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/1545985
P100 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 HUSQVARNA TC 65 straight off Malcolm's bike. The big thing with the TC 65 is mainte- nance. We've been fastidious about clean- ing after each ride and staying on top of the air filters, which are an easy swap after you take the seat off. As with any high-performance two-stroke race bike, regular piston, ring and gearbox oil maintenance remain essential to keeping the engine performing at its best, but we've not yet reached that stage in the bike's life. This can be a pitfall for families unfa - miliar with the temperament of a racing two-stroke. However, Husqvarna/KTM have been building junior two-stroke engines for decades, and the availability of parts and technical support through the dealer net - work is a significant advantage. On the track, the TC 65 delivers exactly what its intended audience expects. It's light, responsive and eager to accelerate while providing the chassis stability neces - sary for developing riders to build confi- dence as their speed increases. The TC 65 can be a little intimidating for riders new to the two-stroke space, but that trepidation soon disappears as the TC isn't as scary to ride as it may look. It gives riders a great footing as they work up to the 85cc class. The KTM-owned WP suspension package remains one of the TC 65's strongest as - sets, offering a level of adjustability on par with the rest of the class save for Kawasaki. Combined with the balanced chassis and fast but predictable engine character, the overall package encourages riders to focus on their technique rather than compensat - ing for any shortcomings in the motorcycle. For young racers looking to compete in the 65cc class, the 2026 Husqvarna TC 65 is a well-rounded combination of perfor- mance, handling and premium component specification. It remains a capable stepping stone toward larger-displacement moto - cross machinery while delivering the race- ready character that will take a very long time to get sick of. CN 2026 HUSQVARNA TC 65 ($5999) Engine Single-cylinder, 2-stroke Displacement 64.9cc Bore x Stroke 45.0 x 40.8mm Fuel System 24mm Mikuni VM carburetor Cooling Liquid-cooled Starting Kick Transmission 6-speed Clutch Wet multi-disc, Formula hydraulic Final Drive Chain, 420 Frame Central-tube chromium-molybdenum steel, double-cradle Front Suspension WP Xact 35mm USD air fork Rear Suspension WP Xact monoshock Front-Wheel Travel 8.5 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 10.0 in. Front Brake Single-piston caliper, 198mm hydraulic disc Rear Brake Single-piston caliper, 180mm hydraulic disc Front Wheel 14 in. Rear Wheel 12 in. Front Tire 60/100-14 in. Rear Tire 80/100-12 in. Wheelbase 45.0 in. Ground Clearance 10.2 in. Seat Height 28.4 in. Fuel Capacity 0.92 gal. Weight (claimed w/o fuel) 119.7 lbs.