2017 Husqvarna Motocross Motorcycles Introduced
With the successes of riders such as Jason Anderson (Supercross 450SX), Max Nagl (MXGP), Martin Davalos (Supercross 250SX East), Zach Osborne (Supercross 250SX West), and Max Anstie (MX2), Husqvarna has introduced a 2017 line of six motocrossers—three each of four-strokes and two-strokes—that advances the brand significantly.
Although not all of the 2017 Husqvarna motocrossers have changed, there are wide-ranging major updates from the iconic marque. Let’s go over each 2017 Husqvarna motocross bike.
2017 HUSQVARNA FOUR-STROKE MXers
2017 Husqvarna FC 450. The bike ridden to victory by Anderson and Nagl returns with the same 63 horsepower electric-start engine and chromoly steel frame, but adding innovative electronics, plus new forks and tires.
The big news is the WP AER 48 forks. Nearly four pounds lighter than last year’s forks, the 48mm forks use a pressure valve on the left fork leg for preload adjustment (an air pump is standard), and damping adjustment (30 clicks) on the right leg. The two functions are separated for improved action. Also, new fork tubes are designed to be stiffer, which also should result in smoother action.
Traction control is added to the electronic arsenal on the FC 450. Rather than monitoring wheel speed, the traction control system works by comparing throttle input to rpm increases. If the rear wheel spins too much, power will be reduced until traction returns. Husqvarna points out that this is a specific advantage in wet conditions. Launch control remains a feature, as does a choice of two engine maps.
Dunlop MX3S tires, featuring Dunlop’s “block within a block” tread technology, are standard this year, and mounted on DID rims.
Additionally, the FC 450 gets the latest Damped Diaphragm Steel (DDS) clutch that has a lighter feel and increased durability. Magura provided the hydraulic actuation system.
Husqvarna claims the 2017 FC 450 weights 225.6 pounds wet, without fuel, a reduction of 2.5 pounds compared to last year.
2017 Husqvarna FC 250. Taken to the top spot in 2016 by Davalos and podium finishes by Osborne and Anstie, the FC 250 gets the same suspension and electronics updates as the flagship FC 450.
Power comes from a 46 horsepower engine that revs to 14,000 rpm. This comes courtesy of a 78mm piston, large diameter valves (32.5mm intake, 26.5mm exhaust) and a compression ration of 14.4:1. The FC 250 also gets a new, lighter five-speed transmission.
Like the FC 450, the FC 250 is fitted with the Dunlop MX3S tires, but the new 110/90-19 rear tire is 10mm wider than the previous tire width.
The FC 250 uses a traditional CCS (coil spring steel) clutch, with Magura hydraulics. Like the FC 450, the FC 250 has an ultra-light carbon fiber composite rear subframe. Husky says the FC 250 weighs 220.7 pounds without fuel this year, a nearly three pound drop from last year.
2017 Husqvarna FC 350. Based on the FC 250, the FC 350’s motor puts out 12 more horsepower than the 250, and has a rev ceiling that is 600 rpm lower. The FC 350 is designed for riders who want to race in the 450 class, but want more agility and more manageable power.
As with all the other full-sized 2017 Husqvarna motocross bikes, the FC 350 gets a 3/8-inch longer brake pedal for more leverage and travel, along with less-aggressive pads. Additionally, all 2017 Husky MXers can be fitted with enduro pegs that raise the peg height by nearly a quarter-inch. Graphics on full-size Husqvarna motocrossers are low sublimated for long life.
2017 HUSQVARNA TWO-STROKE MXers
2017 Husqvarna TC 250. Although two-strokes are an afterthought for some brands, Husqvarna has put an all-new engine in the 2017 TC 250.
The top end is completely redesigned, with a new cylinder head, cylinder, piston (still 66.4mm), and twin-valve power valve system. Adjustments to the new twin-valve power valve come via two included springs.
A new 38mm Mikuni TMX flat-slide carburetor feeds the new combustion chamber. The burned charges exit through a new WP exhaust system that uses manufacturing technologies such as 3-D stamping and robot welding.
Heat dissipation is improved for 2017, and new head mounts are designed to reduce vibration. Further reducing vibration is a new counterbalancer shaft.
Along with the new top end comes a new bottom end, including new die-cast engine cases. To improve mass centralization, the clutch shaft has been moved up 1/8-inch, while the crankshaft is now 3/4-inch higher.
The crankshaft retains the 72mm stroke, but the design is integrated with the counterbalancer shaft for smoother, less fatiguing motor operation.
A new five-speed transmission has an improved shifting mechanism, as well as a shift lever designed to stop dirt from impacting lever operation. Matching the new transmission (which retains last year’s ratios) is a light-touch DDS clutch with Magura hydraulics.
Now at 211.2 pounds without fuel, the 2017 Husqvarna TC 250 is more than three pounds lighter than last year.
2017 Husqvarna TC 125. A featherweight at 192.7 pounds—a reduction of 3.4 pounds from the previous version—the TC 125 is a 40 horsepower rocketship with WP AER 48mm air forks.
While it doesn’t get the all-new engine of its big brother, the TC 125’s motor does have a new cylinder and power-valve that is more than 12 ounces lighter, as well as offering improved cooling. The TC 125 also gets a 38mm Mikuni TMX flat slide carb, a new Magura clutch, and engine map switch.
2017 Husqvarna TC 85. The youth motocrosser returns unchanged, continuing to offer inverted 43mm WP forks, PDS rear suspension, Maxxis tires, a chromoly frame with aluminum subframe, and a six-speed transmission with a hydraulic clutch.
2017 Husqvarna Motocross Lineup Gallery
