2021 Husqvarna FE 350. (Husqvarna/)

Ups

• 350cc engine is fun and offers an entertaining amount of torque
• Adjustable suspension is comfortable and plush. It does well in 90 percent of trail riding scenarios
• Brakes, tires, and controls are competition-ready level

Downs

• Engine is flat in the rpm range above 8,000
• Cornering suffers a little in tighter turns because of its slightly longer feeling chassis
• Wide ProTaper handlebar could be cut down for tight trail riding

Verdict

An enduro that’s easy to ride, has a lightweight feel, and offers plush suspension like the FE 350 can be ridden for multiple days in a row without expending too much energy.

2021 Husqvarna FE 350. (Husqvarna/)

Overview

Husqvarna has two four-stroke enduro models in its lineup including the FE 350 and FE 501. The FE 350 resides below its FE 501 counterpart in terms of displacement with its 350cc liquid-cooled engine and targets the trail rider who aims to navigate through technical terrain at lower speeds. Seeing as it is California green-sticker compliant, 50-state legal, and meets United States Forest Service requirements with its spark arrestor, the FE can be ridden in many areas that are otherwise restricted to other off-road models such as the FX 350.

Updates for 2021

The FE 350′s new graphics are the only change for 2021.

Pricing and Variants

A $10,699 price tag can be seen on the FE 350.

Competition

KTM’s 350 XCF-W, GasGas EC 250, and Yamaha’s WR250F are considered the FE’s closest competition.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

As seen in the FC 350, FX 350, and FE 350s, the 350cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine is also in the FE 350. Prior to our testing, we recorded power figures from the FE 350: 36.5 hp at 9,200 rpm and 21.8 pound-feet at 7,900 rpm.

During testing, the engine produced “fun, easy-to-control torque, making good power through the lower rpm range until about 8,000 rpm, after which it seems to get a little flat.” If more power is desired, tapping into aftermarket products such as an ECU and exhaust system can unlock even more potential for competitive riding/racing.

2021 Husqvarna FE 350. (Husqvarna/)

Handling

When it comes to the FE 350′s handling it “feels fairly well balanced most of the time, with the fork tending to ride a little low in the stroke under heavy braking and especially on downhill trails,” we wrote in our full review. Because it is a touch long, cornering in tight, slow sections is more difficult and requires the rider to use their weight to manipulate the motorcycle.

The 48mm WP Xplor fork is adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload, where the WP Xact shock is spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable. This level of adjustment helps riders optimize the suspension settings to personal riding styles or terrain. In stock form it is a touch soft, but we reported that it “does a good job for trail riding about 90 percent of the time, offering impressive comfort and plushness. Below 30 mph, it’s just about perfect. It lacks a little performance when you really start to push the bike in heavier load situations, such as hitting whoops and G-outs, and under braking.”

Brakes

Magura brakes with 260mm and 220mm rotors make up the FE’s stopping power. In our review we consider the brakes, along with the tires and controls, to be competition-ready.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Although fuel economy is not available, a 2.2-gallon fuel tank is par for the course of Husqvarna’s four-stroke enduros.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The stock ProTaper handlebar is too wide for tight trails, however, we did like the durable and well-designed hand guards. Compared to its KTM 350 XCF-W counterpart, the seat height is 0.4 inch lower, making it a slightly easier perch for shorter riders.

2021 Husqvarna FE 350. (Husqvarna/)

Electronics

Information such as trip, speed, and fuel consumption can be viewed on the multifunction odometer. This four-stroke also has adjustable engine maps and traction control, in addition to an electric starter.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

A 30-day warranty is provided from the date of purchase.

Quality

The FE 350 is a great platform for those who want a capable motorcycle for single-track riding as well as those with aspirations to customize it into a competition-level enduro.

2021 Husqvarna FE 350. (Husqvarna/)

2021 Husqvarna FE 350 Claimed Specifications

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Suzuki/)

Ups

• Lowest MSRP in its class
• Tunable engine with the new MX-Tuner 2.0 system
• Impressive throttle response
• Solid clutch that can withstand abuse
• Outstanding handling

Downs

• Only one in its class with a kickstarter
• Suspension is very stiff and requires adjustment

Verdict

Although the 2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 is a bit behind the competition, it possesses a number of positive qualities and is a viable option for beginner and novice-level motocross riders as well as vets.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Mason Owens/)

Overview

The 2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 is a quarter-liter motocrosser designed for competition. It utilizes smartphone-based technology with the MX-Tuner 2.0 system to dial in its 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke engine. A dual-injector fuel system makes it unique in comparison to all but one other in its class. It is one of the least expensive among its competition with charms that make it an attractive motocrosser.

Updates for 2021

The MX-Tuner 2.0 system is new for 2021, otherwise the engine remains unchanged since its 2019 revamp, and the only other noticeable update is the redesigned graphics.

Pricing and Variants

The quarter-liter RM-Z retails at $7,899 making it one of the most affordable of the 250F motocrosser bunch.

Competition

Those shopping for Suzuki’s 250 motocrosser would find that it competes with the Honda CRF250R, Husqvarna FC 250, KTM 250 SX-F, GasGas MC 250F, Kawasaki KX250, and Yamaha YZ250F.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

In order to find out what the 249cc liquid-cooled four-stroke was made of, we ran it on our in-house dyno to learn that it produces 36.3 hp at 11,500 rpm and 18.6 pound-feet of torque at 9,100 rpm. This performance test was followed by on-track testing by contributor Allan Brown. Brown wrote that while the RM-Z is not the strongest on the dyno, it is still a well-running engine, and part of the reason for its not having better results on the dyno is that the power is focused in the midrange as opposed to the top-end like its competitors. The five-speed transmission’s first through third gear are fairly close together with a larger gap between third and fourth; “Riders will want to be sure and run it out as far as possible before upshifting,” Brown continues.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Mason Owens/)

Handling

Suzuki’s motocross bikes are praised for their cornering capabilities, and the newest RM-Z250 is no different. Brown said that it corners easily while remaining stable on the straights. “Even with unusually stiff suspension, the bike will still rail every inside rut on the track.”

During testing the KYB Air-Oil Separate (AOS) coil-spring fork and KYB shock proved to be very stiff. The fork’s stiffer spring rate worked well on jumps, flat landings, and under heavy loads, but that was not the case for smaller chop during corner entry. To improve the suspension performance required lots of adjustments. The front is adjustable for compression and rebound damping while the rear is adjustable for spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and high-/low-speed rebound damping.

Brakes

The Nissin two-piston caliper, 270mm disc (front) and Nissin single-piston caliper, 240mm disc (rear) are very high quality.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel economy numbers were not provided. The 1.7-gallon fuel tank, however, sits right in between its competitor’s engines that have 1.8- and 1.6-gallon capacities.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Brown felt the bike’s ergonomics were mostly on point, the only minor criticism being the bike felt a little tall yet compact. The seat is very flat and the bike is narrow between the rider’s legs. The Renthal Fatbar 821-bend handlebar does not have much rise, especially compared to others in the class that are equipped with Renthal’s 839-bend unit.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Mason Owens/)

Electronics

In addition to the MX-Tuner 2.0 system, the RM-Z250 has Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) which helps with takeoff. There are three modes: base mode (standard power), mode A (for hard or slippery conditions), and mode B (for heavy traction surfaces and aggressive launches). The bike also includes two separate fuel couplers and a traction management system. The traction management system works slightly differently than a streetbike’s traction control system, by working with the ECM to measure throttle opening, engine speed, and gear position and then it adjusts ignition timing and fuel injector duration accordingly; it does not measure rear tire spin.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Not applicable, as there is no warranty of any kind.

Quality

Despite it having stiff suspension and not producing the most horsepower, the RM-Z250′s suspension, brakes, and wheels are very high quality and it still has plenty of power, especially for returning riders or those moving up from a 125cc two-stroke.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 (Champion Yellow No. 2). (Suzuki/)

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250 Claimed Specifications

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 (Team Yamaha Blue). (Yamaha/)

Ups

• A fresh take at the outdated and expensive middleweight supersport market
• Well-balanced and addictive power via the CP2 powerplant
• Confidence-boosting and quick-handling chassis
• Approachable for newer and experienced riders alike
• Great visibility of dash information
• An enticing $8,999 price tag

Downs

• Vague communication at the brake lever
• Lack of positive shift feel during gear changes

Verdict

With the tractable engine seen in the Ténéré 700 and MT-07, the R7 is a well-balanced machine for a great time at the track. It has confidence-boosting characteristics that make it appropriate for riders ranging in skill level.

2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 (Performance Black). (Yamaha/)

Overview

The new Yamaha YZF-R7 is the bLU cRU’s answer to the sales slump in the middleweight sportbike category. It houses the same 689cc parallel twin seen in the Ténéré 700 and MT-07, but is a fully faired and sport-focused option that replaces the outgoing R6. The new R7 targets the less experienced sportbike rider with its relatively affordable $8,999 price tag and all-new character.

Updates for 2022

This is a new model for the 2022 model year.

Pricing and Variants

The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 has a starting MSRP of $8,999.

Competition

The YZF-R7′s competition includes Aprilia’s RS 660, Ducati’s Panigale V2, Suzuki’s SV650, Kawasaki’s Ninja 650, and Honda’s CBR650R.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The fun-loving, tractable 689cc parallel-twin engine and six-speed transmission make its way into the R7. The YZF-R7-specific slipper/assist clutch is claimed to reduce clutch pull by 20 percent. The lack of positive shift feel during gear changes is one gripe our test rider had during testing. And while power figures are not currently recorded, the MT-07 was run on the dyno and produced 67 peak horsepower and 46 pound-feet of torque and the R7 is expected to make the same. In his first ride review, Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert commented on the engine saying, “The power delivery is broad, the speed is exciting without being intimidating, and without massive horsepower to fall back on, rider skill in carrying corner speed is necessary to making good time. Smooth is fast.”

2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 (Team Yamaha Blue) (Yamaha/)

Handling

Differentiating the R7 chassis from the MT-07 are slightly revised dimensions, specifically, the rake is now 23.7 degrees, trail is 3.5 inches, and triple clamp offset is now 35mm. Overall this shortens the wheelbase by 5mm. Aluminum braces at the swingarm pivot increase torsional rigidity as well. Gilbert reported that the chassis “boosts confidence in a way even track-prepped MT-07s couldn’t. At a claimed 414 pounds fully fueled, the YZF-R7 is 8 pounds heavier than the MT, but is more nimble and more than willing to tackle quick side-to-side transitions and midcorner corrections. It also does so without requiring serious upper body strength to capitalize on its sporty handling”

Brakes

The R7 features a newly designed Brembo master cylinder paired with Advics radial-mounted calipers and 298mm discs at the front. 245mm discs are located out back. Nonswitchable ABS comes standard. Braking performance is reported to be strong, but feel at the lever struggles to precisely communicate brake pressure, Gilbert wrote.

2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 (Performance Black). (Yamaha/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Yamaha claims that this supersport racks in 58 mpg from the 3.4-gallon fuel tank.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

According to Yamaha, the R7 is the slimmest in its sportbike lineup. Gilbert concurred on its narrowness in his report: “It’s tight between the legs and an appropriate fit for my racer-sized 5-foot-7-inch frame. The aggressive control position is also favorable; modeled after the outgoing YZF-R6, the lower stance is sporty and allows the R7 to be hustled underneath you, while the clip-on handlebars are positioned slightly higher to reduce fatigue, a positive for everyday street riding.”

2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 (Performance Black). (Yamaha/)

Electronics

LED lighting is found at both the front and the rear and a new LCD dash displays information such as gear position, fuel capacity, real time and average fuel economy, water temp, clock, speed-, tach-, and odometers all operated from handlebar switches.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The R7 has a one-year limited factory warranty.

Quality

Quality is as you would expect from Yamaha. The R7 offers a balance of power and an approachability that makes it a fitting replacement for the outgoing R6.

2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 (Team Yamaha Blue). (Yamaha/)

2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com