2014 Husqvarna TE300 - First Ride

Although it might take some time to grasp Husqvarna's changing owners and colors, there's no easier bike to get accustomed to than the new TE300. The bike, which received high accolades as a Husaberg, is now exclusively a Husqvarna because the two companies have been "reunited" as one under the KTM umbrella.

To celebrate this reunion (and the company's Swedish heritage), Husqvarna invited Cycle World to Uddevalla, Sweden, to sample the new model lineup. One thing was immediately clear: As a sister company to KTM, Husqvarna now benefits from the same quality and craftsmanship that go into the orange machines. Production has even moved from Italy to Mattighofen, Austria.

As such, the TE300 embraces everything a great motorcycle should. Comfortable ergonomics, class-leading suspension, and a motor that could be ridden on the moon characterize the bike, which can be kept a gear high and still offer plenty of torquey traction tug in the wet conditions we experienced on our test. When using a lower gear to get the bike to pop, the new TE300 doesn’t have the sluggish response of other 300s; it actually has 250-like snap.

What’s more, the TE300 has the maneuverability to instantly correct bad line choice. It’s easy for the rider to stay in control when hitting unexpected rocks or roots, and the compliant suspension means the bike never skips a beat when traversing tough terrain.

Want proof that the new 2014 Husqvarnas are a whole lot better? Ride the new TE300.

SOME OTHER HUSKYS:

FE250

FE450

TE125

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