Words: Guy Streeter

Husqvarna Australia recently invited MotoOnline.com.au out to the central tablelands of New South Wales, not far from Lithgow, to experience its new 2017 off-road range.

Husqvarna has produced a new generation of off-road machines from the ground up, fitted with premium components as standard and producing more power with reduced weight that has been distributed to centralise the mass. It is not only Husqvarna that has stepped up the game on the new FE and TE models, as WP has engineered new front and rear suspension and radiators alongside refinements.

One of the first things you will notice about the new generation of Husqvarna enduro bikes are the new ergonomics – ODI lock-on grips and optional throttle cam (long or short on four-strokes), slim plastics, grab holes at the rear of the seat, black CNC machined triple clamps with 22mm off-set that allow multiple handlebar positions. A new low profile gripper seat is also a neat addition, giving riders greater control in difficult conditions.

WP has significantly updated the suspension for the MY17 Husqvarna range with the all-new Xplor 48mm forks and DCC linkage rear shock, shaving weight and increasing performance. The open cartridge forks feature a spring in each leg with split damping functions – compression in the left fork and rebound in the right fork. Adjustments can be made easily using clickers mounted on the top caps. The tool-less pre-load adjuster also allows for further adjustments.

Image: Grant Reynolds (Fiftysix Clix).

Complimenting the Xplor fork package, the WP DCC linkage rear shock has been revised from the previous model, cutting weight amongst other refinements to increase the performance of the rear suspension.

The frame has been significantly changed to adopt a more friendly characteristic, while its construction is made of a chrome-moly steel, providing 20 percent more rigidity from side to side, improving stability and agility. the stiffness front to back has been reduced by 30 percent to allow the frame to work with the suspension, aiding in rider fatigue.

The subframe is an ‘enduro specific’ design, made of a composite material using 30 percent carbon fibre weighing in one kilogram lighter than the previous version. The swingarm is a cast aluminium construction providing stiffness and while saving as much weight as possible.

WP has produced new radiators for the Husqvarna range, incorporating a cooling fan – standard on four-stroke models – and also radiator protectors which are substantially stronger than the standard offered previously, offering protection against falls and debris. The airbox has been redesigned to achieve better airflow while also maintaining its tool-less access, allowing for ease when installing and replacing air filters.

The electric start has been upgraded including a new lightweight Li-Ion battery, which is one kilogram lighter than the previous standard battery. Kick starters remain on the two-stroke Husqvarna’s, although the four-stroke models have completely omitted them to save further weight.

Source: Supplied.

The brake package also saw improvements, combining Brembo callipers and controls with GSK discs. The rear brake calliper is now a 24mm piston, down from the 26mm on the previous model. A 10mm longer rear brake lever has been fitted to the MY17 models to provide better modulation and feeling while braking.

Magura hydraulic clutches return to all 2017 MY17 Husqvarna off-road bikes, providing superior feel and ensuring play in the clutch is always the same, regardless of the conditions. Husqvarna has developed new dirt-free footpeg mounts and gear-shifter, preventing dirt build up. Revised foot pegs are 6mm higher than the motocross range, but can be easily switched out and changed depending on rider preference.

With an all-new generation of bikes, it’s clear that there is a lot to take in and how does that translate to actually riding the bikes? Starting with the two-stroke TE 250, the bike is light, nimble and has plenty of power. Jumping from the four-strokes earlier in the day, I had to remind myself about the lack of vibration, which has been achieved from the new counter-balance shaft which cuts vibration down by 50 percent.

The TE 300 has the torque to pull you out of trouble practically anywhere on the trail. Having dropped just over two kilograms in weight from the previous model, it improves the overall feel of the bike in tight single trail situations.

Moving onto the four-stroke models, the FE 250 is one of the most fun and agile bikes around. Over two kilograms lighter than the previous model with increased power, allowing you to get as aggressive as you like in the tight and technical trails.

Image: Grant Reynolds (Fiftysix Clix).

The FE 350 is really one of the most enjoyable bikes I have ridden, the weight vs power of the bike really matches up well for me. It feels just like a 250, but with the extra power it brings a little more fun to the ride. The addition of traction control and the engine mapping switch really starts to become useful, especially in the conditions we encountered – there were a few soaked grass track corners that you could really start to feel the engine management system get a work out.

The MY17 FE 450 has dropped a significant five kilograms with the new frame, engine and centralised weight making this bike enjoyable to ride. The FE 450 can be easily moved around on the trail for long periods of time. The traction control really received a work out and it was easy to see from lap to lap, switching it on for those few extremely wet grass corners – the wheel would still spin, but not out of control. The FE450 is probably the most enjoyable bike to ride out of the group.

Just like FE 450, the FE 501 has also dropped five kilograms, making it suitable bike for dodging trees. A jump up to 62 horsepower means you wont have any worries about drag racing your buddies, but that power is not impossible to tame between the trees either.

The incredible torque this bike produces means you can really lug the bike in a higher gear, and with the choice of two maps and traction control, you can make the power tailored to the conditions while also having more than you know what to do with.

For more details on Husqvarna’s 2017 off-road range, visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com. And over the coming weeks we will be posting more details individual Reviews on the entire range.