Dirt & Trail SEPTEMBER 2022

Kyle:- “On the four stroke side what are some
of the big changes?”
Grant:- “Pretty much everything. It’s a brand
new motorcycle from front to back, the only
parts it shares from last year’s models are the
fuel cap and the front wheel. New frame and
new swingarm, paired together with a new
linkage which gives the bike a much better
geometry for the suspension which gives the
rider a better forward position giving him/her
a better rider triangle. As far as the rest of the
bike goes, the engines are completely new
on the four strokes and two strokes. The rear
shock is brand new as well with a different
ratio than what it had. It has a really plush
feeling and most of that is attributed to the
new linkage.”
Kyle:- “Take us through the two strokes. What
has changed?”
Grant:- “The power delivery on the new 2
strokes is completely different to how it
was on previous models. Now, thanks to
direct injection it is immediate power. The
powerband, when that kicks in it is a lot less
noticeable because you now have continuous,
smoother power delivery throughout the curve
thanks to the electronically activated power
valve, which, incidentally you can adjust… you
have to be really clever to do it, but you can
do it to suit your riding style. All the other
upgrades done to the bike to make a huge
difference there. The electronic power-valve is
huge difference and improvement along with
the direct fuel injections on the two strokes
which is literally a first of its kind… A fuel
injected motocross bike that works.”
You’ll have read our intro on these bikes a few
issues ago, so we won’t bore you with all of
the info – but here’s a quick recap with some
comments from our riders…
2-Strokes:
The biggest news for the 2023 two-strokes is
the addition of throttle body injection (TBI) on
select models. Both of Husqvarna’s two-stroke
motocrossers, the TC 125 and TC 250, come
equipped with this new technology.
TBI is an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system
that uses a Keihin 39mm throttle body injector
to deliver fuel in the traditional manner through
a reed valve to the engine.
Husqvarna’s TBI system requires riders to
premix fuel in 40:1 (TC 125) and 60:1 (TC 250)
ratios.
The battery for the new system allows for
electric starting and there is no kickstarter
option on either the TC 125 or TC 250.
The power valve is also electronically
controlled for 2023, while the injection
system has dual injectors to facilitate optimal
performance.
Ergonomically, the 2023 machines are a
marked improvement. The seat has more
padding and a better shape; the rider contact
points are designed with grip in mind; and even
the footpegs are engineered differently.
To say that the bikes are all-new is an
understatement: The 2023 two-strokes look to
be game changers…
Husqvarna TC125
While the rolling chassis and much of the 2023
Husqvarna TC 125 is shared across the board
with even the big FC 450, the new 125 has its
own engine that is entirely different from the
TC 250 (and, of course, the four-strokes).
Displacing 125cc via a 54.0 x 54.5mm bore
and stroke, the revised motor with its casereed
induction gets the same electronic
newness as the 250: EFI, electronic power
valve, choice of two engine maps, and electric
starting. Rather than a linkage, the throttle
cable directly activates the Keihin 39mm
throttle body.
Although the basic WP Xact fork and shock
are the same as on its bigger brothers, the TC
125 gets its own settings to correspond to
its lighter weight. Other commonalities worth
mentioning are the new bodywork that makes
it easier for the rider to move around plus
service the toolless quick-access airbox,
TC125
TC250