Track Tested | 2020 SML 250 MX Shootout

Austin Schott on the Husqvarna FC 250.

Fifth Place: Husqvarna FC 250

Test Rider Scores: 5-5-5-5-5-2

For 2020, the Husqvarna FC 250 returns with only a few changes – softer suspension settings intended to deliver more comfort, and an optional vented airbox cover – but no engine performance upgrades. While the vented airbox does indeed allow the engine to breathe better and enjoy snappier throttle response, the Husqvarna engine remains a mid-range and top-end motor that produces the best results in the hands of a rider who loves to rev the bike to the moon.

This year, Husky made a conscious decision to differ from KTM with its production suspension settings. While the KTM targets a serious racer with aggressive suspension settings, the Husqvarna is geared more towards the average rider with greater comfort built in. That’s not to say it’s a wallowy trail bike! The FC 250 handles great with a very balanced front-to-rear weight bias and good control throughout the stroke of the fork and shock. The WP air fork lacks some initial compliance and front-end feel in comparison to the mechanical spring forks of its competition but offers a wider range of at-the-track adjustability.

The feel of the Husky’s Brembo hydraulic clutch is excellent, and many of our test riders preferred its feel and modulation over the KTM’s Magura system. Kudos to Husqvarna for investing in excellent ProTaper handlebars, as they do a great job of dampening vibration and isolating the rider from some track feedback. Furthermore, the FC 250’s bodywork is smoother and easier to maneuver on than the KTM’s, and who doesn’t love the way the white bike looks? If it had a white frame it would be the best-looker, for sure.

Hits

• Excellent components
• Great suspension balance with a wide range of tunability
• Light feel on the track and onto the stand
• Awesome cornering abilities
• Strong brakes with great feel

Misses

• Engine has a slow-revving feel that lacks bottom-end power
• Suspension is soft for faster and/or heavier riders
• The vented airbox panel seems to help, but the bike still feels choked up
• White plastic shows wear quickly
• ProTaper handlebars should have a ProTaper pad, not the funky one it comes with

Test Rider Props

“The FC 250 doesn’t have any handling issue to speak of, it is adept and does everything pretty well. The mid-range and top-end are strong and the power is best described as long and linear.” – Pat Foster

“The Husqvarna’s strong point is its light weight and agility, and the engine’s strong mid-to-top power delivery.” – Rene Garcia

“Cornering on the Husqvarna was a breeze. The bike feels light and can really be thrown into a corner. I could put the bike where I wanted and didn’t have to force it to do what I wanted it to do.” – Cole King

“The comfort level of the Husqvarna is very high. Ergonomically, the bike feels great: nice a slim between your legs, yet easy to grasp with your knees and boots. Every bike should come with ProTaper handlebars.” – Donn Maeda

“The Husky reminds me of my mom: she’s just always there when you need her! Plenty of power from the middle to the top. In corners the thing is solid!” – Austin Schott

“It’s fast on top…very fast! I like the power a lot as it suits my riding style and felt the fastest to me down straights. It’s light and nimble which makes it easy to turn and throw around.” – Cody Whitsett

Test Rider Chops

“The suspension is too soft and offers more movement than I like. I went in considerably on compression and rebound, but the bike was still far too busy for me.” – Pat Foster

“I went stiffer and slower on the forks, but I still wasn’t able to find what I was looking for. I want more predictability and control from the front end, but I was not able to find it.” – Rene Garcia

“The bike was way too soft for my liking, and I only weigh 160 pounds. I needed to stiffen both ends to prevent bottoming, but then they got harsh. This bike would need a revalve.” – Cole King

“For me, the engine is very uninspiring. Even when I left it in a low gear and tried to rev it out to encounter this amazing top-end power other guys talked about, all I felt was vibration.” – Donn Maeda

“If you are just moving up to a big bike, this would be a great first 250F. I am just not a fan of air forks as they lack feel and are untrustworthy in corners.” – Austin Schott

“The vented airbox is not a crazy improvement but it does help. The bike has weak low-end power if you aren’t on the pipe and revving the bike.” – Cody Whitsett