2020 Husqvarna TE250i two-stroke | Off-road review

Normally I start reviews telling you about how beautiful the weather was, but this time the weather was sh*ttttt. Despite the rain God's best efforts to ruin the day, the weather was weirdly perfect for a bit of off-road foolishness on the new 2020 Husqvarna TE250i Enduro.

Now, let me preface by saying that I’m not a pro-off-road rider, no sir/ma'am. So please don’t take my word as law. This review is just my two cents about the TE250i after a fun-filled day pissing around in the rain and mud on some private land and byways. The day out was a proper laugh and the TE is a real ripper. 

Engine

The TE 250i has a 249 cm³ cylinder, fuel-injected (39mm) two-stroke engine, likely kicking out around 50 or so HP (can’t say for certain). The engine has an incredible amount of instant power available thanks to cleverly positioned fuel injectors, a twin-valve controlled power valve, and some other wizardry that is beyond my limited technical expertise (soz). It has an exciting ‘pingy’ two-stroke character in boatloads but doesn’t vibrate you to oblivion due to an improved counterbalance shaft. 

The lovely smelling and vital two-stroke oil is pumped automatically from its own tank within the upper frame tube. So, no faffing around with pre-mixing - the bike knows best. 

The six-speed gearbox is a delight to use and you can shift with or without utilising the silky smooth Magura hydraulic clutch. It’s tight and direct with no false neutrals being found, even as we larked about a private field like aimless buffoons. 

To a complete noobie, the TE250i would require some initial right wrist caution, as it’s very powerful and has a punchy (yet delightful) powerband.

Chassis and Suspension

The new chrome-moly steel frame is made using laser-cut, robot-welded, hydro-formed tubes with the subframe being a carbon composite using 70% polyamide and 30% carbon fiber - which to the naked eye looks dope. One noticeable point is how skinny the seat/subframe is, which might not be everyones’ cup of tea. 

The front suspension is a WP Xplor fully adjustable fork with 300mm travel and the rear has the same setup just in monoshock form (with a linkage). 

Without being an expert, it felt good and usable in very tricky wet and muddy conditions. It’s fairly firm but still has a great progressive feel when compressed and decompressed. 

Handling

It goes without saying if you’re a short person the TE 250i might be a tad difficult to handle (or at least mount), especially in ruts and rough slippery terrain. But for the average Joe with a little bit of offroad knowledge, you’ll be right at home. And to quote Husqvarna it’s a ‘competition bike’, so it's very capable - far more than a goofball like me could ever test out.  

And even on the road in very poor conditions, the nobbly tyres didn’t feel half bad, as there weren't any butt-clenching moments (you know the feeling).

Brakes

The front Magura dual-piston caliper and 260mm disk setup has a good feel and isn’t snatchy at initial bite - handy for downhill technical sections where it needs to be feathered.

The rear Magura single-piston caliper and 220mm disk has an awesome amount of power and can always be relied upon if required. Plus, stamping on it to induce a slide is fun as heck.  

We like: 

• Instant power from any revs

• Featherweight clutch 

• Lack of vibration through bars

• The ol’ smell of two stroke

• Electric starter (no kick-starter)

We don’t like:

• Rock hard seat

• No key or immobiliser 

With regards to the hard seat, most enduro riders will spend 70-80% of their time standing up. However, the other 20% of the time spent sitting down on this thing would not be ideal. Luckily the standing position is very natural. 

Verdict

Is it a beginner bike? No. The TE250i is a full-blown competition bike capable of physics defining things that only the brave will attempt. Do you have to ride it like a pro? No. You can poddle from green lane to green lane no bother, just keep an eye on your fuel because there’s no reserve light.

Plus, as autumn and winter fast approach, enduro-style motorbikes offer a great way to improve and perfect your riding skills even in the cold and wet - whilst having a proper laugh.  

If you've got a soft spot for two-stroke off-road bikes the TE 250i might just be for you. 

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