Sherco
| File:Sherco logo.svg Sherco logo | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Nîmes , France |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Off-road motorcycles, trials bikes, enduro motorcycles, supermoto motorcycles |
| Website | www |
Sherco is a French manufacturer specializing in off-road motorcycles, with a strong reputation for their trials bikes, as well as enduro and supermoto models.
Established in 1998, Sherco runs two production sites: one dedicated to trials motorcycles located in Caldes de Montbui, Spain, near Barcelona, and another in Nîmes, France, which produces enduro and supermoto bikes. The brand name is derived from a blend of Bultaco and Sherpa, reflecting its heritage. The Spanish plant focuses exclusively on trials machines, while the French facility manufactures the remaining product lines.
The company introduced its first trials motorcycle in 1999, incorporating premium components sourced from competitors. The fundamental chassis design remained consistent until 2006, with major engine revisions delayed until 2011—demonstrating notable stability within the fast-changing trials segment.
Sherco’s trials lineup features various engine capacities: 80cc (0.8), 125cc (1.25), 200cc (2.0), 250cc (2.5), 272cc (2.9), and the 300cc (3.0 Cabestany replica) two-stroke models, alongside a 320cc (3.2) four-stroke introduced in 2005. In 2009, the company began using the ST prefix to clearly identify trials motorcycles, distinguishing them from the SE enduro and SU supermoto series.
In 2006, Sherco refined the 2.9 model by softening throttle response to enhance traction on wet surfaces through adjustments to the combustion chamber volume and transfer ports. Additional improvements included a black frame finish, updated gearbox ratios, and redesigned front forks aimed at expanding rider appeal. That year also saw the release of a limited edition Cabestany replica 2.9 featuring exclusive graphics.
The 2009 Sherco R model took inspiration from Albert Cabestany’s competition bike, offering commercial versions in both 2.9 two-stroke and 3.2 four-stroke variants equipped with titanium exhausts, high-compression cylinder heads, Keihin carburetors, and carbon fiber components.
In 2010, Sherco revamped their trials motorcycles by repositioning the fuel tank and air intake box to lower the center of gravity and optimize airflow. The Cabestany replica returned with an upgraded 300cc engine—previously reserved for factory bikes—paired with a Dellorto VHST 28mm carburetor, blue frame finish, and titanium exhaust system.
Sherco Logo Meaning
The Sherco emblem embodies the brand’s dedication to innovation, superior quality, and performance within the off-road motorcycle industry. Its sleek design reflects the cutting-edge technology and high standards synonymous with Sherco’s machines.
Sherco Racing Factory Team
- Emma Bristow (United Kingdom) – Seven-time FIM World Women’s Trials Champion from 2014 to 2020.
- Jeroni Fajardo (Spain) – Integral member of Spain’s victorious TDN team across numerous years between 2004–2015 and 2018–2019.
- Mario Román (Spain) – Enduro competitor with victories including EL INKA Hard Enduro 2019 (Peru), Hell’s Gate Metzeler 2018, Alestrem 2018, and Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares 2019 (Portugal).
- Wade Young (South Africa) – Enduro champion boasting wins at Hell’s Gate 2016 (Italy), King Of The Hill 2017 (Romania), Roof of Africa 2017 (Lesotho), Extreme XL Lagares 2017 (Portugal), Sea To Sky 2018 (Turkey), among other Red Bull events.
- Lorenzo Santolino (Spain) – Rally rider known for placing sixth at the 2021 Dakar Rally, third in the World Enduro E1 Class in 2015, and securing five Spanish Enduro titles.
- Rui Goncalves (Portugal) – Rally participant with entries including the 2021 Dakar Rally and the 2020 Andalucia Rally.
References
- http://issuu.com/magazineproduction/docs/trials_magazine_july_august_2010_ezine_public/4, issue 22, July–August 2010, page 6