Husky’s 2016 Models … In Disguise!

Is this mid-season ‘reveal’ an insight into what Husqvarna will soon release as 2016-model production bikes? Don’t bet against it.

For a while now, there’s been some skepticism about whether we’d start seeing genuine in-house rivalry and product differentiation between KTM and Husqvarna; between the brands that share a lot of componentry and which both roll off the same production line in Austria. But yesterday’s PR from Husqvarna – revealing a much-changed “250cc factory machine that will be unveiled and compete at Round 4 of the FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend” – suggests that the “product differentiation” Husky HQ has spoken so much about may finally be materialising.

So, what can be extrapolated from the limited images Husqvarna’s Austrian HQ released of this new “factory machine”? And is it a reliable indicator of what the 2016-moel Husky’s will look like? Let’s take a look at the clues, one at a time… 

^ Husqvarna’s all-new “250cc factory machine”

^ 2015 Husqvarna FC250

THE ENGINE

Judging by the images, this Husky has definitely adopted the all-new 250cc, super-compact DOHC powerplant (now used in KTM’s Factory Edition 250SX-F) that Marvin Musquin has been using to such good effect in the Eastern Region AMA 250SX title chase. It doesn’t get the dimpled finish on its clutch and ignition covers like the KTM, but its new ignition cover and electric start configuration is a dead giveaway, as is the fact the crank and clutch appear more centrally located.

^ “250cc factory machine” engine

^ 2015 Husqvarna FC250 engine

^ 2015 Factory Edition KTM 250SX-F engine

^ 2015 KTM 250SX-F engine

THE FRAME

It looks like this FC250 has also adopted the all-new frame that appeared on KTM’s 2015 Factory Edition models, which isn’t much of a surprise. What’s really interesting, though, is that the Husqvarna’s subframe has moved to a single fixing bolt where it meets the main frame. That would make a lot of sense, because the brand’s factory race teams in the USA and Europe have been removing one of the two subframe bolts most of this season to ensure the super-rigid polyamide subframe didn’t ‘bind up’ the main frame and prevent it from flexing longitudinally the way it’s designed to.

^ “250cc factory machine”

^ 2015 Husqvarna FC250

THE BODYWORK

No questions here. The new bike’s bodywork is clearly very different from its predecessor. Dare we say it, the new plastics are almost reminiscent of the Italian-made TC range of Husqvarnas from a few years back, where the radiator shrouds almost appear separate from the rest of the bike’s bodywork. Yep, the jury is out about this look at Transmoto HQ. It’s almost as if, by adopting the engine and frame mods that have already appeared on KTM’s Factory Edition models, Husqvarna’s design team has gone overboard in ensuring the new bodywork makes a major departure.

^ “250cc factory machine”

^ 2015 Husqvarna FC250

WHAT ELSE?

• The seat also looks different – it’s squarer at its junction with the fuel tank and a little flatter than its predecessor’s.
• The shock looks like the new-gen WP unit that appeared in KTM’s Factory Edition models for the first time.
• The gear-shifter is new and mirrors what appeared on KTM Factory Edition models – that is, its tip uses a rounded square cross-section and comes with a self-cleaning scraper.

In other words, the Husqvarna FC250 that’ll be revealed to the world this weekend in Italy has adopted a majority of what has already been revealed on KTM’s Factory Edition production bikes. And we’d be very surprised if this bike wasn’t a very solid indication of what we can expect in a few months’ time, when Husqvarna reveals their 2016-model production machines.