Bikes 15 Aug 2014

Tested: 2015 Husqvarna TC 250

MotoOnline.com.au rides and reviews 2015 Husqvarna TC 250.

The 2015 range of Husqvarna motocross bikes is undoubtedly strong from the TC 125 through to the FC 450, but there’s one bike in particular that’s certainly stealing the limelight domestically this year – the TC 250.

While travelling to the 2015 Husqvarna world launch in Sweden, the thought of sampling their 250cc two-stroke offering the next day was rather exciting for quite a few reasons.

At this point in time the current model Husqvarna TC 250 sits second and third in the MX Nationals MXD championship with Egan Mastin and Nathan Crawford, while in the MX2 class we’ve seen Luke Arbon take his 2014 TC 250 to the top of the podium on two occasions and he now sits third overall in the championship chase.

Source: Husqvarna.

Source: Husqvarna.

New Zealand champion Kayne Lamont has also won two rounds prior to a string of bad luck and injuries, while Crawford himself won at Swan Hill in a wildcard appearance. That’s five round wins from eight to date.

The chance to hop aboard the 2015 TC 250 wasn’t exciting because of that one reason only though,;it was also a chance for me to sample one of the bikes that sits right in the middle of the MX2 class two-stroke/four-stroke debate. It was my chance to see how this bike performed back-to-back with the FC 250 four-stroke and gauge how the two fair against one another on an even playing field.

For 2015 the TC 250 received a range of updates that were applied across the board within the Husqvarna motocross range. Using the proven chromium molybdenum steel frame design paired with an aluminum swingarm and machined CNC triple clamps, the TC 250’s chassis features sharp handling and exceptional stability.

Clearly I’ve left out a couple key features to that complete the overall chassis design, the fork and shock combination. These two suspension components have been heavily updated for and revised for 2015. The 4CS (four chamber system) fork, developed by WP, has been specifically developed for motocross and features a range of improvements over the previous fork.

Source: Husqvarna.

Source: Husqvarna.

The 4CS fork features improved damping characteristics and it is also lighter than the previous fork, 175 grams to be exact. Settings are easily adjustable via the convenient dials located atop each of the fork legs. Your red dial on the right leg alters rebound damping and the white dial on the left controls your compression – it’s that simple.

On-the-fly adjustments are the major advantage of the 4CS fork, you can literally pull over on the track and change your fork settings in seconds with no tools required. The fork responds very well to changes and the overall function of the 4CS unit is amazing. The updated fork provides great feedback, consistent front-end feel and a confidence-inspiring ride.

A new 22mm axle has been paired with revised fork shoes featuring increased trail for a more stable ride with increased front-end feel. Unsprung weight has also been reduced by 40 grams as a result of this change. Overall, the updated 4CS front-end setup is a huge win for Husqvarna, it’s going to be well received by each and every rider who purchases this bike.

Source: Husqvarna.

Source: Husqvarna.

The rear of the 2015 TC 250 features an updated linkage with revised geometry and an approximate weight reduction of 40 grams. The linkage features a higher starting rate which provides a less progressive curve for better control in all situations. A new DCC (dual compression control) rear shock has been paired with the linkage with a four-millimeter increase to improve handling and damping characteristics.

As with all of the 2015 Husqvarna motocrossers, the TC 250 rates highly in the handling department which is quite handy when it comes to taming the powerful engine package that this bike offers. The 2015 249cc Husqvarna two-stroke pushes out over 50 horsepower in stock form and weighs in at just 97.4 kilograms with an empty fuel tank.

The TC 250 features the DDS clutch paired with Brembo hydraulics along with a five-speed gearbox to harness the power. Reading these power and weight figures, you may think the 2015 TC250 could be a bit of a handful, but when ridden correctly this bike is actually quite user friendly.

The power delivery is super smooth and the 249cc engine provides a solid amount of torque, something that is really the key to making this bike so rideable when used correctly. With the amount of power and torque on offer, it became easy to cruise around the Swedish sand track in third gear at a lower RPM – this is the key to mastering the TC 250.

Source: Husqvarna.

Source: Husqvarna.

You have to respect this bike and take the time to learn how to correctly use the available power within such a lightweight machine. If you can do this, you’ll really enjoy the TC 250. If you feel that you’re a bit of a loose cannon and can’t contain yourself with over 50hp and a lightweight bike between your legs, you may want to look towards Husqvarna’s four-stroke MX2 offering, the FC 250. Be sure to click here for our full review of that model.

Performance wise, the 2015 TC 250 ticks all the boxes, and it not only goes well, but it also looks great. Bonus! The updated graphic and seat combination compliment the sleek and smooth bodywork of the 2015 Husqvarna range. Contrasting the crisp white plastics are black DID rims laced to CNC machined hubs for that factory look that we here at MotoOnline are a huge fan of.

After spending quite some time aboard the 2015 Husqvarna TC 250 it’s easy to see how this bike can achieve great success domestically – it goes well, stops well, looks great and handles anything you throw at it. Be sure to head to your local Husqvarna dealer and check one out for yourself.

Click here for a complete overview of the each and every model in the 2015 Husqvarna motocross range direct from the world media launch held in Lulea, Sweden.

Click here for detailed specifications

Recent