2016 Husqvarna FC250

2016 Husqvarna® FC 250

A completely new 250cc DOHC engine has been designed to perfectly match the new generation chassis. All internal components have been revised and repackaged in order to reposition the engine within the new chromoly steel frame, shifting the mass closer to the centre of gravity of the motorcycle. In combination with the shorter and lighter carbon fibre rear subframe, revised 4CS fork, new shock, new rear link and shorter exhaust, the new FC 250 has enormously improved handling, manoeuvrability and performance compared to the previous generation.

The engineers in Research and Development have designed a completely new chromium molibdenum steel frame that redefines every structural aspect in order to improve handling, ergonomics and packaging. The torsional rigidity and longitudinal stiffness have been completely rethought. The 6mm wider and 2mm lower steel tubes offer 20% more torsional rigidity and 30% less longitudinal stiffness compared to the previous generation frame design. These characteristics, matched to the new engine stays, improve handling precision while at the same time increasing bump-absorption and feeling.

WP’s 4CS fork has a revised setup to match the new chassis characteristics of the MY16 generation motocross. As with all 4CS forks by WP, the clicker settings can be easily and quickly adjusted via the dials on the top of the fork tubes. The red dial on the right alters rebound damping, while the white dial on the left is for compression damping. A new, shorter and lighter shock by WP features a larger gas chamber designed to maintain consistent performance during use. New internal components, such as the piston and shock shaft increase setup options. A new clevis design contributes to shortening the overall length by 12 mm, while the stroke is reduced by 3 mm. The shock is completely adjustable for high and low speed compression damping as well as rebound. The rear link has been completely redesigned to match the new rear shock. 148.2 mm pull rods replace the previous link’s 145 mm items and, combined with the redesigned bell crank, maintains a similar progressive rate as MY15. Rear wheel travel is now 300 mm and, thanks to the uprated rear suspension behaviour, softer springs can be used.

The new FC 250 features a completely redesigned engine with mass-centralisation and weight reduction as the main goals. All the major components have been repositioned; the crankshaft has been raised by 6 mm while the clutch shaft is 11.1 mm further back and 26.9 mm higher up. These modifications required a complete redesign of the crankcases which are now significantly more compact and lighter.

The crankshaft has been repositioned and is now 6 mm higher than on the previous engine and, together with a 6 mm shorter con-rod, repositioned internal components and redesigned crankcases, results in a shortened engine by 20 mm, bringing the mass closer to the centre of gravity of the bike. The 250 cc engine is not only smaller, but also 1.1 kg lighter for an overall weight of just 26.1 kg. Overall power output is now rated at 46 hp at the output shaft.

The new DOHC cylinder head has an optimised combustion chamber, new camshafts with new timing, 30% harder DLC coating on the finger followers to reduce friction and new valve springs and retainers. The modifications are aimed at boosting low- and mid-range torque as well as peak power.