First Look: 2016 Husqvarna Off-Road Four-Strokes

Husqvarna updates its championship-winning line of off-road models.

Husqvarna updates its championship-winning line of off-road models.

Husqvarna continues to drive forward in its bid to sit atop the off-road motorcycle world once again, and its 2016 models feature a number of changes to help it get there.
Husqvarna continues to drive forward in its bid to sit atop the off-road motorcycle world once again, and its 2016 models feature a number of changes to help it get there.

Husqvarna continues to find success while navigating its relaunched line of off-road and dual-sport motorcycles back to prominence, and its 2016 four-stroke off-road models boast several key changes in an effort to ensure that Husky stays the course. Similar to their orange step-sisters, all TE (two-stroke) and FE (four-stroke) off-road models receive chassis upgrades and revised suspension settings in an effort to sharpen their handling even more, and some models have received specific updates to address their individual needs.

Husky-Enduro_2016_22mm_axle-06242015New Axle and Triple Clamp
All 2016 Husqvarna off-road chassis receive a new, lighter 22mm front axle that is 4mm smaller in diameter than the previous axle. This smaller diameter reduces weight by 40 grams and also allows the axle clamps to be tucked in tighter, which increases trail for more stability.

Husky-Enduro_2016_triple_clamp-06242015However, to attain the handling character that Husqvarna engineers were after, all off-road models receive a new, black, CNC-machined triple clamp with a 2mm increase in offset to 22mm, which reduces the trail again to give the bikes what Husqvarna calls an optimal balance between agility and stability. The clamp has also been designed to exhibit specific flex characteristics for better front end feel. The clamp offers the rider the option of setting the handlebar in one of four different positions to tailor ergonomics for a wider variety of rider sizes.

Revised Suspension Settings
All Husqvarna off-road models sport WP’s four-chamber, 4CS fork, and for 2016 the fork settings have been revised in conjunction with the new front-end geometry. Each model has specific damping settings that Husqvarna says will help improve handling while offering more plushness. Out back, the off-road models receive a WP DCC (Dual Compression Control) shock with revised damping to match the geometry and settings of the new front-end. The shock is fully adjustable for rebound damping, high/low speed compression damping and preload.

New Fork Protectors with Inmould Graphics
The fork protectors have been redesigned for improved access to the fork leg for easier maintenance and cleaning. The protector no longer wraps around the lower leg which makes for easier replacement. Husqvarna says that the fork legs feature high-quality inmould graphics in white plastic to keep them looking good for a long time.

All 2016 Husqvarna off-road models receive new front and rear brake discs, lighter spokes and a blue anodized sprocket that features a lightweight aluminum inner ring and a durable steel (tooth) outer ring.
All 2016 Husqvarna off-road models receive new front and rear brake discs, lighter spokes and a blue anodized sprocket that features a lightweight aluminum inner ring and a durable steel (tooth) outer ring.

New Front and Rear Brake Discs
All 2016 off-road models receive new brake discs manufactured by GFK on the front and rear. Husqvarna says that the new discs offer stronger braking power and increased control.

New Lighter Spokes
The 2016 Husqvarna off-road range features lighter spokes for an overall unpsrung weight reduction of 100 grams. Less unsprung weight usually equates to improved handling.

Blue Anodized Rear Sprocket
The 2016 Husqvarna’s all wear a blue anodized Supersprox 2K rear sprocket with an aluminum inner ring that reduces unsprung weight by 50% compared to the old part. The ring is mated to a high-strength steel outer ring of teeth for greater durability than a full aluminum sprocket.

New Styling
New colors for the 2016 models include a dark blue pearl with bright yellow accents. The front fender, rear fender and headlight mask plastics are a bright white to complete the traditional Husqvarna color scheme. The 2016s also receive a new seat cover that is said to improve grip compared to the previous material. Its deep blue color blends right in with the new body colors and graphics.

2016 Husqvarna FE 250

2016 Husqvarna FE 250
2016 Husqvarna FE 250

For 2016, the FE 250’s twin-pump oiling system has been modified to prevent damage from over-filling with oil. The mods are claimed to also improve lubrication in extreme terrain such as steep climbs or descents. The Fe 250 also gets a new bearing on the input shaft of the transmission for smoother shifts. A new bolt and washer simplifies mounting of the shift lever.

2016 Husqvarna FE 250 Specifications
Engine Type: Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement: 249.91cc
Bore x stroke: 78.0mm x 52.3mm
Compression ratio: 12,8:1
Starter/battery: Electric starter/12V 4Ah
Transmission: 6-speed
Fuel system: Keihin EFI, 42mm throttle body
Valvetrain: 4-valve, DOHC with finger followers
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with two oil pumps
Gear ratios: 13:32 16:30 16:24 23:28 23:23 26:20
Primary ratio: 24:73
Final drive: 13:52
Cooling: Liquid cooling
Clutch: DDS wet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Ignition: Keihin EMS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Subframe: Cross-linked Polyamide
Handlebar: Neken, aluminium Ø 28/22mm
Front suspension: WP-USD Ø 48mm 4CS Closed Cartridge, 11.8 inches of travel
Rear suspension: WP-Monoshock with linkage, 12.9 inches of travel
Front/rear brakes: disc, 260mm (front)/220mm (rear)
Front/rear rims: 1.60 x 21-inch (front); 2.15 x 18-inch (rear)
Front/rear tires: 90/90-21inch (front); 140/90-18-inch (rear)
Chain: X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4-inch
Silencer:
Aluminum
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Triple clamp offset: 22mm
Wheel base: 58.3 inches
Ground clearance: 12.5 inches
Seat height: 38.1 inches
Fuel capacity: approx. 2.5 gallons
Weight, without fuel: approx. 236 pounds

2016 Husqvarna FE 350

2016 Husqvarna FE 350
2016 Husqvarna FE 350

For 2016, the FE 350 shares the FE 250’s updates, including a revamped oiling system to prevent damage from over-filling with oil and to also improve lubrication during steep climbs or descents. The FE 350 also gets the new bearing on the input shaft of the transmission to improve shifting. A new bolt and washer simplifies mounting of the shift lever.

2016 Husqvarna FE 350 Specifications
Engine Type: Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement: 349.7cc
Bore x stroke: 88.0mm x 57.5mm
Compression ratio: 12.3:1
Starter/battery: Electric starter/12V 4Ah
Transmission: 6-speed
Fuel system: Keihin EFI, 42mm throttle body
Valvetrain: 4-valve, DOHC with finger followers
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with two oil pumps
Gear ratios: 14:32 16:26 20:25 22:23 25:22 26:20
Primary ratio: 24:73
Final drive: 14:52
Cooling: Liquid cooling
Clutch: DDS wet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Ignition: Keihin EMS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Subframe: Cross-linked Polyamide
Handlebar: Neken, aluminium Ø 28/22mm
Front suspension: WP-USD Ø 48mm 4CS Closed Cartridge, 11.8 inches of travel
Rear suspension: WP-Monoshock with linkage, 12.9 inches of travel
Front/rear brakes: disc, 260mm (front)/220mm (rear)
Front/rear rims: 1.60 x 21-inch (front); 2.15 x 18-inch (rear)
Front/rear tires: 90/90-21inch (front); 140/80-18-inch (rear)
Chain: X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4-inch
Silencer:
Aluminum
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Triple clamp offset: 22mm
Wheel base: 58.3 inches
Ground clearance: 12.5 inches
Seat height: 38.1 inches
Fuel capacity: approx. 2.25 gallons
Weight, without fuel: approx. 239.8 pounds

2016 Husqvarna FE 450

2016 Husqvarna FE 450
2016 Husqvarna FE 450

The 2016 Husqvarna FE 450’s DDS (Damped Diaphragm Steel) clutch system, which is featured on every Husqvarna off-road model (except the TE125), received an 80 gram lighter clutch basket with an updated pressure plate for better modulation with improved durability. Instead of using coil springs a single diaphragm steel pressure plate provides tension on the clutch pack. The clutch’s integrated damping system is claimed to offer better traction and durability. The clutch basket itself is a single-piece CNC machined steel unit that allows the use of thin steel liners to create a thinner profile.

2016 Husqvarna FE 450 Specifications
Engine Type: Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement: 449.3cc
Bore x stroke: 95.0mm x 63.4mm
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Starter/battery: Electric starter/12V 4Ah
Transmission: 6-speed
Fuel system: Keihin EFI, 42mm throttle body
Valvetrain: 4-valve, DOHC with finger followers
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with two oil pumps
Gear ratios: 14:36 17:32 19:28 22:26 24:23 26:21
Primary ratio: 32:76
Final drive: 13:50
Cooling: Liquid cooling
Clutch: DDS wet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Ignition: Keihin EMS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Subframe: Cross-linked Polyamide
Handlebar: Neken, aluminium Ø 28/22mm
Front suspension: WP-USD Ø 48mm 4CS Closed Cartridge, 11.8 inches of travel
Rear suspension: WP-Monoshock with linkage, 12.9 inches of travel
Front/rear brakes: disc, 260mm (front)/220mm (rear)
Front/rear rims: 1.60 x 21-inch (front); 2.15 x 18-inch (rear)
Front/rear tires: 90/90-21-inch (front); 140/80-18-inch (rear)
Chain: X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4-inch
Silencer:
Aluminum
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Triple clamp offset: 22mm
Wheel base: 58.3 inches
Ground clearance: 12.5 inches
Seat height: 38.1 inches
Fuel capacity: approx. 2.4 gallons
Weight, without fuel: approx. 248.1 pounds

2016 Husqvarna FE 501

2016 Husqvarna FE 501
2016 Husqvarna FE 501

The 2016 Husqvarna FE 501 receives the same DDS (Damped Diaphragm Steel) clutch upgrade as the FE 450, an 80 gram lighter clutch basket with an updated pressure plate for better modulation with improved durability. Instead of using coil springs a single diaphragm steel pressure plate provides tension on the clutch pack. The clutch’s integrated damping system is claimed to offer better traction and durability. The clutch basket itself is a single-piece CNC machined steel unit that allows the use of thin steel liners to create a thinner profile.

2016 Husqvarna FE 501 Specifications
Engine Type: Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement: 510.4cc
Bore x stroke: 95.0mm x 72.0mm
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Starter/battery: Electric starter/12V 4Ah
Transmission: 6-speed
Fuel system: Keihin EFI, 42mm throttle body
Valvetrain: 4-valve, DOHC with finger followers
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with two oil pumps
Gear ratios: 14:36 17:32 19:28 22:26 24:23 26:21
Primary ratio: 32:76
Final drive: 13:50
Cooling: Liquid cooling
Clutch: DDS wet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Ignition: Keihin EMS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Subframe: Cross-linked Polyamide
Handlebar: Neken, aluminium Ø 28/22mm
Front suspension: WP-USD Ø 48mm 4CS Closed Cartridge, 11.8 inches of travel
Rear suspension: WP-Monoshock with linkage, 12.9 inches of travel
Front/rear brakes: disc, 260mm (front)/220mm (rear)
Front/rear rims: 1.60 x 21-inch (front); 2.15 x 18-inch (rear)
Front/rear tires: 90/90-21-inch (front); 140/80-18-inch (rear)
Chain: X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4-inch
Silencer:
Aluminum
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Triple clamp offset: 22mm
Wheel base: 58.3 inches
Ground clearance: 12.5 inches
Seat height: 38.1 inches
Fuel capacity: approx. 2.4 gallons
Weight, without fuel: approx. 249.2 pounds

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