2015 Sherco 450 SEF-R

The second cog in Sherco's four-stroke enduro range, the all-new 450 SEF-R, recently lobbed in Australia — and Bikesales has now ridden it!

Our resident go-to man for all things fast-paced, Steve Martin, is the first local scribe to ride the machine, which weighs in at 109kg and has the same ergonomics as its 300 SEF-R ($12,690) stablemate.

The frame is the latest development of the firm's semi-perimeter chromium molybdenum design, while there's WP suspension and Brembo brakes.
The compact 449cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder steel-valved engine has Sherco-developed Synerject electronic fuel injection, and meets Euro 3 standards. It has a six-speed gearbox.

Price is $13,290.

Last weekend, Sherco's factory rider Broc Grabham rode a pre-production 450 SEF-R to second (cross-country format) and first (sprint) places in the latest round of the NSW Off-Road Championship in Denham. With the production version now here, he'll start using it at this weekend's round of the Australian Off-Road Championship, with the pre-production model now consigned to 'practice' duties.

''Sunday was good for me. The Sherco 450SEF-R excels in hard enduro terrain and with such smooth power it makes it easier to concentrate on the technical things," said Grabham.  "My bike's turning ability is a strong point and when you're weaving between trees and going your hardest that is a good thing.”

Grabham has been selected for the Australian junior team to compete in this year's International Six-Day Enduro in Slovakia.

Steve rode the 450 SEF-R at a Sherco open day in Victoria alongside Sherco's two 300cc enduro machines, the aforementioned 300 SEF-R and the two-stroke 300 SE-R. We'll also have quick spins on those bikes in addition to the full 450 SEF-R test.