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/882491
VOL. 54 ISSUE 39 OCTOBER 3, 2017 P93 The power output and power delivery characteristics of the Husqvarna TE250i are really good. And I only hold back on saying they're great because I want to tune in specific power character in places and can't (yet). For the trail bike class, the bike provides incredibly smooth and tractable power. It's not ex- citing or violent like most riders associate with two-strokes. In fact, it's the absolute opposite. And that's where a lot of people are incorrectly (in my opinion) labeling it as underpowered. show us around! So, when considering one of the newest generations of fuel-injected enduro bikes, ask yourself would you rather have a temperamental two-stroke, arm-ripping ride that makes your shoulders ache and your arms pump, or a consistent, traction- finding engine that needs abso- lutely no adjustment whatsoever, ever? For the riding style and terrain this bike was intended to do, the latter is better, I assure you. And that's where this bike will shine in America. It is a trail 2018 HUSQVARNA TE250I (EU version, U.S. version may vary) ENGINE: ..............Liquid-cooled 2-stroke single-cylinder DISPLACEMENT: ........................... 249cc BORE X STROKE: ............. 66.4 X 72mm COMPRESSION RATIO: .......................NA FUEL DELIVERY: .........................Transfer Port Injection – 39mm throttle body – Electronic Regulated Oil Injection STARTING SYSTEM: ........... Electric and kick TRANSMISSION: ........................ 6-speed FRAME: ................ Steel with composite subframe/airbox FRONT SUSPENSION: ............... WP USD Xplor 48 REAR SUSPENSION: .... WP Monoshock with linkage FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: .............. 11.8 in. REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: .................... 13 in. FRONT WHEEL: ........................1.6x21 in. REAR WHEEL: .......................2.15 x 18 in. FRONT BRAKE: ...................Disc 260mm REAR BRAKE: .....................Disc 220mm STEERING HEAD ANGLE: ............63.5 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: .................14.5 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ............................. 37.8 in. WHEELBASE: ............... 58.86 +/- .39 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ......................... 2.4 gal. WEIGHT (Full Tank): ................. 252 lbs. S P E C I F I C A T I O N S IT SHINES IN RIDES THAT MAKE YOU SMILE ALL DAY AND LUNCH SPOTS THAT COULD BE ON POSTCARDS. Its overall power output and delivery character is sufficient to ride at pace on technical trails and motocross tracks. So, that's pretty damn good. It is on the softer side overall with a nasty habit of being perfectly "jetted" all the time. It does not ignite with excitement anywhere across the rpm range. But it always turns with the same tune. But for many American two- stroke off-road riders, torque and sometimes a snappy de- livery of power, are necessary assets. It's why so many 300s are sold and used here. And, while this is certainly no 300, we would like to see some grunt tuned in to the power delivery. We have a feeling we can do it; we just need the keys to the computer brain and someone to rider's bike. It's at home in nasty and beautiful terrain. It shines in rides that make you smile all day and lunch spots that could be on postcards. For the former, we expect the race-focused engine in Austria is already working on future models that provide an array of power and delivery charac- teristics. Motocross models are likely on the horizon and 300cc versions are en route to us in a year or so. And when these bikes hit the streets, we're confident the aftermarket and old-school tuners will find some solutions for those looking for more punch. In the meantime, leave your oil bottle at home and enjoy the ride and where the ride can take you. CN