RUST magazine: RUST #45

ENDURO
w
HAVE THE 2020 KTM AND
HUSQVARANA FUEL INJECTED 250
TWO-STROKES IMPROVED OVER
PREVIOUS YEARS?
The biggest challenge for KTM/Husky
has been to try and make the EFI bikes’
power delivery replicate the feel of
a carb fuelled bike. Although these
bikes have sold very well it has taken
some time for riders to get used to the
character of the modern EFI two-stokes.
Even now the EFI bike is still a long
way from feeing like a carb fuelled bike,
but I have no doubt that the dedicated
R&D department at Mattighofen will get
there and be able to produce maps to
suit what both pro racers and trail-riders
demand.
But do the 2020 fuel injected twostrokes
show any improvement? I think
they do. Here’s why. The fuel injection
feels crisper and more refined than
previous models. Starting both bikes
was a cinch and neither showed any
signs of bogging. The throttle response
was clean and immediate throughout
the rev range, and the EMS was so
precise that I wished it wasn’t – the
fuel-air delivery makes these fuel
injected 250s so predictable. I would like
both brands (especially Husqvarna) to
make the engine mapping a little more
aggressive, they would sell more 250s I
think.
Don’t misunderstand me, there is
nothing wrong with the 250s as is and
80% of riders are going to be more than
happy with them stock, but if you want
to race these bikes competitively they
could do with more power, akin to the
power of a carb 250.
w
32
www.rustsports.com