Words: Ryan Marmont

The 2016 Husqvarna TC 125 definitely lives up to it’s expectations with a handful of changes and updates giving the new model bike an improved feel. MotoOnline.com.au put it through its paces at the Budds Creek international media launch.

Husqvarna’s new light and nimble TC 125 is an excellent motorcycle and very easy to ride. As soon as you sit on it you can feel why it is a leader in its class.

It boasts all the latest next-gen features that are included on the FC models, like a new chassis, carbon fibre sub-frame and lighter, faster motor.

The riding position feels much better than the previous model; now the TC 125 feels thinner through the centre and also lower in the rear-end, plus the updated seatcover has more grip to provide a racier level of performance.

Pro Taper handlebars are a great addition with the perfect bend. You don’t feel too cramped when in the turns and with rubber mounts on the top triple clamps, this reduces the amount of vibration feedback through the handlebars.

ODI grips are now standard on the TC 125. They have a great feeling about them and are not too thick under your hands. The best part about the product is that they are easy to replace when worn and there’s no glue mess to clean off the handlebars.

A Magura hydraulic clutch system now replaces the Brembo system and it has a great feeling on the track. When exiting turns you get a good feeling for where the clutch engages and it’s ultra light when engaging and disengaging. New brake discs from GSK make the Brembo brakes feel even stronger.

The handling on the TC 125 2016 is a great improvement on the previous model, with a new chassis to improve handling. It is now 6mm wider and 2mm lower, offering 20 percent more torsion rigidity and 30 percent less longitudinal stiffness compared to the previous chassis design. It’s improved over the bumps and feels better on the hard-packed surfaces.

The sub-frame is now a combination of 30 percent carbon fibre and plastic infused together, resulting in a stronger and lighter structure. It improves, not only the handling of the bik,e but also the balance.

Husqvarnas now sit lower in the rear, making the bike a lot more settled in the turns. The sub-frame also features a tool less air-filter change, so tools are no longer required. It is now as simple as clicking the air filter into place.

The TC 125 2016 has WP 4CS forks and these have a great feeling and are the perfect fit. With a new mid valve piston and revised setting, the 2016 4CS forks feel smooth and consistent.

A great feature with these forks is the ability to be able to change the clicker setting with out any tools; the clicker adjusters are positioned on the top of the forks, with the rebound on one fork leg and the compression on the other, so fine tuning the forks are simple.

A redesigned WP shock has been developed, now lighter and it’s now 12mm shorter in length, and combined with a new linkage system, the shock has a lighter rear spring.

Handling is better under braking bumps and in the acceleration bumps. With some simple clicker adjustments to the shock I was able to finetune the shock to get the perfect feel I was searching for.

The engine has an increase in power from 38hp to 40hp and a reduction in overall weight from 19.3kg to 17.2kg. The new cylinder features a 54mm bore, revised ports and a new innovative power valve that improves power delivery along the entire rev range.

Once you crack the throttle on the TC 125 you feel the power pick up easily, but its not until the motor hits mid-range that you feel the full force of the motor and the top-end power that just keeps on pulling right to the top of the power curve. There was seriously nothing on the track that the TC 125 couldn’t handle.

The exhaust has been completely redesigned in order to match the new engine’s characteristics and turns heads when you hear the 125 at the top of its RPM.

Husqvarna’s 2016 model TC 125 is an exciting bike to ride and is a toy that every rider should have in their shed if you’ve got money to spare. Weighing in at 89.1kg and with 40hp, this small-bore two-stroke makes you think twice before buying a four-stroke.

For further information visit www.husqvarnamotorcycles.com.au or complete technical info can be found here.