2019 Husqvarna Cross Country Model Lineup First Look
Tue, 19 Jun 2018There's no parental favoritism here, Husky shares its love equally amongst all its children
Sometimes manufacturers like to put most of their eggs in one basket. For example: Kawasaki has an awesome motocross model lineup, but there are no real comparable 250 or 450 cross-country or trail bike models to select from. Husqvarna (and KTM for that matter) is different because the company builds bikes for not only the avid motocrosser, but for the hardcore off-roader, too. And like the Husqvarna MX bikes, the cross-country bikes share all the same high-end componentry, though they’re tuned a little differently.
2019 Husqvarna Motocross Model Lineup First Look
The 2019 Husqvarna cross-country model lineup doesn’t take a backseat to its track-focused siblings and has received all the same love and updates – there’s no favoritism here. These off-road models are essentially high-performing motocrossers with slightly softened suspension and trail-specific dampening, 18-inch rear wheels (instead of 19), larger fuel tanks for extended range, wider ratio 6-speed transmissions and hand guards. There’s virtually no where these bikes can’t go, as evidenced by Graham Jarvis, multi-time enduro world champion and Erzberg Rodeo winner, and many other top professional and amateur riders alike.
Husqvarna is out for blood and is asserting itself as one of the top, if not the premier off-road manufacturer in the industry. Husqvarna spells it all out below.
Click here for all the specs.
Husqvarna:
HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES
CROSS COUNTRY 2019
INTRODUCTION
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ cross country line-up, consisting of three premium FX and TX models, combines cutting-edge technology with Swedish-inspired design, offering class-leading performance across the range. With extensive in-house testing, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ engineers designed the new generation of cross country machines with the ultimate goal of making them more agile, more ergonomically advanced and with greater overall performance than any previous generation.
Husqvarna MY19 in one paragraph
For model year 2019, Husqvarna Motorcycles proudly introduces a new generation of premium FX and TX models, which represent the next step in the historic brand’s cross country range. Standing out among a long list of upgrades is the all-new blue coated frame that offers increased rigidity for improved rider feedback and stability. With all models receiving a series of engine upgrades, the flagship FX 450 has a redesigned cylinder head that reduces the engine’s weight by 500 g. Showcasing Husqvarna Motorcycles’ pioneering design direction in the competition bike segment, a fresh new bodywork design offers advanced ergonomics for optimum comfort and control.
What’s New For Model Year 2019
UPGRADE HIGHLIGHTS
- Redesigned bodywork and graphics
- Blue coated frame featuring increased rigidity
- New 2-piece subframe design (250 g lighter)
- Updated setting on the WP AER 48 forks
- WP DCC shock featuring new piston & updated setting
- Reworked SOHC cylinder head on the FX 450 (500 g lighter)
- New cylinder head casting on FX 350 (200 g lighter)
- New muffler on TX 300
- Chain adjustment length increased by 5 mm
- New, stiffer upper triple clamp
- Traction & launch control with updated settings [4-strokes]
- New throttle cable routing for easier maintenance
- Flow-designed resonance chambers & more compact silencers on 4-strokes
- New generation Li-ion 2.0 Ah battery
- Updated cooling system with new center tube
- New DS (diaphragm steel) clutch on FX 350
- ProTaper handlebar with new bend
- Laser engraved D.I.D. wheels with new spoke nipples
- New gearboxes produced by Pankl
FEATURES AND BENEFITS CROSS COUNTRY MY 2019 – CHASSIS
Frame
The hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded frame is expertly crafted. Constructed with specifically calculated parameters of longitudinal and torsional flex, the MY19 frames feature newly designed sections that bring an increase in rigidity. This results in improved rider feedback, energy absorption and stability. New aluminum lateral engine head stays contribute to precise cornering and reduced vibration levels. Additionally, the 4-stroke frames feature new precision-casted head stay mounts and brackets for mounting an optional skid plate that will be available in the accessories line. The frame is finished off in a premium blue powder coating and standard frame protectors that guarantee superior protection and durability.
- Increased rigidity -> improved rider feedback, energy absorption & stability
- Premium blue powder coating
- 4-strokes with new brackets for optional skid plate
- Standard frame protectors
Composite carbon fiber subframe
Showcasing pioneering technologies and innovation, the composite subframe is a design unique to Husqvarna Motorcycles. Using 70% polyamide and 30% carbon fiber, the new 2-piece subframe design (previously 3-piece) saves 250 g for a total weight of just over 1 kg (2.2 lbs). In addition to being robust, specific care has been taken to create the perfect rigidity (vertical stiffness +30%) for optimal handling and rider comfort.
- New 2-piece subframe -> 250 g lighter
- Carbon fiber composite construction -> lightweight & robust
- Specific rigidity -> benefits handling & comfort
Swingarm
The hollow, cast aluminum swingarm is designed to offer optimal stiffness and reliability at the lowest possible weight. For MY19, the chain adjustment slot has increased by 5 mm, extending the total wheelbase adjustment length for improved straight-line stability on faster tracks and over whoops.
- Optimal stiffness & reliability in a lightweight construction
- Extended adjustment range by 5 mm -> improved straight-line stability
WP AER 48 front forks
The ultra-lightweight WP AER 48 front fork is a 48 mm split air fork featuring a capsuled air spring and pressurized oil chamber for progressive and consistent damping. The forks feature a new setting to match the new frame stiffness and are adjusted via the single air pressure valve for pre-load on the left and with easy-access clickers for damping adjustments on the right (compression on the top and rebound on the bottom, up to 30 clicks each). Additionally, the air pump needed to adjust the air pressure in the fork is provided as standard.
- Precision engineering, quality materials & advanced production processes guarantee highest performance levels
- New setting for MY19 -> improved damping & performance
- Capsuled air spring and pressurized oil chamber -> progressive & consistent damping
- Easy access clicker dials -> simple & fast clicker setting
CNC machined triple clamps
The 22 mm offset CNC-machined triple clamps feature an integrated rubber damping system that reduces vibration and increases rider comfort. They have been reshaped and stiffened to work in concert with the increased longitudinal rigidity of the frame and the new suspension set-up, improving both handling and stability. A three-way handlebar adjustment is standard and allows for customizable ergonomics. Additionally, the front number plate integrates a yellow triple clamp guard, which covers the lower triple clamp and protects it from wear.
- Rubber damping on top clamp -> reduced vibrations, increased comfort
- CNC aluminum -> finest quality & reliability
- Stiffer upper triple clamp
- Adjustable handlebar position -> adjustable ergonomics
- Triple clamp protector integrated into front number plate
WP rear shock
Featuring a new main piston and updated settings, the WP DCC shock has been developed to match the linkage system, frame geometry, increased frame rigidity and the new front fork set-up. The shock has been further perfected to provide advanced damping characteristics while keeping a compact and lightweight design. With a pressure balance inside the shock, offering consistent damping, and full adjustability of both high and low speed compression, the system offers the greatest possible traction and absorption and superior rider comfort and handling. Further, the rear wheel travel is 300 mm.
- New main piston & setting -> balanced with new front-end set-up & frame rigidity
- Lightweight & compact
- Pressure balance -> consistent damping
- 300 mm wheel travel
Footpeg mount
The Husqvarna Motorcycles frame features an innovative, self -cleaning footpeg mount which prevents the build-up of dirt collected through deep ruts or muddy terrain. As a result, the footpeg will spring back into its original position even in the toughest conditions.
- Footpeg mount -> prevents mud and dirt build-up allowing footpeg to spring back into position
- Large footpegs -> perfect grip and control
Magura hydraulic clutch
The reliable, high-quality, German-made clutch system guarantees even wear, near maintenance-free operation and perfect action in every condition. With the play being constantly adjusted, the pressure point and function of the clutch remain identical in cold or hot conditions and over time.
- Magura hydraulic clutch -> perfect action in every condition
- High quality German craftsmanship -> very reliable, consistent clutch action
Magura Brakes
The Magura braking system offers the highest level of braking performance while specifically tailored to deliver a sensitive and modulated feel. The 260mm front and 220mm rear waved brake discs keep weight to a minimum and offer complete braking confidence.
- Magura brake calipers and high-performance waved discs -> superior stopping power with unsurpassed sensitivity and modulation
ProTaper handlebar
The ProTaper handlebar is second to none for function and style. Manufactured to exacting standards, it features class-leading fatigue resistance while adding minimal weight. A new bend for all MY19 models further increases comfort by improving the pressure point on the rider’s hands. The standard handguards offer maximum roost protection.
- ProTaper handlebar -> class-leading function & style
- New bend for MY19 -> improved rider comfort
Grips and throttle assembly
The ODI lock-on grip on the left side does not require gluing, while on the right, the vulcanized grip features an innovative integrated throttle mechanism. The assembly has easy free-play adjustment and, by changing a cam, throttle progression can be altered.
- Throttle assembly and ODI grips -> easily alter throttle progression; easy grip mounting without glue
Map switch, launch control
Designed for easy operation, the standard map switch on all 4-strokes activates launch control, selects between two engine maps and activates the traction control feature. Both traction control and launch control feature updated settings for MY19. These offer improved traction off the start and on slick tracks and work simultaneously – when launch control is activated – to offer maximized benefits. With the engine at idle, launch control is engaged by pressing both TC and MAP buttons simultaneously for about two seconds. The LED lamp will blink continuously meaning the system is active. This function limits the amount of power to the rear wheel, improving traction and preventing loss of control under hard acceleration. The map switch offers selection between a standard map and more powerful one.
- Standard handlebar map switch -> modify engine characteristics according to conditions & rider preference
- Launch control -> maximum traction for perfect starts
Traction control
Traction control can be selected to an on or off position from the handlebar map switch and functions by analyzing throttle input from the rider and the rate at which RPM increase in the engine. If the RPM increase too quickly the EMS will register a loss of grip and reduce the amount of power to the rear wheel, for maximum traction. This can be a distinct advantage in wet or muddy conditions.
- Traction control -> optimal traction in all conditions
By Brent Jaswinski
See also: 2019 Husqvarna Motocross Model Lineup First Look, 2019 Husqvarna Off-Road and Dual-Sport Model Lineup First Look, 2018 Husqvarna Vitpilen & Svartpilen 401 First Ride Review.