Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/294885
April 2014 19 HUSQVArNA te 250 Chapter 4: Back on Top T he new Husqvarnas have arrived and you have to admit, they look good in their modernized, white, yellow and blue Swedish throwback attire. The latest rendition of the Husqvarna brand is tastefully reminiscent of the 1986 TE line that for some gen-x'ers and baby boomers represent the brand in its heyday. Others prefer the Italian Ca- giva version while some prefer the German BMW version. Regardless of where your fa- vorite Husqvarna originated from, it is now KTM's turn at revitalizing the once top-of-the-line brand. Unsurprisingly, there is a vocal minority that is vehemently opposed to this latest chapter in the Husqvarna saga. I get that. At least a non-KTM owned Husq- varna represented something original and distinct, even it if was, in the case of the 2-stroke, dated. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, the starting point for the Husqvarna is an as- semblage of proven parts and components: a KTM motor and chassis that closely resem- bles the Husaberg, but with linkage. Similar to the Husaberg and KTM XC-W, the Husq- varna comes with a softer ignition curve that is better suited towards technical woods rid- ing. Similarly, the transmission has a wide ratio with a shorter first and second gear fol- lowed by a taller third gear. The new 4-CS forks are also fitted in 20 mm triple clamps and are valved softer for woods riding. The sub frame is polymer, like the Husaberg, which is heavier than the aluminum one that comes on the KTM XC-W. The result is a familiar-feeling bike with a twist of uniqueness. If you thought that the new Husqvarna would feel like a copy of the Husaberg, it does not. It's close, but the link- age lends a lower riding, "XC feel" and by ex- tension, a different kind of feedback and performance on the trail. The valving in the