Sherco has made its first move into the motocross market, unveiling the all-new 85 SHX at EICMA 2026 in Milan, Italy, with a host of technical features that could make it a serious contender in the competitive 85cc class.
The French manufacturer has drawn on almost three decades of off-road motorcycle development to produce its first dedicated motocross machine, targeting junior racers with a compact two-stroke engine, electric start, electronically controlled exhaust power valve and premium chassis components.
The 85 SHX represents a significant expansion for Sherco, which has traditionally focused on trials, enduro and rally raid competition. Rather than entering motocross with a full-size 250cc or 450cc machine, the company has chosen to start in the junior ranks.
And it hasn’t simply followed the conventional 85cc motocross formula.
ELECTRIC START AND ELECTRONIC POWER VALVE
One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of electric start, a feature that remains uncommon in the 85cc motocross category.
Most conventional 85cc motocross machines still rely on kickstarting, meaning Sherco’s decision to fit an electric starter could offer a practical advantage for younger riders, particularly when restarting after a stall or crash.
The engine also features an electronically controlled exhaust power valve, which Sherco says has been developed to optimise engine response according to riding conditions.
Power valves are nothing new in two-stroke motocross engines, but electronic actuation allows the manufacturer to control valve operation without relying solely on a conventional mechanical governor.
The potential benefit is greater control over the engine’s power delivery, particularly through the transition from low-rpm response into the stronger part of the powerband.
However, Sherco has not yet confirmed whether riders will have access to different engine maps or adjustable power-valve settings.
Despite the electronic power valve, Sherco has retained a conventional carburettor rather than moving to fuel injection.
Fuel is supplied by a 28mm Keihin PWK carburettor, a familiar component in two-stroke competition motorcycles.
The compact engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and a hydraulically operated diaphragm clutch.
The diaphragm clutch is another notable inclusion, replacing the conventional coil-spring arrangement used in many smaller-capacity motocross engines.
Hydraulic actuation also eliminates the need for traditional clutch cable adjustment, while the diaphragm design offers a different approach to controlling clutch engagement and spring pressure.
Sherco has not yet released horsepower or torque figures, so it remains to be seen how the new engine compares with the established 85cc competition.
CHROME-MOLY FRAME AND 43MM FORK
Sherco has developed a dedicated chassis for the 85 SHX, using a semi-perimeter chrome-molybdenum steel frame.
The steel construction follows the manufacturer’s established approach to off-road chassis development, although the 85 SHX is a new motocross platform rather than a modified full-size enduro motorcycle.
Fully CNC-machined triple clamps are fitted as standard.
At the front, the motorcycle uses a 43mm-diameter fork providing 278mm of suspension travel.
Rear suspension travel is quoted at 290mm, with a linkage system connecting the shock absorber to the swingarm.
The travel figures are substantial for a junior motocross motorcycle and reflect the demands of modern 85cc racing, where riders are tackling increasingly technical tracks, larger jumps and rougher braking bumps.
However, Sherco has not yet confirmed the suspension manufacturer or the available compression and rebound adjustments.
The manufacturer has also not released the motorcycle’s wheelbase, seat height, weight or wheel sizes.
Those figures will be particularly important for junior racers and parents assessing whether the motorcycle suits a rider’s height, experience and racing category.
BREMBO BRAKES, GALFER DISCS AND EXCEL RIMS
Sherco has selected several established competition component suppliers for the 85 SHX.
Brembo brakes are fitted at both ends, working with Galfer brake discs.
The motorcycle also receives Excel rims, while a SPES silencer completes the exhaust system.
The inclusion of these components suggests Sherco intends to position the 85 SHX as a serious competition motorcycle rather than an entry-level junior trailbike.
It also follows the manufacturer’s approach to its established enduro range, where high-specification components have become a major part of the brand’s identity.
The 85 SHX has been designed specifically for young motocross riders, although Sherco says the new platform also marks its expansion into the youth enduro market.
Whether that means a separate enduro-specific version will follow remains to be confirmed.
SHERCO’S FIRST STEP INTO MOTOCROSS
The launch of the 85 SHX represents a significant milestone for a manufacturer that has built its reputation in trials and enduro.
Founded in 1998 by former French trials vice-champion Marc Teissier, Sherco began with trials motorcycles before expanding into enduro in 2003 with its first 450cc four-stroke.
Since then, the company has developed a range of two-stroke and four-stroke enduro motorcycles, with production based in Nîmes in southern France.
Sherco has also established an international competition programme, claiming 30 world championship titles across trials, enduro and rally raid.
The 85 SHX now gives the company an opportunity to compete directly against established junior motocross manufacturers.
Electric start, an electronic power valve, hydraulic diaphragm clutch, Brembo brakes and Excel rims are all significant inclusions, but the motorcycle’s success will ultimately depend on engine performance, suspension setup, weight and pricing.
Sherco has confirmed the 85 SHX is expected to become available in the second half of 2027.
Australian availability, pricing and final specifications are yet to be announced.
2027 SHERCO 85 SHX
Engine: 85cc two-stroke
Starting system: Electric start
Fuel system: 28mm Keihin PWK carburettor
Power valve: Electronically controlled exhaust power valve
Gearbox: Six-speed
Clutch: Hydraulically operated diaphragm clutch
Frame: Semi-perimeter chrome-molybdenum steel
Triple clamps: Fully CNC-machined
Front suspension: 43mm fork, 278mm travel
Rear suspension: Linkage system, 290mm travel
Brakes: Brembo
Brake discs: Galfer
Rims: Excel
Silencer: SPES
Power and torque: TBC
Weight: TBC
Seat height: TBC
Wheel sizes: TBC
Expected availability: Second half of 2027
Australian pricing: TBC
