Husqvarna FE 350 [2014 – 2016]: The Enduro Sweet Spot Revisited

Introduction

The Husqvarna FE 350, produced between 2014 and 2016, occupies a legendary space in the enduro world. Positioned between the agility-focused 250cc bikes and the brute-force 450cc machines, this 350cc model strikes a rare balance. After spending days testing this bike on rocky trails, forest singletracks, and steep hill climbs, it’s clear why it remains a benchmark for riders who want versatility without compromise. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a hardcore enduro competitor, the FE 350 feels like a precision tool engineered for chaos. Let’s break down why this generation still resonates with riders today.

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Engine Performance: Lightweight Fury

At the heart of the FE 350 lies a 349.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that punches far above its weight class. With 45 hp (32.8 kW) on tap, it’s closer in spirit to a 450cc bike than its smaller 250cc siblings. But numbers don’t tell the full story.

Power Delivery

Twist the throttle, and the Keihin fuel injection system delivers crisp, immediate response. Unlike peaky 250s, the FE 350’s power builds linearly from idle to its 12,000 rpm redline. The 88mm bore and 57.5mm stroke configuration prioritize torque at lower revs, making it a beast on technical climbs. Yet, the forged Vertex piston and titanium valves (36.3mm intake, 29.1mm exhaust) let it rev freely when you need to clear a sudden obstacle or sprint through open sections.

Riding this bike through tight switchbacks, the engine’s tractability stands out. You can lug it in second gear without stalling, then snap open the throttle for a burst of acceleration. It’s forgiving for beginners but has enough aggression to keep experts engaged.

Durability Meets Innovation

The FE 350’s engine isn’t just powerful—it’s built to last. The Pankl crankshaft and con rod are rated for 135-hour service intervals, a rarity in high-strung enduro engines. Combined with dual Eaton oil pumps, this motor handles abuse without overheating, even during slow-speed crawls on hot days. The electric start (a godsend in muddy races) fires up the engine instantly, though retrofitting a kickstarter is possible for redundancy.

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Chassis and Handling: Confidence in Chaos

Frame Philosophy

Husqvarna’s chromium molybdenum steel frame is a masterclass in controlled flex. Engineers prioritized longitudinal flexibility to absorb rear-wheel impacts while maintaining torsional rigidity for sharp cornering. On rocky descents, the frame works harmoniously with the suspension to mute trail chatter, letting you focus on picking lines rather than fighting vibrations.

The polyamide subframe deserves special mention. Unlike rigid aluminum designs, this three-piece composite unit flexes subtly under load, enhancing traction and rider comfort. It’s also remarkably durable—after deliberately clipping a tree stump, the subframe showed no cracks, just scuffed paint.

Swingarm and Wheels

The one-piece cast aluminum swingarm eliminates weak points from welding, providing consistent flex characteristics. Paired with Michelin Enduro Competition tires (90/90-21 front, 140/90-18 rear), the rear wheel stays planted even on loose gravel. Black DID rims and CNC hubs add a touch of aggression while surviving impacts that would dent cheaper wheels.

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Suspension and Brakes: WP and Brembo Magic

WP 4CS Forks: Precision Tuning

The 48mm WP 4CS forks are a highlight. The “4 Chamber System” balances plushness and control, absorbing small bumps without wallowing on big hits. Adjusting compression and rebound is intuitive—a few clicks transform the bike from a rocky-trail sofa to a motocross-ready missile. At 300mm (11.8") of travel, they’re overkill for casual trails but indispensable when tackling log crossings or unexpected drop-offs.

Rear Shock and Linkage

The WP DCC rear shock offers 330mm (13") of travel and separate high/low-speed compression adjustments. Paired with Husqvarna’s linkage system, it excels in two scenarios:
1. High-speed whoops: The shock remains composed, preventing kick-ups.
2. Steep descents: Progressive damping keeps the rear from squatting too far.

Brembo Dominance

Brembo’s 260mm front and 220mm rear wave discs deliver surgical stopping power. The four-piston front caliper modulates beautifully—you can drag the brake on slippery descents without locking up. After a grueling hill climb, the brakes showed no fade, a testament to their endurance.

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Ergonomics and Comfort: Built for Battle

Rider Triangle

At 970mm (38.2"), the seat height is tall but manageable for riders over 5’8". The seat itself is firm, trading plushness for control during aggressive maneuvers. Standing up feels natural, with the Neken handlebar (standard equipment) positioned to reduce arm fatigue.

Weight Distribution

Despite a 109.2kg (240.7lb) dry weight, the FE 350 carries its mass low. Flicking it through tight trees feels effortless, and the 9.5L (2.8-gallon) tank doesn’t upset balance when full. Ground clearance (345mm / 13.6") is generous, though the skid plate takes a beating on rocky trails.

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Competition: How the FE 350 Stacks Up

The 350cc enduro segment is fiercely competitive. Here’s how the Husky holds its ground:

1. KTM 350 EXC-F: Nearly identical mechanically, but the Husqvarna’s subframe and suspension settings favor technical terrain. KTM’s chassis feels slightly stiffer in comparison.
2. Beta 350 RR: Lighter at 106kg (233lbs), but the Beta’s lower power output (43hp) is noticeable on fast fire roads.
3. Yamaha WR250F: The WR’s 250cc engine is smoother for beginners but lacks the FE 350’s mid-range punch.

The FE 350’s blend of power and precision makes it the choice for riders who refuse to choose between agility and grunt.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

As a MOTOPARTS.store journalist, here’s my hard-earned advice for FE 350 owners:

1. Air Filter Care: Frequent off-road use clogs filters fast. Swap in a high-flow aftermarket filter (like Twin Air) and seal the airbox with waterproof grease.
2. Oil Changes: Stick to 15-hour intervals with fully synthetic 10W-50 oil. The dual pumps are sensitive to viscosity.
3. Suspension Servicing: Rebuild WP forks every 80 hours. Upgrade to SKF seals for dust-heavy environments.
4. Chain Maintenance: The 520 X-ring chain lasts longer with regular cleaning. Fit a DID ERV3 chain for durability.
5. Cooling System: Use ethylene glycol coolant and inspect hoses for abrasion—rock strikes are common.

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Final Thoughts

The 2014–2016 Husqvarna FE 350 isn’t just a bike—it’s a gateway to mastering enduro. Its engine thrills without intimidating, its chassis forgives mistakes, and its components withstand apocalyptic abuse. Whether you’re resurrecting an older model or upgrading a current ride, MOTOPARTS.store has the OEM and aftermarket support to keep this legend alive. Now, go carve a new line through the woods.

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Specifications sheet

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