We drove: Sherco Enduro 2013 trial
From Automagazina 02/2013.
text: Petr Kavčič, photo: Saša Kapetanovič, factory
This young Franco-Spanish brand has built a reputation for itself in testing over ten years, and this prototype is constantly copied in enduro. They even went so far as to release a cross between trial and enduro on the market, which they called X-Ride.
They say that he knows no boundaries, and if you think about it, there is some truth in this. We already tested it last year and you can read the test at www.moto-magazin.si (video, parallel test). X-Ride for the 2013 season remains completely unchanged... It is so unique that we cannot squeeze it into any category, we only know that with its 290 cubic meter two-stroke engine, which is derived from the test one, it can overcome any obstacles, and you can also ride it for coffee or in the morning. When everyone is still asleep, be the first to rush into the forest to that secret place where the most beautiful mushrooms grow.
Because it's quiet and shod with soft trial tires, you won't leave any marks behind, much less disturb anyone with a hum. Because this thing weighs no more 87 kilograms, is a great substitute for a moped or scooter on weekends or when going on a motorhome trip. As it turned out already in our test, as well as during testing of the 2013 models in Vransko, there are no obstacles that the X-Ride would not overcome. He jumps over logs or concrete blocks as easily as a challenge, and in slower corners he will already be very close to the competitive hard-enduro model. Here, however, it lacks the speed and precision of the drivetrain, as well as the aggressiveness and power to handle the brutal acceleration we are used to in modern enduros.
However, we can praise its durability as it forgives even the most uncomfortable falls, and excellent suspension that proves that they didn't skimp on quality components. With a price 5.800 euro This is an interesting alternative for anyone who wants to have fun on the field or become an extreme enduro climber, overcoming the most impossible obstacles.
Models for enduro test... Sherco offers a full range of 250-stroke hard enduro motorcycles in 300, 450, 510 and 250 cc displacement, but the smallest displacement models are the most popular. Last year, when we tested the then brand new SE 300i and SE 2013i in Andorra, we couldn't hide our enthusiasm for this great package. However, in the XNUMX season, these models were improved. Thus, the power curve becomes even more complex, and the difference between the choice of the engine program is even greater.
You can choose between by clicking the button агрессивный character for racing or during softer character for a more touristy and less tiring ride. If on a motorcycle with a volume of 250 cc. See, they changed only the engine head and lightened the clutch basket, but on the Tristotka they greatly influenced the design itself. Thus, it has a completely new head, camshaft, reinforced main shaft, lighter clutch and modified exhaust. In this way, they also reduced the braking effect of the engine on the exhaust gases.
Both models have been slightly improved FrameEverything in order to provide the necessary rigidity, which at the same time allows you to absorb shocks and, therefore, provides the necessary comfort on long enduro rides. The new geometry also allows for a smaller rolling radius. We have to praise the quality of workmanship and components, as everything is fine in its place, which is why Sherc enduro models do not even allow us to blow our nose over them. The only thing that worried us was the front brake, which could be a little more powerful, while the rear one could slightly reduce aggression.
It only takes a while to get used to refrigerator width, which is not alarming enough to be considered a disadvantage. For all those who are betting on no compromise, Sherco has another ace up its blue sleeve, which they call the simple word "race". This means that the WP suspension, which in this case replaces the Sachs fork, has been further improved and adapted to the demands of racing, while additional protection is provided by hand protection and engine protection. In this configuration, the SE 300i, the most versatile enduro trainer, will cost you 8.649 euro, and in the standard version 8.449 euro. For 150 desetko try.si requires another 300 euros less. In the end, our choice is the XNUMXcc engine. Cm.
And finally, a few words about innovations in models for court... They have changed radically over the past two years, and for the 2013 season the Franco-Catalan alliance has prepared changes, mainly in the areas of design, frame, suspension and brakes. The engines on the prototypes remained practically unchanged. You can choose between 80, 125, 250, 290 and 300 cubic centimeters, with most of the development and sales focused on the most powerful model, which is also the most popular among both competitors and amateur drivers. Thus, the ST2.9 (290 cc) received a slightly improved main shaft and housing, which is now retracted even more so as not to damage the motor housing when hitting the ground or obstacles.
They are new too carburetor settings and cylinder thermodynamics these indestructible two-stroke engines. The rest of the test models are different from afar. The blue and white combination still prevails, but with yellow and new graphics, they have given a more modern and even more aggressive look. On the occasion of the 14th anniversary of motorcycle production, Sherko does not hide his sports appetite and boasts the most promising team, barely 19-year-old Paul Tarres, nephew of the legendary seven-year-old Jordi Tarres, joined Albert Cabestani. -when the world champion.
Much attention has been paid to the frame and suspension, which now give those who can tackle breathtaking obstacles even more confidence in technique. In search of optimal solutions, they even went as far as installing them on motorcycles. adjustable pedalsso that each tester adapts them according to their needs. This is something that novices or riders do not need for Sunday's trials, and for the best, such a small thing means a lot. While the trial isn't exactly a high-speed sport, a lot of work has also gone into improving the front and rear brakes.
Now you can control them even more carefully, with a more sophisticated feel. Since these are high-quality specials, this is of course worth something too. The most popular ST2.9 model costs 5.999 250 euros, the 5.749 cc model. Cm - 125 euros, and the model is 5.349 cubic meters. See - 150 euros. However, if you want a trial version that you can drive on the road with, it will cost you € 300-XNUMX more.
Last but not least, the Sherco dealer has made sure of the authorized service and fast delivery of parts, so if something goes wrong in the field, it does not mean a new gray hair on the head waiting for a broken part. An additional big plus to the whole story that Sherco tells us we also add due to the fact that the agent is both a trialist and an enduro driver, who will gladly help with advice when you need it.
In the middle of this year, we should expect another major novelty, namely two stroke hard enduro model for 250 and 300 cubic centimeters and can even with fuel injection, but always with an electric starter. This bike is predicted to be the lightest on the enduro special offer market as they want to continue this approach in the enduro two-stroke competition.
