WE'RE NOT SAYING THAT THE 2003 SHERCO TRIALS BIKE WAS THE PERFECT TRIALS BIKE, BUT IT HAD VERY FEW FLAWS, AND WITH MAJOR SUSPENSION IMPROVEMENTS FOR '04 AND SOME OTHER MINOR REFINEMENTS, THE LATEST OFFERING FROM THE SHERCO FACTORY MIGHT BE ABOUT AS CLOSE TO PERFECT AS YOU CAN GET. WE SPENT A WEEKEND WITH DAVID CHAVES AND THE 2.9 MODEL SHERCO AT THE RECENT OCTOBERTEST EVENT IN OKLAHOMA AND OFFER THESE OBSERVATIONS ALONG WITH COMMENTS FROM THE IMPORTER AND FACTORY.

The most noticeable change to the 2004 Sherco has to be the new feel of the suspension, both front and rear. For '04, the Sherco factory elected to discontinue use of the Olle' shock, which they have used since 1999, in favor of the German-made Sachs model. Sachs, which is also used by Gas Gas, is a premiere supplier of suspension components around the world, supplying the largest and most well-known motorcycle constructors.
The new Sachs rear unit is longer than last year's production model, making a big difference in the ride and feel of the bike. Last year's factory bikes, including David Chaves' used a modified version of the Olle' shock that was also longer. Combined with a newly designed delta link, the rear suspension is more plush, but still rebounds very well and doesn't bottom out.
The front Paioli forks have been revalved to compliment the rear suspension and together, the front and rear components give a new and superior feel over last year's bike. It is the smoothest ride yet from Sherco.
Only after riding this bike in very abrupt, uneven rocky terrain, like that found below Pensacola Dam in Oklahoma, can one really appreciate the performance of the new suspension set up.
A new, state-of-the-art Leonelli Evolution 2 electronic ignition is used this year and combined with a new silencer, which has a different labyrinth, makes the 2.9 stronger off the bottom end and higher revving.
A new feature which the pros will like is the new ¾ lever used for the clutch and brake. These slightly longer levers allow for quicker engagement and smoother action. Beginners may not like the quicker response, but the old "shorty" levers will still mount up on the 2004 models.
Reliability does not seem to be a problem with the Sherco. This is something that the factory has maintained as top priority - to strive for the bikes to be the most durable on the market. This year, stronger crankshaft bearings and cases were used, making the '04 even more durable.
The Sherco is the second lightest bike on the market, but the factory maintains it is the most reliable.
Maintaining the Sherco is a breeze. It is one of the easiest bikes to service on the market. The plastic fits well and the fasteners are situated in a manner that is easy to get to. Filter service and jetting can be done with a screw driver and one allen key.
The extremely rigid rear sub-frame that Sherco uses is the key to the bike's ease of maintenance. Everything is bolted to the sub-frame and is easy to get to: the rear fender, the air box, and the silencer are all bolted to it. There is absolutely no flex in the sub-frame and Ryan Young tells us it has been crash tested many times and has proven to be a smart design which saves money with its durability.
When it comes to getting your new Sherco ready for competition, Sherco USA only recommends a jetting change.
"All of our riders, with the exception of the World guys and Chaves, ride the bikes bone stock", says Ryan Young. "We only recommend a jetting change for the bike to be competitive - no adjustments, no mods needed. All you need to do is change two jets."
A welcome change is the new decals for the fuel tank. Previous models have had painted fuel tanks, which can become scratched. Your only option was to paint the tank or replace it. The '04 models come with decals, like the fenders have, and can be easily replaced if needed.
For the consumer, Sherco is tops in the industry when it comes to parts availability. Sherco USA reports that they have had no "back orders" for years!
All-in-all, the Sherco is a dream to ride: great suspension and feel. It steers well and the new power delivery is super. Ease of maintenance and parts availability are strong points that add to the overall package.
As always, if you're looking for a new bike, we recommend that you go out to a local event and ride the new bikes for yourself to see what suits your style. But, we're certain that after you ride the '04 Sherco you will most certainly be impressed.