Thierry Klutz tests the Husqvarna 2010 range
The endurists have had to wait a long time for it, but their patience is rewarded. Finally the new Husqvarna TE 250 is a fact. The completely new small Husky completes the range and thanks to the major changes, the Italian brand is more present than ever. We called on factory pilot Thierry Klutz to thoroughly test all the engines for us and to share his findings with us...
For the quarter liter, the engineers started from a blank sheet, so this is by no means a further development in any form. It cost everyone who contributed blood, sweat and tears, but the 250cc four-stroke machine had to and would secure the future of the Italian brand. It was therefore with great emotion that the Husqvarna TE 250 was presented to the specialized press.
A high-performance, lightweight four-stroke enduro
The smallest four-stroke member immediately looks very modern, although you have to be very familiar with the Husqvarna evolution to see at first glance that this is a 2010 model. Once you look at the ultra-compact engine block, a mistake is impossible. The block weighs barely 22 kg on the scale. The ergonomics of the bicycle part are especially sharply drawn and will give you as much comfort as a dirt bike, so no. The finish, as on almost all Italian-made motorcycles, is of a particularly high level. The sticker set was placed directly into the plastic using the 'In Mould' technology, a technology that we have seen for some time at KTM, for example. The black anodized Excel rims make the little Husky look very slick and the Brembo brakes leave nothing to chance. This machine is ready to go into battle
This Italian beauty was of course equipped with an electric starter, which is nothing special. What this is is the fact that the starter acts directly on the ignition and can therefore gain a lot of weight and inertia in this way. The quarter liter is equipped with four titanium valves with double overhead camshafts. The machine was equipped with an electronic Mikuni injection as we encounter on the rest of the four-stroke range. However, Husqvarna has opted to install an injection system that does not require a battery, which saves a few kilos on the scale.
Exit Marzocchi, welcome Kayaba
For the bicycle part, they looked closely at the existing four-stroke models that were renewed in 2009. The frame was made even stiffer, which only improves precision. A new and shorter swingarm was fitted to provide more traction. Furthermore, the TE250 is equipped with a new set of T-pieces that hold impressive 48mm UPSD Kayaba fork legs, breaking the tradition with Marzocchi. At the back, confidence in Sachs remains.
On paper this all sounds promising. something that is only confirmed once on the track. We didn't expect anything else, knowing that none other than Antoine Méo was responsible for the development of this machine, in the World Enduro Championship. The new Kayaba front fork immediately proves that the switch was well thought out and would yield results. Just like the engine block, which has clearly gained linearity thanks to the efforts of the engineers.
Ease of use takes precedence over power
The majority of endurists will undoubtedly appreciate the ease of use, although we must admit that the quarter liter lacks some power. “Fortunately, there is the linear character of the engine and the chassis, which is very manageable thanks to the Kayaba fork, but we can only say that other quarter-liters probably have slightly more top power. Although it must be said that we are only at the beginning of the development of this new power source. The engineers are undoubtedly already looking for more top power for the 2011 model.” said Thierry Klutz. “Yet the current result is already more than impressive and we owe a lot to Kayaba. Their fork makes it much easier to adjust everything to your own wishes, which previously took a lot of effort with Marzocchi.”
For those who still have some doubts about the injection story of the quarter liter, we should not actually say that Antoine Méo has equipped his Grand Prix machine with... a carburetor. This of course because gentlemen of his caliber must have access to the very last horse that can be squeezed out of such a block. We can actually say that Méo is on the track with a cross block. Its engine also has a five-speed gearbox like the cross version.
Husqvarna's MX2 dirt bike: 250 TC
Just like with the enduro version, the chassis has been overhauled to improve handling. The feeling of absolute control is therefore of an unprecedented level. Even despite the short first few gears. This takes some getting used to, but you will soon adapt your driving style to it. This spread also allows you to make full use of the five-speed gearbox, and the carburetion ensures a very smooth character at low revs. Nothing but good in that regard, but it is striking that here too the engineers have opted for a smooth engine rather than an engine with absolute top power. A motorcycle character that, in our humble opinion, will suit 95% of the motocross riders very well. The other 5% can of course rely on numerous tuning parts that are available. However, at the Faenza circuit, where our test took place, it seemed more of an advantage not to have the most powerful, but the smoothest engine. The 250 TC stands out for its ease of driving in all conditions and is therefore one of the most competitive on the market. There is nothing more interesting than an engine that allows you to perform in all conditions with a minimum of adjustments.
And the rest of the range?
The arrival of the new 250 four-stroke models puts the other models in the shadows, but nevertheless they also receive some interesting changes. The 450cc gets an ignition evolution to optimize its power in low revs and the midrange. The 300 and 125cc get a new exhaust, they get a chromolybdenum chassis and a stronger water pump that should make performance more consistent in the most extreme conditions.
To give everyone the opportunity to get started with a real competition machine, Husqvarna has 'Racing kits' available for its 450 TE and 450 TC. This consists of special camshafts, a high-pressure piston, an improved exhaust system and a modified water pump. Ready for a start in the GP…
Photos credit: Massimo Zanzani
Text: Olivier Evrard
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