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Sherco · Shim-adjusted overhead-cam four-stroke single, dry sump, gearbox shares engine oil, chain drive

SEF 500

Library entry covers 2019-2024

35 factory 50 guideline

Published source

Sherco Owner's Manual 450-500 SEF Racing / Factory, Maintenance schedule pp.123-124 (sherco.com)

Factory source. Covers Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / Factory (official sherco.com PDF; file name says 2021, no year printed in the pages read).

85 items for a 2021 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)

Engine cycle: Four-stroke
Engine lubrication: Dry sump (separate oil tank)
Oil filtration: Replaceable cartridge or spin-on filter
Valve gear: Overhead cam, shim adjusted (incl. desmo)
Ignition: Electronic (CDI / transistor / ECU)
Charging: Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery: Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Primary drive: Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil: Shares engine oil
Clutch control: Hand lever, hydraulic
Final drive: Chain
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm, single shock / cantilever
Front brake: Disc, hydraulic
Rear brake: Disc, hydraulic
Wheels: Cast / alloy, tubeless
Sidecar: No sidecar

Maintenance schedule

2021 Sherco SEF 500

On the road: every 300 km

1 item

Check engine oil level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Each fuel stop on old machines. Dry sump: check the tank hot, engine idling or just stopped, per your manual.

On the road: every 500 km

3 items

Check lights, horn, brake light switches

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Check tire pressures

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Lubricate drive chain

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Lube warm, ideally at the end of the riding day so it soaks in overnight. Sooner after rain.

On the road: every 800 km

1 item

Check coolant level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

On the road: every 1,000 km

1 item

Check chain slack and rear wheel alignment

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Every 1,600 km or 6 months

1 item

Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 5,000 km or 12 months

9 items

Check throttle cable(s) free play and return

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean drive chain thoroughly (remove and soak, re-lube)

Final drive

Guideline

Non O-ring chains on old machines: remove, clean, soak in hot chain grease or lube, refit with the master link clip closed end leading.
Inspect chain and sprockets for wear (measure stretch)

Final drive

Guideline
Check steering head bearing adjustment

Front end

Guideline
Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots

Front end

Guideline
Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease and check center / side stand and springs

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Check brake pads and discs

Brakes

Guideline
Check wheel bearings for play

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 6,500 km or 12 months

1 item

Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs

Engine

Guideline

Every 8,000 km or 12 months

2 items

Change engine oil

Engine

Guideline

Pre-1970 machines: many owners run non-detergent or classic-spec oil with no filter, so short intervals matter. Dry sump: drain the tank and the crankcase/sump, flush the tank and clean the feed and return screens.
Replace oil filter

Engine

Guideline

Every 9,500 km or 12 months

7 items

Inspect coolant hoses and clamps

Engine

Guideline
Clean / inspect air filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Mesh or oiled foam: clean and re-oil. Paper: blow out or replace. Some very early machines have no filter at all.
Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Check swingarm bushes for play

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Lubricate control cables and lever pivots

Controls and cables

Guideline
Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive

Controls and cables

Guideline

A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 16,000 km or 2 years

1 item

Compression test (or leak-down)

Engine

Guideline

Every 19,500 km or 2 years

4 items

Replace air filter element

Fuel and air

Guideline
Synchronize throttle bodies

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean and grease rear suspension linkage

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease swingarm pivot

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 24,000 km or 3 years

1 item

Change fork oil

Front end

Guideline

Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 24,000 km or 4 years

1 item

Check valve clearances (shim adjusted)

Engine

Guideline

Every 25,500 km or 4 years

1 item

Replace spark plugs

Engine

Guideline

Every 29,000 km

1 item

Replace chain and sprockets (wear based)

Final drive

Guideline

Every 32,000 km or 4 years

2 items

Repack / replace steering head bearings

Front end

Guideline

Many old machines use loose balls in cups and cones. Taper roller conversions are common.
Repack / replace wheel bearings

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 38,500 km or 4 years

1 item

Replace fuel filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Every 40,000 km or 6 years

1 item

Replace swingarm bushes / bearings

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 48,500 km or 6 years

1 item

Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs

Front end

Guideline

Every 5 h

1 item

Brake lines condition and sealing (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.

Every 20 h

25 items

Bolts and screws (check general tightness)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Cooling system (check for leaks)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Electrical wiring condition and routing (check)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Engine mounting bolts (check tightness)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Engine oil and filter (change); pre-filter (clean, change if necessary)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Exhaust sealing and attachment (check)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Magnetic drain plug (clean)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Throttle body venturi (clean)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Valve clearances (check, adjust)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Air filter and housing (clean)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours; also after each use. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Clutch master cylinder oil level (check)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Chain (lubricate)

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours; clean, lubricate and adjust after each use. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Chain, sprockets, guides and chain tension (check)

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Fork and shock (check for leaks and function)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Fork dust covers (clean)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): every 20 hours; also regularly after each use. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Fork legs (purge air)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): every 20 hours; also regularly after each use. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Steering head bearings (check, adjust)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Brake fluid level, pad thickness and discs (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Brake system fasteners and discs (check tightness)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Foot brake pedal and hand brake lever (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Rims and spoke tension (check)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Tires and tire pressure (check)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours; also before each use. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Wheel bearing clearance (check)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Cables: condition, flexibility and routing (check, adjust, lubricate)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Electrical components: lights, signals, computer control unit (check function)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 5 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.

Every 50 h

1 item

Spark plug (replace)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after 50 hours. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.

Every 6 months

1 item

Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 12 months

6 items

Electric contacts and switches (treat with aerosol protector)

Ignition and electrics

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): at least once a year (dealer). Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Clutch hydraulic fluid (replace)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): at least once a year (dealer). Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Fork (annual maintenance)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): at least once a year (dealer). Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Steering head bearings and seals (clean, grease)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): at least once a year (dealer). Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Shock (annual maintenance)

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): at least once a year (dealer). Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Brake fluid (replace)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): at least once a year (dealer). Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.

Every 2 years

5 items

Replace coolant

Engine

Guideline
Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Replace hydraulic clutch fluid

Primary and gearbox

Guideline
Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Replace brake fluid

Brakes

Guideline

Every 4 years

3 items

Replace fuel lines

Fuel and air

Guideline

Old rubber and modern ethanol fuel do not mix well.
Inspect brake hoses; replace old rubber

Brakes

Guideline
Rebuild calipers and master cylinders (seals)

Brakes

Guideline

Every 6 years

1 item

Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)

Wheels and tires

Guideline

No interval set

2 items

Engine oil level, brake fluid level, brake pads, lights and horn, tires, coolant level, fuel lines, controls, brakes (rider check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): before each use. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.
Throttle cable (lubricate); anti-corrosion spray on bare metal parts and electrical switches; nuts, screws and clamps (check)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Sherco owner's manual 450-500 SEF Racing / 450-500 SEF Factory, English section, printed pp.123-124; official sherco.com PDF): after each use. Columns as printed: after 5 hours; every 20 hours; annual maintenance at least once a year by the dealer; rider checks before and after each use. In competition do the 20 hour maintenance after each race; never exceed it by more than 2 hours. Check screw tightness after the first ride or first hours of use.

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.