Test Husqvarna Factory
Published on 27/10/2016Test Factory Husqvarna: what a sensation!
We put the very best Husqvarnas in the world through their paces especially for you. Here's what you need to remember.
By Yente Dourte
Under a bright sun, on a beautiful track, MXMag had the opportunity to test Husqvarna's factory bikes. The engines of Max Nagl, Max Anstie, Thomas Covington and Christophe Charlier were examined by numerous journalists on the sandy Lommel circuit.
Six mechanics were waiting for us to make it an unforgettable day. We immediately went to take a look at the engines and the circuit. They looked so beautiful and finished that I almost didn't dare drive them! Husqvarna's public relations manager Paolo Carrubba immediately spoke to me. He introduced me to the mechanics and let me know when I could test the engines. The test day was clearly well organised. I received a very friendly welcome and was able to ask my questions anywhere.
I was very curious. Obviously you don't get the chance to test factory engines every day. I became even more curious when I was informed that nothing could be changed in the setting of the engines! Levers, the steering wheel, the brake pedals,... nothing was allowed to be moved and nothing was removed from the bike after the last race. This allowed us to get to know the drivers themselves in an indirect way. We got to know the pilots' preferences and driving style better. For example, this meant that I now understand much better why Max Nagl drives much more aggressively in the first laps than during the rest of the race.
Max 'The Expert' Nagl – FC450
The first engine I started working with was Max Nagl's. What immediately caught my attention was one of the switches on the handlebars. This was called 'full power mapping'. This setting ensures that Max can be much more aggressive on the track during the first laps of the race. Of course, even a top athlete like Max cannot attack an entire match. That's why his mechanic laughingly told me that he always has to write 'MAP' on the pit board after two laps. This means that Max must turn off the switch. Otherwise he would forget that in the heat of the battle and drive himself completely crazy during the first half of the match.
There was also a lot of discussion about the 'launch control' with the mechanic. However, he did not want to say much about this. The 'launch control' ensures that the engine does not continue to run at the start. On a sandy surface like that of Lommel, this is hardly noticeable, but it is an ingenious concept. I found riding the motorcycle itself amazing. I am a 250cc pilot and have little experience with a 450cc.
In the meantime, I can tell you that Max Nagl's engine is one of the most user-friendly 450cc engines in the MXGP peloton. Thanks to Max's specially tuned CDI, the engine has a very smooth and soft curve. The Nagl mechanic also told me that the front fork was made 4cm shorter. This was extensively tested during the winter and that is clearly noticeable. I have the feeling that Max has a lot of experience in tuning his bike. I think that is also a must to perform like him. That's why I nicknamed Max Nagl's bike 'The Expert'.
Max 'The Beast' Anstie – FC250
Max Anstie won the most 'Fox holeshot' awards this year. That's why I really wanted to start the engine a few times. The engine has a lot of power and torque with its beautiful, blue FMF exhaust. The high torque allowed me to continue driving in the same gear for a long time without losing power.
Max Anstie drives with '13-51' as gears, which means that they have changed the transmission ratios inside the gears. We were not told exactly what has changed. After a few laps I already felt quite familiar with the bike, which allowed me to try out a few things. The suspension was very well adjusted for a rider like me. I love jumping and preferably as high and as far as possible. This engine allowed all of this! At the same time I could submit very well. The “low and high speed” of the suspension were perfectly adjusted. Max Anstie's FC250 is a dream bike for me. A perfect balance between power and stability. That's why I nicknamed him 'The Beast'.
Thomas “The Precision” Covington – FC250
Thomas Covington was briefly present on the test day in Lommel. He came to inform his team boss, Jacky Martens, of his injury. Thomas is a small and skinny boy of 20 years old with a lot of technique. This was immediately noticeable while driving. The engine responded extremely smoothly and movably but ran well. Thomas rides with '13-50' as gears, which made him less aggressive coming out of the corners compared to Max Anstie's bike.
Because I am bigger and heavier than Thomas, I was at a disadvantage on his bike. Every time I jumped too far, I was punished and the suspension collapsed. Why did I nickname it “The Precision”? When you drive Thomas Covington's motorcycle very precisely, it is a wonderful motorcycle. You immediately notice this in Covington's style. He rarely jumps too far on a jumping mountain, always lands nicely and tries to lift or jump his bike over the pits as much as possible.
Christophe 'The Mustang' Charlier – FC450
This was the typical bike I expected from a rider like Charlier. I immediately noticed that the CDI curve runs completely differently compared to Max Nagl's curve. The two riders started from the same factory setting but both adapted it to their own requirements. What they do have in common is a Brembo braking system which I was very impressed with. I was able to brake with much more feeling thanks to this ingenious braking system.
Charlier's engine is, just like a 'Mustang', aggressive and fast. Christophe Charlier is a pilot who drives more at high speeds, which means that the engine continues to accelerate at high speeds. Christophe Charlier clearly has a more aggressive driving style. He comes into the corners very quickly and then slams on the brakes. He also often drives in curves to reduce his speed. I personally found it difficult to use the engine like Christophe. I am not yet used to the power of the 450cc to use it as aggressively as Christophe. My preference therefore went to Max Nagl's 450.
This was an educational experience for all journalists present. We had an unforgettable insight into the factory team. Even more fascinating is the fact that we have been able to discover a lot ourselves that would never be possible through outside analysis alone. I would certainly like to thank Husqvarna for this. I would also like to thank all the mechanics who were there for us throughout the entire test day.
Photos: Bavo Swijgers
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