When SHERP presented their amphibious all-terrain vehicle on Top Gear in 2016, the world sat up and paid attention.
The Ukrainian manufacturer has been producing their unique ATVs since 2016, and now outdoor enthusiasts around the world are dying for a chance to use one of these recreational vehicles.
How much is a SHERP?
The SHERP ATV range starts at around $120,000 for a brand new model, so they’re quite expensive in terms of other all-terrain vehicles. The SHERP Pro is designed for commercial use and is more costly, with features like netting and Molly strapping to assist you with your daily duties.
If you’ve been eyeing off these adult-sized Tonka trucks, you’ll need a fair bit of cash to get one for yourself. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t dream and get a better idea of the financials involved with purchasing and maintaining a SHERP ATV for yourself.
What is a SHERP?
SHERP is the name of a Ukrainian manufacturer of ATVs with a difference, and their key focus is designing vehicles that can handle rough terrain. The car is capable of climbing at 35 degrees angles and tackling any type of terrain, and they’re sold as a recreational vehicle and sometimes used in commercial settings.
What makes them a standout among other ATVs is that they have an onboard system controlling the wheels so you can inflate and deflate them as needed. This gives them the advantage of being able to travel over any terrain, including slipper ice, through water, and in the thickest brushes and bushland.
The Costs and Maintenance
The cost of a SHERP isn’t cheap, and you can expect to pay at least $120,000 for one of their new vehicles. Finding a second hand model is a little harder, as most people who own one will hold onto it pretty tightly, so it’s not a recreational vehicle that many will have sitting around in their garage.
In addition to your initial investment, you’ll also have to fork out some money for maintenance over the years. The SHERP is like any ATV and it requires regular servicing and repairs, and because the brand is still considered a rarity in the US, you must be prepared to spend a little extra to get yours back on the road.
However, mechanically minded owners will be able to perform many repairs themselves, thanks to the unique design that lets you work on the vehicle from the passenger compartment. This means maintenance can be done while you’re out and about with your SHERP, and the Kubota motor has a solid reputation for dependability.
SHERP Ownership in the USA
Although sales of SHERP vehicles have boomed in recent years in the US, these vehicles are still not classified as street legal. They may be used in a commercial setting, like on a farm for instance, but they’re not something you could drive around as you would a normal car.
SHERPs are generally sold as recreational vehicles and can be used like any other ATV. Before you purchase one, you’ll be able to test drive them at a specially designed track that shows off everything these mini trucks have to offer, so it’s worth getting in touch with a local dealer to give them a try.
Related Questions
A SHERP is just one way to have fun in an all-terrain vehicle, and if you’re thinking of getting one to enjoy the great outdoors, there’s a lot to learn about them. We’ve answered some questions about ATVs that can point you in the right direction of your next purchase.
How Dangerous Are ATVs?
An ATV should only be driven by a qualified driver, and never at high speeds or in an irresponsible manner. The most common accident with these vehicles is a rollover and due to the lack of protection that the vehicle offers, injuries can be serious and lead to a visit to the ER.
What Size ATV Do I Need?
An ATV should be sized according to the person driving it to ensure safety and something that matches your physical stature. Adults under 5’10 are usually better suited to a 400cc ATV or similar smaller model, and those over this height would be best riding a 500cc ATV.
