KIWI RIDER MARCH 2021 VOL2 | Page 43

F or 2021 Husqvarna has polished the diamond that is its TE300i rather than go trying to dig up a whole new one . The bodywork and TPI oil tank have been updated and there are some subtle changes to suspension settings and power delivery . There ’ s little doubt though … the best extreme enduro bike on the market just got a little bit better . To my eyes the TE300i is a handsome machine . The white plastic and coloured details , along with that nice shiny corrugated expansion chamber have a very pleasing impact . How long the white plastics stay looking great is another matter . The expansion chamber has been corrugated for this year to add some durability in the form of impact resistance , which is a smart move by Husqvarna considering the kind of riding this bike will likely see . But , as far as 300cc

exhaust chambers go , it is well tucked in and mostly out of harm ’ s way . The steel frame is laser cut , hydro-formed chromium molybdenum steel for precise rigidity and handling characteristics . The sub-frame is a two-piece carbon composite structure , made up of 30 % carbon fibre and 70 % polyamide .
GETTING A LEG OVER Throwing a leg over the 300 , it feels fairly high , but in the same bracket as all broadly similar machines … meaning it helps to be tall in the tough going . The suspension feels very plush , perhaps even to the point of soft , using the highly technical , but mandatory , bounce test . And that ’ s before even starting the bike . Ergonomically the Husky is excellent . It has the option of multiple bar placements , excellent lever / pedal
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