2016 Husqvarna FC 350 Review
The 2016 Husqvarna FC 350 combines the lightweight and flickable qualities of a 250cc four stroke with the hard-hitting power band of a 450cc machine. The FC 350 shares similar engine design to the FC 250 – it has a dual overhead camshaft, but features a completely redesigned combustion chamber, new ports, new camshafts and new valve springs that allows it to rev to 13,400 rpm.
A complete overhaul of the chassis includes a new frame, new carbon fiber subframe, stiffer swingarm, updated WP 4CS forks, CNC machined triple clamps, a new WP rear shock, and redesigned rear linkage.
The power band of the 350cc four stroke engine is noticeably more linear than the previous year model. While the meat of the power band still lies in the top end, the bottom end and mid-range are noticeably improved. Because of this, the 2016 FC 350 is much easier to ride and more forgiving if you make a mistake and lose momentum. The bike builds power quickly, which worked great on the long, steep uphills of Budds Creek MX Park (a national track in Mechanicsville, Md).
The suspension on the 2016 Husqvarna FC 350 has a more plush feel than last year’s model. While both the front forks and rear shocked are valved for a rider heavier than my 130- pound frame, I noticed that both the forks and rear shock feel more progressive and are less prone to bottoming out from a hard hit. In addition to being much more progressive, the forks soaked up braking bumps and small chop very well and the rear end stayed planted in the square edged bumps and under hard acceleration coming out of a corner. Husky’s decision to revise the damping characteristics of both the WP 4CS forks and rear shock is a noticeable, welcomed change.
The handling of the 2016 Husqvarna FC 350 can be likened to that of a 250cc four stroke. The bike feels incredibly light when riding it and is extremely easy to throw around. The 260mm front Brembo brake brings the FC 350 to a stop with ease. The front brake is strong, yet progressive. The rear brake works great as well. The grips are a little stiff for my liking, but that is a quick and inexpensive item to replace.
While the FC 350 is technically an open class bike, the 58-horsepower engine can easily compete in the 450cc class and has the potential to be up front. The strong top end complimented with a more linear powerband makes the bike much more rideable for those who do not spend a majority of their time on the rev limiter. The suspension and handling are both improved making the bike a lot more nimble and easy to throw around. I look forward to spinning more laps on the FC 350 on a variety of different tracks to continue learning about the bike.
2016 Husqvarna FC 350 Review – Riding Style
- Helmet: 6D ATR-1 Flo Graphic
- Goggles: Oakley Airbrake MX
- Neck Brace: Leatt-Brace GPX 5.5
- Pants, jersey, and gloves: Moose Racing Sahara Raceware
- Boots: Sidi Crossfire 2 SR
Andrew Oldar is sponsored by Moose Racing
2016 Husqvarna FC 350 Specs
- Engine type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke
- Displacement: 349.7cc
- Bore/stroke: 88/57.5mm
- Compression Ratio: 14.0:1
- Starter/battery: Electric Starter/Lithium Ion 12V 2.2Ah
- Transmission: 5 gears
- Fuel system: Keihin EFI, throttle body 44 mm
- Control: 4 Valve DOHC with finger followers
- Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
- Gear ratios: 14:28 16:26 18:24 21:24 22:21
- Primary ratio: 24:73
- Final drive: 14:50
- Cooling: Liquid cooling
- Clutch: Wet multi-disc CSS-clutch, Magura hydraulics
- Ignition/Engine Management: Keihin EMS
- Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
- Subframe: Carbon fiber reinforced polyamide
- Handlebar: Pro Taper, Aluminum
- Front suspension: WP USD, 4CS, 48 mm
- Rear suspension: WP Monoshock with linkage
- Suspension travel front/rear: 11.8 inches/11.8 inches
- Front/rear brakes: Disc brake 260/220 mm
- Front/rear rims: D.I.D. Dirtstar 1.60 x 21″; D.I.D. Dirtstar 2.15 x 19″
- Front/rear tires: 80/100-21″; 110/90-19″
- Chain: 5/8 x 1/4″
- Silencer: Aluminum
- Steering head angle: 63.9 degrees
- Triple clamp offset: 22 mm
- Wheelbase: 58.46 inches ± 0.4 inches
- Ground clearance: 14.57 inches
- Seat height: 37.8 inches
- Tank capacity: 1.85 gallons
- Weight, without fuel: 224.21
2016 Husqvarna FC 350 Review – Photo Gallery
