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Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
I don't care if myself or someone else is gay. As long as they are happy 😉
The air filter and cage are different on the 26.5 FE. The filter is taller with about 1/3 of the back fire screen blocked off by plastic. The 23-25 cage and filter still fit. There is also an insert in the Akrapovic muffler that makes it very quiet and mutes the power considerably. One end of the insert is totally blocked off and the insert has holes on the side of the tube to allow the exhaust to flow. Removing the insert brings back the power. I cut a major portion of the insert off and reinstalled it and have yet to try it but on a static start it quiets the bike considerably. Only 2hrs on the bike but suspension feels very stiff for my 67 year old self.
You guys do know, no brand has ever released a .5 model? It's called a Factory Edition. Git with it!
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From MXA. not that it really matters
Agreed...not sure why anyone is getting all worked up about the ".5" thing, LOL. I'm pretty sure Austria has been calling their factory editions "20XX.5" since their inception.
Mine is sitting in the barn until the snow and below zero temps disappear. Just want to hear about peoples experience with these.
My buddy is now trying to sell me his bike! The one that I reviewed earlier in this thread, lol. He likes it, but just can't get along with a 250 and how much shifting is required compared to his 350 and 300. He's well into his 60's, and prefers to keep it in 3rd. He installed the 2nd injector kit, hoping that it would help, but said that it didn't make as much of a difference as he was hoping. He really like the 2nd injector on his 350, but says it's not as noticeable on the 250. I rode my buddies 350 with the 2nd injector and was not really impressed with the power, but loved how free-revving and "happy" the engine felt. Anyways, another interesting thing to note, my buddy removed the Pro component forks from his 2026 250 F.E. and compared them to the "shortened" AER forks from his standard Husqvarna, and they are the same length! I am quite surprised that the factory edition Husky has the lower suspension now.
That is interesting. I was under the assumption that the FE's all got the standard length suspension. Maybe I jumped the gun. Either way its the bike I have for the next 2 years. Still have the Yamaha sitting next to it to compare come spring.
Soooo pretty.
Wasn’t that the 1st RM w/plastic tank?
Reading your stuff is better than most shoot-outs and tests…for me. Thanks for the comparisons and explaining how things feel in racing situations. It’s appreciated.
62 y/o
Moto 0-60A, Baja ProMoto60…and lots of really stupid trail riding that shouldn’t be done on ADVs…but, I still do it. 🤣
I’m getting the feeling I need to get the 26 450 R-Star Edition and a 6-speed off-road model & return to Hooska. I was getting tempted with the Triumphs w/their RC and their 6 speed off-reader…but, then the Transmission From Hell issues perked up…
I’m getting the impression that the stock suspenders on the Rockstar are REALLY GOOD right out of the box. Nice!
Also, I…too…have had excellent results with the stock air forks and just a little bit of tuning help from some friends at WP (less air is almost always NOT the way to go!🤣).
So was I...and when I rode his bike, I did not notice the lowered suspension (and I usually do, FWIW). He inquired with his dealer about the lowered chassis/suspension, and the dealer indicated that he had heard that the 2026 FE Husky was in fact lowered, but could not confirm it. Apparently Factory Connection received a bulletin from KTM/Husky that confirmed the Pro components on the Husqvarnas would be lowered. See the pics below for confirmation that the pro component forks match the shorter AER forks off a standard Husky.
According to the parts diagrams the forks and shock are different PNs between KTM and Husky as is the linkage. The Husky model page shows the same rear suspension travel as the standard model so it certainly looks like the Husky FE does have lowered suspension.
Well damn. Good info.
I believe so…back when Suzuki was more like KtM is now…
Thank you! I appreciate that. It seems that some guys think I'm full of it and I have no idea what I'm talking about, which may also be true 🤣. At the end of the day, we're just talking dirt bikes and giving our own personal experiences...not everyone is going to agree or appreciate what I have to say, and that's fine! I too have thought about picking up a Triumph, but still have concerns about the transmission (probably not nearly as egregious of an issue as it's made out to be, but nonetheless, enough of a concern for me to wait a year or two).
The 78 Rm125C was the first RM that went plastic. Those were introduced several months before the 78.5 250 was available . The initial 78 RM250C still had the alloy tank and steel swingarm. The 78.5 ( C2) came with the plastic tank , alloy swingarm and approx 7-8 hp more .
Never happened. It's weird, as the bikes are released in December, how does that make it .5 anything! It's officially called the 'Factory Edition'. See the websites of Husqvarna, GasGas, KTM, Kawasaki or Honda. Never, '.5'. Not really a thing, who cares, but, it's the same as mispronouncing Husq-A-varna. Dumb shit!
See, as you show, some American moto-media sites show this .5 shit... Boneheads.
Pit Row
Of all the things in the world that could make a person upset this is your “that’s it I’ve had it” moment huh?
I’m bummed to hear that the suspension is indeed lower on the Husky. I have a deposit on one because my local dealer wasn’t getting any more KTMs and I figured the Husky was exactly the same, as in previous years. Probably not a huge deal at my level, but at 6’2 I’d rather the taller bike.
Actually Husky has been shorter then KTM in previous years for quite a while now.
I am only 6’ but my friend at 6’5” actually doesn’t have any noticeable problem with his being shorter than his other bikes. I think you will be happy with it.
Yeah man, it's equally pathetic, I know, but, it's just funny to see people still writing this .5 shit! It's an FE!
I know, there might be more important things in the World right now, just maybe!
The standard bikes have, but I’m pretty sure the 2025 (2025.5??) FE Huskys were the same as the KTM
Yes sir, correct...prior to this year's model, the Husqvarna Factory Edition bikes have definitely been standard height.
As
Ohhh gotcha. Thanks for clarity there.
I always liked the shorter Husky suspension. Not that noticable in real life, but maybe a little more planted feeling. I’m 5’9”.
These new R-Star Editions have OB written all over them! 🤣
Very sick bikes this year. So rad that they put pro components on them. But I’m really happy with my tricked out 2025 300, no desire to go back to a 450 or 350.
I hope you get one Manny!
Yup, I had one too.
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