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The 2016 Husqvarna Motocross range is now available in South Africa. The bikes have been completely redesigned from the ground up and not only look amazing but ride just as well. The 2016 range is a huge improvement from Husqvarna’s previous models and there is no doubt that we’ll be seeing some Husky’s on the podiums very very soon.
Some of the new key features of the 2016 Husqvarna motocross bikes include; huge weight reduction, improved performance, improved ride-ability, lighter frame, new material 30% carbon sub-frame, new fork settings and lighter shock, amongst a stack of other new features.
Or test rider, Stewart Couper put the all new TC 125, FC 250, FC 350 and FC 450 to the test. The bikes had just been uncreated, so a bit tight and not completely run-in but we were pleasantly surprised.
2016 Husqvarna TC 125 2T – 40 Horsepower
Braking: The braking is phenomenal. It has the Brembro braking system so it’s really good and responsive.
Cornering: It handles really well, you can just tuck it in and it goes where you want it. The 125 is really light so it makes cornering that much easier. The lower handlebar’s they have on the bikes also help with cornering.
Suspension: The suspension is overall great and the traditional fork works really well.
Handing: It’s a small bike, easy to handle, handles well in the corners and is a great bike to ride.
Power: It’s surprising what a little 125 can actually do theses days. The power is really good and responsive. With proper jetting and maybe a pipe the 125 will be incredible.
Overall impression: The bike is good, has great power, handles well and is a perfect beginner bike as well a race ready machine.
Price tag: R74 699.00 (Not featured TC 250 2T – R83 699.00)
2016 Husqvarna FC 250 4T– 46 Horsepower
Braking: Brembro brakes are fitted to all the bikes and you just can’t go wrong with Brembro. Brakes instantly and is very responsive.
Cornering: I found the FC 250’s cornering better than the TC 125. You’d think with it being a heavier bike that wouldn’t be the case but it corners really well. Handles well going into, through and coming out of the corners.
Suspension: It feels similar to the TC 125. The track is breaking up a bit now so I can test it better coming into the corners over the braking bumps etc. It works well and work great with the braking of the bike.
Handling: The bikes handles easy, coming out of tight corners put it in a straight line and it goes. The bike is really light and Husqvarna have done their homework.
Power: The power is really good and very responsive out the corners.
Overall impression: The FC 250 is a really competitive bike. You can go out, buy one and compete straight off the bat. The bike is good and just works well, a good package.
Price tag: R91 699.00
2016 Husqvarna FC 350 4T – 58 Horsepower
Braking: We are getting into the faster bikes now and the braking works perfectly. Brembro brakes are fitted to all the bikes and you just can’t go wrong with Brembro. Brakes instantly and is very responsive.
Cornering: Turning the FC 350 into the corners is really easy. It sits in the corner and exits really well.
Suspension: Could have done with a little stiffing up but that’s just settings. The suspension does it’s job and soaks up everything the track throws at you.
Handling: It is so good. Its jumps nicely, handles well down the bumpy straights. I’m shocked by the handling on the FC 350, it’s that good.
Power: The power is phenomenal. The power is controllable and you can make the bike do what you want it to do.
Overall impression: The FC 350 is my bike of the day, I’m blown away by it. It’s a good package with good power and is suited to a new rider as well as a seasoned pro.
Price tag: R95 699.00
2016 Husqvarna FC 450 – 63 Horsepower
Braking: The FC 450 is heavier and faster but brakes just as well as any of the other bikes. Brembro brakes are fitted to all the bikes and you just can’t go wrong with Brembro. Brakes instantly and is very responsive.
Cornering: I battled a little bit, maybe the suspension was a little out, but overall it corners well. Proper setup will make all the difference.
Suspension: It wasn’t setup for my weight, etc. but the suspension is really good. Over the braking bumps and exiting corners the bikes soaks it up and sits well.
Handling: The bike is super powerful so it took a bit of getting used to. Overall the handling is good but with the right setup it will be even better.
Power: This bike has got speed. It is so quick and responsive, and is definitely going to pull some hole-shots.
Overall impression: A great package with lots of power. If you can hold into a powerful bike and get the right setup for you, then this is the bike for you.
Price tag: R97 699.00
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