Marzocchi USD telescopic hydraulic fork with
advanced axle compression and rebound stroke adjustment Fork leg
diameter 50 mm fork
Front Wheel Travel
300 mm / 11.8 in
Rear Suspension
Sachs Progressive Soft Damp type with
single hydraulic shock absorber, spring pre-load adjustment. Compression and
rebound adjustment (compression stroke - double adjustment)
Rear Wheel Travel
290 mm / 11.4 in
Front Brakes
Single 260mm disc
Rear Brakes
Single 220mm disc
Front Tyre
90/90-21
Rear Tyre
120/80-18
Dimensions
Length 2267 mm / 89.2 in
Width 820 mm / 32.2 in
Height 1285 mm / 50.5 in
Wheelbase
1485 mm / 58.5 in
Seat Height
963 mm / 38.0 in
Ground Cearance
300 mm / 11.8 in
Dry Weight
108 kg / 238.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity
7.2 Litres / 1.9 US gal
For 2008 Husqvarna takes all its Enduro models to
a whole new level and the TE 250 is one of the priorities. The key to its
success is, of course, the fuel injection system which makes the bike feel like
it is on steroids, but we shouldn’t neglect the fact that all that muscle is
being properly valued by a completely new chassis. Husqvarna created it so it would make a point in the
highly acclaimed 250cc off-road category and considering the TE 250’s versatile
character and impressive four-stroke power, we reckon they did a damn good job
and the bike finds its honorable place among the best in the business.
In order to keep that place, it receives completely new frame, rear suspension,
rear frame, ergonomics and plastics, but what comes as both an innovation and a
pure factor of performance is the brand new electronic fuel injection system
that not only makes sure to keep the bike were it belongs in the customer’s
eyes, but directs it even further.
History
2002 Husqvarna TE 250
Husqvarna first introduces the TE 250 in 2002 model year as an Enduro / off-road
model participating in the race to celebrity and being powered by a 249.5cc
four-stroke single-cylinder engine featuring four valves per cylinder and a bore
and stroke of 76 x 55 mm. So apart from the carburetor, there isn’t much
difference compared to the model reviewed today. There was also an E-starter
fitted on the bike from the first day of production and that gets it even closer
to what we are facing today.
But what doesn’t do that is the five-speed gearbox, the 220mm rear brakes
diameter and the 2.11 gallons tank that saw their way on the bike for 2002 model
year.
In its first years of production, the color combination was Blue and Yellow.
After launching the TE 250, Husqvarna had planned the first important revision
for 2005 when the bike received a Mikuni TMR 36 mm carburetor, digital ignition
and dry sump with two oil pump rotor and cartridge filter to improve the
engine’s performance while the clutch was now wet, multiplate type, hydraulic.
Chassis improvements also made out of the TE 250 a top notch product. The bumps
were by now absorbed by an upside-down telescopic hydraulic adjustable fork and
progressive soft dump with hydraulic adjustable single shock absorber. Fuel tank
got a bit smaller (2.03 gallons).
For 2006, the Husky TE 250 became brighter, smarter and a bit faster and
smoother. The colors weren’t so dark, but what’s most important are the
mechanics. Even though the engine remained the same, it was now mated to a
six-speed gearbox. Front suspension was provided by Marzocchi and rear
suspension by Sachs. This is also the year when the rear disc brake diameter
increased to 240mm.
By 2007, the year when BMW bought Husqvarna, the TE 250 was approaching the
Red/White color scheme and the manufacturer tried to improve the bike’s previous
additions with new features such as the new automatic decompression system added
to the kick starter. The suspensions were recalibrated and the brakes were now
supplied by Brembo.
2008 Husqvarna TE 250
Decisive for an Enduro bike is definitely the way it looks as the visual factor
and the finishing touches have a significant impact on the sales charts and on
how a bike is either appreciated or unappreciated.
Thank Husqvarna that the TE 250 completes with all the requirements and ends up
being a beautiful trail machine. It not only attracts due to its slender and yet
aggressive look, but thanks to the color combination which comes on all
Husqvarna models.
The Red and White color scheme makes the Husky easy to identify and sets this
maker apart from the strident colors used before the introduction of Red and
White last year.
Its designers intended on making everything look like it’s made from one piece
and they did succeed as the seat blends perfectly in with the fuel tank and the
side panels, the side number plates and the rear fender.
Up front, the fender is white with a little bit of black on it, in the area
where it comes close to the black fairing surrounding the stylish headlight.
Also black are the fork, mudguards, handguards and the seat.
2008 Husqvarna TE 250
I’ve reached to the conclusion that not only Japanese bikes are excellent on the
trails (pretty late I guess), but also other motorcycles made by Husqvarna and
KTM. And one of the models that significantly contribute at this change of
opinion is the TE 250 which I had the opportunity to test. This bike is a real
blast!
It is all due to the impressively built and tuned four-stroke engine, but most
of all to the electronic fuel injection which gives better throttle response and
makes the bike more agile and faster. Immediately noticeable is the great torque
delivered from down low and the mid-range power. I’ve also ridden carbureted
Japanese bikes and although they get pretty close to it, fuel injection is
incomparable. By simply twisting the throttle in any given gear and at any rpm
level the reaction will be a healthy “hit” coming from the rear wheel that
spreads the dirt on the trails like no other.
Shifting is smooth and precise thanks to the wet clutch and six-speed gearbox
which also contributes at the power that comes constant in any situation. You
can choose your gears for the different type of riding that you prefer, but I
gave this baby a real goooo and changed the gears only to keep the front wheel
from lifting. The sixth gear, which is not found on its competitors, has the
purpose of letting the bike reach a higher top speed and so better value the
impressive powerplant.
But the fuel injection system is not the only great addition for 2008. The
chassis is completely new and I would describe it as being versatile, light, and
a great feedback-provider. You can easily direct the bike in the needed
situation as it responses in a split second and immediately finds its way on the
tough trails that never go unexplored. But for the sharp-handling behavior to be
complete, the rear suspension was also improved and tuned for better absorbing
the bumps while still remaining stable and rigid. This is the balance that
everybody aims at, and Husqvarna has done it almost perfect I can say.
Trail bikes are also supposed to be a bit more comfortable that the motocross
models and the TE 250 feels great now that its seat has been lowered by 10mm and
the rider feels more in control on the machine. This is also due to the narrow
seat which accommodated me very well and didn’t felt hard after only a few
hours.
Ok, so the new Husky TE 250 goes like no other, it is being spoiled with a
six-speed tranny, has impressive Marzocchi front and Sachs rear suspensions.
What could you ask more?
Ohh, I get it! The Brembo brakes complete the package since last year when they
were fitted on the bike so you will take part at some real braking action.
Applied on 260mm front, respective 240mm rear discs, the brake calipers do a
damn good job and let the rider know that applying only the front brake at
decent speed will definitely result into a wheelie. I always brake on both
wheels in the same time and I didn’t do an exception with this occasion.
All in all, this is a truly impressive motorcycle that is being set apart by its
innovative equipment and quality features. Riding it feels excellent and once
you’ve got a feel of it, you will never choose any other maker again.
By presenting such a filled-with-technology motorcycle that had already an
impressive fun club, Husqvarna proved having the ability to take an already
successful motorcycle to a whole new level of performance both concerning engine
power and torque and handling. Impressive work! You will definitely agree with
me on this one!