TEST: Husqvarna 2019 dirt bikes
Husqvarna has the wind in its sails and not only in Europe, but also in the US. It was there that the brand captured its second consecutive SX 250 title, but the big success was Jason Anderson's title in the premier class of the AMA Supercross championship. And so it is not surprising that Husqvarna presented its new motocross line-up for 2019 on American soil.
The setting for this prestigious press launch was the training circuit of the famous Baker's Factory. Located near Orlando, Florida, Baker's Factory is the most famous motocross training complex in the world. Riders such as Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Villopoto, James Stewart, Ryan Dungey, Zach Osborne, Marvin Musquin and Jason Anderson trained here. And if the track there is good enough for them, it will also be good enough to test the new Huskies on.
Husqvarna overhauled no fewer than five models for the 2019 model year. We are talking about the TC125 and TC 250 two-stroke and the FC250, FC350 and FC450 four-stroke models. This complete line-up received a new tubular steel frame for 2019, which is now available in blue. Its decoration has also been renewed and has become more dynamic and refined. This is clearly noticeable in the radiators and the fact that the motorcycle became slightly narrower at the knees.
We can safely say that the workmanship was successful, although we would have liked to see the handguards, which date from a previous era, differently. The lateral number plates now consist of two parts. Something that should make dismantling and accessibility of certain components easier. Although it seems to us that this would make it more difficult to apply stickers. The Husqvarnas are still equipped with a removable subframe that is made of chrome molybdenum and carbon fiber and provides flexibility and stiffness at the same time.
The redeveloped swingarm means that you now have a clearance of 5 mm to move the rear wheel and thus optimally tighten the chain. Something that can certainly come in handy on fast circuits or whoop sections. WP will of course continue to design the suspension components with a 48 mm pneumatic AER front fork at the front and a shock absorber at the rear whose piston has been redesigned. The machines also received new triple clamps that are beautifully anodized black. There is also a new Pro Taper handlebar and the DID rims have new black spokes. By the way, those wheels are fitted with Dunlop M3S tires. The radiators, positioned 12 mm lower, should optimize the circulation of the cooling water and at the same time slightly lower the center of gravity. All in the name of further refinement. The Husqvarnas are also equipped with Brembo brakes for 2019.
When it comes to engine development, the interaction between Husqvarna's Motorsport and Research & Development departments plays an important role. As a result, the performance of the standard models is close to that of the factory machines. Particular attention was paid to the development of the exhaust lines. This makes it very difficult to do better than the stock exhaust, except in terms of design or noise level. And of course the choice of mapping also plays a role in power delivery.
The three four-stroke models received a redesigned exhaust line with a larger resonance chamber and new silencers. The expansion exhausts of the TC 125 and TC 250 were also redesigned to prevent heat radiation. For example, the exhaust of the 250 became 25 mm shorter than its predecessor.
The FC450 is the most updated machine in the Husqvarna line-up. The new engine block was positioned 15 mm lower and weighs 500 grams less than its predecessor. The block was fitted with new crankcase cheeks, a new crankshaft, a new clutch with a lighter diaphragm and a redeveloped gearbox. The five-speed gearbox was developed by KTM subsidiary Pankl Motorsport and is equipped with mapping sensors. Husqvarna claims the FC450 has a maximum power of 63 hp.
Husqvarna's four-stroke machines can safely be considered the technological leaders of the motocross peloton. All machines are equipped with a button with which you can select the desired engine mapping - a choice of two different engine characters. The Huskies also have a launch control system. This system keeps the power in check during take-offs and at the same time ensures the best possible traction. This ties in nicely with the traction control system that closely monitors the traction level. The system intervenes by limiting the speed when necessary. All this means that you should carefully read the manual for these Husqvarna crossers in advance.
The two-stroke models are optically equivalent to the four-stroke models. Yet this is more of a silent evolution than a technological revolution. Nevertheless, the two-strokes also received a new clutch with DDS diaphragm and a Pankl six-speed gearbox. Furthermore, almost all components (Suspension, handlebars, triple clamps, brakes, clutch lever, wheels, spokes, tires) are similar to those of the brand's four-strokes.
Action!
After an educational tour of the Baker's Factory by Aldon Baker himself and a dress-up session in the refrigerated dressing room, it is time to put the new Huskies through their paces.
With an outside temperature of 36°C and a humidity of 82%, the weather conditions are typical for… Florida. We could also have found the sand, which felt heavy after last night's thunderstorm, in the Kempen. Although it really does rain warm water here... I'll start with the FC450 because that is perhaps the ideal machine for this heavy soil.
Despite the difficult conditions, on this typical American track, the 450 feels reassuring. This is mainly due to the perfect interplay between chassis and suspension. Thanks to, or because of, the heavy sand, the power is not fully achieved. Yet the engine remains easy to control. As is so often the case on a 450, third gear, the gear, is also preferred on this FC450. The relatively low weight reassures you as a pilot when approaching technical jumps. The pneumatic front fork – comes into its own during difficult landings, e.g. on a limited landing zone after a double jump. Because the front fork only compresses to a limited extent and with progressive deceleration, you can still easily correct. To push the limits of this fork you have to expose yourself to considerable danger!
With an electric starter, a revised clutch, a hyper-precise gearbox, high-performance brakes and electronic driving aids, this new Husqvarna has strong arguments for the 2019 season!
“The Husqvarna FC 450 has all the assets to play a leading role next season!”
In the saddle of the FC350, you immediately feel that you are on the road with 100cc less, especially on this type of circuit that requires power and torque at the same time. On a hard track the difference with the big brother may not be so pronounced. To get the best performance from the three and a half, you have to use the clutch and try to shift gears precisely. And that means that controlling this FC350 requires a lot more effort. However, the smaller motor is less affected by inertia, making it easier to change tracks and also making jumping smoother. The 350 remains a bestseller in all circumstances.
The last four-stroke on the menu is the FC250. I must honestly admit that such a small 250F is not really my thing and certainly not in the sand. But at the same time I have to admit that I had a lot of fun on the most technical and difficult parts of the circuit, especially during the photo session, where it was all about playing with the machine. This motorcycle is therefore extremely manageable and precise. When accelerating, the engine revs like a rocket. Still, you have to know how to use the machine optimally, especially in the run-up to a jump, where you cannot improvise much. This machine, as it were, asks you to whip it and wring it out completely! Given the high-tech equipment, this FC250 is one of the strongholds of the MX2 peloton.
“The TC250 requires a firm hand that puts the strain on it!”
We conclude the test day with the two-strokes. The first thing you notice on the 250cc two-stroke is that you have to turn the throttle a lot harder than on an injected four-stroke. Yet the two-stroke sounds remarkably pleasant. The presence of a balance shaft reduces vibrations to a minimum. The obsession of Austrian engineers to reduce the friction between engine parts to the absolute minimum also plays a role in this.
Riding a two-stroke machine requires more effort from a rider. You have to dive deeper into the corners and keep the speed higher almost everywhere. No surprises so far. Yet this new generation feels a lot less sharp and at the same time has more torque. The new chassis also means that you can steer a lot sharper. The development of the two-stroke is proceeding at a slower pace, but nevertheless efforts are being made to get the best out of the possibilities of this engine type and at the same time limit the cost price.
We don't have to beat around the bush, anyone who has ridden these Husqvarnas feels that they are related to the KTMs. But year after year, the Husqvarnas take on a more distinct character. The distinctive look of these machines with Swedish roots and the strong results in the AMA Supercross championship give the brand a strong identity.
The new Husqvarna cross models are now available at the brand's official dealers
Prices Husqvarna 2018 Taxes included, Dutch price in parentheses
TC 50: €3.990 (€3.945)
TC 50 Mini: €3.750 (€3.690)
TC 65: €4.750 (€4.740)
TC 85 17/14-19/16: €5.750 (€5.770)
TC 125: €8.260 (€8.395)
TC 250: €9.130 (€9.285)
FC 250: €9.620 (€9.770)
FC 350: €10.060 (€10.205)
FC 450: €10.390 (€10.515)
Tekst: Christopher Bertrand
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