We drove: Husqvarna TE and TC 2015
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 experiencing a renaissance, and this is not much different from other regions of the world. Now it is officially presented in 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.
Wet terrain, clay and roots gliding through the forest are the 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 and suspension, a reinforced subframe (carbon fiber reinforced polymer), a new Neken handlebar, a new seat, clutch and oil pump on the four-stroke models. Enduro models have undergone similar changes, including a new transmission on the FE 250 and clutch, as well as an improved electric motor starter on the FE 250 and FE 350 (two-stroke models).
They all also have new gauges, a new grille and graphics. When we sum up the notes and thoughts, among those designed for enduro, the Husqvarna TE 300, that is, with a two-stroke engine, impressed us with its exceptional capabilities. 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 XNUMXth 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 in character but even slightly easier to drive, with a slightly less elastic power curve and slightly less torque, we were also impressed with the TE 250. The FE 350 and FE 450 were also extremely popular, i.e. four-stroke models that combine in maneuverability and a powerful engine. 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, but above all we love how it handles most terrain with ease in third gear.
Like the rest of the four-stroke family, 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 in stock does the job well. The ergonomics are also very well thought out, which can be said to satisfy 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 will not go far from the truth if we write that these are actually KTM models painted in white (from the 2016 model year from Husqvarna you can now expect completely new and completely different bikes from them), but some of the engine components have changed a lot and superstructures, but still differ in driving characteristics, as well as in engine power and characteristics.
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 as the suggestion that the engine is underpowered will never be uttered here.
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.
text: Petr Kavchich
