SHERCO 4.5I ENDURO (2004 - on) Review

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…

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.

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.

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.
 

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.

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