Husqvarna TE 300 2023 — Specifications

You remember the days when a 300 two-stroke was a wild beast, a constant exercise in dosage between traction and high-side? The Husqvarna TE 300 of 2016 marks a turning point. It's no longer a motorcycle to be tamed, but a refined work tool, designed to conquer the extreme. With its 104 pounds dry weight and 54 horsepower from a modestly named 293 cc single-cylinder engine, the promise is clear: to offer the power of a large displacement in a 250-size package. And it must be said, the result borders on a technical feat.

The secret? A systemic approach where everything communicates. The chromoly steel frame, rigid in torsion but flexible longitudinally, is in constant dialogue with the aluminum swingarm, the flex of which is calculated to the millimeter. This is not just engineering jargon. You feel, you really feel the difference. The machine digests roots and rocks with disconcerting serenity, while remaining surgically precise in tight turns. The WP 4CS suspension, often criticized at its inception on other models, finds its ideal terrain here after careful recalibration. It's not the most progressive on the market, but its original setting, coupled with the new front end geometry with its thinner front axle, offers a bluffing agility/stability compromise for pure, hard enduro.

Of course, the heart beats to the rhythm of the two-stroke. But what a two-stroke! Far from the nervous and peaky character of the old ones, the TE 300 delivers its power with the deceptive elasticity of a four-stroke, thanks in particular to its adjustable exhaust valve and Boyesen membrane. The handlebar-mounted map selector is not a gimmick: it allows you to switch from an ultra-linear curve for slippery terrain to a more aggressive response as soon as the path clears. The new Brembo hydraulic clutch is a blessing, offering perfect modulation and a constant slip point, even after hours of demanding riding. It is this ease of use, reinforced by the electric starter (standard with a kick backup), that makes it accessible to riders of a good level, not just pros.

So, who is its audience? The pure trail rider who seeks the most performant and evolved machine to explore the most technical trails. At 8690 euros new, it clearly aimed for the top of the range. Today, on the **used** market, it represents a safe bet for those who want a solid base. It is true that many will mention its cousin, the **KTM 300 EXC**, renowned for its powerful engine, high-end suspension and performance on technical terrain. The **Husqvarna TE 300** is the other side of the same coin, sharing the essential mechanics but with a different chassis philosophy and feel, often judged more precise and "communicating." With its 11 liters, its tank breaks all records in the category, a major asset for long outings.

The 2016 TE 300 is not a perfect motorcycle. Some will criticize its high price and a finish that can show signs of fatigue if it is not pampered. But it laid the foundations for what makes the success of current models, such as the **Husqvarna TE 300 i** with injection or the **TE 300 Pro 2024**. It has demonstrated that a 300cc two-stroke could be both a competition weapon and an accessible accomplice, redefining what was expected of a **top 2-stroke enduro**. It is a motorcycle that has grown an entire category.