaint was an unbalanced chassis.

Although I'm biased, the complaints on the Sherco really sounded like set up issues.
"handful in tight terrain"? - my 310 is more of a handful in tight terrain than the Sherco in MILD MAP. They also said it may have been lean and added to the pronounced hit.
Chassis imbalance? They have a long term test bike and I suspect they'll end up running 105-110mm rear sag and forks close to flush with clamps.

Another point they made is the price difference being 1000/1400 cheaper for the Sherco/Beta. That alone should knock the pumpkin off the pedestal.

 

[racemx904]

Cheaper? Wrong.... unless something changed in the past 2 weeks

 

[Boogie]

Cheaper? Wrong.... unless something changed in the past 2 weeks

I'm down under - Australia

 

[Boogie]

No kickstart equal no sherco ever for me.

I took my 310 for a spin the other day and had to use the kickstart a few times when the estart failed to fire her up... at that point I missed my reliable estart Sherco.

The Sherco starter is not a flimsy afterthought

 

[Dangermouse449]

The lack of kick starters is a non-issue.
Maybe if you were a racer and wanted to delete the battery & starter you'd care, otherwise you are carrying around a useless alloy stick and some gears for no reason.
I don't see crank handles on any cars, don't need one on my bike.
I fitted and high capacity SSB lithium battery and lost 1.5kg.

 

[hammer]

The lack of kick starters is a non-issue.
Maybe if you were a racer and wanted to delete the battery & starter you'd care, otherwise you are carrying around a useless alloy stick and some gears for no reason.
I don't see crank handles on any cars, don't need one on my bike.

Pretty easy to call a tow truck when your car won't start, a bit of a problem when you are 50 miles from a road. I would take a kick bike only over a e start bike only any day! Why carry a useless battery and e start when all you have to do is give it a bit of a kick.

 

[Boogie]

Pretty easy to call a tow truck when your car won't start, a bit of a problem when you are 50 miles from a road. I would take a kick bike only over a e start bike only any day! Why carry a useless battery and e start when all you have to do is give it a bit of a kick.

I've seen guys almost perish into piles of carbon from trying to start their "kick start only" bikes halfway up gnarly hills. They always say "I wish I had a magic button"

 

[Geno]

most quads haven't had kickers in a while don't here much grief coming from those guys. plus were not talkin x-lite starters here.

 

[LandofMotards]

I've owned a couple dirt bikes that were estart only. Never a concern. The problem is that on most bikes with estart, it's an afterthought. Ktm 2 strokes, gasgas, our 250/310, wr450f...basing your opinion on that, fair enough. Shercos were designed around their estart for injection. No clue how they'll be when they get that system but for now it has more then enough to start.

There are always going to be people you can't convince just like the carb vs efi debate. Oh well, there's plenty of choices

Post some videos of your Sherco

 

[fran...k.]

. Shercos were designed around their estart for injection. No clue how they'll be when they get that system but for now it has more then enough to start.

My question is the starter like on most automotive and heavy equipment where there is a gear that jumps out and engages a much larger gear, or does it involve one way clutch/sprag?

What do modern street bikes have, I have one and don't know off hand but the Norton 1975 model used the one way clutch and it lasted about 25,000 mi.

 

[fletchman45]

I certainly under stand the thoughts on electric start and like em. But a dodge ram power wagon comes with a manual transferase for a reason (no electronic gizmo to rely on!!) If the bike had both then at least you would have the option to remove the ten pounds of estart stuff or the 2 pound kick start . I like the looks of the bike!! As I have got older I like light weight so long as durability is not compromised. But I'm old school never will I have and auto clutch bike either. The clutch is my best friend and allows me to exit corners prevent stalling etc.... Yea if this new Husqvarna don't work which I feel it will be fine.....there is a new Tm importer and no estart option on the two strokes... But from a financial standpoint with all the bling and suspension etc. .I'm in at 9300 or so!!! I hope it works****************************************! But yep ride that Sherco it is cool....

 

[LandofMotards]

I certainly under stand the thoughts on electric start and like em. But a dodge ram power wagon comes with a manual transferase for a reason (no electronic gizmo to rely on!!) If the bike had both then at least you would have the option to remove the ten pounds of estart stuff or the 2 pound kick start . I like the looks of the bike!! As I have got older I like light weight so long as durability is not compromised. But I'm old school never will I have and auto clutch bike either. The clutch is my best friend and allows me to exit corners prevent stalling etc.... Yea if this new Husqvarna don't work which I feel it will be fine.....there is a new Tm importer and no estart option on the two strokes... But from a financial standpoint with all the bling and suspension etc. .I'm in at 9300 or so!!! I hope it works ! But yep ride that Sherco it is cool....

You know with the rekluse you can still use the clutch whenever you want, think of it more as an anti rekick when you eat it that being said, mines gone, it made me lazy lol. Didn't know new tm's went to estart only.

 

[fletchman45]

No estart option on two stroke . Sorry for any confusion. A true mans race bike and sexy to boot!!! I've tried run riding the auto clutch bikes with the slipper clutch just don't seem to like it. Hec race a 125 for a season! Then switch back to a 250. You will feel like a hero..

 

[fletchman45]

You know with the rekluse you can still use the clutch whenever you want, think of it more as an anti rekick when you eat it that being said, mines gone, it made me lazy lol. Didn't know new tm's went to estart only.

sorry meant no electric start option available on two strokes. Can't get used to the auto clutch

 

[Dangermouse449]

Pretty easy to call a tow truck when your car won't start, a bit of a problem when you are 50 miles from a road. I would take a kick bike only over a e start bike only any day! Why carry a useless battery and e start when all you have to do is give it a bit of a kick.

All the efi bikes I'm aware of so far have a capacitor for run starting purposes. They can still be started with a push.
Yes, I could work on my fitness so I don't feel snagged after kicking my 450 all day out in the bush. But after owning two e-start bikes over the last 8 years & never being let down by either I'm pretty comfortable with it.
I'll smile as we stall side by side up some rutted, snotty hill where you must hold the bike on both brakes and push my button , then disappear up the hill.

 

[lankydoug]

When it comes to KTM's starters, I agree with fletch. I've seen more KTM starters not work then ones that actually start the bike. I find it comical when a KTM rider hits the e-start and it sounds like a cross between a coffee grinder and a New Years Eve party noise maker for about 15 seconds and then grinds slower... the rider then says a few choice cuss words and folds out the kick starter while his trail riding buddies wait on him. I also will likely never own an auto-clutch because none of the recluse bikes I've ridden have the same feel as the manual clutch when you want to slip it slightly off idle to do trials like moves in the tight stuff.... and yes I've ridden the latest greatest $600 recluse on a KTM 300 and while it was an improvement over the older recluse it still did some funky stuff when I went to hop the bike out of a creek up onto a log on the bank... it felt like the clutch engagement point changes at low rpm and the auto feature overrides what I want to do.

This is a great thread and I'm really interested in the Beta and even more interested in the Sherco which would likely fit me better than the Beta. The Sherco e-start only doesn't spook me a bit since Sherco's starter is not an afterthought like the ktm is.

The downside or upside, depending how you look at it, is that my 09 WR250 has been reliable as an anvil and is set up perfectly for my 6'6" 205 lb self. I'm reluctant to spend 8-10K on a bike that I'm going to have to start all over on the set up. I envy the 5'10" 175 lb guy who can get on the bike and sort out the clickers and go.