The Husqvarna TC65 is highly competitive in its class. The engine is light and features a pressure-controlled power valve which contributes to the broad powerband.
The hydraulic operating system gives even wear of the clutch plates, nearly maintenance-free operation and perfect modulation in all conditions. The freeplay is controlled by the hydraulics so that the pressure point remains the same in cold or hot conditions, as well as over time. This is very beneficial for smaller riders as they often don’t know how to correctly adjust the freeplay.
The chromoly steel frame has been designed around specific parameters for longitudinal flex and torsional rigidity to benefit handling. The subframe is attached with four bolts and is made of aluminium. The overall chassis is compact, to make it easier for groms to charge around the track.
The Husqvarna TC65 is fitted with a WP XACT fork. This 35mm unit is light and features compression and rebound damping adjustment. The air springing in the left leg also can be adjusted with a pump to suit rider preference, weight or track conditions, which is especially handy when they grow quickly. Bolted directly to the swingarm is a WP shock, offering 270mm of wheel travel and it also is fully adjustable.
Just like the fully-grown Huskies, the Husqvarna TC65 is fitted with hydraulic brake calipers and wave front and rear discs. The bodywork is sculpted to feature similar ergonomics and looks to the bigger TCs. The alloy handlebar is designed to suit Juniors, with a pad over the clamps to protect their teeth and ribs.
The cooling system integrates crankcase cooling and two radiators ensure even heat dissipation resulting in a constant temperature in most conditions. To finish things off, there’s a tasty set of black-anodised rims fitted with Maxxis tyres.
ARE THEY RELIABLE?
The TC is designed to go racing and to win, not to ride around a paddock every weekend for a year without servicing. That being said, if they are looked after they will be reliable. After each race meeting they should be completely checked over and serviced.
The biggest problem with the TC engine is that, when it is ridden hard, piston life gets very short. I have seen pistons lucky to make 10 hours before they start to lose compression. As the TC runs the same engine as the KTM 65SX they share that problem. The crankshafts are lasting much better than the earlier models, as are the gearboxes and clutches.
The only other problem I see regularly is leaking countershaft seals or stripped sump plug or oil-level bolt hole threads. Because servicing needs to be regular, people with heavy hands often strip the thread, so remember the threads in the engine are only made of soft alloy so you need to be gentle when tightening bolts.
WHERE DO THEY FIT IN?
The TC65 is an elite-level kid’s race bike. Its whole design philosophy is to make it a great racer. Everything about the bike is designed for maximum performance so that Juniors have the best chance of winning. The engine is small and powerful and the chassis is designed to make tackling obstacles on the motocross track as easy as possible.
The bike is not intended for rounding up the cows. It requires regular maintenance because it is a highly tuned racer. The addition of the rotary exhaust valve means the power is linear and that can be an advantage for both experienced and beginner riders, but the top-end output is very much intended for experienced riders.
The suspension is designed for motocross and is overkill for a beginner riding around a paddock, although that’s not to say it won’t do it. The TC is designed to go racing and to win at an elite level. If that is your intention and the rider has the ability then the TC is the obvious choice.
ARE THEY COMPETITIVE?
The TC is among the trio at the top of the 65cc tree as far as competition goes, the other two being the KTM and Yamaha. All three have their good points but we’ll explore this further in a future issue. For now, we can say the TC is very much the same as the KTM apart from the plastics. While the power and the handling is exactly the same, the ergonomics can feel different so if you are in the market for a 65 then it might be worth riding both bikes to see which one you feel the most comfortable on.
There are ample products on the market to customize the TC, such as pipes, ignitions and even different power valve assemblies.
The fork lacks compression damping in the initial part of the stroke but this can be fixed by a suspension tuner. The fork and shock are totally tunable, as is the engine, making it a top-level machine.
Husqvarna TC65 Goodies
• Six-speed transmission
• Formula hydraulic clutch
• 35mm WP air fork with adjustable compression and rebound
• WP shock with adjustable compression and rebound damping as well as spring preload
• Diecast crankcase
• WP designed and built frame
• Dual radiators
• Formula brakes
• Aluminium subframe
• Lock-on handgrips
• In-mold graphics
Husqvarna TC65 Rider Feedback
RILEY BURGESS
I really liked the hydraulic clutch and I also really liked the slim feel of the bike. I did find the suspension a little too harsh for me.
Words: Mat Boyd, Photos: Mitch Lees – THIS FEATURE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN ADB ISSUE #481 – OCTOBER 2019.
Husqvarna TC65 Specs
Engine
Type Piston-port, reed-valve
Displacement 64.9cc
Bore & STROKE 45 x 40.8mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression ratio N/A
Fuel metering Mikuni carburettor
Tank capacity 3.5L
Transmission Six-speed, constant-mesh
Clutch Formula hydraulic, wet multiplate
Dimensions
Wheelbase N/A
Seat height 750mm
Ground clearance 280mm
Weight 53kg without fuel
Suspension
FRONT WP Xact 35mm USD, 215mm travel
REAR WP Xact gas-oil, non-linkage, 160mm travel
Brakes
Front Formula four-piston, 198mm wave disc
Rear Formula twin-piston, 160mm Galfer wave
Running Gear
Handlebar Tapered alloy, crossbrace
Front tyre Maxxis 70/100-19
Rear tyre Maxxis 90/100-16
Price & Contacts
Price $6795
Web husqvarna-motorcycles.com.au
Phone 1800 644 771
Warranty Three months parts only