2020 Husqvarna FC 350 | Track Tested

2020 HUSQVARNA FC 350 | COMPLETE CONTENT ARCHIVE

The 2020 Husqvarna FC 350 is on dealership floors and we got our hands on one last week. Since then, we’ve logged several hours on it and we must admit that we smiled the entire time. The 350cc engine first came into prominence wrapped in a KTM SX-F package, but since Husqvarna was brought into the KTM group, consumers now have a second choice when it comes to the mid-sized machines. Oddly enough, it seems as if the FC 350 is a well-kept secret as our machine has drawn attention and questions at the track, with the most common being, “Husky makes a 350?”

What’s New

For 2020, the list of changes made to the Husqvarna FC 350 is not a long one, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! The bike is a solid performer and the updates made to it were carefully calculated. For 2020, Husqvarna has developed its own suspension settings for the United States market, and they went in a different direction than sister brand KTM. The WP fork and shock are set up to provide more initial comfort without sacrificing performance at speed, and of course, the air fork is infinitely adjustable with the included fork pump to adjust spring rate.

The motor remains as it was in 2019, with two map settings and optional traction control making for four distinctly difference settings, but the rear sprocket is up a tooth at 51. Finally, the 2020 bike comes with an optional side panel/airbox cover that is aggressively vented with louvers at the top edge. Seeing as most race teams add performance to their race bikes by drilling holes in the cover, the cover is a much cleaner option. Of course, a revised graphic scheme differentiates the new model and we love the in-molded design.

On The Track

The most common question we get about the FC 350 is, “Does it feel like a gnarly 250 or a slow 450?” The answer? Neither! The FC 350 is obviously more powerful than any modified 250 we’ve ridden, but it’s also easier to ride than even the any 450. Versatile is the word that best describes the 350, as it can be ridden aggressively and revved to the moon, or lugged around the track in a high gear. It is effective and responds well to both styles of riding, and the transmission ratios are perfectly matched to the displacement of the engine, During our initial ride at Milestone MX Park, we found that we could ride the entire track in third gear, managing even the tight corners with the clutch. The variable map settings and traction control provide marked differences that are easy to distinguish: map one has better roll-on power and a smoother powerband, while map two is more hard-hitting and aggressive, with more on top. Our preference? Most of our testers like map two with the traction control on.

The revised suspension setting on the 2020 bike were greeted with mixed reviews from our testers, but that’s not to say we didn’t like the way the FC 350 handles. Our lightest and quickest tester who rode the bike – Cody Whitsett – weighs in at a mere 130 lbs. On the other end of the spectrum, swap weighs 175 lbs. and races the old man class. The new softer settings brought a smile to Whitsett’s face and he was able to attain an ideal race-ready setting through lower pressure in the fork and softer clicker settings on both ends. “It feels like this bike was valved for me,” he commented. At the same time, Maeda was able to set the bike up comfortably, too. While it was indeed more compliant and comfortable in the initial portions of the suspension travel, the settings do give the bike a more active feel that yields more comfort but at the same time can give the bike a heavier, wallowy feel. Furthermore, the WP air forks have a harsh feel in slap-down landings that mechanical spring forks simply do not suffer from.

Front-to-rear balance is excellent as the Husqvarna has a relatively neutral weight bias, while maintaining great front-wheel traction and cornering abilities. Remaining standing in a sweeping corner is especially comfortable on the Husky, as the front end has a planted feel that inspires confidence. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the bike tips into rutted corners with ease and stays leaned over and clawing for traction.

We’ve got a few things in store for our FC 350 test bike and will be posting more about its transformation as we learn more about the super-fun machine. Have anything you’d like us to test out before you invest? Drop us a comment below!

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