and the engine has a nice feel with a snappy
sound from the new exhaust and muffler setup.
Part of our test ride included massive ruts and
slippery tree roots crossing side-to-side and meant
the bikes needed to find every ounce of traction.
It didn’t take long to notice the difference between
the 2016 and 2017 FE models. In these really slippery
conditions, the ‘17 FE soon came into its own
over last year’s model as traction was definitely
easier to find. While neither Liam or I noticed
the TC system ‘working’ as such, it was definitely
working its magic in the background because
the hook-up on the new model was significantly
better. In case you’re wondering, both bikes had
new tyres fitted with the same tyre pressures so
this was truly an apples for apples comparison.
Out in the open the new FE250 hooks up and
is a joy to jump off everything in its path, brake
slide into a corner and wheelie out – there’s
power to burn and the handling to match. With
the fuel injection and engine set-up the FE
is great on the clutch and has good flywheel
effect, and only stalls when the rider makes a
hash of it. There’s nothing quite like a little four-
stroke that doesn’t stall at the drop of a hat.
A month down the line and Liam Draper is
flying on this new weapon, so much so that he
is lapping faster around his practice MX track
than on any other of his previous machines – MX
bikes included. I have to admit to initially being
sceptical of Husqvarna’s traction control for
dirt bikes. I was expecting the worst, but having
ridden it and felt the difference it makes, without
interfering with the ride, I think the 2017 FE250
is something of a show-stopper. Really, all you
need to do is maybe throw a set of your favourite
tyres at it and you’re ready to race – to steal a
slogan from Husky’s orange sister company.
Grip-finding traction control; good power;
nimble handling
Nothing, if you’re man enough to ride a 250 4T.