Words: Guy Streeter

Sherco has been flying under the radar for the last few years, but the French manufacturer has continued to make refinements to its motorcycles and the 2016 Sherco 250 SE-R should be on your shortlist of two-stroke bikes to check out.

The 2016 model 250 SE-R doesn’t receive any major overhauls or updates from the 2015 model, however it has received a few minor changes to continue building on a really competitive motorcycle.

As you cast your eyes over the bike you start to get the feeling that it has a little more to offer than what you might expect from a brand that is just starting to stretch its wings in the Australian off-road market.

First things to catch the eye are the FMF exhaust chamber, Brembo brakes and hydraulic clutch, Keihin carburetor, WP Suspension and perhaps the most notable is that it has electric start. All quality components and it doesn’t just look good on paper either. Riding this bike is a lot of fun!

Image: Stephen Tuff.

New to the 250 SE-R for 2016 are a few subtle changes improving the bike’s overall performance. A new cast aluminium cylinder head and new ignition calibration help with engine progression and traction in low grip conditions.

A new valve system improves throttle response and provides better low RPM, while also reducing emissions – something you oil burning warriors can feel better about. A redesigned silencer, which has reduced weight, is also fresh.

The sub-frame has been adjusted slightly with reinforcements and re-routing of electric wiring, giving easier access to electric connections. The most notable changes to the 2016 range as far physical looks is concerned are the redesigned hand guards and front mudguard.

Performance of the Sherco range is strongly based around how the bikes handle on the trail. It’s not necessarily about how much power you can put to the ground, but how you can navigate the trail’s obstacles the most efficiently. As with other members of the Sherco off-road family, the 250 SE-R is no different.

Image: Stephen Tuff.

The bike’s lower centre of gravity, compact, neutral and light feel make this bike an exceptional performer on the trail. There is no real bias, either front or back, making the feel of the bike really balanced.

A slightly smaller and slimmer feel of the bike – in comparison to other machines in the 250cc category – allows you to move it around and push it to where you need it to go with no bad feedback in any area.

The Sherco 250 SE-R suspension is WP front and back; 48mm telescopic forks upfront and WP monoshock at the rear. The WP suspension is well known and liked on other European brand bikes and offers a similar feel to the bike. This suspension package works well with the chassis design, giving you plenty of positive feedback to push the bike towards its potential.

Kicking the Sherco 250 SE-R into life is accomplished by your thumb due to the electric starter. There is no conventional kick-start. Times are changing and Sherco have put a great deal of time into making sure that the bike has a reliable electric start – batteries are getting smaller and more reliable and Sherco stand behind their product.

Image: Stephen Tuff.

The Sherco motor is strong, crisp and smooth no matter where you are in the RPM range. The 250 SE-R utilises an electronic powervalve. Used with the dual map switch (race and mild), it really allows you to tailor the bike’s power characteristics to the way you want and what the trail throws at you.

The power delivery is always smooth and useable which, depending on the rider’s input, is really what helps to makes this bike so fast. Wet, dry and slick conditions will bring out the motor’s true colours and set it apart.

The 250cc enduro category is almost a forgotten option due to the vast options of bigger-bore and four-stroke models in recent years. If you dare to try the Sherco 250 SE-R you might just wonder why more riders aren’t taking advantage of what this bike has to offer in the bush.

The 2016 Sherco 250 SE-R is available at your local Sherco dealer from January 2016 for $11,590 plus ORC. If you’re interested or want to get out for a test ride or compare the bikes they have on offer, make sure you check out the Sherco Motorcycles Australia website for the next scheduled ride day or contact your local dealer to arrange a ride on one of the test fleet.