Words: Trent Maher

Boasting major enhancements and the latest developments, the 2023 Husqvarna TC range redefines two-stroke performance and we experienced the all-new TC 125 and TC 250 for this Tested review.

As a ’90s kid, growing up in the two-stroke era, when I got the call to ride Husqvarna’s 2023 TC range, I could not wipe the smile from my face. Not only to test ride, but to do so on the hallowed two-stroke ground of Green Park in Conondale, Queensland – truly icing on the cake.

With recent rainfall in the area, the Conondale motocross track delivered the perfect proving ground to test out these machines –  a great mix of deep loamy ruts and some flat, hard and slick sections.

For 2023 Husqvarna has revamped the TC range and, seriously, they are impressive. Gone are the carburettor and the changing of jets, for 2023 the TC 125 and TC 250 are fuel-injected!

Add to this for 2023, the TCs come with an electric start, which is a major change, but it can cause weight to be added to a bike that is utilised for being light. Husqvarna thought of that though and added a Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery. The Li-Ion battery weighs approximately one kilogram less than a conventional lead/acid battery, so the convenience of electric starting is delivered while minimising overall weight.

The TC range also features the new styling that Husqvarna has chosen for 2023 and when I laid eyes on the fleet for the first time, it really stood out with white front-end, grey shrouds and yellow rear guard.

Image: Cade Media.

Along with WP, Husqvarna has made it easier to adjust the XACT Fork with AER technology and the XACT rear shock by designing all the setting adjusters tabs so that you can change clickers without any need for tools, so you really can adjust your suspension on the go with ease.

The latest TC range has remained with the air fork technology, developed over the last generation of motorcycles, with enhanced bottoming resistance. Essentially the new hydrostop in the fork legs provides more progressive dampening in the last 40mm of travel to prevent the metal-on-metal feeling when bottoming out, a noticeable difference on both models while riding. A more extensive technical rundown can be found in Detailed.

Testing the TC 125, one thing that was immediately prevalent was that it produces impressive power across the rev-range with an overall weight of just 17.9kg. As a guy over the 90kg weight limit, I was blown away by not only the power of the 125, but by the way it was delivered – meaty off the bottom and broad as you move up through the RPMs.

Handling on a 125 always comes second to getting the most horsepower out of the engine, but Husqvarna did not stop with just redefining the motor, they also redesigned the frame to suit. The chassis is standardized between the TC and FC models to allow parts to be interchangeable with ease.

I had a lot of fun on this bike and I don’t see how someone couldn’t as it encompasses everything to love about 125, plus technology that elevates performance and practicality.

Next, the TC 250, and wow, this is where the addition of fuel injection made a significant difference. I have owned a 250 two-stroke throughout various occasions in my time spent riding, so safe to say I have done my time on one.

Image: Cade Media.

The latest model TC 250, however, is something I have never experienced with any 250 two-stroke. The minute I threw my leg over the bike I instantly felt comfortable with the ergonomics and riding onto the track, opening it up for the first time, I laughed in absolute amazement as I could not believe what I was experiencing.

As I logged more laps and started to get the feel, I found I was having increasingly more fun. The engine characteristics are completely different and not once did I ever have it try and rip out of my arms (a notorious trait of a 250 two-stroke).

The power delivery is incredible. I found myself playing with the two different maps and there was a noticeable difference between them. The green or aggressive map hit harder off the bottom and continued to pull hard through the RPM range.

The white – or softer – map was the one I settled on for myself and honestly, it nearly felt like riding a four-stroke. The power hit was softer off the bottom with a broad curve all the way to the full RPM range and compelled me to want to ride it up a gear, like you would a four-stroke.

With its redesigned chassis, the TC 250 feels maneuverable in the air, though stable entering and exiting the turns. If you love a two-stroke or have never ridden one you need to do yourself a favour and ride this bike.

As always, Husqvarna for 2023 will boast a selection of racing-focused, high-quality Technical Accessories available from your local Husqvarna Motorcycles dealership. Each component on offer is designed to enhance performance, style, or increase the protection of all models in the 2023 motocross line-up.

In summary, the Husqvarna TC range has had a massive overhaul for 2023 and in a lot of ways breathed new life into the mighty two-stroke machine. Complete information on both models can be found on Husqvarna’s website, www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.

Specifications

TC 250
Engine type: 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke
Bore/stroke: 66.4x 72mm
Transmission: Five-speed
Starter: Electric
Clutch: Brembo hydraulic
Traction control: No
Launch control: No
Front suspension: WP Xact 48mm adjustable air fork
Rear suspension: WP Xact shock
Front brake: Brembo two-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear brake: Brembo one-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tyres: Dunlop Geomax MX33
Weight: 99.6kg (without fuel)
Availability: November 2022
Price: $13,619 RRP + $519 freight
Further information: www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com

TC 125
Engine type: 124.8cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke
Bore/stroke: 54 x 54.5mm
Transmission: Six-speed
Starter: Electric
Clutch: Brembo hydraulic
Traction control: No
Launch control: No
Front suspension: WP Xact 48mm adjustable air fork
Rear suspension: WP Xact shock
Front brake: Brembo two-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear brake: Brembo one-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tyres: Dunlop Geomax MX33
Weight: 92.5kg (without fuel)
Availability: November 2022
Price: $12,519 RRP + $519 freight.
Further information: www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com