2014–2016 · Enduro · Buyer's Guide
FE 350 (MY2014)
The Tractor That Climbs Anything
The Machine's Character
The 2014–2016 FE 350 is Husqvarna putting serious off-road hardware under the style. The DOHC 350 cc single makes 47 hp, but the number matters less than how it delivers it. The spread is broad and tractable, and the Keihin fuel injection is crisp and hard to stall. It sits in a chromoly steel frame with a WP 4CS closed-cartridge fork and a linkage rear shock, both adjustable, plus Brembo brakes and a DDS clutch. It punches above its displacement, and I rank it among the most complete all-round off-road bikes of its time.
Stock, the suspension is set up plush. That makes the bike forgiving for riders still building skill. Combined with the low-end pull and flexible gearing, it lets the FE 350 tractor up rocky climbs with very little drama. Ride hard at expert pace and you run out of bottoming resistance, so budget for suspension work. How well it ages comes down to maintenance. Very dry, dusty rides punish a neglected air filter all the way down to the piston rings, and the linkage bearings need regular grease. Find one with a documented service history and it pays you back.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 47 hp (34 kW) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 350 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 260 mm |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 140/80-18 |
| 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
- Front Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
Known issues
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Dust ingestion leading to piston ring seizure
After extremely dry rides, dust can enter the engine and stick to piston ring grooves, causing the rings to seize. Symptoms include a gradual loss of power and eventual compression failure. Regular air filter maintenance and inspection of the airbox are critical.
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Linkage bearing seizure if neglected
The linkage rear suspension, while progressive, introduces multiple moving parts that require regular greasing. Poorly maintained linkage bearings can seize, leading to compromised handling. Signs include play or notchiness in the rear end.
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Electrical starting issues
Weak batteries or corroded connections can cause intermittent starting problems. Symptoms include slow cranking or no start, especially after sitting.
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Fork seal leaks
Some owners report weeping fork seals, especially after riding in muddy or dusty conditions. Regular cleaning and seal replacement is advised.
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Clutch slippage
Premature clutch plate wear and slippage have been noted by some riders, often attributed to the DDS clutch's feel encouraging hard use. Replacement restores performance.
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Starter solenoid fuse blowing
A blown starter solenoid fuse has been reported after 200 hours of use. Replacing the fuse required removing body panels, a minor inconvenience.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Husqvarna FE 350 with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Husqvarna FE 350 vs. its rivals
Power
Displacement
Seat height
Alternatives to the Husqvarna FE 350
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 350. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
