Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/117782
���Berg would motor crawl cleanly through the gnarl and snarl of New England and noodle through the tight trees and flowing single track of New Jersey. Where previous 350���s needed to be revved and lacked bottom end, the Husaberg 350 has all the bottom end you can handle. A crack of the throttle will reveal a torquey bottom-end that transitions quickly and smoothly through the mid-range and into the upper reaches of the RPM range. There really aren���t any flat spots to speak of as the motor was superb in the technical terrain, faster single track, or wide open cart roads. Check out the helmet cam footage we included in the digital version located at www.trailrider.com, where we show three riders of varying styles and abilities. In each instance, there was no need to rev the bike to get it to go. The power is always available. There is a reason why Charlie Mullins and now Mike Lafferty are aboard the 350���s. The motor is quite remarkable. When things opened, the 350 was quick and fast. At speed the bike is well mannered and predictable but you need to be aware of hitting things at speed as you will run out of bottoming resistance quickly, at least up front. The bike rides like it���s rooted to the ground and inspires confidence when pushing through technical terrain. And as we eluded to earlier, you won���t confuse the bike for a 250 in terms of handling, but it���s still more nimble than a 450. So what about any snivels? Nothing too much, really. I���d like to see a lighter 350 but the Husaberg (and KTM, presumably) does a good job at making the 350 feel lighter and more nimble than the 450. As far as the suspension, I liked the forks in New England and less so in New Jersey. Conversely, I liked the shock better in New Jersey than New England. The truth is, I don���t get too hung up about stock suspension as most of us have our suspension spe- The motor on the new FE 350 is everything we hoped it would be. cialist refine the valving and springs for our regional demands, personal styles, and weights. The bottom line is that the Husaberg 350 is the best 350 I have ridden to date. The motor is what we hoped for back in 2011, and the bike is more nimble than the 450. Is it finally the Goldilocks��� displacement? It���s getting there, and certainly going in the right direction if Husaberg/KTM continue refining their bikes each year. The suspension, depending on what you get, may take a little time to get right, but the bike is worth it. If I had to choose one four stroke to ride for every setting, it would be the Husaberg 350 FE. The bike is straight up impressive. March 2013 13