2018 Husqvarna TE250i, FE501 & FE250 Test Ride

Test rode the 2018 Husqvarna TE250i, FE501 and FE250 off-road motorcycles at the Husqvarna Setagaya event at Hino Country Off-road Land in Gunma-ken, Japan on Sept 30, 2017.

[@mikemoralesofficial]

Great job. Thanks for taking the time to do all these videos!

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

Always get a Teutonic knight vibe looking at that front fender, awesome machines!

[@SkinnySkinch]

Man it sounds like it lugs so well. No hiccuping either.

[@jamescollins9419]

Can you please tell he, I have a 250i 2 stroke 2018 and would like to get carbon tank cover but they only do it for an fe 250 2018. Is it the same tank??

[@markozer0]

I have a FE250 2019...for curiosity, tell me your opinion in terms of suspensions...I know Husky has improved installing heavy springs form 2018. let me know you opinion and what setting you have choosen for your test thanks!

[@WADZUP]

Sweet Huskys

[@alienchaser636]

They don't start on the 1st crank but 3rd or 4th.

[@maverick2242]

Not surprised on the comments of the 250i, but you also have to put that in context, very short loop, even compared to KTMs the airbox it is even more restrictive (choked up). Drill some holes, add a higher compression head, or port, change power valve ( u mentioned ) and also stock silencer is also another choke point, I'm sure like any 2strokes you will be able to put the snap back in the 250i. Good to see you guys out they're on a demo days though cheers

[@TokyoOffroad]

One of my friends will probably buy a KTM 250 TPI, so it will be fun to see how modding it changes the characteristics....

[@maverick2242]

Tokyo Offroad oh look forward to that then, I'm sure with power valve adj, spring swap to a red spring and winding in the power valve adjuster a half or even full turn would make that thing snap to attention, I suspect how you and others have described it, it sounds like they have them set outwards for a smoother power curve to suit a wider range of riders testing them?

[@TokyoOffroad]

The test bike had no adjustments made to the power valve spring, or tension. Yes, different people like different engine responses and characteristic, as clearly indicated by Phil who loved the TE250i in stock trim (he rides a KTM 500EXC normally). It's great that it is relatively easy to tune 2-strokes to respond how you like...

[@12121971]

Full agree with 250i opinions, I will hold out for the v2 KTM 300 when new maps and aftermarket options are developed. No more stuffing around with jets and needles is a big plus imo 👍

[@maverick2242]

Tokyo Offroad I just wondered if the setting from the Factory is softer than normal is what I meant, but hey I have not ridden one, to me it's a smart move as it gets more people buying the bike, adjustments are easy, it's hard to bring people back from a wild first ride experience, plus it seems like it just pulls and lugs without looking like stalling, though everyone who rode your bike seemed pretty blown away buy it and it's similar to my setup albeit the carb and suspension!

[@TheAneewAony]

250i would there be a fifty mile range with stock tank on single track?

[@TokyoOffroad]

The range is dependent on so many different factors so its difficult to say exactly. But for regular single track it should be more than 50miles

[@HardcoreWeeaboo]

Hi:) What is the top speed of Husqvarna Fe 250 completely stock?:) nice video!

[@TokyoOffroad]

Not sure. Probably about 140kph, but depends on gearing

[@HardcoreWeeaboo]

@@TokyoOffroad okey thx a lot:)

[@itsthebike6672]

I'm surprised they didn't have an FE350 on hand, which would have been closer in power to the two stroke 250. You won't be disappointed if you let the 350 rev out.

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, I'm sure the FE350 is a fun bike to ride. Due to licensing and vehicle inspection brackets in Japan the 250 is far more popular than the 350. And the 501 is more popular than the 350.

[@SWFlowseeker]

I’m interested in that FE 250

[@oathbreaker2339]

SWFlowseeker I have one. Great bike. Good smooth power delivery and the frame is amazing. Suspension is smooth, good for MX and Enduro tracks.

[@user-ew2ch8ch5p]

Only te250i

[@matthewtoes7329]

How difficult would it be to race a 501 for 2 hours

[@TokyoOffroad]

Matthew Toes - I had a KTM 500 EXC before and used to race that. Mostly 2H hare scrambles. Lots of fun...

[@shwackthenoobsac]

I see the Husqvarnas still need the starter pressed twice before they fire up! I thought there was something wrong with mine. I guess it has to do with the Lithium batteries needing to warm up.

[@wontrespond3263]

Mine does the same. The dealer told me to wait 20sec. before hitting the starter again. Apparently preserves battery life.

[@f3arcodm]

its an annoying thing. You need to tap it to get the fuel pump running then tap it again to start it. With my 17 KTM 350 I only have to do it when its cold. When its warm it fires up easy.

[@shwackthenoobsac]

Same, my '15 ktm 500 starts up perfect every time except for when I'm out in the desert and it's near freezing and starting it cold in the morning. The Husqvarna needed two clicks every time as you describe.

[@viper7016]

The weight difference between the Fe501 and the Te250i is only 15lbs. Why are you saying that it's heavy? Are you talking about the center of gravity?

[@TokyoOffroad]

viper7016 - Yes, the 4T engines are taller so tend to make the COG higher. They feel heavier when riding and are heavier.

[@viper7016]

Thanks man! I've been dual sporting a Honda CT70 clone around town, I think the 501 would make for a worthy upgrade : )

[@shwackthenoobsac]

They also have more rotating mass which greatly affects handling

[@JoshuaCussins]

@@shwackthenoobsac second! Took the words right out of my mouth.

[@MaxieTheManiac]

Great vid but all those bikes have 6 gears and can rev limited to about 13000 rpm, maybe try staying in the power band. i found with my husky 4000 to 12000 is where you want to be, any lower or higher and you're losing power because you're in the wrong gear.

[@TokyoOffroad]

TheReal MadMax - I can assure you that the TE250i 2-stroke and 501 rev to nothing near 13,000 rpm. As a mountain off-road trail rider characteristics I look for in a bike are somewhat different from a racer. A broad smooth and tractable powerband is very important. It the powerband is narrow and the engine needs to be wound up to high rpm it makes it difficult to enjoy for trail riding. Since making the video I purchased a 2019 KTM 250 EXC TPi 2-stroke and found the bottom end lacking. By fitting an RK TEK head it really improved the power (particularly the bottom end). I previously owned a KTM 500 EXC for a 3 year period and really enjoyed the bike, but ultimately it’s quite a bit heavier than a two stroke and more difficult to ride in technical terrain.

[@marcbeatty7762]

Was hard to watch being ridden in such a low rev range.

[@automaticcool7243]

Well for the kind of riding in the video, you'll be fine with a Piaggio Ciao really...

[@TokyoOffroad]

If Piaggio weren’t so expensive in Japan I’d be tempted...

[@j.skidmore3724]

I may sound like an imbecile, but why buy a two stroke if it hits like a four stroke? I guess because people have been brainwashed that four strokes are sooo much heavier. I understand the "lever fulcrum" effect of the taller 4T engine and added few pounds or more, but it only simulates a minimal amount of force at the top plane of the bike from the weight distribution due to the COG. I reckon the 300i would still give the desired throttle response with a more optimum COG etc when compared to the 450 4-stroke. I know its a year old post, but not much (if any) has changed this year. What do you think?

[@Fontainebleauify]

The rotating mass on a 4t makes the bike want to go straight, on a 2t it turns with a flick. Depends on what you want. On single track, 300 2t for me, hands down. So you have the higher cog, and the rotating mass making it feel heavier than it actually is, plus it is a bit heavier. Not sure what you mean by HIT?

[@kazadventures]

@@Fontainebleauify did you catch the part where the guy said his lap times are quicker on the 2 stroke. More linear power delivery. Smoother in the corners.

[@v4sdude191]

You're in Japan? If so how did a brit end up in Japan

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes. I applied for an electronic engineering job in a Japanese company, got the job and moved to Japan. That was 28 years ago and I'm still here.

[@v4sdude191]

Tokyo Offroad woh, that's amazing. What has kept you there? The job?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Work, family and offroad riding :-)

[@v4sdude191]

Tokyo Offroad damn, interesting life. Never knew Japan was good for dirt bikes.

[@j.skidmore3724]

@@TokyoOffroad That makes sense being 28 years ago. Now, I would doubt Japan has a shortage of electronic engineers to the point a company would bring in an immigrant. Good video by the way, I gave you a like.

[@jowenjv4463]

FE 250 or TE 250 for me :)

[@alienchaser636]

Big difference in power mate

[@the1mrsmith355]

crazy that they have such an outdated headlight design

[@wontrespond3263]

As you may know.. It’s outrageously unacceptable. Never mind the 501 thumper. That headlight will get you killed. At night you’re lucky to illuminate a small patch on the lane in front of you. When the brights are on everything in front of you goes black and light shines straight up, down, left, and right. Everywhere you aren’t going. Idk how it’s DOT approved. Flat out dangerous.

[@kazadventures]

@@wontrespond3263 NEW 2021 is the same

[@bhenderson7651]

Wow its a front fender for 15 minutes with no info....

[@TokyoOffroad]

B Henderson- Any suggestions regarding the type of information you would found useful? My goal for the video was to provide some ride video of each bike and then share ride impressions (myself and friends). But I’m always seeking to improve the content and quality of the videos so welcome feedback.

[@TheHuckHD]

The 250i sound boggy at slow speed

[@TokyoOffroad]

I was lugging it on purpose to see how it pulls down low. I'm sure various map tools and aftermarket ECUs will become available to change the tuning and increase performance.

[@TheHuckHD]

quick jetting question is the smaller the number on the pilot jet mean its leaner? for example i have the JD jetting pilot jet 30 but i need the screw 3 turns out to idle should i look at getting a 28? or is 3 turns normal

[@TokyoOffroad]

Punkman98 - Yes, smaller number is leaner. Three turns out on the airscrew indicates you could use a smaller pilot jet.

[@TheHuckHD]

with the 17s i think they came stock with a 35 and with the 18s mine had a 27 should i switch that back in? also thanks a lot you are more help then jd jetting themselves!

[@TokyoOffroad]

Punkman98 - JD is active on KTM Talk forum and provides very detailed and useful advice to others. However, email I haven't had much luck with. When I first got my JD Jetting kit for my Mikuni I emailed them a question and they replied with a question regarding where I purchased it from as they don't ship to Japan. Never did get an answer to my question