A
nd then there were two. The Husqvarna
FC 250 comes in at second place,
even though it rolls off the same as-
sembly line as its Austrian counterpart. But
how can two nearly identical bikes stack up
differently on the track? Subtle differences
like the Husqvarna's Magura clutch, compos-
ite subframe, gripper seat cover, and ProTa-
per handlebars do just enough to distinguish
a winner and runner-up.
The European's cockpit controls cer-
tainly have a stranglehold on the Japanese
manufacturers. The Husky's Magura hydraulic
clutch is a nice touch, even if it struggles to
provide the exact same feel as the Brembo
unit equipped on the KTM. Thankfully, the FC
250 still comes standard with Brembo brakes
and braided steel lines, which offer effortless
pull at the lever that doesn't fade under heavy
load.
For '19, the Husqvarna gets a stiffer and
more stable steel frame paired with a unique
carbon fiber subframe. The combination of
the two are said to improve overall energy
absorption and rider comfort. On track,
however, rider opinions were split two ways;
some loved the rear-end feel of the Husky,
while others said it felt too wide and grabbed
at their boots when riding off the back of the
bike. The seat cover, too, is overly sticky,
which can fight the rider when shifting body
weight. The chassis is nimble in tight corners,
yet surprisingly stable at speed. These were
two big confidence boosters as each rider
hopped aboard this white stallion.
Riders who can carry speed and ride a
high-revving machine are best suited for the
Husqvarna and KTM powerplants. These
engines produce their peak horsepower prior
to reaching the bike's 14,000-rpm redline,
and offer two maps that encourage riding
high in the rev. Each of the Austrian competi-
tors come equipped with a traction control
feature, and while it may not be a must-have
in the small-bore class, it was certainly useful
in slippery track conditions. As the rear wheel
begins to slip, the traction control limits power
and helps drive the bike forward instead of
VOL. 56 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 8, 2019 P93
You want power? Then you'll
like the Husqvarna…and
KTM. They share the same
powerplant that makes the
most seat-of-the-pants peak
horsepower of the group,
while still offering a wide
and broad powerband. The
Husqvarna's unique composite
subframe gives it its own feel
compared to the KTM.
