2017 Husqvarna motocross range unveiled – TC250 with new two-stroke engine, FC with traction control

Swedish motorcycle manufacturer Husqvarna may not be a widely known motorcycle brand name, unless you use chainsaws for a living, but within the motocross community, it is known for making some very capable dirtbikes, with a pedigree going back over a century. Purchased by BMW in 2007 to be developed as its motorcycle equivalent to the MINI brand, Husky was bought by Stefan Pierer in 2013, and is now a sister company to Austrian motorcycle brand KTM, with design and production based in Varese, Italy.

For 2017, Husqvarna – or “Husky”, as it is informally known – is launching the all-new TC250 motocrosser, along with major updates to its range of FC four-stroke dirtbikes. The design changes and updates were made with an eye to improving Husky’s traditional strengths of light weight and race-level performance.

Coming with an all-new two-stroke engine for 2017, the TC250 is a race-oriented motocrosser. Displacing 249 cc, the liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine comes with a new counter-balancer shaft to reduce vibration.

A re-designed five-speed gearbox and new twin-valve power valve design lets the engine’s power hit the dirt in a smooth and controlled fashion. The engine characteristics can be changed by swapping out two springs in the power valve system that alters the power delivery to suit different tracks or riding styles.

The 2017 Husqvarna TC250 comes with a new frame – built by WP Performance – that features a carbon-fibre sub-frame to save weight. WP also makes the suspension for the TC250, with 48 mm diameter AER 48 upside-down forks in front, and a WP Dual Compression Control (DCC) rear shock with remote reservoir.

Changes have also been made for 2017 across Husky’s FC four-stroke motocrosser range. The biggest change is the inclusion of a Keihin engine management system (EMS), bringing traction control to performance dirtbikes. By analysing throttle input and sudden increases in revs, the system ensures maximum traction, no matter the ground condiions.

With integrated launch control for perfect starts, the EMS also features selectable engine maps via a switch on the handlebars. The system is standard across the Husky FC series bikes – the flagship FC450, the FC350 and FC250 – all powered by variants of Husky’s single-cylinder, fuel-injected thumper.

WP also does suspension duties for the FC range of bikes, with the aforementioned AER 48 USD fork in front, and a DCC shock absorber holding up the rear end. Brembo brakes do the stopping for both the TC and FC motorcrossers. Husqvarna motorcycles are represented in Malaysia by Premium World Motorsport.

GALLERY: 2017 Husqvarna TC250

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