Ride Impression: 2016 Husqvarna FE350

Since Husqvarna produced the first of their Austrian-made machines for 2014, not a great deal has changed for the brand’s enduro-bike line-up. For 2015, the bikes got a lighter clutch basket; new headlight and front guard; and tweaks to subframe, speedo, hand guards and seat cover. And for 2016, it’s been a case of refinement rather than reinvention again. But that’s not to say that small changes – taken individually or in conjunction with each other – haven’t had a significant impact on a bike’s personality. So, to get a sense of how different Husqvarna’s 2016 models are to ride, Transmoto’s Andy Wigan put a freshly uncrated 2016-model FE350 (one of the first bikes to arrive in the country) to the test on 100km of prime trails, just a week after they played host to the 1000 plus riders who enjoyed the Sunny Corner Trail Bike Ride.

Watch the video below to get a general overview of the bike, then scroll down to get Wigan’s take on the impact of each of the 2016 upgrades, one at a time…

VIDEO

NEW FRONT AXLE

THE UPGRADE: The front axle diameter has been reduced from 26 to 22mm, and the fork shoes’ clamps have been modified to suit. The smaller, 40g lighter axle is designed to improve stability and front-end feel, while the 2mm shorter axle offset reduces trail and is claimed to improve the fork’s function by sitting more directly under it.
WE SAY: It’s a more astute test rider than me who can isolate the feel of a smaller, lighter axle (particularly when the corresponding increase in triple clamp offset pretty much restores the front-end’s geometry).

TRIPLE CLAMP OFFSET

THE UPGRADE: To counteract the reduced front axle offset, the offset on the CNC machined triple clamps has been increased from 20 to 22mm for 2016.
WE SAY: In effect, this change balances out the reduction in the front axle offset, so the overall chassis balance and steering geometry of the bike’s front-end doesn’t feel any different. But the extra triple clamp offset does give you slightly better leverage over the handlebars, which gives the bike and faster-turning, more agile feel in tight terrain.

SUSPENSION

THE UPGRADE: Spring rates in both the WP 4CS fork and shock absorber remain unchanged, but the fork and shock get valving refinements to suit the change to the front-end geometry.
WE SAY: While Husqvarna didn’t detail the nature of the suspension mods, the 4CS fork does feel like it sits up in its stroke a little better than its 2015 predecessor. As a result, it’s a tad plusher over small, chattery bumps and has a more linear action as the fork compresses. I couldn’t feel any significant difference in the shock absorber’s linkage-assisted action (it’s always been bloody good). If anything, it rides a tad firmer. But the trailride did remind me that the bike’s chassis is sensitive to shock sag measurements. Initially, with 20-25mm static sag and 95-100mm rider sag, the bike stands on its nose too much, which can make the front-end want to knife-under in tight terrain. With 30-35mm of static sag and 105-108mm of rider sag, the chassis is much, much better balanced. This setting helps the rear wheel hook up and drive more comfortably and, with less weight tipped onto the bike’s front-end, the action of the 4CS fork is notoiceably plusher and more progressive.

ENGINE

THE UPGRADE: Along with the FE250, the FE350 gets a new bearing on the gearbox’s input shaft for smoother shifting and a mod to the lubrication system that’s designed to prevent damage from accidentally over-filling the system with oil.
WE SAY: I’ve never had any issues on the FEs with either the gear-shift action or lubrication system, so we’ll have to take Husky’s word for it with these tweaks. Though I will say that the new bolt and washer used to fasten the gear-shift lever make it easier to remove and replace (which I actually needed to do after smacking a tree!).

MAP SWITCH

THE UPGRADE: For 2016, Husqvarna’s enduro range joins the MX bikes by running a bar-mounted dual-curve map switch as standard equipment.
WE SAY: With smaller-capacity bikes, a bar-mounted switch to mellow out power delivery is less critical than it is on larger, more powerful models. But when the going gets slick and/or technical, it’s always nice to be able to flick between the standard and mellow curves. Remember also that the second map can be programmed to be a more aggressive curve, so I suspect more FE250/350 owners will have that on standby on the bars instead. And seeing as the Map Selector Switch now comes on the bike as standard equipment, it also saves you from spending $140 on the part from the Husqvarna Accessories catalogue.

BRAKES & SPOKES

THE UPGRADE: New GFK wave brake discs are fitted front and rear and are claimed to deliver better power and feel. The spokes are lighter for 2016, creating a 100g saving in unsprung weight.
WE SAY: The Husky’s Brembo brakes have been hard to fault for several years now, and the 2016 bike is no different – though I couldn’t feel that the new discs made any appreciable difference. Same goes for the lighter spokes.

REAR SPROCKET

THE UPGRADE: For looks and added durability, a blue-anodised Supersprox 2K (a hybrid alloy/steel) rear sprocket replaces the all-alloy unit. Final gearing (13/52) remains unchanged.
WE SAY: A 100km ride isn’t enough to substantiate Husqvarna’s claims that the Supersprox last three times longer than the average alloy sprocket, but there’s no doubt the steel teeth improve the longevity of both the sprocket and chain. Which, of course is a good thing (unless you’re a hero who reckons he can feel the minute difference in weight between the two). Yes, it is a high-vis reminder that Husqvarna is very much about premium componently, but it’s also a practical addition to the 2016 FE models.

SEAT

THE UPGRADE: The 2016 seat cover is grippier and thicker for added durability.
WE SAY: Agreed. The seat cover on the 2014 and (to a lesser extent) 2015 FE models was slippery and tore pretty easily, so the 2016 seat is a big improvement. It tougher and grippier and gives the cockpit a racier feel, without being uncomfortably firm for longer trailrides. I like the all-blue look, too – it’s more stylish than the multi-coloured perch on the 2015 bikes.

FORK PROTECTORS

THE UPGRADE: The full-wrap fork protectors are replaced by all-new, more conventional units with in-mould graphics and new fasteners. They’re designed to improve access for maintenance and cleaning.
WE SAY: By moving away from the full-wrap fork guards, the rear of your chrome sliders may be a little more vulnerable to damage. But on the upside, you no longer have to take the forks out of the bike just to remove the protectors. Also, the updated fastening bolts do a great job of making the protectors super-rigid, and the re-positioned inner bolt means you no longer have to remove the front wheel to get a T-bar on the thing (which was annoying). The in-mould decals are a stylish, durable addition.

GRAPHICS

THE UPGRADE: Husqvarna refer to the 2016 graphics as “dark blue pearl with bright yellow accents … a design evolution of traditional Husqvarna colours”.
WE SAY: The darker blue has a classy look and the lime-tinged yellow highlights are, if you’re in the fashion game, ‘on trend’. In any case, I like the minimalist, stylish aesthetic. The Husky-logo decals on the radiator louvers are not standard (they were fitted to the bike for the Husqvarna Australia’s dealer conference), but jeez they look cool. Standard for 2017? I hope so.

ETA & RRPS

Husqvarna Australia has confirmed with Transmoto that, like their 2016 MX range, the RRPs on all 2016 FE and TE enduro models will remain the same as the 2015 bikes (that is: $10,995 for the TE125, $12,495 for the TE250, $13,495 for the TE300, $13,495 for the FE250, $13,995 for the FE350, $14,295 for the FE450 and $14,495 for the FE501), with the new machines expected in Australian dealers by the end of November.