2016 Husqvarna FC 250 Review | First Ride Test

August 25, 2015

2016 Husqvarna FC 250 Review

America’s 250 classes in Monster Energy Supercross and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championships are an incredibly competitive. To be near the front requires a 250cc motorcycle with a strong power band, excellent suspension, and superb handling.

In 2015, Husqvarna scored several top -10 finishes and podiums from riders like Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Zach Osborne, Martin Davalos, and Zach Bell on their respective Husqvarna FC 250 machines. Drawing on that success in 2015, Husqvarna implemented several changes to the 2016 model to make it an even more potent race weapon capable of winning at the highest level.

The 2016 Husqvarna FC 250 features a completely new dual-overhead cam engine, which has been designed to fit perfectly in the new generation chassis. The internal components have been revised and repackaged to reposition the engine within the new chromoly steel frame. By doing this, these internal components are able to shift the mass closer to the center of the motorcycle. The list of revised items includes a shorter and lighter carbon fiber rear subframe, revised 4CS fork, new shock, new rear link, and shorter exhaust. These changes result in improved handling, maneuverability, and performance compared to the previous model.

The engine on the 2016 Husqvarna FC 250 fires to life via a push of the electric start button located to the left of the throttle. The engine has a deeper note thanks to the shorter exhaust. On the track, bottom- and mid-range power are noticeably stronger than the previous model.

The Husky hits the power band in the highest rpm with the rev limiter set at a whopping 14,000. Although the meat of the power lies in the top end, I was able to utilize the beefy mid range while blasting up and down the hills of Budds Creek MX, a national track located in Mechanicsville, Md.

The WP 4CS forks and rear shock are the softest of the three four-strokes that Husky offers. While they are the softest of the bunch, the forks and rear shock are still a bit stiff for my liking, as they are set up for a rider heavier than my 130-pound weight. Nonetheless, the 4CS forks soaked up the big braking bumps that came up later on in the day and absorbed jump landing impacts just the same. The rear shock tracked well through corners and stayed planted in the rough stuff as well.

The handling on the FC 250 is fantastic. I was able to dive into inside lines with ease and could maneuver even the tightest of corners. The bike feels very nimble at all times, yet stays planted at high speeds whether going up or down hill.

The 260mm front Brembo brake works wonderfully. It’s not too touchy, yet is progressive enough to pull in far if the situation calls for it. The rear brake works in perfect unison with the front. The clutch and front brake levers have a bend farther towards the outside of the lever than I am used to, so I adjusted the levers in towards the crossbar to allow my index fingers to pull the levers in where I like.

The 250cc four-stroke market is very competitive, and the Husky brings a strong package with its 2016 Husqvarna FC 250. The 2016 FC250 features a strong engine with a broader power band, improved suspension, and razor sharp handling. I look forward to putting more time on the FC 250 to dial in the suspension more to my liking and push the bike further towards its limits.

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