2019 Husqvarna Dual Sport Motorcycles First Look: Four Models
The four-model line of Husqvarna dual sport motorcycles return for 2019 with a few minor tweaks. The 2019 Husqvarna dual sport motorcycles continue to come in two basic motors—DOHC for the FE 250 and FE 350, and a SOHC powerplant in the FE 450 and FE 501.The changes to the Husqvarna FE dual sport motorcycles include new suspension settings, along with a lighter, more powerful lithium-ion battery; all FEs have electric start and fuel injection.2019 Husqvarna FE 501
The 2019 Husqvarna FE 250 is aimed at newer dual sport riders who don’t feel the need for the most powerful engine. The FE 350 has a power near a 450, yet revs more freely due to the DOHC motor.For those who demand the maximum power, the 2019 Husqvarna FE 501 is the dual sport of choice. Weighing less than a pound more than the FE 450, the 501 sports a 511cc powerplant. Service intervals of 135 hours allow plenty of riding between shop time.All four 2019 Husqvarna motorcycles feature the Dampened Diaphragm Steel clutch with Magura hydraulics and a six-speed transmission. Inside each motor is a counterbalancer and a forged bridge-box piston.Fully adjustable suspension by WP is standard on both ends of all four Husqvarna dual sport motorcycles. Every dual sport Husky gets an Xplor 48 fork and linkage-assisted DCC shock.2019 Husqvarna FE 250The hydroformed, laser-cut steel frame has flex built-in to complement the suspension settings. In the back is a composite carbon fiber subframe that weighs just three pounds.Additional high-end components include Magura brake calipers and GSK discs, ProTaper handlebars, ODI grips, and aluminum mufflers. Translucent plastic makes it easy to view the fuel level in the 2.6-gallon tank. Tires are Continental TKC 80s.
2019 Husqvarna FE 501, FE 450, FE 350 and FE 250 Specs
ENGINE
Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x stroke: 95 x 72mm (501); 95 x 63.4mm (450); 88 x 57.5mm (350); 78 x 52.3mm (250)
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This week, in the first segment Editor Don Williams talks to us about the new Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It’s the middleweight ADV style machine that uses the same 650 parallel twin motor as the Ninja 650, so it’s an excellent performer in a user-friendly, good looking package.
In the second segment, I chat with one of my dearest industry friends—now retired Honda PR executive, Jon Seidel. Jon’s fascinating career spans some 30 years with Big Red, and gave him some great experiences with some incredible machines. I was fortunate enough to be invited on many of the press launches that he organized. His new project is documenting and saving many of the old archives from years gone by—and incidentally, if you have anything that may be of value to the project, please contact us by email at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com and we’ll pass it all on to Jon.
So on that note, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!