New 2014 Husqvarna Models – Get Your Two-Strokes Here!

To celebrate its 110th birthday this year, Husqvarna is offering no less than ten different North American models including two-strokes and four-strokes and sizes ranging from 85cc to 501cc.

Several of Husqvarna’s innovations can be found on the 2014 machines – most notably the polyamide rear subframe. Housing the airbox and electronics of each model, the high-tech composite construction of the polyamide subframe is designed to offer optimum rigidity while also allowing more flex than a traditional aluminum structure (polyamide will bend back into place unlike aluminum). The innovative subframe is applied to every new Husqvarna – even the TCs which marks the first time a composite rear subframe has been offered on a production two-stroke motocrosser. 

Each model in the 2014 line also utilizes WP front suspension mounted by Husqvarna’s distinctive CNC-machined black triple clamps. With precisely engineered flex, the triple clamps provide even clamping force on the fork legs, and allow the tubes to flex under stress. In addition, the handlebar can be mounted in four different positions to adapt to rider preference. The single-component casting process of the aluminum swingarm eliminates the need for welds. The rear chassis assembly also incorporates a linkage system, standard on all Husqvarna motorcycles, along with a fully adjustable WP shock.

Motocross – FC & TC
The TC 85 brings Husqvarna’s full-size performance into a small package. Young racers have a no-compromise approach to motocross with the same quality components as the big bikes – WP suspension, hydraulic clutch, and a high-performance two-stroke engine complete with power valve and six-speed gearbox.

“We see quite a bit of opportunity in the minicycle segment in the United States,” said Husqvarna’s Andy Jefferson. “We’re excited to introduce the Husqvarna brand to the youth motocross crowd.”

Joining the TC 85 in the two-stroke motocross category are the TC 125 and the TC 250. Both the 125 and 250 feature two-stroke performance fed by Boyesen reed valves, and are tunable through a power valve and two pre-set ignition curves. The TC 125 and 250 ride on WP suspension, featuring the closed-cartridge fork and CNC machined triple clamp up front, and a fully adjustable link-mounted shock in the rear.

On the four-stroke side, Husqvarna has the FC 250 and FC 450. The dual-overhead DOHC cam design of the FC 250 features a König forged box-type piston, titanium valves and DLC-coated finger followers. Fed by Keihin EFI and a 44mm throttle body, the FC 250′s power is put to work by a five-speed gearbox. The Brembo hydraulic clutch enables smooth and consistent operation of the CSS (coil spring steel) clutch.

The FC 450 is powered by a single overhead cam engine, featuring DLC-coated rocker arms, Pankl crank and connecting rod. Like the 250, the FC 450 is equipped with a König forged box-type piston and five-speed gearbox, but the 450 utilizes Husqvarna’s DDS (damped diaphragm steel) clutch.

Dunlop MX51 tires, a tapered aluminum 827 Renthal Fatbar, hand guards and Brembo brakes complete the finishing touches of Husqvarna’s 2014 motocross family.

Off-Road – FE & TE
Like the motocross family, Husqvarna’s off-road line has something for everyone with two- and four-stroke models in a variety of engine sizes. Husqvarna’s TE (Two-stroke Enduro) line offers a 250 and 300 model while the FE (Four-stroke Enduro) line comes in three displacements: 250, 350 and 501.

All FE and TE models feature WP’s advanced 4CS closed-cartridge 48mm fork. The four-chamber system brings the sophisticated capabilities of a closed-cartridge fork together with the benefits of an open-cartridge design, while also providing on-the-fly adjustability.

Leading the way in off-road two-stroke technology are Husqvarna’s  TE 250 and TE 300. This duo provides the ease of an electric start with kickstarter backup. Both the TE 250 and TE 300 carry Boyesen reed valves, a six-speed gearbox and Brembo hydraulic clutch. Torque characteristics are further optimized through the use of an advanced power valve, allowing the potent two-stroke mills to harness power even at the lowest RPMs. Due to the wide ranging demands of off-road competition the ignition curves of the TE 250 and TE 300 are also adjustable. The CDI unit features two ignition curves that can be switched by changing the plug connection.

Husqvarna’s FE family includes the FE 250, the mid-sized FE 350, and the largest displacement model in the 2014 line, the FE 501. Like their motocross counterpoints, the FE models carry their  power in a sleek package thanks to high-pressure die casting of the engine cases. The high tensile strength of the production process allows the use of thinner casing walls without compromising the strength or resistance to chipping.

Keihin EFI and a 42mm throttle body feed the motor on all three FEs while a six-speed transmission delivers power. The 250, 350 and 501 all carry the DDS (damped diaphragm steel) clutch system. Additional features of the FE family include electric start and built-in radiator fans. All three models also come equipped with USFS-approved spark arrestors and are clean-burning enough to earn them each a California green sticker.

At the heart of the FE 250 beats a König forged bridged-box-type piston. Like its FC sibling, the FE’s DOHC head utilizes titanium valves and DLC-coated finger followers, but is tuned specifically for off-road by way of unique cams. The torque of the FC 250 is focused in its mid-range. The Pankl crankshaft and connecting rod ensure durability and long service intervals.

The FE 350 also carries the Pankl crankshaft and connecting rod, but receives its own unique Vertex forged piston. Titanium intake valves are operated by DLC-coated finger followers, which ensure low friction and high revs. Cam timing and Pankl crankshaft are tuned for enduro-style riding.

The power of the FE 501 is housed in a 510.4cc SOHC engine. The König bridged-box-type piston is closely related to the FC 450′s piston.

By Tom Roderick