TEST: Husqvarna MX 2018
Husqvarna's arsenal is immense, this year Husqvarna is launching no fewer than 6 cross models (TC 85, TC 125, FC 250, TC 250, FC350 and FC 450) and 7 enduro models (TX 125, TE 250i, TE 300i, FE 250, FE 350, FE 450, FE 501) outwards. The new enduro models (TE250i and TE300i) have already been described in detail in our website previous article.
This year, Husqvarna engineers have mainly worked on the 85cc which is gaining more and more popularity. The previous model had a Beta engine block that was changed to a KTM engine block this year. We can best compare the TC 85 with the TC 125, but the 85 is much more compact and uses a 44 mm front fork. With the other cross models, nothing has changed except the plastic and sticker set. Husqvarna had a good engine and has a lot of confidence in it, that is why we are going to test them to the limit.
Since we were presented with such a large selection, I had to make a small selection so as not to bore everyone with my boring technical explanation. We discuss the most notable models, these are the TC 125 and the FC 350. I chose these models because they felt the best and I had the most riding pleasure with these bikes. The other models are briefly described below.
TC 250
- Powerful 2-stroke engine
- Very sensitive driving style
- Wonderful throttle response
FC 250
- Aggressive 4-stroke engine
- You often had to drive at high speeds to make optimal use of the engine
- Difficult to submit
- Incredible top power
FC 450
- Master of the range
- Soft but 'oh so' powerful power
- Mandatory to handle the gas in a controlled manner
TC125
We start with the lightest model for adults, the TC 125. This motorcycle is as light as a feather, just like any other 125, but there is still a difference with a Yamaha. The stability with this motorcycle is extremely sensitive, which means that you can drive very aggressively with the TC 125. The suspension of this motorcycle is very well designed as it always follows its line on the straights as it should. The geometry, on the other hand, is slightly less, while driving I mainly had difficulty distributing my weight correctly in the corners. This sometimes caused me to go straight while turning or over the curve. You cannot fault the top power of the engine, this is one of the most powerful 125cc engines on the market and you can feel it from the first contact. Shifting gears when exiting the bends is my last point of criticism, this was very difficult and some test drivers had problems with this. This problem occurred not only with the TC 125 but also with Husqvarna's other two-stroke models. Remember that the engines just came out of the box, which of course explains a lot.
FC 350
You can drive very aggressively with the FC 350, just like with the FC 250, but you can also opt for a completely different style and that is the soft driving style that you have to use with the FC 450. I found this very special about the FC 350. , you choose how you use it and it adapts everywhere without having to change any settings. The FC 350 is inferior in top power to the FC 450. As with the other models, the FC 350 is very sensitive while driving. The FC 350 and FC 450 can hide this best due to their soft power. A small downside, maybe this is due to the sandy circuit or not, often when exiting the corners you had to use the clutch to keep the 4-stroke models revving. You can solve this problem with a different gear ratio.
Finally, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the Husqvarna offering, the two-stroke models are very playful yet powerful. The 4-stroke models are real 'high rev' engines except the FC 450, which is almost unsustainable at high revs but I'm sure this can come in handy in a race if you still have some reserves in the tank.
Text: YD
Photo: Bavo Swijgers
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