Finest Motocross Bike third Place—2023 Husqvarna FC 250

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Husqvarna’s FC 250 has resembled the KTM 250 SX-F since 2014, however not as carefully lately. In 2021, Husqvarna spec’d a 10mm-lower suspension setup, which has since been one of many greatest differentiating elements between it and the 250 SX-F. Being nearer to the bottom makes the FC 250 finest suited for many who are 5-foot-9 and shorter and weigh 150 kilos or much less. Riders taller and heavier than that may recognize it as nicely, however the orange Austrian machine with a virtually an identical platform fits a wider vary of individuals. Nonetheless, the Husqvarna has loads going for it—sufficient to spherical out the rostrum within the 2023 250F Motocross Shootout.

“I think just about anyone can throw a leg over the FC 250 and enjoy its smooth power delivery.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“I believe nearly anybody can throw a leg over the FC 250 and revel in its easy energy supply.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Husqvarna FC 250 Engine

With 41.7 hp and 19.3 lb.-ft. of torque on the Grime Rider dyno, the FC 250 produces essentially the most peak horsepower within the class and is runner-up in most torque. It additionally makes the very best figures from 10,600 rpm to 12,200 rpm. Boasting improved midrange over earlier fashions, the FC 250′s energy could be very usable. It doesn’t rev as rapidly or pull so long as the prior-generation engine, however nonetheless provides among the finest high-rpm energy within the class.

Associated: 2023 Husqvarna Heritage Motocross and Off-Street Bikes First Look

With a suggested retail price of $10,099, the Husqvarna is the most expensive motorcycle in this comparison.

With a recommended retail worth of $10,099, the Husqvarna is the costliest bike on this comparability. (Jeff Allen/)

Low-end is a bit lackluster, however is improved by choosing the extra aggressive map 2. Along with being one of many best-shifting bikes on this section, the Husqvarna and KTM now function a quickshifter (QS) that permits for clutchless upshifting. It’s useful for begins and lengthy straightaways, however has a slight delay and takes some getting used to.

Husqvarna produces the most peak horsepower of all 250 four-stroke motocross bikes in 2023.

Husqvarna produces essentially the most peak horsepower of all 250 four-stroke motocross bikes in 2023. (Robert Martin/)

2023 Husqvarna FC 250 Suspension

The Husqvarna’s WP Xact 48mm air fork and WP Xact shock really feel plush when hitting small bumps, however don’t supply as a lot consolation in rougher terrain due to an inclination to experience in a firmer a part of the stroke. A brand new hydrostop within the fork offers it higher bottoming resistance than ever, however nearly works too nicely because it doesn’t enable for all the stroke for use, which is very noticeable on the FC 250 as a result of it provides the least entrance suspension journey within the class.

Associated: WP Xact Professional 6500 Cartridge Suspension Equipment Evaluation

“Engine-braking is a bit more pronounced on the FC 250 this year, and there’s a slight gap between second and third gear. The Brembo hydraulic clutch is still excellent.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“Engine-braking is a little more pronounced on the FC 250 this yr, and there’s a slight hole between second and third gear. The Brembo hydraulic clutch remains to be wonderful.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Along with providing among the most suspension tunability, the Husqvarna’s fork and shock damping are each adjustable by hand. This can be a new function on the rear suspension for 2023 and though it’s actually a pleasant contact, the plastic piece that covers the shock physique makes the low- and high-speed compression harder to entry than the KTM’s.

“I’m a huge fan of the WP Xact suspension as it’s very plush and helps the Husqvarna remain stable through chop.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“I’m an enormous fan of the WP Xact suspension because it’s very plush and helps the Husqvarna stay steady by way of chop.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Husqvarna FC 250 Chassis/Dealing with

In accordance with our scales, the Husqvarna gained 4 kilos over final yr’s mannequin for a moist weight of 236 kilos. Regardless of its weight acquire and heavier-feeling engine character, the FC 250 remains to be one of the vital nimble, excels in turns (partially as a result of its decrease stance), and is predictable at velocity. The cockpit is snug and including to that’s its ProTaper handlebar flexes greater than the Neken spec’d on the KTM and GasGas.

Associated: 2023 Grime Rider 450 Motocross Bike Comparability Take a look at

With its complete overhaul, the FC 250 gained 4 pounds over the prior-generation model for a Dirt Rider-measured wet weight of 236 pounds.

With its full overhaul, the FC 250 gained 4 kilos over the prior-generation mannequin for a Grime Rider-measured moist weight of 236 kilos. (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Husqvarna FC 250 Ought to Have Received

It makes essentially the most peak horsepower and boasts all the handy, performance-focused, and technologically superior options of the KTM, however with higher cornering capacity.

“The Husqvarna’s 10mm-lower suspension setup than the KTM allows it to settle into corners very well.” <i>—Ty Cullins</i>

“The Husqvarna’s 10mm-lower suspension setup than the KTM permits it to settle into corners very nicely.” <i>—Ty Cullins</i> (Husqvarna/)

Why the 2023 Husqvarna FC 250 Didn’t Win

As a result of it’s focused for a selected rider demographic, the Husqvarna isn’t fairly as a lot of an all-around racebike because the KTM.

“Similar to previous years, the FC 250 is great for the right person, but the new platform needs some massaging for it to be able to show its true potential.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“Much like earlier years, the FC 250 is nice for the precise particular person, however the brand new platform wants some massaging for it to have the ability to present its true potential.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai VX-Pro4

Goggle: Fly Racing Zone Professional

Jersey: Fly Racing Kinetic

Gloves: Fly Racing Kinetic

Pants: Fly Racing Kinetic

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 Husqvarna FC 250 Specs

MSRP: $10,099
Engine: DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement: 250cc
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 x 48.5mm
Compression Ratio: 14.5:1
Transmission/Remaining Drive: 5-speed/chain
Grime Rider Measured Horsepower: 41.7 hp @ 13,400 rpm
Grime Rider Measured Torque: 19.3 lb.-ft. @ 9,200 rpm
Gasoline System: EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch: Moist, multiplate Diaphragm Metal (DS); hydraulic actuation
Body: Central double-cradle chromoly metal
Entrance Suspension: WP Xact 48mm fork, air stress, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. journey
Rear Suspension: WP Xact shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.5 in. journey
Entrance Brake: Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear: Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Path: 26.1°/NA
Wheelbase: 58.6 in.
Floor Clearance: 13.2 in.
Grime Rider Measured Seat Top: 36.2 in.
Gasoline Capability: 1.9 gal.
Grime Rider Measured Moist Weight: 236 lb.
Availability: Now
Contact: husqvarna-motorcycles.com

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