ONE PHOTO & ONE STORY: TWO-STROKE DEVELOPMENT

2017 Husqvarna TC250
By John Basher

Every May marks the beginning of the new model season, and this year is no different. Husqvarna and KTM have already released studio images and intimate details regarding their 2017 model lineups. It’s an exciting time. Diehard moto heads love to learn about the latest updates and gear up for what they can expect once bikes hit showroom floors. For some, it sparks an urge to buy a new bike. For others, they only want to know if the new models make their current race bike obsolete. If you are the owner of a 2016 or older KTM 250SX or Husqvarna TC250, then you’ll be saddened by what you’re about to read.

The 2017 Husqvarna TC250 two-stroke weighs 211.2 pounds (without fuel); it’s over four pounds less than last year’s model (215.4 pounds). The biggest changes on the 2017 TC250 can be found in the all-new engine. Features include:

(1) New engine cases.
(2) A new counter balancer shaft for reduced vibration.
(3) A twin-valve controlled power valve that can be changed for different power delivery.
(4) A revised five-speed gearbox. The gear ratios are the same, while the shift mechanism and gear lever are updated.
(5) A new cylinder head, with a revised water jacket design for better cooling, and a new mounting location to reduce vibration.
(6) A new piston shape increases stability and reliability.
(7) The TC250’s new die-cast engine cases are a result of the new internal shaft arrangement. The clutch shaft is 4mm higher, while the crankshaft position is 19.5mm higher.
(8) Gone is the Keihin carburetor. Husqvarna is using a 38mm flat slide Mikuni TMX carburetor in 2017. Why the change? Husqvarna has found smoother, more controllable power with the Mikuni.
(9) The TC250 finally gets the hand-me-down DDS (Damped Diaphragm Steel) clutch that has been used on the KTM 450SXF. It replaces the coil spring design and provides lighter clutch action.
(10) WP is manufacturing the new exhaust head pipe using a three-dimensional stamping process. All exhaust ports are robot welded for improved durability, strength and performance.

“THANKS TO THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS OF KTM AND HUSQVARNA,THE FUTURE OF TWO-STROKE MOTOCROSS BIKES LOOK BRIGHT.”

Husqvarna has jumped on the air fork revolution. WP AER 48mm air forks come standard on all 2017 Husqvarnas except the TC85. The forks weigh over 3 pounds less than the previous WP 4CS fork. Want more info on the AER 48mm fork (which came on the 2016-1/2 KTM 450SXF and 250SXF Factory Editions)? See below:

The split air fork features a capsuled air spring and pressurized oil chamber for progressive and consistent damping. By using a capsuled air spring, the fork retains its spring function. The new forks are easy to adjust through a single air valve and supplied fork pump for preload and click adjustments (30 clicks each) for compression and rebound. The split-system consist of an air suspension unit and a hydraulic damping unit. Wheel travel has been increased from 300mm to 310mm. The outer fork tubes have a friction-optimized coating.

Of course, it would be unfair to overlook other quality attributes of the 2017 Husqvarna TC250 two-stroke. Don’t forget the Magura hydraulic clutch, super strong Brembo front brake, Dunlop MX3S tires, steel frame, composite carbon fiber subframe, cast aluminum swingarm, self-cleaning footpegs, ODI lock-on grips, integrated cooling system with the radiators, no-tools airbox, D.I.D. rims and radical styling. Thanks to the continued development efforts of KTM and Husqvarna, the future of two-stroke motocross bikes look bright.

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