2020 Husqvarna TE 300i Review

Two-strokes and electronic fuel injection are now becoming the norm. We still want two-stroke dirt bikes and with the advancement of EFI, we can see they are still going to be around for a while. One of the biggest reasons Husqvarna and KTM have EFI on their two-stroke off-road and enduro motorcycles is to meet the 2020 Euro 5 emission regulations. Here in the United States, there are different regulations, but we can still benefit from these advancements and hopefully keep the environmentalists at bay.

Related: 2020 Husqvarna FX 350 Review

The 2020 Husqvarna TE 300i received some updates similar to those of the 2019 motocross and cross-country models. Most of the major changes were to the chassis including a new frame, which offers increased longitudinal and torsional rigidity, along with a lighter two-piece subframe, updated suspension settings, a 10mm lower seat height, 12mm lower radiator mounting, and new bodywork to help improve ergonomics. Also, the engine has an updated cylinder and a new exhaust system for better performance.

The 2020 Husqvarna TE 300i engine is transfer port injected (TPI), meaning the fuel is injected directly into the transfer ports just before the air enters the cylinder. Controlling the amount of air is a Dell’Orto 39mm throttle body. The ECU receives input from six sensors including a coolant temperature sensor, crankcase pressure sensor, throttle position sensor, intake air temperature sensor, engine speed (rpm) sensor, and roll over sensor (a safety shut-off if you tip over for longer than 10 seconds). With these inputs, the ECU determines how much fuel and oil to inject in order to maintain peak performance. Because of its accuracy, the engine can run at 70:1 up to a 100:1 premix ratio and get better fuel mileage than a carbureted engine.

The TPI engine has a noticeably different feel in comparison to a carbureted one. The power is quite soft off the bottom; it lacks the “seat of the pants” torque you might expect out of a 300cc two-stroke powerplant. It comes on quite strong in the higher rpm, reminding you that this is a big-bore two-stroke. While at times this can make the bike feel a little slower than expected, it can be an advantage in the tightest of sections where precise throttle control is needed. If it were carbureted, I would describe the way it runs as lean off the needle and pilot jet, and getting better the more you open the throttle.

The precise tuning of the EFI allows the engine to dip down to an rpm lower than you would traditionally expect. The counterbalancer system and smooth low rpm is what makes this engine shine in rocks and tight, technical, or hard enduro conditions.

The six-speed gearbox is good. It has your typical super-low first for those ultra-tight sections, second through fifth were spaced accordingly, and sixth was tall enough that you could cruise comfortably on dirt roads or two-track sections. The clutch worked flawlessly with no fade; it has a light pull and is easy to modulate. Shifting is even easier and requires little to no clutch input.

In addition to receiving the updated chassis that Husqvarna’s motocross and cross-country models received in 2019, the 2020 Husqvarna TE 300i also uses a WP Xact shock. However, instead of having a WP Xact air fork like those models, Husqvarna’s flagship enduro bike is spec’d with a WP Xplor 48mm coil-spring fork, which proved to be the biggest hurdle to adapt to when riding the bike in a variety of conditions. Another notable difference from the motocross and cross-country bikes is the handlebar. The TE 300i uses a different bend of ProTaper bar that is almost 25mm narrower. Braking is provided by Magura with a 260mm front rotor and a 220mm rear rotor.

The reason the fork proved to be somewhat challenging to work with is because it is very soft. While this is great in some conditions, it significantly holds the bike back in other areas. While you can stiffen the fork via the compression and external spring preload adjusters, the bike is a little out of balance. You can adapt your riding to compensate, but if you own this bike, you will eventually want to upgrade the suspension settings.

The TE 300i is intended for off-road, trail, and enduro-style riding or competition. If you were considering buying this bike and removing the headlight and taillight combo, installing a front number plate, and having a motocross bike, you may be slightly disappointed.

I thought I would be able to jump right on the TE 300i and just start pinning it. However, it took me some time to adapt to the power and suspension. The engine characteristics were not what I was expecting at first. Its soft bottom-end and slower-building rpm take some time to get used to. Once I got it up into the rpm, it regained more of a typical two-stroke feel. The more I rode it, the better I was able to understand the advantages of the slower-revving bottom-end and I learned how to maximize it. Something we did not try but I think might improve the bottom-end power would be the new optional vented airbox cover that is included with the FC motocross models.

One of the big advantages of the TE 300i is that it offers the convenience of a modern four-stroke at a fraction of the weight. Its smaller, compact engine with electric start, electronically controlled oil injection, and low maintenance make this bike easy to own and enjoy. Gone are the days of main jets, pilot jets, needle jets, air screws, and premixing gas.

Overall, the Husqvarna TE 300i has a lot going for it. Technologically, it has an advanced new two-stroke EFI engine that has plenty of power just waiting to be unleashed. With time, we are certain it will continue to improve. It has a proven chassis with high-end components capable of performing for even the most advanced rider. Also, the ergonomics of the bike are quite comfortable, especially the narrow bars in comparison to the motocross and cross-country models. If you want a two-stroke and like the Husqvarna brand, I would not hesitate to buy a TE 300i. With a little personalization, such as suspension modifications and an aftermarket pipe, this diamond in the rough will polish up into a gem. All of your friends will be envious of it.

Helmet: Shoei VFX-EVO

Goggle: Scott Fury

Jersey: FXR Clutch Off-Road

Gloves: FXR Clutch Strap MX

Pant: FXR Clutch Off-Road

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7