The Sherco 2006 range receives a completely new frame, also made of chrome-molybdenum steel, but with a triangular section, more compact, and painted in matt black.
As a result, the fuel tank has had to adapt to the new geometries, and although the design is similar, its capacity has been reduced by half a litre to 2.5 litres.
Continuing with the suspensions, Sherco has remedied the great disadvantage that separated it from its rivals. For the first time in the brand, its Paioli fork – it still mounts 38mm bars – receives external adjustment in compression and rebound.
The Ollé shock absorber has also been retained, but this time with the possibility of adjusting the spring preload. As expected, looking at the two-stroke trial scene, the Sherco hardly receives any novelties in its thermodynamic part.
Basically, the technicians have limited themselves to thoroughly reviewing the assembly, and improving its aesthetics with a redesigned ignition cover.
Other less relevant details are the striking image of its wheels, anodized in black in its central part as on Albert’s official motorcycle, and the new aluminum footpegs.
BALANCED
Looking at the new Sherco is an accumulation of strange sensations. Its design is daring, you may like it or not, but of course, within the monotonous world of trial, you have to give an award for innovation. Studying its chassis closely, it really does give that feeling of being lighter, and above all, more mechanically accessible.
The large headroom of the 2.5 is due to the fact that it is the same chassis as the 3.2 4T, which is significantly taller. The rest of the components remain unchanged. Already on its controls, the sensations are very positive. Unlike its rivals, the Sherco is a bike that is very easy to adapt, it only takes a few turns to feel “at home”.
AndIn general, their reactions are very predictable, dominated by an overall balance of all components. For this reason, it is perhaps emerging as the best candidate for the average user, who is looking for a motorcycle that is uncomplicated and effective within the zones. On the other hand, he still lacks a more accentuated personality. It’s really hard to find any weak point for the Sherco, but it’s even harder to look for a section where it stands out from its rivals.
Dynamically the mechanics of the 2.5 are reminiscent of the reactions of the Pro 250, albeit in its own way. The most interesting thing is its behavior at low and medium revs, where its predictable and agile reactions They provide very effective driving in technical areas. On the contrary, and although the improvement is tangible, this engine still lacks character at high revs.
Where a big step has been taken is to level of suspensions. Perhaps this has been the weakest point of the Spanish bike. penalized by the impossibility of adjusting its parameters to the needs and dimensions of the user. Now that it’s possible, many will feel more comfortable at the controls, especially thanks to the pleasant feel of its front fork, which provides a large dose of lightness and precision.
The rear axle, although it has improved, is increasingly far from the impeccable performance of the Öhlins de Gas Gas or Paioli de Beta. However, it fulfills its purpose with flying colors, and only those riders of a higher level will have to look for a better set-up. Finally, it should be noted that the differences between Gas Gas and Sherco in terms of weight have been reduced, although the Girona native continues to lead its rival by just over a kilo -71.5 kg Gas Gas and 72.7 kg Sherco-.
Text: David Quer
LINK TO THE HISTORY OF SHERCO AND ALL ITS TRIAL MODELS
