I've been very interested in the new Sherco 450 ever since the media launch. Only thing is, that launch was in August 2014! Here in Australia you still cannot buy one even though the 2016 models are due to launch (if the company can be believed) in September this year. I understand the US has only just got a few 2015 bikes now. Now when/if we get ours, they'll only be uber-expensive Factory versions. On another forum for the bikes, they're all very defencive saying ' the company didn't want to rush the bike to market ' etc. Why release it to the media??? Send out some 'prototype' snaps & a bit of info, then do a release when you have some product!! I've ridden the 300 4t & 2t, and they're nice handling bikes, but I'm a big bore 4 stroke kind of guy. I don't like 2st, and the 300 4st is a bit underwhelming if I'm honest. Please Sherco, sell me a 450 enduro bike!! I'm starting to think they aren't real...
They are doing a test day here soon, but I'm pretty sure there is no 450 yet. I'm not in the market but I might go and have a look to see what's there.
Well, I finally got a ride on the 450 SER-F Factory last week. Toowoomba Bikes & Bits very kindly came 2.5hrs to our local area for a great test ride. They have the only bike in a dealer's hands at the moment not counting the Melbourne importer. The first shipment of 22 bikes is due any day with a further two shipments of 22 following soon after. I must say, I was very impressed with the bike! We softened up the forks a little to smooth it out over the trail trash & small rocks etc and it responded well. The fork-spring preload adjusters is a great thing to have on the WP fork. The rest of the bike is really very good! Handling is very sharp, a very light & flickable front end. The bars have a multi position mounting system. there's the dual map switch which makes useful changes on-the-fly. The Factory is fitted with a clear fuel tank, full Akra exhaust system, solid rear disc rotor, different cams & different ECU mapping over and above the Racing model. If I were being picky, the Sherco range seem wide to me at calf height, but my own bike is a TE449 which are very narrow in this area. Also being picky, the footpegs seem a little high & I would fit a lower (and wider) set as an accessory. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the bike & it's now on my shopping list Unfortunately, my budget won't stretch to the Factory model, so I'll have to wait for the 2016 Racing version. Unless anything amazing comes out between now & then, I'll be on a Sherco! I made a bit of a review at - http://youtu.be/cPbRr9yYsyY
I think somebody's a bit smitten... I viewed the other viddy showing the 300 4t and 2t as well. So, I know you're not in the market, but what did you think of the 2 smoker?
Kelly, I'd really love to say no, as I still love my TE449, but the truth is that the Sherco is a whole step up. It needs a little fiddling as all bikes do, but the stock stuff fitted to the Factory version I rode was pretty damn good. The o/c WP forks worked well once reset, the engine is smooth, but strong. NO fuelling issues other than an unusually low idle speed (which they have raised on the 2016) The soft and hard map switch makes a noticeable difference to the character of the power. Brakes were good and it's roughly 10kg lighter dry than the Husky. I'm hooked. Unfortunately I can't afford two bikes, but a friend of my sons wants the TE if/when the time comes.
Honestly, it's a great bike too. I found the front too stiff) as in the video) another complete lack of engine braking scares the $#!t out of me as it does on any 2 stroke, but! The power when you have somewhere to point it is addictive, the electric start operates well (unlike the Orange bikes) It has great component sets on it, the o/c WP forks, not the hated 4CS. Seriously light at 104kg dry. If you like 2 strokes, it's gotta be one on your shopping list. I rode it more than the 450 on the day as everyone wanted to try the 450, none of our group wanted to try the 2 stroke.... (We all have 4strokes but one) I wanted to see what all the300 2 stroke fuss was about. After a day in country I know well, I don't get it. Harder work for the same reward. More mentally challenging keeping the 300 on or out of the power as the situation dictates. There was no time where I thought 'wow, this really is better at this'!
