10 Things You Didn’t Know About The 2020 Husqvarna FE350S
Husqvarna recently launched its new 2020 model year of the FE 350s dirt bike. It’s been one of the most highly anticipated releases for dirt bikers looking at the brand for a next-generation revamp which was overdue. It isn’t that the previous model years were not agile performers, but in a climate where evolution in automotive technology is the norm, it was time to see a few new features and Husqvarna was compliant with this demand. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the 2020 Husqvarna FE350s that might encourage you to head to a dealer.
1. Handling and agility are superb
The powerplant that drives performance for the 2020 FE350S is a DOHC 350 cc that is among the most highly ranked in its class. The structure of the engine is similar to the 250 cc version and this has allowed engineers to tune it for the superb handling of the lightweight 250 and the power of the 450 to find the sweet spot of balance.
2. The power to weight ratio has been improved
The reason for the FE350S high performance that rivals the 450 is due to an enhancement in the bike’s power-to-weight ratio. The new chassis is more lightweight and this gives it the feel and agility of a 250 combined with the sensation of power that rivals a 450.
3. The cylinder head is new
Husqvarna engineers came up with a new cylinder head that features new casting and the inclusion of a lateral coolant outlet in what has resulted in a new layout for the component. It’s also lighter by 200 grams. They cut back on pounds and ounces wherever possible and feasible. The timing has been optimized and the camshafts are new as well as the DLC coated finger followers that are low friction. The valves are made of lightweight titanium with a 29.1 mm exhaust and a 36.3 mm intake. The cylinder head cover, spark plug connector and spark plug are also all new to provide the best possible performance for the new model year.
4. The compression ratio is increased
The compression ratio for the 2020 Husqvarna FE350s has been jumped from 12.3:1 to 13.5:1. The updated stats are due to the new cooling structure with lightweight box-type piston, an 88 mm bore cylinder with refinements to tweak the power, and lower oscillating masses as a result of these efforts. Other benefits include an exceptionally wide powerband and higher revs. An optimized piston crown is an ideal fit in the combustion chamber and the new cylinder head gasket completes the redesign for a boost of higher performance.
5. The FE 350s for 2020 has enhanced control
The lighter version of the FE 350S has improved control with a handlebar-mounted map select switch which is a feature that allows the rider to choose between two EFI maps to change the character of the engine to suit his or her preference. The FE350s is a dual-sport bike that is more aggressive with fewer restrictions on its power pack. It’s lighter and more powerful.
6. The Chassis has been upgraded
In discussing what’s new for 2020, the chassis of the new generation FE 350S has also been upgraded. The bike has a new frame with more torsional and longitudinal rigidity. The subframe was made lighter with new composite carbon fiber materials. The chassis upgrades have added to the stability and handling and have also enhanced rider feedback. It’s always interesting when new materials are introduced because it changes the overall performance, at least in some aspects.
7. Husqvarna reduced the vibration
The ride is more comfortable because of upgrades that helped to reduce the vibration of the bike. The rider’s feel is also enhanced because of less sensory interference from vibration. This was achieved by optimizing the flex in the cylinder head mountings by using a new and improved aluminum material. The smallest details were taken into consideration by Husqvarna and they culminated in a lot of improvements for the 2020 model year.
8. Performance comfort and traction enhancements new for 2020
The updates continue on with 48 mm WP XPLOR front forks along with the easy to adjust WP Xact shocks for lessening the odds of bottoming and better consistency in dampening. The linkage system is also revamped with a reduction in the height of the seat by 20mm for more control when riding over terrain that is more technical.
9. The sum of the parts for the 2020 Husqvarna FE 350s
The FES has received a major revamp with so many small changes and a few big ones that all work together to turn an already good machine into a better version of itself. It starts with updates in the fork with a mid-valve piston and setting that is new. The new shock linkage reduced the seat height for greater rider control in rough terrain. It’s rolling off production lines with an update to its 4-stroke engines with Traction Control and Map Select, progressing new design in the bodywork and better ergonomics, upgraded cooling circuit, a new set, new exhaust system, and more.
10. In case you didn’t know…it’s already here
The new 2020 Husqvarna FE 350s was released to dealerships in September of 2019 for sale as a 2020 model year. It started out with a manufacturer’s suggested retail selling price of $11,099 for the base bike. Although it’s not every dirt biker’s cup of tea, this is a bike that at least catches the attention of professional motocross racers enough for a test run. Jason Anderson was one who gave it a spin. You can check out the official Husqvarna site for more information on the accessories that are available including a first aid kit, a rear brake conversion kit, a handlebar pad, a pit board, and a plug-in stand if you’re interested in adding a few more goodies to your order.
