Husqvarna has unveiled its all-new dual sport line, with four new bikes in the 250-500 range.
This year’s FE250, FE350, FE450, and FE501 have new chromoly steel frames, designed by Works Performance. According to Husky’s press release, they offer “20% higher torsional rigidity for improved stability and agility, while longitudinal stiffness is reduced by 30% for improved suspension functionality.” All models also get new Xplor 48 front forks and new rear shocks from Works Performance, and an updated carbon-fibre subframe.
All bikes get a re-designed rear brake (Brembo equipment) and bodywork. There’s also a new switch on the handlebar that allows riders to toggle between two different engine maps and also switch on a basic traction control. This technology is even available on the 250 model. According to their website, the new technology “functions by analysing throttle input from the rider and the rate at which RPM increases in the engine. If the RPM increases too quickly, the ECU will register a loss of grip and reduce the amount of power to the rear wheel ensuring maximum traction. ”
The 2017 Husky four-strokes also get new headers and mufflers designed to meet FIM noise guidelines.
Currently, the only street-legal Husqvarnas in Canada are the 701 models. Now, riders will have four more to choose from. The engines aren’t exactly brand new designs, but they have been re-tuned for this year’s models. Starting at the top:
The Husqvarna FE501 gets a new crankshaft, camshaft, cylinder head and crankcase, and other design tweaks that extend service intervals to 135 hours. Bodywork and rear brakes are upgraded for 2017, and there is also a new airbox with tool-less access. Find more details and photos of the bike here.
The Husqvarna FE450 gets a revised cylinder head, updated piston, and new crankshaft. There’s a new Magure hydraulic clutch and updated handlebars from Neken and grips from ODI. A new battery saves weight over the previous model. Find more details and photos here.
The Husqvarna FE350 shares a lot of its technology and design with the 250 motor, but with more power when you need it. There’s a new crankshaft and con rod this year, as well as some redesigned bottom-end internals to move the centre of gravity around and narrow the crankcase. The 350 also gets a new Magura hydraulic clutch, updated 42 mm throttle body, new starter motor and battery, and other assorted tweaks. See more here.
The Husqvarna FE250 has a more compact engine than the previous model, and Husky says the redesigned cylinder head, camshafts, and crankshafts work together to make more power as well. The updated engine has a shorter stroke, and 135-hour service intervals. Like the 350, the 250 gets a redesigned starter and new, lighter battery. More details and photos are available here.
GALLERY
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Meanwhile, the jap bike makers have their head in the sand.
And most importantly it’s made of unitanium hence the HUGE $$$$$$
I think you mean unaffordium ?
Can you turn of the traction control ?
Excited about the 250 until I read “135hr service intervals” and then downloaded the owners manual to see what that entailed. No thanks.
That’s several thousand miles, quite long for high performance bikes like this. Many are down in the 20 range.
My XT250 has traction control and two ride modes; ride at idle, or ride with the throttle open, slight change in acceleration. In neither mode can the back wheel spin.
Its like the ABS on my KLR650- the front brakes are such crap you ain’t never gonna lock ’em up.
I think the 350 and 501 are street legal too from what I’ve seen but maybe not. They are nice looking bikes.
I was in GP Bikes on Friday and looked at the KTM690 EXC which was about $12k before taxes. A 500EXC was around $10.5k. Quite a commitment.
They also had the Free Ride 250 on sale for $8500, and it appealed to me. A bit shorter/plusher suspension, mild power delivery and low enough seat height to put both feet on the ground.
Too bad it wasn’t street legal because I likely would have bought it on the spot. I now recognize that I’m getting old. I don’t want to go as fast in the woods anymore (not sure I can), just plonk around and explore.
The Euro enduros are funny — sometimes the dealers go through the hassle to plate them, even though they aren’t officially street legal, since they come from factory with all the equipment anyway.
The 350FE and 501FE are street legally and on BC roads now.
That’s the FE 350S, and FE 501S.
Pricing ?
Seems like it’s TBA at this point.
I guess that even the 250 would be out of my price range but quite nice.
You only need one kidney to live you know…….
I know but have no more kidney to sell and doubt the dealer would make me a favor and accept the little amount of money I could offer them so will have to settle for something Japanese. The 135 hours service interval doesn`t help with my needs either but I `m glad they offer these more off-road oriented bikes.