SHERCO 4.5I ENDURO (2004 - on) Review

Item: SHERCO 4.5I ENDURO
Rating: 4
Author: MCN Staff

Sherco 4.5i Enduro motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Power:	48 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (34.84 in / 885 mm)
Weight:	Low (240 lbs / 109 kg)

Prices

New £5,300

Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Sherco aren’t exactly a household name in the UK. But for fans of enduro riding this Spanish firm is quietly creeping up the popularity ladder. The motor’s powerful, the brakes brilliant, the ergonomics spot on. The only question is over the makes reliability, but barring some rogue electrical problems the factory seems to have answered that query convincingly. You’ll probably buy a CRF450X or KTM 450 EXC all the same…

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The plush 46mm Paoili forks cope well with a range of conditions and only heavier riders (over 90kg) will find the need to move to stiffer spings. The Italian firm’s shock is also excellent and the adjustment actually makes a noticeable difference to your ride. The brakes are equally impressive – though they might be a bit too sharp for newer riders. It’s a great bike to ride hard.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The benchmark in class is Honda’s almighty enduro weapon the CRF450X. The SOHC Sherco is more user-friendly, lacking the ‘hit’ of the Honda. Later bikes ape the pre-’04 Husabergs with a switchable ignition setting to give the rider greater control over the power delivery according to the circumstances.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Early Shercos weren’t exactly blessed with copper-bottomed reliability. But recent campaigns in the World Enduro Championship have helped the company hone their build and component quality. But given the fact that the dealer network in the UK is tiny most buyers will feel safer buying Japanese, Husqvarna or KTM.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Shercos are cheaper than the equivalent KTMs or Hondas but not enough to persuade many folk from swaying from the way of the orange Austrians. Secondhand values for all off-roaders is weak, but especially so for non-mainstream tackle like the Sherco. Find a Sherco 4.5l Enduro for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Excel rims and Paoili forks and shock are about as big a brand name as you get on the Sherco.

Specs
Engine size	449cc
Engine type	4v single, 6 gears
Frame type	Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity	8.5 litres
Seat height	885mm
Bike weight	109kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload, compression, rebound
Front brake	Single 270mm disc
Rear brake	240mm disc
Front tyre size	90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size	140/80 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	35 mpg
Annual road tax	£67
Annual service cost	-
New price	£5,300
Used price	-
Insurance group	11 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	-