2017 Husqvarna Enduro Range

With all-new engines, frames, suspension and bodywork, Husqvarna’s 2017 enduro models can genuinely be referred to as “new-generation” machines.

It’s been widely expected that Husqvarna’s enduro models would follow in KTM’s footsteps by introducing sweeping changes to both their two- and four-stroke range for 2017, and today’s PR from Husqvarna’s Austrian HQ has confirmed exactly that. The info officially released about the new models might have been very short on detail, but the images of the 2017 bikes tells us a plenty about what’s new. So, until we throw a leg over these new weapons at the mid-July media launch in Sweden, here are a few observations that jumped out at us about the 2017 Husqvarnas:

COMPONENTRY

• The four-model FE range for 2017 (250, 350, 450, 501) is based heavily on Husky’s new-generation equivalent MX models introduced 12 months ago. They all come with completely new frames, new engines, new suspension and new bodywork. Like last year’s MX bikes, the design philosophy has been all about making the machines lighter, more powerful and more rideable.
• The TE250 and TE300 use the all-new two-stroke engine that KTM recently unveiled on their 2017-model MX and enduro models (the revolutionary powerplant that’s fitted with a counter-balancer and claimed to vibrate 50% less than its predecessor). Meanwhile, Husqvarna’s 2017 TX125 (non-registrable, cross-country model) is fitted with the much more powerful and super-lightweight 125cc powerplant that first appeared on the TC125 motocrosser a year ago, albeit with a wide-ratio, six-speed gearbox.

^ The 2017 Husqvarna TX125…

• The PR did confirm that the 2017 Husqvarnas will come with the all-new WP XPlor 48mm USD fork that impressed us last month in Spain at the 2017 KTM EXC launch (it’s an open-cartridge fork with compression and rebound functions split between the fork legs – both of which have coil springs and a new hydraulic bottoming system). There’s no mention in the PR that the 2017 Huskys get the all-new XPlor shock absorber that appeared on the 2017 Katos, but the images seem to show a new shock reservoir design that looks very much like the XPlor’s – although it’ll clearly be different to the PDS XPlor shock designed specifically for the no-linkage KTMs. The new Huskys also get the redesigned swingarm that appears on the KTM’s 2017 EXCs.
• Aside from saving weight, the move to the much-revised carbon composite subframe with single fixing points should pay big dividends for the 2017 enduro models’ handling. Why? Well, as Husky’s 2016 MX bikes have proved, the new subframe complements the main frame’s flex characteristics much better. Last year, with two bolts on each side to secure the subframe, the super-rigid polyamide subframe actually ‘bound up’ the main frame and prevented it from flexing longitudinally in the way it was designed to.
• The change in the ergonomics between 2016 and 2017 models is more pronounced on the Huskys than it is on the new-gen KTM EXCs. Aside from the much more streamlined bodywork (which also eliminates that annoying ‘void’ precisely where your calves want to grab the bike when standing), the 2017 seat is visibly lower and flatter, and the mass centralisation design philosophy is also clearly evident by the move (back and up) to all engines’ biggest rotating masses (the clutch and crankshafts) and the shorter mufflers that are mounted further ‘inboard’. It’s also nice to see that Husqvarna has now moved to extended frameguards for 2017, as it’ll minimise scuffing to that sexy white frame paint.

2016 vs 2017 Husqvarna TE300

^ The 2016 Husqvarna TE300…

^ The 2017 Husqvarna TE300…

2016 vs 2017 Husqvarna FE450

^ The 2016 Husqvarna FE450…

^ The 2017 Husqvarna FE450…

HUSKY’S PREMIUM?

Ever since Husqvarna became a sister company to KTM, they’ve taken pride in being a ‘premium brand’ whose bikes are fitted with premium componentry. So, aside from the black anodised billet triple clamps, what ‘premium’ parts will the 2017 Husqvarna enduro models get? If today’s PR images are anything to go by, the new Huskys will also come with both the bar-mounted map-selector switch (which includes the Traction Control function on the four-strokes) and the ingenious tool-free fork preload adjusters as standard equipment.

ETA & PRICES IN OZ

Husqvarna Australia’s Marketing Manager, Brendan Drage, tells Transmoto that the 2017 TX and FX models (TX125, TX300, FX350, FX450) will start arriving in Australia in July/August (as will the TC/FC motocross models). The 2017 TE and FE models are expected in Australian dealers by early September. According to Drage, RRPs for the 2017 range are yet to be confirmed, though he did say he expected small price increases for the 2017 TC/FC and TE/FE range.