Now, that's not to say it won't slice and dice with the best-turning 250Fs in the class, though. I picked lines underneath an '06 CRF250R with a rider whose ability is at least as good as mine and usually a step above. The final word is that this bike is so stable it inspires a little confidence and you can really push it. Also, the Pirelli combo (MT32 rear and MT32A front) hooked up great on the sandy and loose soil of Cahuilla Creek MX Park. If it had a lighter motor with more snap, it would be a serious contender.
Fit and finish is top-notch, and with the new red and white color scheme, the bike is beginning to actually become quite a looker. You will definitely attract attention in the pits when you roll in with a Husky. Standard trims include Brembo brakes front and rear, a Magura hydraulic clutch, a factory holeshot device, Excel rims, an oversize bar and a comfy gripper seat. Still strange are the radiator shrouds and front number plate that makes background installation a pain.
Overall, I was pleased with the Husky. So I jumped on our '06 KTM 250 SXF and did some back-to-back comparisons. First off, I never felt the KTM was the biggest hit off the bottom during our shootout, but compared to the Husky it felt like a 250 two-stroke. It had a snap to it the Husky just didn't. While this made the ride a little more exciting and motolike, it also sent me sideways more than once. Also, the KTM felt about 75 pounds lighter and easily cleared some jumps that were a stretch for the Husky. Other than that, I think the excess noise coming from the KTM's horrific exhaust and the fact the rear slid out more often showed that even with the weight and sluggish power, the Husky has game.
Can the Husky compete? Absolutely. Should it be your choice when buying a new 250F motocrosser? If you ride open, GP-style circuits, value stability and want something truly different than what is becoming a world of look-alike and ride-alike Japanese-esque machines, then go for it.
What's Hot
* Brembo brakes front and rear
* Excel rims
* Quiet performance of the Arrow titanium exhaust
* Stability, stability, stability
* Handlebar's height and fore/aft adjustablilty
What's Not
* 231 pounds is a lot to lift onto a stand
* Slow-revving power sometimes not enough
* Stiff clutch pull for a hydro unit
Specifications
MSRP: $5999
Claimed dry weight: 210 lb
Weight (ready to ride, no gas): 231 lb
Seat height: 37.5 in.
An Intro Interrupted
First Ride 2006 Husky TC450
We wanted the TC450 to get here in time for our 450 motocross shootout, but our boat (or Husky's?) didn't come in.
As with all the Husqvarna four-stroke motorcycles, the TC450's introduction to the press was burdened heavily by torrential downpours in the state of New York. Even in the rain, Broome-Tioga begged to be ridden and yours truly obliged with a thorough flogging of Husky's premier-class motocrosser. While a complete analysis of the bike was impossible to reach, I did get some first impressions. First, the power on the 450 is exactly like that on the 250 (see accompanying story) except for a lot more across the board. Second, in the mud and muck of New York, it proved to be just as stable and straight-line happy as the little thumper proved back at the dry SoCal tracks. Now, if the 450s would only hurry up and get here so we can see what they're made of in the dry stuff. For now, we'll have to settle with what's new on the big-bore thumper from Husky.
What's New
* 50mm Marzocchi sealed cartridge fork
* hlins shock
* Handlebar can be adjusted for both height and fore/aft offset
* The intake valves have been enlarged from 33mm to 37mm and the exhaust valves from 28.5mm to 31mm
* Arrow all-titanium exhaust system
Specifications
MSRP: $6599
Claimed dry weight: 222 lb