Test Husqvarna Enduro 2019: Plenty of choice
Husqvarna's 2019 enduro models have been in stores for a while. And so we didn't have to hesitate for long to take a seat in the saddle of these brand new models. We found a perfect testing ground in Chimay, Belgium, not coincidentally also the course on which the BK Enduro round took place. An excellent place to let the Huskies go all out in the hands of former Belgian champion Thierry Klutz.
Husqvarna Belgium boss Stefaan Minne and his team have brought the brand's entire enduro range to Chimay: the 250, 350, 450 and 501 four-strokes and the 250 and 300 two-strokes. Our play area for the day is an area of more than 40 hectares located in a natural bowl.
Three-quarters of the site consists of grassland, the remaining quarter of forest. Enough room for two enduro specials. The welcome is warm. No fewer than 10 motorcycles are waiting for six different test riders. Furthermore, the sun is also present as well as a Husqvarna technician who helps the testers with the requested adjustments. In short, all the ingredients to test these motorcycles in the best conditions are present.
After a short but efficient technical briefing, something that everyone can live with because we are gradually becoming impatient, the fun can start. Wim Vanderheyden and Jilani Cambré, the official enduro riders of Husqvarna Belgium, are the first to hit the slopes.
“On the 450 I am convinced that I am on the best machine in the Husqvarna range.”
I start my test with the FE 450, not coincidentally also the engine capacity with which I ended my active enduro career. That makes me immediately feel at home on this motorcycle. The block is powerful. The power delivery is linear and is perfectly complemented by the suspension, making it feel good. Together with the other riders I complete my laps on part of one of the two specials. I enjoy it so much that I suddenly don't feel like changing machines anymore. After all, I am convinced that this is the best motorcycle in Husqvarna's enduro range.
Four-stroke or two-stroke?
But because I'm not just here to have fun, I eventually switch to a machine with a different cylinder capacity on which I can pull my strings well: the FE 501. After exactly half a lap I become aware of this. that I also like this machine. The slightly more torquey engine suits my driving style well and this machine also feels a little more stable. After a few laps I realize that this is the motorcycle I feel best on and can therefore handle best. So it will be difficult to say goodbye to the FE 501…
But then again, since I'm not just here to have fun, I tell myself I have to test the two-stroke machines too. I'll just switch motorcycles with another test rider. And so I hop on the 250cc two-stroke. I get a completely different feeling about this. In the first corners, I don't feel comfortable at all. The light motorcycle feels less stable.
In addition, the lack of engine braking makes braking for bends more dangerous. It's been so long since I rode a two-stroke that I wonder if I can still handle this type of engine. But that feeling fades as the laps pass. Suddenly I think this is crazy again! My lap times must start to drop considerably because I feel like I'm riding a bicycle.
I notice that on this machine I don't have to think too much about opening the throttle all the way. Here you can accelerate hard and the electronics will absorb this. The days when a two-stroke engine would 'stutter' if you opened the throttle too early, or 'choke' if the carburetion was not right, are behind us thanks to the Husqvarna's electronic fuel injection. Nevertheless, you do feel that the engine lacks petrol - hence the crackling during the restart - and that the engine lacks some character. I have the impression that the power curve is quite sloping, nevertheless it is really cool to ride this new generation of two-strokes because of their user-friendliness. We would like to add that they are also efficient.
And then I get on the 300. A motorcycle that is very close to its little brother. This is mainly reflected in the ease of handling. He sees the difference in the engine character, which is slightly more pronounced on the TE 300, partly thanks to the greater power. You feel that the engine block is being 'managed' electronically. This is without a doubt almost perfect in many areas (air supply, timing and supply of petrol, timing of the ignition) and perhaps also the best possible solution.
In my opinion, this is offset by the fact that the power curve of the injected two-stroke engine is rather linear and is a lot less explosive than its predecessor with a carburetor. Even now I am racking up laps on this motorcycle and I am already starting to make plans for a return to the BK Enduro at the wheel of this TE 300.
“Animable in technical passages and strong where power is an ally: does that make the FE 350 the ideal enduro weapon?”
After an afternoon break during which we were able to get acquainted with the specialties of the region (I stuck to the edible regional products, not the liquid ones...), we get back to it, but in a different part of the site. A flowing section that nevertheless has some tree trunks that we have to cross.
I'll start with the 501. Once again I can't help but feel that despite all the others, this is the bike that suits me best. Because of all the driving pleasure this machine offers me, it is almost impossible for me to say goodbye to it. I had told myself in advance that I would be frustrated by the lack of power of a 350. Four years ago I had the chance to try this motorcycle and I thought the engine was far too weak for my liking. Still, I don't want to end the day without riding this FE 350.
It strikes me that the current 350 has little in common with the machine of yesteryear. The engine of this 2019 machine is powerful, torquey and flexes its muscles as soon as you touch the throttle. This motorcycle is agile in the technical sections, while it does not lack power in the faster sections. Could this perhaps be the ideal weapon for my return to competition? One thing is certain: choosing is not easy.
What I take away from this Husqvarna range test is that there is certainly an engine type (two- or four-stroke) and a cylinder capacity that suits almost every type of rider and their expectations. After a day like today, you can't possibly return home frustrated because you didn't find a machine to your liking. I enjoyed every motorcycle tested and was able to enjoy its qualities. If I had to choose one, I would go for the FE 501, because I prefer it. However, that does not alter the fact that I would go for the FE 350 in a competitive context such as the BK Enduro.
With such an extensive range it is up to the rider to make the right choice. Do this with the good advice of the Husqvarna dealer.
Belgian Rates Husqvarna Enduro 2019 (Dutch rates in brackets)
TX 125 …….. €8.200 (€8.395)
TE 250 i ….. € 9.385 (€ 10.735)
TE 300 i ….. € 9.780 (€ 11.565)
FE 250 ….. €10.160 (€11.715)
FE 350 ….. €10.570 (€12.080)
FE 450 ….. €10.690 (€12.245)
FE 501 ….. €10.780 (€12.360)
Tekst: Thierry Klutz
Photos : Bavo Swijgers / Husqvarna
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