Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/117782
SHERCO���300i I t���s always exciting when there���s a new entrant into the US off-road market. In this case, it���s Sherco quietly throwing their hat into the ring with their 4 stroke 300i Race model. Although Sherco is most noted for their trials bikes, they have been producing off-road bikes since roughly 2002. The Sherco off road division���s manufacturing plant is located in Nimes, France while its headquarters and trials manufacturing plant is located in Spain. Clay Stuckey, the US importer of the GasGas brand is also the man behind the US Sherco effort. While the first Shercos to arrive were the 4 strokes, there will be an invasion their 2 strokes later this spring. You can check for updates at www.shercooffroad.com, which is the US importers��� web site A quick glance will reveal a few familiar components, like WP suspension, Brembo breaks, and hydraulic clutch, which are used on the KTM line. The motor is exclusively Sherco���s, despite the similar appearance to the Yamaha motor. As we received the bike close to press time, there wasn���t enough time to research what components and parts are interchangeable with other manufacturers, but, we���ll share what we find out in a follow-up report. What we do know is that the motor design is a dual overhead cam, four valve with a bore and stroke of 84*54.8, re- sulting in a 303.7cc displacement. Fuel is fed via a 45 mm Magnetti Marelli injection system and the frame is a semi-perimeter style, chrome molybdenum which strikes a fine balance between rigidity and flexibility. The air box is located under the seat and is accessed via the twist bolt atop the rear of the seat. One quirk we ran into during our initial set up was that the fuel tank needs to be removed to adjust the sag. Everything else appears to be easily accessed and well thought out. The Sherco comes fitted with front and rear lights that include a working break light and a neat little skid plate. The triple clamps are provided by Neken and are at a 22mm offset. I was initially most impressed with how light the bike feels when lifting it onto a stand. In actuality, it feels lighter than many of the other non-KTM 2 strokes out there and all of the 4 strokes we���ve tested to date. The dry weight is claimed to be 225 pounds and ordinarily I would roll my eyes at such a claim, but in regards to the Sherco, I believe it. The bike feels slender when perched atop it. While seated I was positioned a bit further back on the seat than I ordinarily am, so I am guessing that the taller riders will feel cramped with the bike in stock trim. The bars are Oxia���s with a height and sweep that I was immediately comfortable with, whether March 2013 17