Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1464294
QUICKSPIN I 2022 Husqvarna FC 250 Rockstar Edition P122 moving up to the next gear feels like you are actually dropping in the revs. I chalk up the quickshifter as an overall positive and think this "bog" just might take some more getting used to. This version of the air fork is the best version we've felt. Its compliance in the small bumps is better than in years past and feels closely matched to that of a spring system. The fork has felt vague on former models, but these new settings give a more planted feeling that allows for easier rider input. Neither of our riders had any negative feedback on the shock. It continues to work as expected while providing a planted, connected feel to the rear wheel from the throttle. The new dial adjusters are also a welcomed change as we played with clicker settings on the side of the track instead of trekking back to the pits and toolbox. The brakes and clutch are again top-notch on the Husqvarna. Brembo componentry is some of the best in the business, and the steel-braided brake lines provide sturdy power when you need it most. Going fast on the FC 250 is plain easy. It's smooth and predictable and goes where you want it. The only real complaint we had was how "long" the bike felt. The new Honda 250F feels shorter in the wheelbase, whereas the Husqvarna feels longer yet more stable in the faster areas of the track. Not bad, just "ism's." Overall, the new FC 250 looks and feels strikingly similar to the new 250 SX-F, which is not a bad thing at all. The motor is better in all the right places, and the fork is the best version we've ridden to date. While it technically gained weight from the previous iteration, the Husqvarna still feels noticeably light and nimble on the track. After our first ride on the new Husqvarna FC 250 Rockstar Edition, we can safely say, so far so good. CN SPECIFICATIONS 2022 HUSQVARNA FC 250 ROCKSTAR EDITION ($10,699) ENGINE TYPE 4-stroke, single-cylinder COOLING SYSTEM Liquid DISPLACEMENT 249.9cc BORE X STROKE 81 x 48.5mm COMPRESSION RATIO 14.5:1 VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves STARTING SYSTEM Electric FUELING Keihin EMS TRANSMISSION 5-speed, w/quickshifter CLUTCH Brembo, hydraulic FRAME Steel central-tube frame SUBFRAME Plastic frame, aluminum mounting HANDLEBAR ProTaper FRONT SUSPENSION 48mm WP Xact REAR SUSPENSION WP Xact monoshock with linkage, fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.2 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 11.8 in. FRONT WHEEL 21 in. REAR WHEEL 19 in. TIRES Dunlop Geomax MX33 FRONT BRAKE Single 260mm Brembo REAR BRAKE Single 220mm Brembo TRIPLE CLAMPS Split-design, anodized black SEAT HEIGHT 37.5 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 13.4 in. FUEL CAPACITY 1.9 gal. WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED) 225.1 lbs.