VOLUME 59 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 6, 2022 P81
in some time and were surprised
at the functionality and lightweight
feeling of the front end. The small
bump absorption is most improved,
and that former vague feeling at the
front wheel is virtually gone. There is
a good feel now. Yes, the air fork still
requires a little more work in setup,
but the tool-less clicker adjusters
make trackside adjustments a whole
lot easier.
The Husqvarna also received
a new engine for 2023. As you'd
expect, the Austrian engines require
the least number of shifts per lap
and let the rider get every last
usable rev before hitting the limiter.
Even with that extended mid to top,
the Husky maintains this velvety
smooth roll-on that everyone noted.
The connected power delivery fits
seamlessly with the supple chassis,
making this bike one of the most
controlled in the group.
Another stark division was the
traction control and quickshifter. Half
of our riders are on the "must-have"
side, while the other half don't want
them on at all. The traction control
was used more as the track dried
out late in the day and can be useful
in rainy conditions. The quickshifter
took more getting used to and was
only deemed necessary during starts.
Unless the bike is wound out and
knocking on the rev limiter, using the
quickshift option can be like short
shifting, which ultimately drops it
down into a less-than-ideal rpm range.
What lowered the Husky in
our rankings was the lowered
suspension. This received praise
from our shorter riders, but the
taller ones dropped it in the rankings
saying they felt too cramped in the
cockpit. Pair that with the highest
price tag and the FC 250 is stuck in
the fourth-place niche.
