Husky Revolution

Last year saw Husqvarna claim two EWC titles, proving not only that their bikes are good but also reliable.

 

They are clearly still a company growing – there are some models in their range that are due an update – but the current generation of bikes, namely the 250 and 310, have been getting great feedback for the last couple of years. 

 

BMW are not a company to sit on their laurels and are quite clearly pushing the brand to go after KTM's crown as the kings of Europe. 

 

The motocross bike saw a pretty big step in its development for 2012, which has also seen the brand return to the GP MX scene and the 2012 season has yielded some much-improved results.

 

While the new addition of a completely redesigned mirror and the even more exciting prospect of a softer grip and new Husqvarna bar pad, the real changes are made to the TE 250/310 models. 

 

The TE engine has had a complete revamp, taken directly from the TC. This change has brought with it some substantial power and torque gains across the whole rev range. 

 

Claimed figures are impressive, with 250 getting a claimed 8% improvement on the power and torque curves and the 310 showing an 8% improvement in power and 5% increase in torque. 

 

The 310 has also had some changes to the starter motor to strengthen it to deal with the extra 

compression.

 

Another major change to the 2013 models sees the replacement of the of the Mikuni fuel injection with a Keihin system that sees the tune-ability of the little Huskies go through the roof. 

 

It should be possible to change and swap out maps much more easily, including putting the cross-country TXC map in.

 

The other changes show how much Husky are paying attention to the finer details. 

 

Firstly, the new FI system has done away with the cold-start lever on the previous models. 

 

The engine has a new sump plug, now in the middle of the cases instead of at the back, including a magnetic drain plug, while the weak, vulnerable ignition switch is replaced with a single, waterproof push button. Steps have also been taken to waterproof the other switches as well as the connectors across the bike. 

 

A new bar pad and new soft compound domino grips also grace the Huskys.

 

 

Ever since I found out that Husky were putting the TC (motocross) head on the 250/310 enduro bikes I was practically wetting myself with excitement. The Husky has been a little conundrum over the last two years.

 

While no-one has 

questioned how well the bikes handled or how easy they were to ride, the engine has caused them problems. 

 

Firstly the Mikuni fuel-injection was problematic and had some serious bogging issues reminiscent of a badly set-up carb and while generally the engine was considered to be easy and enjoyable to ride, the whole package was down on power against some of the competition.

 

You can understand my excitement then about riding the new models – you take a great handling bike and give it more power and it should become a great bike.

 

 

Bore / stroke: 82mm x 57.35mm (3.23in x 2.26in)

Starting: Electric and 

kickstart

Cooling: Liquid cooling

Homologation: Euro 3

 

Clutch: Wet, multiplate type, hydraulic control

Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox

Final drive ratio: 13T/ 40T (3.076)

 

Frame: Steel single tube. Aluminium rear subframe.

Front suspension: Kayaba upside-down telescopic open cartridge fork; compression and rebound damping 

adjustment; ø 48mm

Rear suspension: Kayaba progressive "Soft Damp” type with single hydraulic shock absorber; spring preload adjustment, rebound damping adjustment, and compression damping adjustment for 

low-speed and high-speed

Front suspension travel: 300mm (11.81in)

Rear suspension travel: 296mm (11.6in)

Wheels: Aluminium alloy spoked wheels.

Rim: Front 1.60'x21'; 

rear 2.15'x18'

Tyres, front: 90/90 – 21'; 

rear: 120/90 – 18'

 

Front: 260mm (10.24in) fixed disc, ‘Wave' type, with hydraulic control and 

double-piston floating caliper

Rear: 240mm (9.45in) fixed disc, ‘Wave' type, with 

hydraulic control and 

single-piston floating caliper

 

Wheelbase: 1.47mm (57.87in)

Seat height, unladen weight: 950mm (37.40in)

Ground clearance, unladen weight: 290mm (11.42in)

Trail: 106mm (4.17in)

Rake: 26.5°

Dry weight: 109kg (240.3lb)

Fuel-tank capacity: 8.5l (US gallons: 2.25 – Imp. gallons 1.87)

 

Type: 4-stroke single cylinder, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts, wet sump lubrication

Bore / stroke: 79mm x 50.9mm (3.11in x 2in)