Diamonds in the mud

Husqvarna is currently the world's fastest growing off-road motorcycle brand. In the United States, the cradle of modern motocross and massive off-road racing, they are enjoying a renaissance and not much different from others in the world. Now it is officially presented on our market, from now on you will see these prestigious off-road models live in Ski & Sea, which we know from the presentation and sale of ATVs, jet skis and snowmobiles of the BRP group (Can-Am, Lynx).

In Slovakia, we had interesting conditions for the test, I can say, quite difficult. The wet terrain, clay and slipping roots in the forest have proven to be a testing ground for the best that Husqvarna's new enduro and motocross bikes have to offer.

We've already written about the new additions to the 2015 model year, so just briefly this time. The motocross lineup features a new shock absorber and suspension, a reinforced subframe (carbon fiber reinforced polymer), a new Neken steering wheel, a new seat, clutch and oil pump for the four-stroke models. Enduro models underwent similar changes, including a new transmission for the FE 250 and clutch, as well as an improved electric starter for the FE 250 and FE 350 (two-stroke models). All enduro models also have new gauges, a new grille and graphics.

When we sum up the comments and thoughts, the Husqvarna TE 300 with its two-stroke engine impressed us with its exceptional capabilities among enduro models. It weighs only 104,6 kg and is therefore excellent for tackling difficult terrain. We have never ridden such a versatile enduro bike before. He has exceptional climbing skills - when climbing a steep slope, interspersed with wheels, roots and sliding stones, the 250th passed with such ease that we were amazed. Suspension, high-torque engine and low weight are a great recipe for extreme descents. The engine has been improved so that it can easily start in the middle of a slope, when physics and logic have nothing in common. Definitely our top pick for enduro! Very similar character but even a little easier to drive, with a slightly less elastic power curve and slightly less torque, we were also impressed with the TE XNUMX.

The FE 350 and FE 450 four-stroke models, combined with the agility and powerful engine, were also extremely popular. The 450 is interesting for its slightly lighter handling and an engine that delivers soft power without being as brutal as the FE XNUMX. This world-famous bike is everything the experienced enduro needs, wherever they go. new offroad adventure. It feels good all around, and above all, we love how it handles most terrain with ease in third gear. Like the entire family of four-stroke engines, this one impresses with its directional stability at high speeds, as well as on rocks and roots. This shows why the price is so high, as the best WP suspension available for stock installation does the job perfectly.

The ergonomics are also very well thought out, which can be said to cater to a very wide range of drivers, as the Husqvarna sits very comfortably and relaxed without feeling cramped. What do we think of the FE 501? Hands off if you have no experience and if you are not in good shape. The queen is brutal, unforgiving, like a Husqvarna with a smaller volume. Big enduro riders weighing over a hundred kilograms will already find a true dancer in the FE 501 to dance over roots and rocks.

When it comes to motocross models, Husqvarna boasts a wide selection as they have 85, 125 and 250 cubic meters two-stroke engines and 250, 350 and 450 cubic meters four-stroke models. We won’t be far from the truth if we write that these are actually KTM models painted white (as of the 2016 model year, you can now expect completely new and completely different motorcycles from Husqvarna), but they have changed a lot some components in engine and superstructure, but still differ in driving characteristics, as well as in the power and characteristics of the engines. We love the suspension performance and agility, and of course the electric start on the FC 250, 350 and 450 four-stroke models. Fuel injection makes it easy to adjust engine performance that can be boosted or slowed down with the simple flip of a switch. The FC 250 is a great tool with a very powerful engine, good suspension and very powerful brakes. The more experienced will be pleased with the extra power and therefore more undemanding rides on the FC 350, while the FC450 is only recommended for very experienced motocross riders, here the suggestion that the engine lacks power is something you would never say.

The first experience with the new Husqvarnas also brought back fond memories of the years when two-stroke 250cc cars reigned on the motocross circuits. Admittedly, two-stroke engines are close to our hearts, both for their ruggedness and low maintenance, and for their lightness and playful handling. The TC 250 is such a cute, versatile and fun race car that you can invest in it and run around motocross and cross country tracks to your heart's content.

Already in Slovenia

TC 85: € 5.420

TC125: € 7.780

FC 250: € 8.870

FC 450: € 9.600

TE 300: 9.450 euros

FE 350: € 9.960

FE 450: € 10.120

Petr Kavchich

Photo: Husqvarna.

First impression

What a varied assortment of off-road motorcycles! We can say that Husqvarna really offers something for everyone who loves to ride enduro, motocross or XC. The motorcycles are built to a very high standard and are even more impressed by the highest quality components.

Rating: (4/5)

Exterior (5/5)

On the face of it, this shows that Husqvarna is a premium bike where you won't find cheap components or superficial quality. The look brings freshness.

Engines (5/5)

Two- or four-stroke engines are better than off-road motorcycles. In addition to the wide selection, we are also happy to simply adapt the engine characteristics to the driver's requirements.

Comfort (4/5)

Everything is in place, there are no protruding plastics or bulges anywhere that would interfere with movement. The suspension is the best we've tested in recent years.

Price (3/5)

Few of us are angry that they are so expensive, it makes sense that we would like to have such good bikes for less money. With components suitable for world-class drivers, the price is understandably very high. Quality comes first and quality pays off (as always).

Technical data: FE 250/350/450/501

Engine: single cylinder, four stroke, liquid cooled, 249,9 / 349,7 / 449,3 / 510,4 cc, Keihin EFI fuel injection, electric motor start.

Maximum power: for example

Maximum torque: for example

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Frame: tubular, chromium-molybdenum 25CrMo4, double cage.

Brakes: front disc 260 mm, rear disc 220 mm.

Suspension: WP 48mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, 300mm travel, WP single adjustable rear shock, 330mm travel, arm mount.

Gume: 90/90-21, 140/80-18.

Seat height from the ground: 970 mm.

Fuel tank: 9,5 / 9 l.

Wheelbase: 1.482 mm.

Weight: 107,5 / 108,2 / 113 / 113,5 kg.

Sales: Ski & Sea, doo

Technical data: FC 250/350/450

Engine: single cylinder, four stroke, liquid cooled, 249,9 / 349,7 / 449,3 cc, Keihin EFI fuel injection, electric motor start.

Maximum power: for example

Maximum torque: for example

Transmission: 5-speed gearbox, chain

Frame: tubular, chromium-molybdenum 25CrMo4, double cage.

Brakes: front disc 260 mm, rear disc 220 mm.

Suspension: WP 48mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, 300mm travel, WP single adjustable rear shock, 317mm travel, arm mount.

Gume: 80/100-21, 110/90-19.

Seat height from the ground: 992 mm.

Fuel tank: 7,5 / 9 l.

Wheelbase: 1.495 mm.

Weight: 103,7 / 106,0 / 107,2 kg.

For sale: Ski & Sea, doo, Ločica ob Savinji