2014–2016 · Enduro · Buyer's Guide
Light, Precise, Fully Capable
The FE 250 is Husqvarna's small-bore four-stroke enduro, and it was built for competition first. The liquid-cooled 250 cc DOHC single makes 30 hp and 17 lb-ft. It sits in a chromoly steel double-cradle frame on adjustable WP suspension with 11.8 in (300 mm) of travel up front and 13.0 in (330 mm) at the rear. You get no ABS, no traction control and no ride modes. What you get instead is a very light, precise chassis with 13.6 in (345 mm) of ground clearance, and that makes it one of the sharpest tools in its class for tight, technical terrain.
This bike doesn't win you over with power. It wants you to carry momentum and pick clean lines, and it pays you back for doing that, which is how a good enduro should work. For a competition machine it's also easy to live with. Service intervals run up to 135 hours, and routine work is well within reach of a home mechanic. The caveat is the upkeep. Clutch plates wear under hard use, fork seals weep after muddy seasons, and the fuel pump and starting electrics can act up. On any 2014 bike, make sure the factory recall has been done. Ride it hard and maintain it harder.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 30 hp (22 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 17 lb-ft (23 Nm) |
| Displacement | 250 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Front tire | 80/100-21 |
| Rear tire | 110/100-18 |
| Wheelbase | 58.3 in (1482 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 13.6 in (345 mm) |
| Front travel | 11.8 in (300 mm) |
| Rear travel | 13.0 in (330 mm) |
| Seat height | 38.2 in (970 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.5 gal (9.5 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Factory recall for 2014 offroad models
Husqvarna issued a safety recall in 2014 for a range of offroad models including the FE 250. Specific component and remedy details are not provided in available records, but owners should verify completion.
Fuel pump failures
Online reports indicate that the fuel pump can be a weak point, leading to engine stalling or hard starting. Keeping the fuel system clean and replacing the in-tank filter may help prevent issues.
Timing chain tensioner issues
A few owners have noted timing chain stretching or tensioner problems, which can lead to engine noise and potential damage if not addressed. This appears to be less common than on some other brands.
Clutch wear and slippage
Some owners report premature clutch plate wear and slippage, particularly under hard enduro use. Regular inspection and timely replacement of clutch components are recommended.
Fork seal leaks
As with many performance enduros, the WP fork seals can begin to weep or leak after extensive use, especially in muddy conditions. Regular cleaning and seal replacement as needed maintain damping performance.
Electrical/starting issues
Some owners report intermittent starting failures, weak batteries, or electrical gremlins, often linked to corroded connections or a failing starter relay.
Brake fade or sponginess
During prolonged or aggressive use, the brakes may become spongy or fade, typically caused by air in the lines or worn pads. Regular bleeding and pad replacement can maintain performance.
Plastic bodywork cracking
The factory plastics can crack under hard impacts or with age, especially the radiator shrouds and side panels. Aftermarket guards and careful handling can mitigate this.
Where this Husqvarna FE 250 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the FE 250 is actually built for.
This is your bike. It's light, has plenty of ground clearance, and the adjustable suspension handles ledges and deep sand. On long desert loops, plan around the 2.5 gal tank.
Made for Bar M / Kane Creek · Imperial Sand Dunes · Johnson Valley OHV Area
Honestly, it's a stretch. The 2.5 gal tank, no luggage system and hour-based service make multi-day BDR logistics hard. It's great for day loops from a base camp.
Made for AZBDR — Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route · California BDR South · COBDR — Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Husqvarna FE 250. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
