2020 Husqvarna FE 350s Review

[Hugh Janus]

Riding the 2020 Husqvarna FE 350s. (Jeff Allen/)

The Husqvarna FE 350s model is possibly one of the best dual sport bikes on the market. Significant updates have been made to the Austrian manufacturer’s 350cc four-stroke street-legal dirt bike for 2020. It features Husqvarna’s newest-generation frame, which is stiffer for overall improved handling and straight-line stability. It is the same as the FC 350 motocross and FX cross-country models, as is the engine architecture and bodywork. A WP Xplor 48mm fork and WP Xplor shock handle the suspension duties, while Continental TKC 80 tires are mounted on the wheels for a long life and a very quiet ride. To improve highway comfort, the rim locks are left off, but are included in the tool kit with the purchase of the bike.

2020 Husqvarna FE 350s Engine

As of the new decade, Husqvarna manufacturers four 350cc four-stroke models. The street-legal version is the FE 350s. (Jeff Allen/)

The FE 350s engine is a true Husqvarna 350cc four-stroke, but it is set up to meet all EPA regulations and be street-legal. This may not sound like a big deal, but making a competition engine run well with those requirements is not an easy task.

Emissions are something that we have been dealing with, but compounding the regulations are the noise restrictions. Mufflers are easily quiet enough to pass sound tests, but now the engine has to be quieter. One of the things Husqvarna does to accomplish that is putting a reed valve in the airbox to reduce intake noise. Other EPA factors include a smaller-diameter header pipe with an O2 sensor, a catalytic converter stuffed into the mid-pipe, and an end cap with outlet holes that are about the same size as the salt shaker on your kitchen table has. On the dyno, the restrictions are painfully obvious, as the FE 350s makes 16.3 less peak horsepower than the FX 350 cross-country model.

In order for it to be street-legal, the FE 350s is set up to meet all EPA regulations. Because of this, it makes 16.3 less peak horsepower than the FX 350 cross-country competition model. (Jeff Allen/)

In comparison to the FC 350 motocrosser or FX 350, the FE 350s is down on power, but that really does not take any of the fun away. The thing that is easily taken for granted is how smooth it runs. It starts perfect, idles smoothly, and has zero hesitation when you crack the throttle. The engine never flames out and has little to no engine decel pop. In the tightest of trails, the gearing is decent. This combined with the smooth power means there is minimal clutch use necessary and in turn, the engine runs cooler; I never experienced any overheating. The only time you may want a little extra power is if you decide to climb some hills that are actually meant for a competition bike.

Although the FE 350s’ engine is down on power compared to the FC 350 motocrosser or FX 350 model, it has excellent running characteristics. It starts perfect, idles smoothly, and has zero hesitation when you crack the throttle. (Jeff Allen/)

The six-speed gearbox has a super-low first, normal second, and is taller from third through sixth gears. The 14:48 gearing works well and gives you plenty of top speed, making it easy to ride, even on the 70 mph interstate highways. The clutch action is smooth and predictable. I had no issues with the Magura hydraulic system on this bike.

2020 Husqvarna FE 350s Suspension & Chassis/Handling

For 2020, Husqvarna’s 350cc dual sport features a stiffer frame and new bodywork. The WP Xplor 48mm fork and WP Xplor shock have updated settings, while the engine features a lighter cylinder head, new camshafts, and a different head gasket that increases the compression ratio from 12.3:1 to 13.5:1. (Jeff Allen/)

The FE 350s’ suspension components are the most current model of the WP Xplor 48mm fork and WP Xplor shock with linkage. The FE 350s chassis received all the major updates the motocross and cross-country bikes were granted in 2019 as well.

The new frame features increased stiffness for improved rider feedback, better energy absorption, and increased stability. The radiators have been lowered 12mm in an effort to lower the center of gravity. The carbon composite subframe is 250 grams lighter and 50mm longer with more rigidity for improved rider comfort.

The bodywork has also been updated and the ergonomics are specifically tailored to deliver greater comfort and control. The contact points have been slimmed down and because of the new wiring harness, the seat height is claimed to have been reduced by 10mm.

The Xplor fork is an open cartridge, coil-spring design and is configured specifically for enduro. Adjustments are made via the clickers on the top of each fork leg. It has an added benefit of external preload adjuster that can be moved without tools. The Xplor shock has updated base settings to match the new frame and front end.

Although the suspension is cushy and works well in low-speed areas, it is simply too soft in stock form for anyone above a novice off-road rider. (Jeff Allen/)

The FE 350s feels very light and nimble. Its smooth power and soft, cushy suspension make it fun in rocks and in tight, low-speed sections. While it works very well at low speeds and on the road, there is a point where you can find yourself using up all of the travel and still wanting to go faster. The fork is easy to adjust and offers external compression, rebound, and preload adjustments. Unfortunately, the front suspension is simply too soft in stock form for anyone above a novice off-road rider.

You can somewhat compensate for the suspension with riding style. Decreasing the preload on the shock, thereby lowering the rear end, can also assist to move more weight to the back of the bike. On flowing single-track, it is still manageable, but when it comes to heavy braking or downhill canyons, the front end can become hard to manage.

2020 Husqvarna FE 350s Overall Impression

The FE 350s is a light and maneuverable dual sport bike. (Jeff Allen/)

The 2020 Husqvarna FE 350s is a very fun bike to ride. It’s a dirt bike first and street-legal second. Obviously, there are few things that you may want to change before you take it to your favorite two-track road.

First, the tires. While they are super quiet on the pavement, they fall short on their off-road capabilities. Fortunately, there are quite a few options for DOT-approved knobby tires. After you pick up a set, be sure to add the rim locks while you are mounting them. Also, if you plan on doing longer highway rides, consider two rim locks per wheel to reduce the possibility of the wheels being out of balance. With the new knobby tires, you may want to consider a more compact taillight license plate holder, as over time it will catch in the rear wheel.

If you are thinking about purchasing an FE 350s and want to ride it more off road than on road, I would suggest getting some suspension upgrades and leaving the engine alone. It will be very easy to improve on the stock suspension. If you think you are going to improve on the engine power by changing the exhaust or removing parts here or there, you need to be careful. Any change to the engine or its external parts will require different EFI and ignition mapping. While it is down on peak horsepower, the engine runs excellently as is, and with modification, it could easily go backward.

Overall, what the FE 350s lacks in high performance, it makes up for in high enjoyment. Ride days of 150 miles from your house to the tightest of trails, fire roads, and back are no problem for the FE 350s.

Gearbox

The FE 350s has a high fun factor. It’s a dirt bike first and street-legal second. (Jeff Allen/)

Helmet: Shoei VFX-EVO

Goggle: 100% Racecraft Plus (+)

Jacket: Thor MX Terrain

Jersey: Thor MX Pulse Air

Gloves: Thor MX Rebound

Pant: Thor MX Pulse Air

Boots: Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS

2020 Husqvarna FE 350s Tech Spec

PRICE	$ 11,099
ENGINE	349.7cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
MEASURED HORSEPOWER	32.8 hp @ 10,100 rpm
MEASURED TORQUE	20.5 lb.-ft. @ 7,600 rpm
FRAME	Steel central double cradle
FRONT SUSPENSION	WP Xplor 48mm inverted fork adjustable for spring preload, compression damping, and rebound damping; 11.8-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	WP Xact shock adjustable for spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping; 11.8-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Magura 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
REAR BRAKE	Magura 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
WHEELBASE	58.5 in.
MEASURED SEAT HEIGHT	36.7 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	2.2 gal.
MEASURED WEIGHT	258 lb. wet
AVAILABLE	Now
CONTACT	husqvarna-motorcycles.com

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