The 2023 Sherco enduro range was first unveiled mid 2022, with it being revealed that seven Factory versions would be available here. We recently rode them all bar the 250 SEF! Photography: F-Style
The new Sherco Factory line-up consists of four four-bangers, the 250, 300, 450 and the big 500, as well as three two-strokes, the screamer 125, the quarter-litre 250 and the top selling 300. There have been some minor upgrades across the range, so we went and rode them!Â
We tested the 125, 250 and 300 SE Factory two-strokes as well as the 300, 450 and 500 SEF Factory four-strokes.
All of the 2023 models feature new graphics with In-Mold technology, and all of the bikes imported are the Factory versions now. This was a decision based on sales numbers and other updates to the models include the diamond-pattern gre Selle Dalla Valle seat, new Brembo brake pad and a Neken ‘bar pad.
The two-stroke 125 gets a new exhaust power-valve, while the four-stroke 450 and 500 SEF models gain a factory exhaust system, new crankshaft, revised gearbox, upgraded cooling and re-mapped ignition timing for a better burn and more power…
THE LAUNCH
Upon arrival at the Sherco launch I saw an amazing lineup of bikes, which I was very excited to get to take out for a spin at the Broadford State Motorcycle Sports Complex. While waiting for everyone to arrive, I had a good look over the new 2023 Sherco line up. The bikes look nothing short of amazing.
Check out the Sherco Race Team here…
I also took the opportunity to introduce myself and have a chat with the team riders and hear their thoughts on the new range of Sherco bikes. Hearing how they spoke about the new range made the itch to ride the 2023 line up even greater. I could not wait!
Dan had a chat with some of the Factory Sherco riders before heading out to test the bikes for himself…
Once everyone had arrived the launch began, starting off with introductions to the Sherco management, team riders and a rundown on the 2023 Sherco range. As mentioned, one of the biggest changes Sherco had decided to make for their 2023 range is that they had taken away the base model to focus on the Factory spec models due to the popularity of the higher spec models.
Across all of the Sherco range each bike comes with the highest quality parts to help provide you with the best out of the box bike to meet your requirements. Some of the features their bikes have are:
- Electric start.
- 48mm KYB closed cartridge, fully adjustable forks.
- 50mm KYB Shock, with 18mm shaft, fully adjustable.
- Brembo brake calipers with 260mm Galfer front disc and 220mm Galfer solid rear disc
- Thermo fan and expansion tank on all bike except the 125 SE Factory.
THE RIDES
After the introductions and rundown on the range it was time to get out on the bikes (all available aside from the 250 SEF Factory) and take them all for a spin. The bike I chose to start off on was the 300 SEF Factory ($15,999). With my motocross background only riding 250cc or 450cc four-strokes I was very keen to see what a 300cc four-stroke was capable of.
One key feature that stood out was the full Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, giving the bike an amazing sound and apparently an improved power curve.
The first bike for the day was the 300 SE Factory, which Dan was super keen to try out. There was no 250 present.
Straight away I was able to notice the strong torque and overall power throughout the entire rev range. The extra smooth torque and power made it easy to handle the rough terrain of an enduro circuit, whether it be in the tight twisty section dodging trees or on a nice long open straight
Dan liked the smooth spread of torque and power of the 300 SE Factory, as well as the suspension set-up.
The KYB front and rear suspension made tackling the rough and rocky terrain seem effortless along with making the bike feel very agile. Equipped with Michelin Enduro Medium tyres the suspension and tyres worked hand in hand providing the required grip needed on the enduro circuit.
With the Brembo brakes calipers and Galfer front and rear discs stopping was not an issue. The 300 SEF did not disappoint and I couldn’t wait to try out the rest of the Sherco line up.
The Sherco two-stroke models represent what must be the peak of carburettor refinement and development as they are yet to go EFI like the trials models. The 300 two and four stroke models are the top sellers for Sherco Australia.
Next up I threw my leg over the 250 SE Factory ($14,999 RRP). I had being looking forward to seeing what the Sherco two-strokes had to offer. After riding the 300 SEF, the 250 SE had a slightly lighter feel to it, which made it a little easier to throw around.
This made the tight twisty parts of the enduro circuit seem like an open road. I was surprised with the low-down power, it really had all the power and torque you need.
“After riding the 300 SEF, the 250 SE had a slightly lighter feel to it, which made it a little easier to throw around.”
Equipped with its KYB suspension and Michelin Enduro medium tyres, the machine felt like it had been set up specifically for me, giving the bike an amazing feel and making the hardest obstacles seem like child’s play to negotiate. A great bike.
The third bike I rode was the 300 SE Factory ($15,499). I was really looking forward to riding the 300 two-stroke, as it is one of Sherco’s most popular models. Being such a popular bike Sherco has given their 2023 300 SE Factory all the bells and whistles.
Knowing that the 300 two-stroke was such a popular size bike on the market I had to give it a good go to see what the big fuss was about.
Offering everything the 250 has but with the added power and torque made the bike a clear favourite of the three two-strokes for myself. I thoroughly enjoyed the smooth power delivery down low with the added kick of the much loved two-stroke powerband in the higher rev range.
Through the tight twisty enduro circuit the 300 SE Factory was easy to manoeuvre and handled exceptionally, leaving a smile on my face. Not only was the 300 good in the tight and twisty tracks, when I took it to a long straight and opened it up, I realised it was the full package and Sherco went all out with this one. Also giving it the best stopping power to make sure you can pull up for those sudden stops, it’s a weapon of a bike…
The mighty 500 SEF Factory is not for the faint of heart. This thing packs some serious punch…
After riding the 300 SE, I jumped on the 500 SEF Factory ($16,999). This bike felt much bigger and a little heavier than the two-strokes or the 300 SEF, although the extra power definitely made up for it.
“The first thing I wanted to do on this beast of a bike was open it right up and see what it has. I was not let down with its never-ending amount of power”…
The 500 SEF and 450 both come equipped with a Sherco Factory header pipe and Akrapovic silencer, giving the bike an aggressive bark that sends chills down your spine. The first thing I wanted to do on this beast of a bike was open it right up and see what it has. I was not let down with its never-ending amount of power through each gear, the bike just wanted to keep going.
While riding the 500 SEF I was very surprised with how well it handled for the size and weight. This was mainly due to the KYB front forks and KYB shock paired with Michelin Enduro tyres. I did find the suspension a little stiffer than the other bikes in the range. Although, the weight of the bike and the power behind it still managed to use a good amount of travel in the forks and shock.
The one thing I did struggle with on this bike was stopping for or slowing down quickly for upcoming corners and obstacles. With the extra power and good weight behind it I found that the Brembo brakes where either on or off and caused me to overshoot a couple of corners throughout my ride.
“The fifth bike was the 450SEF. Given that I mostly ride a 450 motocross bike myself, I was keen to see the difference that of an enduro bike.”
The 2023 Sherco 450 SEF Factory ($16,799) was next and it also comes with a Sherco Factory header pipe and Akrapovic silencer, making the bike sound aggressive and giving it a smooth power curve that was very predictable throughout the entire rev range.
The KYB front forks and KYB rear shock on the 450 felt a little softer than I was used to on a motocross bike. Although, when attacking the rugged terrain of an enduro circuit, the softer suspension allowed me to manoeuvre the bike with ease making it easy to avoid the trees that jump out at you.
“With the slight difference in power between the 450 SEF and 500 SEF, where I notice the difference in the braking.”
With the slight difference in power between the 450 SEF and 500 SEF, where I notice the difference is in the braking. While I overshot a couple of turns on the 500 SEF, I was able to pull up and turn the 450 SEF even though they both utilise the same brakes and gearing, it’s arriving there faster on the 500!
The stunning looking, absolute fun, Sherco 125 SE two-stroke. The 125SE is the lightest bike in the Sherco 2023 line up at the launch making it so easy and fun to throw around in the tight twisty sections of the circuit.
I left the 125 SE Factory ($13,499) until the end, knowing that it was going to be a fun bike. The 125 SE is equipped with plated steel expansion chamber and FES aluminium silencer, and it has a distinct sound that set it apart from the other two-strokes.
The bike had plenty of power for a small 125 engine. Although I did find that the gearing was very peaky and had to shift through the gears very quickly and change up and down quite often in the twisty sections of the circuit.
The 125 SE was the lightest bike in the Sherco 2023 line up at the launch making it so easy and fun to throw around in the tight twisty sections of the circuit. With the same brakes and Michelin Enduro Medium tyres as on every other model the 125 SE has a stopping power to be reckoned with.
Given that it is the smallest bike in the range, it had the softest suspension, which would be perfect for the lighter riders that the bike is targeted towards. A fun bike and very capable.
CONCLUSION
Sherco knocked it out of the park with their 2023 enduro range. Offering a wide variety of bikes to suit every type of rider out there. If you want to hit up the open tracks and hold the bike wide open, then the 500 SEF would be the fit for you.
Or if you want to give some Hard Enduro a go then the lighter 300 SE Factory or 300 SEF Factory would be the bike of choice for you. As for myself? I thoroughly enjoyed different aspects from each bike and couldn’t say I have one favourite for the day but the three I most enjoyed would be the 450 SEF, 300 SEF and the 300 SE….
2023 SHERCO ENDURO RANGE SPECIFICATIONS
2023 SHERCO ENDURO RANGE GALLERY
The Verdict | Launch: 2023 Sherco SEF, SE Factory Enduro Tests
Excellent
The 2023 Sherco enduro range was first unveiled mid 2022, with it being revealed that seven Factory. versions would be available here. We recently rode them all!
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