250 SML Shootout In-Depth | 2021 Husqvarna FC 250

 
 

FOURTH PLACE

HUSQVARNA FC 250

RIDER SCORES: 4-4-5-4-4-3

For the first time that we can remember, the Husqvarna had a livelier, more-responsive powerband than its brother, the KTM. Traditionally, the KTM’s airbox flows more air and produces better throttle response, but the Husqvarna FC 250 felt far snappier than its sibling this year. Testers also preferred the Husky for its lower center of gravity and a higher level of comfort. For 2021, Husqvarna ditched the comfort suspension settings and instead went with a firmer and lower setting for better cornering and overall handling. And you know what? It worked! Though we won’t claim that we can actually detect the 10mm difference in fork and shock travel in the Husky, it does seem to tip into corners and stays planted better than the KTM.

 The Husqvarna is surprisingly different feeling than the KTM, not only because of its slimmer profile at the radiator shrouds but in overall comfort as well. Much of it is related to the Pro Taper handlebar as it dampens engine vibration and track feedback, but the FC 250 also seems to produce less engine vibration regardless. The map 2 setting produced a livelier, snappier powerband that all of our test riders preferred, even though it signs off on top a bit sooner than map 1. Traction control remains a personal preference option that most riders won’t think about until it rains or gets extremely dry and hardpacked. 

Test rider Cole King.

RIDER COMMENTS

“The Husqvarna offers a smooth, rider-friendly power curve that eases in with a broad low-end, good mid-range, and strong top-end. Aggressive riders may long for more low-end snap, but they will appreciate the seemingly endless top-end pull.” – Pat Foster

“The Husky corners well in the fact that it does what you would expect. It doesn’t carve like the Hond, but it also never stands up of knifes the front end.” – Pat Foster

“The suspension works well and is respectable, however, the fork is not as plush and comfortable as the spring forks on the Japanese bikes. The suspension doesn’t do anything rude or unexpected, but it feels slightly disconnected from the track surface.” – Pat Foster

“The engine comes on very slowly but it revs very far. If you do not keep the Husky in the high rpms, the power will die off pretty abruptly.” – Rene Garcia

“I like the way the bike handles. The lower suspension helps keep the bike corner exceptionally well. Still, I would prefer an even stiffer setting, especially in the rear.” – Rene Garcia

“I love the Husky’s light, flickable feeling on the track. There are no weak points in the way the bike feels or handles.” – Rene Garcia

“The suspension is a huge improvement over last year’s super-soft settings. The bike has good control and I trust what it is going to do in the bumps and when landing. The bike has great balance and control.” – Cole King

“The Husqvarna engine produces plenty of power for me and getting. the bike to power over doubles right out of corners was no problem. The bike hooks up well and gets great traction. I liked the feel of map 2 best, but it starts to level off on top a little too soon.” – Cole King

“I enjoyed the Husqvarna’s snappy feel better than the KTM’s. Although the Husky shares that same high-friction engine feel like the KTM, the powerband is much more lively and fun to ride.” – Donn Maeda

“I really like that both the Austrian bikes changed their seat cover material for 2021. The gripper covers used to take a toll on my butt cheeks, especially on hot days.” – Donn Maeda

“Handling is a strong point. I trusted the Husqvarna completely in all of the slippery corners at Cahuilla as I felt connected to the track whether the bike was sliding, tracking, or railing through a rut.” – Donn Maeda

“Map 2 was definitely the better setting with better low-end power, but I feel like it wants to just give up on top and it doesn’t deliver the same impressive power as some of the other bikes on top.” – Austin Schott

“The bike is a bit all over the place and sort of dances through the rough parts of the track. It’s not so bad in the corners, but I had a hard time keeping it leaned over.” – Austin Schott

“I’m not a huge fan of the air fork as it feels harsh and makes it hard to dive into a corner. I never completely trusted the front end.” – Austin Schott

“The power is good and. the connection to the throttle is better than its Austrian brother’s. The power is centralized in the mid-range and top-end. The weak point is the powerband’s lack of character; t doesn’t have a lot of response and is too linear.” – Mike Sleeter

“The Husqvarna’s lower suspension worked for me! It was good comfort and corners well. The Chromoly chassis is the most comfortable and predictable on the class.” – Mike Sleeter

“The fork and shock get harsh at speed. The balance is good, but the comfort level is not the best. The air fork is inconsistent in big braking bumps. The bike doesn’t bottom per se, it gets harsh deep in the stroke.” – Mike Sleeter