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2024 250 Shootout

2024 250 MX Shootout | Gas Gas vs. Honda vs. Husqvarna vs. Kawasaki vs. KTM vs. Yamaha

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2024 Husqvarna FC 250

Sixth Place: 2024 Husqvarna FC 250

Test Rider Scores: 6-5-6-6-6

The Husqvarna FC 250 returns unchanged, save for some suspension settings aimed at more rider comfort. Though the bike is indeed comfortable and easy to ride, it does lose some of its comfort at higher speeds and in rough conditions. Test riders largely didn’t take a liking to the Husky’s lower suspension settings, and although the bike’s powerband offers tunability with the map switch, the Husky’s airbox produces a more muted powerband that left some wanting more.

Alex Ray on the FC 250.

“The Husky has a great engine and it is strongest from the mid to top range of the powerband. It is the easiest bike to ride. Husqvarna made changes to the suspension in search of comfort and it shows, as it is forgiving and comfortable. It bottoms easily and you must be prepared for that.” – Kyle Vara

“The engine is friendly and it distributes power evenly throughout the power curve. The bike handles well and It is stable. Cornering is pleasant due to its lower stance. I like the ergonomics and the lower stance fits me nicely because I am short.” – Humberto Baca

“Power is similar to the KTM but not as responsive, and I believe this has something to do with the airbox being choked up. I don’t like the lower suspension and even with the shock sag at 102mm, the bike felt like a chopper to me. I would need more power and better suspension if I was gonna buy this bike for myself.” – Alex Ray

“Although the suspension valving is the same as the KTM, the husky feels more harsh in the mid-stroke. I am not a fan of the lower suspension. I think it offers a harsher, feel, and being a taller rider I prefer the taller stance of the standard suspension settings.” – Pat Foster

“This is the most I’ve liked the Husky in a few years. The engine is unchanged on paper but this one revs quicker and more freely. I think the bike is pretty soft and rides in the harsh portion of the suspension stroke.” – Donn Maeda

Test Rider Hits

Plush and comfortable

Easy to ride

Great ergonomics

Mapping makes a difference

The handlebars offer the most flex and comfort of the Austrian bikes

Wide variation in map settings

Test Rider Misses

Low stance is awkward

Low-end power is lacking

Soft suspension gets harsh

Unbalanced suspension

Light grey and yellow are bland

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Donn Maeda

Donn Maeda is a 30-year veteran in moto-journalism, having worked at Cycle News and Dirt Rider before launching MXracer Magazine and TransWorld Motocross Magazine. Maeda is the Editor-In-Chief at Swapmoto Live and you can catch him on a dirt bike or in the saddle of a mountain bike on most days.

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1 Comment

  1. James Wilkinson October 16, 2023

    Good Morning,

    Can you please share the Steve Tokarski map that you guys were referring to in the roundtable discussion? It would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank You