2025 SHERCO MODEL RANGE - Q&A

Former professional enduro rider and long-time motorcycle test rider, Damian Smith, travelled to France for the 2025 Sherco World Media Launch. Despite the rough weather, Damian got the scoop on Sherco’s latest range and their new features. In this chat for Transmoto, Damian, who owns a 2024 Sherco, shares his thoughts on what’s new, what’s improved, and how the bikes performed under the less-than-ideal conditions. Check out his insights on Sherco’s fresh ride offerings and what makes them worth shopping for.

TM: Would you say the Sherco 2025 models represent a new generation, or are they more of a refined version of the previous model?
Damian: It’s a bit of both. There are refinements and some new-generation elements. The biggest change is definitely the airbox. The previous design was old school and tricky to access, causing quite a bit of discussion. The new airbox design is a major improvement. Additionally, there are subtle updates like new radiators with plastic bracing, similar to KTM’s setup. These changes improve durability and make maintenance easier, such as changing filters without hassle. The bike also looks sleeker and more modern, which I am a huge fan of. While there are subtle changes in the frame for added stability, the bike’s core geometry hasn’t drastically changed. Overall, the appearance and usability improvements are the standout features.

How would you describe Sherco’s design philosophy for these models? Do you think it focuses more on the engine, or is there another aspect at play?
Sherco’s design philosophy seems to be about progressing while maintaining their unique identity. They’re not following the mainstream trends set by the major brands. For instance, their airbox design is original, not a copy of existing designs. Sherco takes pride in their European manufacturing, with all of the parts on the motorcycle made in Europe except for three. They’re committed to in-house production and emphasize their dedication to quality and innovation. The company and designers pride is evident in their products and their approach to design.

How do you think the design objectives Sherco talks about relate to the actual riding experience? Do you think they’ve hit the mark?
Honestly, the weather conditions made it difficult to fully test the bikes. It was extremely wet and challenging, so a proper test would require better conditions. What stands out is that all bikes feel consistent in terms of ergonomics and comfort, despite the different power plants. The suspension remains the same as last year, but there have been some changes, like the new steering triple clamp and a cast steel section in the rear for added strength and stability. These modifications aim to enhance rider comfort rather than completely redesigning the bike. The bike still feels familiar but with some refinements for improved performance and durability.

Among the two-stroke models, which one stood out as your favourite despite the challenging conditions?
The 250SE was my favourite. I’ve spent a lot of time on 250 two-strokes and appreciate the characteristics of this engine. It still uses a carburettor, which provides that distinctive sound and grunt. Notably, the 250 has a unique gearbox ratio that brings second, third, and fourth gears closer together, which is very noticeable and beneficial on the track. It’s a big improvement.

Which of the four-stroke models did you prefer?
The 300SEF four-stroke stood out for me. The 2024 model I had experience with had a bit more top-end power, which was noticeable, especially on grass tracks. The new Akrapovic exhaust system adds a better sound and performance. The 300 seems like the perfect size for those who appreciate a good four-stroke without getting overly fatigued. Compared to the 450 and 500 models, which have remained consistent in recent years, the 300 offers a well-rounded performance that I find most appealing.

Was there anything about the 2025 models that you didn’t like when compared to your current bike?
Performance-wise, I didn’t have any issues with the 2024 models; they’re already built on a solid platform. However, I did notice a few things about the 2025 models that I wasn’t entirely fond of. For example, they’ve reduced fuel capacity slightly on the two-strokes by 400ml, although the range is still adequate and on the flip side, it’s 100ml bigger on the four-strokes. On the four-stroke, the fuel pump has been moved to the outside of the left side of the tank. While this improves ergonomics, it looks a bit vulnerable and could potentially be damaged by debris. I suggested that a cover might be necessary for added protection. On the two-stroke, the placement of the fuel tap is better than previous model, so a bit of a compromise.

I heard Sherco Australia will be bringing in a small number of lower-spec “Racing” models. Did you get a chance to test them?
They didn’t have the racing models available for testing. These models include a 300 four-stroke and a 300 two-stroke, which are down-spec versions of the factory models. They feature open-cartridge Kayaba forks, a softer fork setup with different triple clamps, and a rear swingarm design from previous years. Despite the down-spec features, the engines are identical to the factory models, except they come with an S3 exhaust system instead of Akrapovic. It’s a smart move to get more blokes on Sherco bikes at a more affordable price. I’m really interested to see what sort of dollars they are going to be selling for.

How was your experience at the World media launch, especially with the challenging weather?
The experience was good, although the weather was a major challenge. It was a bit rushed, and the rain made it difficult to fully test the bikes. It was frustrating, especially since Australia and America are key markets for Sherco. Despite the weather, I got to chat with Adam Raga and Christophe Nambotin, and it was great to catch up with them, especially Christophe as I spent a lot of time with him when I rode in Europe. I would have liked to learn more, but the media brief was kept short to focus on riding, which I understand. I just could have listened to the designers for hours and hours. I didn’t fly 30 hours for a free feed – haha. I rode as much as I could despite the conditions and managed to ride the entire range more than once. I’m looking forward to testing them under better conditions in Australia.

Did you get any insider information from Sherco about future developments?
Yes, there are hints of exciting developments. Sherco are progressing well, it’s really impressive. They are working on a new 450 and 500 engine, though it’s not ready yet – that’ll be really exciting. Given their track record, I’m confident it will be a strong addition, they haven’t made a shit engine yet! The company is very focused on racing and quality, and their commitment to affordability and performance is super, super evident as a company. They aim to provide high-spec bikes at competitive prices, which is a bloody smart idea in my eyes.