Sherco 450SEF-R: Essential Protection

These are the four most important protective parts you can bolt on to help bulletproof your otherwise race-ready Sherco enduro bike.

In the previous article about our 2016 Sherco 450SEF-R project bike, we talked about how well the stock machine performs straight out of the box. Like all enduro weapons, though, the Sherco will benefit from added protection if you ride in extreme terrain. So to guard against the risk that 1) a snapped chain smashes the engine cases, 2) a loose rock bends the brake disc, 3) a wayward stick punctures a radiator, or 4) a log-launch damages the underside of the engine and/or frame, I’ve bolted on purpose-made protective parts to help safeguard against these four critical risks. Known as “Sherco Racing Hard Parts”, these genuine Sherco protective products fit the 450SEF-R like a glove and they’ve given me the confidence to take the bike into gnarly conditions without having to worry about ride-ending damage.

Specifically, here’s what I fitted and why…

1. RADIATOR GUARDS – RRP: $203.95

There are a few quick-fix tricks to repair radiators if they’re damaged during a ride, but more often than not, the extent of the damage means you’ll be in need of a tow. And that scenario is a real pain in the arse – for you and your two-wheel tow truck mate! Given that radiators are pricey, why risk it? For less than the cost of a radiator half, you can have much-improved protection for your cooling system’s most important components without restricting airflow. I fitted a set of Sherco Racing Hard Parts genuine billet alloy radiator guards because they’re easy to fit and offer great insurance against side impacts (from crashes) and front-on punctures (if speared by a branch or flying rocks). I’d recommend fitting these guards from new because radiators are undoubtedly one of the most fragile (but important) components of any dirt bike. If they lose their coolant without you knowing on a ride (and that can easily happen), you’ll be losing a lump of cash to repair the resulting engine damage.

2. ALLOY BASHPLATE – RRP: $189.95

As tough as the cast-alloy engine cases are on the Sherco 450SEF-R, they can easily be damaged by a decent-sized rock that’s flicked up by the front wheel or by a mate’s friendly fire roost on the trail. The bike’s standard plastic bashplate is light and offers decent protection to the underside of the engine and frame rails, but I reckon it leaves both the side cases and water-pump cover a little vulnerable. That’s why I added the Sherco Racing Hard Parts alloy bashplate, which made from a 4mm 5083-grade alloy. It’s a bit heavier than the plastic unit, but that’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that my engine is better protected at all times. Plus its black polymer coating (the alloy is heated to 300º so the polymer coating anneals to it) is incredibly long-wearing and noticeably quieter (both from rock hits and reflected engine noise) than conventional alloy units.

3. REAR DISC GUARD – RRP: $89.95

Because you mono over many obstacles while the rear wheel drives you forward, a dirt bike’s rear brake disc tends to be more vulnerable than the front. And although they’re very strong, a rear disc can easily be bent when it encounters protruding rocks in deep ruts at the wrong angle. Aside from affecting the braking performance instantly, a bent disc can also be downright dangerous. So as a precautionary measure, I fitted a Sherco Racing Hard Parts alloy rear disc guard. It’s light but strong and gives the disc optimal protection from sideways and underside hits while not looking out of place.

4. CASE SAVER – RRP: $49.95

Snapping a chain is rare, especially if you run a quality brand. But if one does let go and impacts with the engine cases, the consequences are likely to be costly. The same applies if a rock is flung out of your chain at Mach 3. Adding a purpose-built billet alloy case saver gives you the peace of mind that your engine cases are much better protected in these scenarios, meaning there’s one less thing you have to worry about. The Sherco Racing Hard Parts billet alloy case saver bolts on in seconds, looks trick, and does the job.