INTERVIEW: LIONEL CABROLIER – SHERCO R&D

The 2025 Sherco enduro range has benefited from a huge range of upgrades and improvements, building on their already impressive 2024 platform. Our test rider, Damian Smith, sat down with Lionel Cabrolier, Manager of the R&D Department at Sherco for a little more information about the new line-up.

Starting from the chassis on the bike, you’ve changed the steering tube?
Yes, the geometry remains the same as previous years for the bike’s success. We redesigned the steering pipe with a smaller upper bearing and introduced a new steering system. This setup allows more flexibility between the upper and lower plates, enhancing front wheel comfort and improving handling. By using a smaller upper bearing, we’ve managed to improve the bike’s agility while maintaining the sturdy feel that riders appreciate. The flexibility in the new steering system also allows for better feedback from the front wheel, which is crucial for precise handling in challenging conditions. This change is a part of our continuous effort to refine the rider’s experience and ensure that every ride is as smooth and controlled as possible. The new steering pipe’s material and design also contribute to reducing the overall weight of the bike, which is always a key factor in improving performance.

And in the rear?
The attachment point of the shock absorber is now forged, which optimizes comfort, especially in rocky terrain. This change reduces the transmission of impacts to the rider, making for a smoother ride. The redesign ensures that the rear suspension works more efficiently, absorbing shocks better and providing a more stable ride. This is particularly beneficial for enduro riders who frequently encounter rough and unpredictable terrain. The new forging process also increases the durability of the attachment point, ensuring that it withstands the rigors of off-road riding. This improvement is a direct response to rider feedback and extensive testing, demonstrating our commitment to evolving our designs based on real-world performance data.

So, it’s stiffer?
It’s actually more comfortable due to reduced impact transition, which provides a more forgiving ride over rough surfaces. The changes we’ve made ensure that the bike handles impacts better, translating to less fatigue for the rider over long distances. This improved comfort does not come at the expense of performance; the bike remains responsive and agile, allowing riders to push their limits without worrying about excessive vibration or harshness. Our goal is always to strike a balance between performance and comfort, ensuring that riders can maintain high speeds and control without sacrificing their comfort or endurance during long rides.

What about the frame’s new lower tubes?
They’re redesigned for a different shape, which affects the bike’s feel and handling. This change contributes to better stability and control, especially during aggressive riding. The new shape allows for more precise handling and improves the bike’s responsiveness, which is crucial for maintaining control in challenging conditions. The redesign also contributes to the overall weight reduction, making the bike easier to manoeuvre and handle, especially in tight and technical sections of a trail. We also focused on material optimization to ensure that the new lower tubes provide the necessary strength and durability while keeping the weight as low as possible.

And weight reduction?
We focused on weight savings across components like the new steering pipe and subframe redesign to make the bike lighter without compromising performance. These changes improve overall agility and manoeuvrability. By reducing the weight, we’ve made the bike easier to handle, especially in tight and technical sections of a trail. Every gram we save contributes to a more responsive and enjoyable riding experience, allowing riders to navigate obstacles with greater ease. Our engineers have meticulously analysed every part of the bike to identify opportunities for weight reduction, ensuring that the bike’s performance characteristics are enhanced.

What’s new in the bodywork?
We’ve introduced updated bodywork with in-mold stickers, which are more durable and resistant to wear. The redesigned saddle and fuel tank fixing improve ergonomics and accessibility, making maintenance easier. The new design not only looks better but also enhances the bike’s durability and ease of use, which are important for both competitive and recreational riders. The improved ergonomics also contribute to a more comfortable riding position, reducing fatigue during long rides. We’ve also considered the practical aspects, such as easier access to components during maintenance, which saves time and effort for riders.

Moving to the technical upgrades, how does the new Akropovic exhaust perform?
While power gains are marginal, the new exhaust enhances mid to low-end torque and complies with noise regulations. This results in better throttle response and smoother power delivery. The Akropovic exhaust is renowned for its quality, and the improvements it brings in terms of performance and compliance with regulations make it a valuable addition to our bikes. The improved torque makes the bike more manageable in technical sections, allowing riders to maintain momentum without having to work the throttle excessively. Additionally, the exhaust system is designed to be durable and lightweight, contributing to the overall performance and reliability of the bike.

Tell us about the engine upgrades.
The 300 four-stroke features a new camshaft cover with improved bearing flexibility, allowing higher RPMs (+300) and smoother power delivery. This upgrade ensures better performance and reliability under demanding conditions. We’ve also made adjustments to the ignition and injection systems, enhancing overall efficiency and responsiveness. These changes ensure that the engine delivers power smoothly and consistently, making the bike easier to control in a variety of conditions. The increased RPM capability also means that riders can push the engine harder without worrying about reliability issues. We have focused on making the engine more robust and efficient, ensuring it can handle the stresses of competitive racing and demanding trails.

Why focus on the 300 two-stroke and four-stroke models for racing editions?
The 300 models are our best sellers, and the racing editions cater to customers preferring performance-focused bikes without premium accessories. This strategy meets the demands of competitive riders looking for an edge in performance. By offering a racing edition of our most popular model, we’re providing a high-performance option that is accessible to a wider range of riders. The 300cc engine size hits a sweet spot for many riders, offering a balance of power and manageability that is ideal for both amateur and professional competitors. This model’s versatility and performance have made it a favourite among our customers, and we aim to build on that success with the racing edition.

How does the Racing model differ?
It offers a lower price point by omitting high-end accessories, appealing to riders looking for performance at a lower cost. This model retains the essential features needed for competitive riding while being more accessible. We’ve stripped down the non-essential elements to focus on what truly matters for performance, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious racers. Despite the lower price, the Racer model maintains the core performance characteristics that Sherco bikes are known for, ensuring that riders still get a top-quality machine. We believe this approach makes high-performance enduro racing more accessible to a broader audience without compromising on the critical aspects of the bike’s performance and reliability.

What’s the future plan for other models?
We’ll assess market demand; if there’s interest in racing editions of other models, we’ll consider expanding our offerings. Our goal is to meet customer needs and preferences across our range of bikes. We’re always listening to our customers and ready to adapt our product line to meet their evolving demands. By staying attuned to the market and rider feedback, we can ensure that our bikes continue to meet the high standards that our customers expect. We’re committed to innovation and continuous improvement, and we look forward to bringing more exciting developments to our range of motorcycles in the future. Our aim is to provide options that cater to different riding styles and preferences, ensuring that every rider can find the perfect bike in our line-up.