VOL. 52 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 15, 2015 P167
Compared to the KTM, the Hus-
ky's power delivery comes on softer
(because of the more restrictive
muffler and airbox) but progressively
gets stronger as it goes. When you
couple in its softer suspension and
heavier overall weight, the Husky just
feels slightly more sluggish by com-
parison and just doesn't feel quite as
refined as the KTM.
Although the Husky has one of the
most powerful engines in the class,
it's one of the least exciting, mean-
ing it doesn't hit as hard as some of
the others, but, on the flip side, this
also means it hooks up better. Over-
all, though, the Husky has a great
engine and its plenty fast; handlebar
mapping has two settings (hard and
soft), and it also incorporates launch
control, which is funky to set, so you
probably won't use it. We also love
the Husky's electric starting, and its
light pull hydraulic clutch.
Suspension is very good but a
little soft for faster and heavier rid-
ers, but that's not a big deal. The WP
spring forks are very good, argu-
ably better than the Kawasaki and
Honda's air forks.
The Husky is a very good handling
machine; it turns quickly and with
precision, and is stable at speed.
Brakes are outstanding, too.
In a nutshell, we rated the Husky
over the Suzuki mainly because of its
electric starting, stronger motor, hy-
draulic clutch, better suspension and
brakes, and more forgiving handling.
(And, yes, it looks cooler, too.) It is,
however, the most expensive bike in
the group. The RM-Z has it beat by
$670, and that's pretty significant.
