SHERCO SM 50 SUPERMOTARD (2003 - on) Review

At a glance
Power: | 8 bhp |
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Seat height: | Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm) |
Weight: | Low (183 lbs / 83 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesA tiny, Minarelli-engined, screamer that’s collected a hatful of 50cc supermoto titles, including multiple French National crowns.
It handles superbly, tuning parts are relatively easy to come by and, most importantly, it’s easy to de-restrict. Providing you’ve got the appropriate licence, of course. Ahem.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Supermoto 50 turns like a hungry gull over a boat. The forks are beefy 41mm items from suspension experts Paioli and the Ollé shock comes with preload adjustment. If you want to practice your stoppies then this is the bike for you – the 260mm front disc is mated to a hydraulic clutch and twin-piston AJP caliper.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityAlthough it’s a buzzy little beastie UK law restricts 50cc moped users to a measly 30mph. However, it’s possible to get over 50mph from the two-stroke Sherco just by swapping the exhaust for a race-spec item. Further tuning requires a bigger carb and, of course, the trade off is greatly reduced reliability. The bore is Nikasil plated for better efficiency, but that makes it more expensive to replace as you can’t re-bore it.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueAlthough Sherco are a Spanish company their entire supermoto (and enduro) output is made in France and the quality of the manufacture is high. Good quality stroker oil will keep it healthier for longer – but it will need more regular maintenance if you de-restrict it. Sherco recommend pricy 98-RON fuel.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIt’s a great bike, but used, un-restricted, unthrashed examples are rare.
Equipment
Top quality names are splashed on what’s a very cheap bike. Better still though is the detachable sub-frame, which means that rear end accidents (like a flipped wheelie) won’t necessarily write the bike off.
Specs |
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Engine size | 50cc |
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Engine type | Two-stroke single, 6 gears |
Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
Fuel capacity | 7 litres |
Seat height | 850mm |
Bike weight | 83kg |
Front suspension | None |
Rear suspension | Preload |
Front brake | Single 260mm disc |
Rear brake | 180mm disc |
Front tyre size | 100/80 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 130/80 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 50 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £25 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £2,250 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
1 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
Max power | 8 bhp |
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Max torque | 6 ft-lb |
Top speed | 30 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 80 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2002: Model introduced.
Other versions
Enduro: Taller off-road wheels give the (otherwise identical) Enduro model a lofty 910mm seat height.
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