Husqvarna Crosser 2015 in the test

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Driving report Husqvarna-Crosser

New huskies for 2015

Are they simply redecorated KTM machines or are the Husqvarnas independent models? Matter of opinion. We have already ridden the Husqvarna crossers for the 2015 model year.

AT.At the beginning of 2013, KTM took over the traditional Husqvarna brand from BMW and, within a few months, created a complete off-road range that was technically inevitably based on the KTM product range. Essentially, the differences are limited to the plastic rear and the higher quality standard equipment of the Husqvarna.

Driving report Husqvarna-Crosser

New huskies for 2015

Husqvarna FC 350 is the golden mean

But let’s start with the four-stroke engines that are more important in the market. The 250cc four-stroke engine has the same characteristics as its KTM counterpart, lives from high speeds and wants to be driven aggressively. The top performance is definitely impressive. The front of the new FC 250 is relatively tightly tuned, but thanks to the modified leverage it swallows edges noticeably better than before. The driving experience is more tail-heavy, which is advantageous on sandy stretches.

In contrast, the Husqvarna FC 450 is tuned softer at the front and dips deeper on the brakes. This front-heavy balance is not ideal on sand, but the set-up is very comfortable. The low-vibration 450 cc engine delivers enormous pressure in all situations, even on long stretches around 60 hp can hardly be implemented at the top. Two mappings can be selected using the map-select switch on the handlebars; the differences in performance development are clearly noticeable.

The golden mean should be the Husqvarna FC 350. A popular displacement compromise with amateurs, with which one can even become world champion, as KTM factory rider Toni Cairoli proves every year. The 350 is easy to master, but still lively and powerful at the top. The wide usable band saves a lot of switching operations.

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Husqvarna TC 250 looks more playful

For fast lap times the engine has to be turned like a 250cc. The tuning of the chassis is balanced. The Husqvarna FC 350 seems to suck up holes and waves, the wheels almost stick to the ground. But back to the two-stroke engine, the tester Didi Lacher enthused: "It’s great fun to move a two-stroke engine again after a few years’ break." Although only a few kilograms lighter than a four-stroke engine, the Husqvarna TC 250 looks more playful. With their double ignition frequency, two-stroke engines don’t dig themselves so deep into the sand, they glide over it. The TC 250 spoils you with a very even performance development. The chassis also appears perfectly balanced and comfortably tuned.

Two- and four-stroke strokes are to be developed in parallel at Husqvarna, this applies to the Crosser as well as to the enduro range, which was only slightly revised in 2015. In the first year after the takeover by KTM, Husqvarna has already sold more than 10,000 units. Certainly with a certain cannibalization effect, a considerable part of the Husky buyers should have ridden a KTM before. That will change when Husqvarna decouples more from KTM in the future.

That is new

All Husqvarna Cross models

  • WP 4CS fork revised
  • thinner 22 mm front wheel axle
  • new lever system on the shock absorber
  • Suspension strut with 4 mm more stroke
  • Neken handlebars, hand protectors as standard
  • Fork protectors that can be replaced faster

Husqvarna FC 250/350

  • new, lighter clutch

Prices

TC 85: 5.295 euros
TC 125: 7.445 euros
TC 250: 8,145 euros
FC 250: 8.595 euros
FC 350: 8,945 euros
FC 450: 9.195 euros

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