[Features]

2016 SHERCOS REVEALED

9 years ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: Mojo Motorcycles

So, what has the dynamic enduro-specific French manufacturer got in store for us for 2016?
Here’s a snapshot:

This French manufacturer may still be a relatively small player in the dirt bike market, but they sure punch way above their weight when it comes to racing success – at the Dakar Rally, the Enduro World Championship, the ISDE (where half of the winning French team last year were aboard Shercos) and the Australian Off-Road Championship.

With completely new two-stroke machines in 2014 and an all-new 450 four-stroke released just last year, Sherco’s 2016 range sees more refinements than reinvention. The engines on both the two- and four-stroke models come in for some significant upgrades, while there’re shared mods to airbox, electrics and switchblocks.

This new enduro range is expected to arrive in Australian dealers in October. In the meantime, here’s an insight into the shared upgrades, along with those made specifically to the two- and four-stroke models:

450 4T R

FOUR-STROKES…

SHARED:

  • The subframe has been reinforced for added strength and to improve access to the electrical system.
  • The red rocker-switch has been removed from the bars to prevent draining the battery if it’s accidentally left on.
  • The airbox volume has been increased for better access to the air filter and improved performance.
  • The wiring in the airbox has been made more compact and re-routed to protect it from snags.
  • The wiring itself has been made more robust via increasing its diameter and ultrasonic welding of its joints. The access to all connectors and the diagnostic plug has also been improved.
  • The front mudguard has been redesigned for more protection and to make it more rigid.
  • The redesigned hand guards are now made from a dual compound for more strength and better ‘memory’.

300 4T RR

250/300cc:

  • A new cylinder for improved temperature resistance and durability.
  • Forged 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears for added strength.
  • A redesigned selector fork in the transmission for greater reliability.
  • The water-pump gets a new DLC treatment to its shaft and improved seals.
  • The Synerject fuel-injection system gets revised mapping to improve performance, create smoother power delivery and reduce fuel consumption. It’s also now compatible with a keyless system.
  • The 300SEF-R gets a new injector body that’s designed to create a quicker return to idle rpm, and a revised throttle cable routing.

450cc:

  • The engine uses a completely new piston, conrod and counter-balancer shaft to reduce inertia. It’s also claimed to improve traction and extend engine life at higher rpm.
  • The Synerject fuel-injection system gets revised mapping to complement the new piston and conrod, create smoother power delivery and reduce fuel consumption. Like the 250/300, it’s also now compatible with a keyless system.

300 2T RF

TWO-STROKES

  • The 250 and 300cc engines get a new cast aluminium cylinder head to improve rigidity and combustion chamber efficiency.
  • The redesigned silencer is 8% lighter and gets new ‘rock-wool’ packing for longer life.
  • The power-valve gets revised timing for a more progressive power curve at lower revs, and a revised sealing mechanism to improve throttle response and reduce carbon deposits. The venting tube has also been removed from the power-valve cover to reduce emissions.
  • The ignition map sees a significant change to improve starting, power progression and traction in slick conditions.
  • The soft curve (on the bar-mounted dual-ignition switch) is designed to make the power even more manageable through the mid-range.
  • The transmission’s star selector mechanism has been redesigned for improved reliability.
  • The carb and fuel cock have both been relocated for better clearance and to make them more accessible.
  • The 300SE-R’s piston gets an updated profile for more throttle response and power at lower revs, plus better balance and reduced noise. It also gets a completely redesigned combustion chamber for better performance and durability.

 

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