P98
QUICKSPIN I 2024 SHerco Off-Roaders
SE Factory 125
The Sherco SE Factory 125 is
unchanged for 2024. Like its
bigger two-stroke siblings, the
SE 250 and 300, it features a
steel frame, KYB suspension,
Brembo brakes and an electron
-
ic powervalve. You also have
a couple of maps from which
to choose via a switch on the
right handlebar. It's carbureted
via a 36mm Keihin PWK, and
there is no kickstarter. Instead,
it carries a battery to power the
125's e-button.
TAKEAWAYS:
• It's fast with decent low-end
and smooth power delivery—for
a 125, of course. The clutch
is your best friend, and it gets
used a lot. Luckily, clutch pull is
light, has excellent modulation
and feels durable.
• The bike handles quickly
and feels light despite its
claimed 220-plus pounds,
which is somewhat up there for
a 1-2-5. Excess weight comes
from its starter motor and bat
-
tery, strategically placed low in
the chassis.
• The 125 SE is great fun but
takes some getting used to if
you haven't ridden a 125cc, or
even a two-stroke, for that mat
-
ter, in the woods in a while.
125 HRD SE Factory RS
The 125cc dual sport is pow-
ered by a 124.81cc, OHC four-
valve, liquid-cooled Motori
Minarelli motor. It's fuel-
injected with an electric
starter. The engine is carried in
a steel frame with an upside-
down 41mm front fork and a
single rear shock mount-ed
solidly to the swingarm.
It rolls on 21-inch (front) and
18-inch (rear) wheels with 12.4
inches of ground clearance.
Seat height is 36.34 inches and
holds 2.1 gallons.
It has linked front and rear
disc brakes, a European require
-
ment for certain small-bore mo-
torcycles without ABS. Expect
the MSRP
to be right around
$4999.
TAKEAWAYS:
• The 125cc dual sport is
designed for entry-level riders
and those looking for a fun
around-towner.
• Beginners will like its un
-
intimidating and forgiving
power, but experienced riders
will clearly want more from its
little motor. It's not "fast" by any
means. Electric starting and
(Below) Welcome one of Sherco's two
new dual sport models, the 125 HRD SE
Factory RS. It's got to be the coolest-
looking entry-level motorcycle out there.
