The French trial motorcycle brand, Sherco, presented its entire range of refreshed 2019 models in its place of origin, France. Where Sherco manufacturing began in 1998.
For the presentation of the models for both enduro and trial, they chose a historic place, Pont Du Gard, where in addition to exhibiting all the novelties and advances of the brand we also had the pleasure of having dinner at the foot of the emblematic bridge of the place, built by the Romans to transport water from one town to another.
The presentation began with a balance of Sherco’s production and profits, whose brand according to the commercial director of Sherco Spain, Arnau Vilardell has had considerable growth; “At the philosophical level of Sherco, this year we have increased sales, the turnover is around 33 million euros, which represents 15% more than the previous year”
As for the future of Sherco, according to Arnau, “The brand is progressing towards a future focused on off-roading, making a powerful trial range and a complete enduro range. Increasing, in order to cover the entire range of motorcycles, the network of dealers and customers. To this end, we will continue to focus on quality, after-sales service and in the races.”
This was followed by the presentation of the entire extended Sherco enduro range and then the trial range, which will be our test and analysis focus.
SHERCO 2019 CONTACT
During the next day came the moment of truth, the time to test all the models and discover the true effectiveness of the changes. To do this, we moved to Domazan Track, where we found the entire deployment of tents and models of all Sherco specialties ready to be tested on the enduro circuit near the site and in the small trial area.
Our test focused on the trial range, over which Sherco has opted for three different models, two of them more focused on trials of all levels (Sherco Racing & Factory) and the other model not so much trial, with a more excursion/leisure philosophy (Sherco Classic TY 125).
Until now, Sherco had accustomed us to the presentation of its most basic model during the month of June and around six months later it presented the Factory model. On the other hand, this year after the high volume of sales of the 2018 Factory models, the decision by the French brand has been Present both models at the same time In order to be able to offer the consumer two trial models, the Racing with a simpler preparation and a decrease in price compared to the previous year’s model of around a thousand euros. And the Factory, “the black leg” of the brand, which according to its engineer, James Gonzales, “has 80% components in common with Miquel Gelabert’s racing bike.”
2019 SHERCO ST RACING TEST
Starting the test with Sherco’s Racing model, the surprises and new sensations that we take away are few. Since the changes that this range has received both in its chassis and mechanics have been brief.
As for the chassis part , we see a return of the front suspensions to their usual silver Tech fork and the rear shock has been replaced, the Reiger by the classic R16V. Changes that at first glance may seem like a decrease in comfort and performance when riding, but the truth is that thanks to these changes, Sherco’s Racing model will be More Affordable as this is where the main reason for the price decrease lies. The aluminium Tech fork and Reiger suspension are reserved for the Factory model.
The muffler bracket is now removable, thus allowing us to change the bracket quickly and easily in the event of a blow and/or breakage. The Decoration Kit has also been one of the changes it has received.
When it comes to testing it, we observed from the beginning that it has been a motorcycle designed for an average user who is looking for a complete motorcycle but at a competitive price. This is not a model that stands out for anything in particular. We noticed a round engine, with a progressive output and an absolutely poor response in highs.
When it comes to demanding a little more from the bike, we find brakes with limited performance and suspensions with good response in low performances, but in high performance we perceive some fatigue and instability.
In general terms, it is a range focused on an average user level. But above all, due to its quality of materials and therefore the sensations we perceive when testing it, Sherco’s main objective in making an economical and more accessible motorcycle than the Factory model is reflected.
SHERCO ST FACTORY TEST 2019
After the brief presentation on Tuesday on the novelties of the Sherco ST Racing, it was time for the main course, where Sherco has been betting for years on making a competitive bike, without skimping on details. This is their most prepared model, the Factory.
It continues with a similar decoration to the 2018 model, Decoration Kit and maintaining in general features the look. But when we talk about the technical part, that’s where the important and differentiating change really comes, few but important changes.
The first fundamental aspect, which we could appreciate as we started the test, was the clutch. As its developer James Gonzales explained to us, “This is not a new clutch, because we continue with last year’s diaphragm clutch, but after the complaints that customers have had about its hardness of touch we have worked deeply on this aspect for the 2019 Factory model. The evolution of the clutch has been based on a new spring, new platelets and a new preload washer to achieve a 40% softer feel, operating stability and repeatability.”
The reality of this change when it comes to testing it is perceptible from the first moment. We find a really soft clutch that at first gives us a certain feeling of insecurity since you don’t expect that with so little resistance we have optimal control and support. But the truth is that you immediately get used to it, to a clutch that you can control throughout its range, allowing you to dose the gas at very low revs with total safety, control and stability.
When the time comes to demand it at high revs, we observe that it is a precise, strong and fast clutch, giving you all the security to be able to face any obstacle. Other changes that are not so noticeable when using it, but are fundamental in its operation and power delivery, are the 250cc and 300cc displacement crankshaft, managing to reduce engine vibrations and engine noise, the redesign of the cylinder head in all its displacements for better engine performance, with a different profile in the 125cc and finally, among the changes that favor the delivery of the engine, would be the new CDI curve which increases the power of the engine at low revs.
In practical terms, there is a common improvement of the three displacements in terms of engine response, a rounder response with a fuller engine, especially at low revs, where it allows you to even make complicated turns without using the clutch. But always full and prepared in high revs to overcome any step.
The rest of the components remain similar to the Sherco Factory 2018 model, such as the Galfer brake discs, Reiger 3-way shock, TECH aluminum fork… with some changes such as the NEKEN trial Factory 2019 handlebar foam with a harder texture and a more protective appearance.
After spending a few hours testing the three displacements of the Factory range, we found bikes full of details. Suitable for all levels, but ready to be demanded.
The 125cc model , as we were able to test and Alejandro Ferrer confirmed to us, “is a motorcycle with a lot of power and more than enough performance for a wide range of users.”
Regarding the 250cc model , we realize that with the engine response it provides and its performance, it can be the ideal motorcycle for most consumers. Since she has enough strength to face obstacles without having the insecurity of losing control of her.
And finally, “the most powerful” as Ferrer told us, the 300. Which gives us the extra gas and power that we can miss with a 250 when we want to make larger obstacles or especially when we need a second hit of gas in a row. With this displacement we will always have a full engine with immediate response.
VIDEOS SHERCO ST TRIAL 2019
