Husqvarna TC 250 96kg 42.7bhp
Is a 250 smoker uncompetitive in MX2? Ask Mattia Guadagnini, who ran among the factory four-strokes in the deep sand of Riola Sardo in the opening Italian International this year.
The TC250 is a modern, well-sorted bike. It has the ergonomics and chassis of the FC250, combined with lower weight thanks to the simple engine that uses a kickstart. No heavy electric start and battery here. All the old-school fun of a 250 two-stroke in a modern package.
The WP XACT 48mm air forks are identical to that of the FC250 but less air pressure since the bike is lighter. Lesiardo likes it like this, while Dani thought it was a bit too soft front so increased the compression damping by four clicks.
The rear WP XACT was immediately liked by both testers. Despite the engine’s immense torque, it kept good traction.
The TC250’s suspension is an excellent compromise. A tad soft for a pro but smooth and well-sorted for anyone else. It soaks up the bumps well and is a well-balanced package.
Maintenance
Motor oil: 0.8 litres
Oil change: after running in (5 hours) and then every 20 hours
Air filter cleaning: after every race, replaced when used in sand
Piston Replacement: every 20 hours
Valves: Check after the first 3 hours and then every 30 hours
Starter motor: N/A
Oil mix:60:1
Tyres
Front: Dunlop Geomax MX3SF 80 / 100-21
Rear: Dunlop Geomax MX3S 110 / 90-19
What the testers said:
Morgan Lesiardo:
What a bike! I like it so much. It’s fun but also effective, with exaggerated handling, traction and suspension. The low and mid range is a little sweeter than the four-stroke and top end it signs off far earlier. So you constantly have to make sure it’s in the right gear. If the track is soft, you really feel is lighter and that makes a difference. It has more bhp and if you don’t make mistakes, it’s very strong. And of course it has no engine braking, so if you come from a 250F you have to brake more.
In the air and on whoops it is less sensitive to rider input, so you have to work more with your body. But for an amateur rider, it is the perfect bike.
Stefano Dani:
The suspension feels a little softer than the KTM two-stroke, and the engine is a little less rough. Compared to a 250F, the TC250 she needs more control. The mid range means you are risk of highsiding more, and sliding out in turns if you get on the gas too hard.
This makes it harder to ride on slippery tracks, but on mud, sand and rough circuits I would say that it is an advantage.
If you choose to ride a four-stroke, it’s more difficult to get things wrong. Get it right on a two-stroke 250 and it’s a very strong bike.
Verdict
Putting a 250 two-stroke against 250 four-strokes is something new. The Husqvarna TC250 was a big surprise. Its scores resemble that of its four-stroke sibling, with which it shares plastics and chassis.
Like the KTM, the Husky TC250 gets all the latest in chassis and suspension tech, and is a very effective race bike. It’s well balanced and in certain tracks, has an advantage. And if fun was a category on our score sheet, it would have done even better.
