Husqvarna Crosser 2016 in the driving report

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Husqvarna FC 250, Husqvarna FC 350 and Husqvarna FC 450

Husqvarna Crosser 2016 in the driving report

The recipe: in principle KTM technology, but repackaged and with upgraded equipment. This also applies to the 2016 crossers. We have already driven the new Husqvarna models.

Husqvarna has developed well after KTM took over the ailing brand from BMW in 2013. The recipe: in principle KTM technology, but repackaged and with upgraded equipment. This also applies to the 2016 crossers. KTM had already presented three completely new, considerably lighter four-stroke machines. The Huskies are also based on these, they differ essentially in their different outfit, a carbon rear frame and the well-known 4CS fork from WP, which still works conventionally with steel springs instead of the current air suspension.

Husqvarna FC 250, Husqvarna FC 350 and Husqvarna FC 450

Husqvarna Crosser 2016 in the driving report

Unrivaled in the upper speed range

The wider plastic rear makes the huskies appear a bit more massive, but doesn’t bother them, on the contrary, it gives the legs more support and guidance in every situation. The rear is a little lower than on the new KTM crossers thanks to a shorter shock absorber. A trend that comes from the USA and that shifts the balance backwards. This brings more neutrality in corners without noticeably affecting the turning. The 4CS fork works with a lot of progression in deep waves or hard landings, but does not respond particularly well on small, hard edges and then causes unrest in the landing gear. The 4CS fork has a good reputation in the US, so Husqvarna left it in on the 2016 models. It is questionable whether it is on a par with the new KTM air fork.

All three Husqvarna four-stroke engines can definitely keep up. According to the information, the 250 was more powerful in the middle, but the quarter-liter engine is still more geared towards top performance and requires a correspondingly committed driving style with a lot of commitment. What goes on in the upper speed range is certainly unrivaled in this class. On the other hand, the 350, which turns almost as high, namely an unbelievable 13,400 rpm, offers a wide speed range, shifting becomes a sheer luxury on the smooth US slopes. It also got more torque from below, but the easy controllability has remained.

Prices between 8895 and 9495 euros

At the top, the 350 delivers an impressive 58 hp, surpassing many a 450 engine. But certainly not the in-house 450 unit, which is in a league of its own in terms of peak performance and torque. Like the two sisters, the engine of the 450 Husqvarna has been heavily modified; almost every component is smaller, more compact and lighter. The bottom line is that this results in a higher level of efficiency. Above all, the enormous running smoothness and the good manageability inspire despite a top performance that even professionals stretch out their arms.

Unfortunately, the ratio of the four-speed gearbox is a bit long overall, which results in a large jump in speed between second and third gear. Depending on the route, a 50 chainring instead of a 48 might be better. So three great, greatly improved high-tech devices, which, however, have their price: Husqvarna buyers have to shell out between 8895 and 9495 euros.

2016 models – what’s new?

Husqvarna

What has changed in the 2016 models?

Engines

  • New, more compact engine generation
  • Shorter connecting rods
  • New, lighter gearboxes
  • Aisle-specific mapping, two mappings and launch control selectable

Undercarriages

  • lighter frames with optimized rigidity, rear frame made of plastic / carbon mix
  • Suspension strut with extended stroke and new lever mechanism
  • Handlebars now mounted in rubber
  • shorter mufflers

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