Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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TE and WR Enduro Models Cagiva u.s. has accomplished something that most other enduro-bike manufacturers will be scrambling to duplicate - the DOT homologation of the four-stroke TE models. They are now street-legal. This is a significant breakthrough not only for Husky but the sport of enduro in general. With the homologation process done, the way is paved, quite literally, for Husqvarnas to be ridden on the road legaliy in 50 states. The implications of the move can be far-reaching. Riding a true off-road bike has just become easier. Loading and unloading has been made obso"'te, depending on where you live, and now dual-sport and adventure riding doesn't have to stop when the going gets real tough. The 2006 TE line includes three four-stroke motorcycles, a 250, 450 and S 10. Still in the familiar blue-and-yellow colors, the TE models benefit from some significant changes underneath the glossy plastic. Since the TEs are street-legal, they come equipped with turn signals, a digital multi-function speedometer, two mirrors, brake lights and a high-low beam headlight, all as standard equipment. All enduro models come with USPS spark arrestors, Tomaselli aluminum-alloy handlebars with a new bend, Excel rims, and Twin Air air filters. The Arrow-built exhaust systems quiet the noise output down to street-bike standards and well below FIM enduro-competition levels. The Husky enduro models all come with small, but nice, plastic handguards, a frontfender reinforcement and rear-fender extension with license-plate mount in place. Also required are DOT-approved tires, and the TEs come standard with Michelin Enduro Comp 3s. These tires work well considering the intended use, but because of their soft compound, don't expect to get much distance out of them if you ride on pavement. Quality abounds on Huskys. The bikes are well thought out and easy to maintain. For example, the rear-suspension pivot points have Zerk-type grease fittings for easy servicing, and Husqvarna claims it is possible to check valve clearance in 10 minutes on TE and TC models. Details, such as a quick-release seat and easy access to the spark plug, all indicate the bikes are designed for and by real riders. To meet DOT homologation requirements and emission standards, the TEs come with a charcoal canister, coolant-recovery tank, and other minor items needed to pass the test. Surprisingly, the mods needed were not all that difficult to realize; in Europe, most Enduro bikes are road-legal but meet different standards than the United States. In this case, the Husqvarnas destined for the United States are quite similar to European models already produced - which begs the question, Why hasn't this been done before? TE 250 Loriano explained further that efforts have been made to enhance reliability in the four-stroke engines because European standards require that every product sold in Europe must be backed by a twoMy favorite Husky is the TE 250. It's easy to ride and just plain fun. year warranty. As a result, the TE 250 has a new multilayer head gasSince last year, the TE has undergone some changes to make it one of ket, which permits better heat transfer and seaing capabilities to the the best 250cc four-stroke enduro bikes available. high-rewing engine, enhancing longevity. The TE 250 engine has had some major engine work done; the top On the chassis side, all the Huskys are equipped with Brembo end is completely new, with a revised cylinder head, piston and conbrakes featuring new composite pads for longer life. At the rear, the necting rod. According to Loriano Fantinato, the factory-based engine solid disc is now a 240mm floating affair that improves braking in wet R&D technician, the changes were designed to increase power and conditions. The Brembo brakes have been improved, and both the reliability. The piston crown is now a dome shape and shorter; also, a front and rear axles are larger in diameter, enhancing rigidity. longer and lighter connecting rod was fitted to compensate, since the The Marzzochi front forks have been bore and stroke remain the same. The updated with setting changes and revised intercylinder head now carries larger valves TE 250 nals; the smaller 250 uses 45mm diameter the intake-valve diameter has been forks. The spring rate seemed well suited to an increased from 29mm to 30.5mm, and the average-sized 250 rider who rides at a quick exhaust valve is enlarged to 25mm from pace. In the sloppy conditions, the forks 24mm. Different cam profiles are also fitted worked better than last year's setup; they have to improve breathing, and revisions made a noticeable difference. The damping settings to the cylinder-head porting and cylinderfeel more refined and in control of the full head design offer a welcome change to the stroke. The Sachs rear shock also enjoys power characteristics. changes to its settings; the rear suspension The kickstarter has been updated by ' - - - - - - - - ' - - - - - - - - - - - ' worked well and is well matched to the front. way of a redesigned mechanism inside the Considering the TE 250 as a package, I had a blast riding it, espeprimary case and a new kick lever. The new kickstarter spins the cially in the mud and technical sections in Hancock. The bike feels simengine more revolutions per kick than in the past. Traditionally, the ilar to last year's, only better. The new TE 250 engine changes are Husky four-strokes start reliably using the electric starter; the new apparent, top-end power and low-end grunt are stronger, and the kickstart setup makes it easier to start the thumpers in emergency sit37mm Keihin FCR carburetor is jetted to perfection, allowing the lituations. The transmission has six well-spaced ratios, which seem well dest TE to pull smoothly right across its rev range. The chrome-moly adapted to rugged trail use, allowing the rider to take advantage of the frame complements the ride Huskys are known for; the 250 likes to meatiest part of the power that the 250 offers. The primary gear ratio be ridden hard, close to the edge, and to be used as a real enduro bike has been changed, and the clutch basket is now made of aluminum should. In turn, it rewards the rider with the satisfaction of deriving alloy to counteract uneven wear between the previous year's steel what seems like the maximum speed the TE is capable of. The 250 basket and aluminum clutch plates. A side benefit to this is that engine seems to cover rider error well, and I would consider it forgiving. As a oil will be less contaminated ifthe bike is subjected to heavy clutch use. woods or trail bike, the 250 is pretty much as good as it gets: It turns Actuated hydraulically, the clutch pull is light, and uses a Magura massharp, the brakes are precise, and the chassis seems to harmonize with ter cylinder, typical of what is fitted to current European bikes. the rider. eft 125 Husqvarna has included the two-stroke CR 125 in its lineup to offer a featherweight alternative to the four-stroke 250. The 125 appeals to a variety of riders and is a nice steppingstone for young riders who have graduated from the 80ce class but are not quite ready for a heavier 250. Improvements to the quarter-liter screamer include a redesigned intake tract, exhaust pipe and air- box. The 125 has new plastic, a 19-inch rear wheel, fully adjustable tapered handlebars, the new sealed-cartridge Marzocchi 4Smm forks, and an Ohlins rear shock absorber. All the new TC and CR motocrossers come standard with quality Pirelli tires and a holes hot device mounted on the front fork guard. This small detail, which is usually purchased separately, is a welcome feature. CYCLE NEWS. NOVEMBER 9, 2005 17