Video: Husqvarna 2008
Husqvarna is the only one that successfully takes on orange Austrians in the enduro segment, especially if we focus on Slovenian woods. There was a bit of a lull at Husqvarna around the turn of the millennium, but then sales figures started to pick up again, and if you follow the Slovenian enduro scene, you'll probably notice that the yellow/blue and white/red enduro specials have dwindled significantly. increased markedly. But despite Husqvarna's success, they are awake as they prepare a radically changed enduro and motocross lineup for next year.
Electronic fuel injection. We first got a little nervous on the Aprilia RXV two years ago, but otherwise the carbless setup is new in the segment. The 42mm intake diffuser electronics are Mikuni's work and have been programmed only in Husqvarna to be adapted to the needs of the driver in the field. Air mixing and fuel injection is controlled by the ECM, which changes the mode of operation depending on engine speed, selected gear, air pressure and unit temperature.
Husqvarna has also been tested in mountain passes, higher than our Vršić, where the unit's performance was as good as in the lowlands. A service module can be connected through the ECM, which can be used by an authorized mechanic to check and adjust the operation of a single cylinder. And how do all these innovations work in practice? I confess that if I had not been informed about the changes before the test drive, I would not have noticed them. The four-stroke engine comes to life quickly at the push of a button and runs very smoothly. Most importantly, when driving on difficult terrain, he gently reacts to the turns of the right lever and without annoying delays and squeaks. For the rest - in the automotive industry i has long been a familiar letter, so you really should not be afraid.
Replacing a modern carburetor is not the only novelty. All TE models have a magic button as well as an improved kick starter (lighter, stronger and easier to use), new Kokusan ignition electronics that are well protected from moisture ingress, and a new exhaust system from the Italian manufacturer Arrow that ends on the right side and matches green requirements. Engineers also took care of extending the life of the valve and clutch control system, which received a stronger basket and sipes that are more resistant to overheating.
Enduro riders will also get improved standard engine protection with aluminum parts, a new side stand (the old Huse liked to fall to the ground), an improved automatic decompressor, and a glass-window right-side hood for checking the engine oil level. You no longer need to unscrew the screws and drip oil on the floor!
You probably already noticed the white border, but it hasn't changed just because of the new color. Engineers have radically changed it and thereby significantly saved in weight. The seat is a centimeter lower, the width around the radiators is narrower by 40mm, the pedals are moved forward by 15mm, and all this together ensures an exceptionally good feeling while riding, both in a sitting and standing position. As standard, the motorcycle is equipped with a "fat" handlebar without a crossbar. Given that enduro riders are motorcyclists who do many of the mechanical tasks themselves in their home garage, they will also be pleased with the easier access to the unit, air filter and rear shock.
Despite the popularity of modern four-stroke cars, which transmit power very gently, have a pleasant sound, and have nothing to do with mixing fuel, real enduro riders shouldn't lose sight of the lesser beeps. The WR 125 and 250 did not undergo major changes, but received gear ratios, connecting rods (125) and suspension, as well as a new handlebar without a cross member from the manufacturer Tommaselli. The small WR is incredibly maneuverable and strong enough for beginners, while its 250cc sibling is good enough for professional enduro use.
Believe it or not, I have driven the most kilometers with a wide selection of test bikes. Husqvarna only lacks an electric starter. Competitive KTM also equips two-stroke engines with it. However, the Germans (have you forgotten that Husqvarna bought BMW?) Have a better warranty offer: they promise two years of free service for possible defects, which is certainly an important factor when buying a new motorcycle.
Finally, a small commentary on the main photo. I would like to apologize to the factory mechanics for the extra work, but I really didn't expect such a deep puddle. Husqvarna and I were stuck in the water at a depth of one meter, and after emerging from the puddle, the motorcycle was somehow not in the mood to work. But even a short intervention by an experienced craftsman around the spark plug and air filter was enough to get the 450 back into the air in 15 minutes. Therefore, I accidentally checked the water tightness of all sensors, ignition and injection electronics. Hey, the thing works!
Matevj Hribar
Photo 😕 Yuri Furlan, Husqvarna
Husqvarna TE 250/450/510 ie
Test car price: 8.199 / 8.399 / 8.499 euros
engine: single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 249, 5/449/501 cm? , Mikuni electronic fuel injection.
Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.
Maximum power: np
Maximum torque: np
Frame: oval steel tubes, aluminum subframe.
Suspension: front adjustable forks USD Marzocchi? 40mm, 300mm travel, Sachs adjustable single rear shock, 296mm travel.
Tires: front 90 / 90-21, rear 120 / 90-18 (TE 250) / 140 / 80-18 (TE 450 and 510).
brakes: front coil? 260mm, rear floating coil? 240 mm, Brembo jaws.
Wheelbase: 1.495 mm.
Seat height: 963 mm.
Fuel tank: 7, 2.
Weight: 107/112/112 kg.
We praise and reproach
+ soft power delivery
+ ergonomics
+ suspension work
+ stability
+ warranty period
- side stand
– lack of power at low speeds (TE 250)
Husqvarna WR 125/250
Test car price: 6.299 6.999 / XNUMX XNUMX euros
engine: single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 124, 82/249, 3 cm? , Mikuni TMX 38 carburetor
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain
Maximum power: np
Maximum torque: np
Frame: tubular steel, aluminum auxiliary frame.
Suspension: front adjustable forks USD Marzocchi? 45mm, 300mm travel, Sachs adjustable single rear shock, 320mm travel.
Tires: front 90 / 90-21, rear 120 / 90-18 / 140-80 / 18.
brakes: front coil? 260mm, rear floating coil? 240/220 mm, Brembo jaws.
Wheelbase: 1.465 mm.
Seat height: 980/975 mm.
Fuel tank: 9, 5.
Weight: 96/103 kg.
Representative: Zupin Moto Sport, doo, Lemberg 48, Šmarje pri Jelšah, tel. №: 041/523 388
We praise and reproach
+ lightness
+ bright and flexible block on WR 250
+ price compared to TE
+ ease of maintenance
- no electric start option
– time-consuming preparation of the fuel mixture
Basic data
Test model cost: 6.299 / 6.999 XNUMX euro €
Technical information
engine: single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 124,82 / 249,3 cm³, Mikuni TMX 38 carburetor
Torque: np
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain
Frame: tubular steel, aluminum auxiliary frame.
brakes: front disc ø 260 mm, rear floating disc ø 240/220 mm, Brembo jaws.
Suspension: USD Marzocchi front adjustable fork ø 40 mm, 300 mm travel, Sachs rear adjustable single shock, 296 mm travel. / USD Marzocchi front adjustable fork ø 45mm, 300mm travel, Sachs rear adjustable single shock, 320mm travel.
Fuel tank: 9,5).
Wheelbase: 1.465 mm.
Weight: 96/103 kg.
We praise and reproach
ease of maintenance
price versus TE
bright and flexible unit on WR 250
ease
warranty period
stability
suspend operation
ergonomics
soft power delivery
labor-intensive preparation of the fuel mixture
no electric starter option
lack of power at low speeds (TE 250)
side stand
