I think it’s safe to say the Road Glide has become my favourite Harley-Davidson.
With the world to explore finding the right touring bike can be a challenge, so in this review video I’ll share my experience riding the Harley-Davidson Road Glide around New Zealand with Tour1. The organised tour took us on several thousand kilometres of road through the wonders of the South Island in both the pouring rain and glorious sunshine.
I’ve ridden many other Harley’s before and have a Street Bob 2015 in my own garage… but I think it’s safe to say the Road Glide, especially in this light popping red paint, has become my favourite Harley-Davidson.
From its poised stance with the shark fairing, to it’s amble power, insanely comfortable seating position, pillion comfort and great touring features, the Road Glide has won me over.
Check out the video below for more details, including hearing the sound of the Milwaukee engine.
This video is part of a multi episode series of my Tour1 New Zealand Harley Road Glide adventure so make sure you check out the other videos in the series:
Part 1: When your breath gets taken away but …
https://youtu.be/J94WFpjBJ9A
Part 2: Girls on tour… New Zealand and why ..
Part 3: Burt Munro, lake dips, Lindis pass and so much more – th
Why I like group tours: How to make new motorcycle friends
Tips for riding in a group:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
It saved me! Is a motorcycle airbag worth the price tag? Alpinestars TechAir 5 off-road Dakar explained
Safety is a huge factor with extreme desert racing and so I’m a huge believer in the use of airbags. This video I talk through the specifications and my experience with the Alpinestars TechAir 5 off road Dakar approved airbag protection.
It appears like a normal full body armour with elbow, back, shoulder and chest protection but it also has a seamlessly integrated airbag system. It’s a little bulkier than a normal protector but it’s incredibly comfortable – and body saving.
It feels like a normal body armour but with a bit more bulk and is designed for the airbag system to deploy in a crash. The airbag system has intelligent accelerometers and gyroscopes which tell exactly when the rider needs it, which allows it to deploy before you even hit the ground! Thankfully, you’re not going to have an embarrassing curbside inflate as the technology is far more attuned, knowing what’s an actual crash versus a little stumble. The airbag technology is incredible.
This is a compulsory kit for most of the major rallies and it’s already saved many breaks and most probably deaths.
The Dakar approved version will be available on the wider mark in early 2024…so stay tuned! But for now they do have street and off road versions of a slightly lower spec available. Check out Alpinestars airvest on their website.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Vanessa Ruck is a TEDx & award winning motivational speaker, motorcycle racer and adventurer, rally driver, content creator and presenter – 550k+ followers
School children are being inspired and encouraged to take a Because I Can attitude with workshops and speaker sessions – suitable for primary and secondary school children. The movement is all about giving kids the right tools to take on life, despite the setbacks and uncertainties, such as covid-19. The initiative has come about as a vehicle to motivate kids to go beyond their comfort zone and demonstrate anyone can achieve great things with the right mindset and the appropriate training.
I believe that it’s about realising that wanting to quit is normal, that anxiety and stress can be overcome and that with the right mindset and strategies anything is possible. Born from real life experiences, her workshops bring highly relatable lessons and tools to help better equip youths, and adults alike, for the battles and challenges of life.
At a time when the world is full of doom and gloom, particularly for the ‘lost generation’ of school students interrupted by covid, I want to deliver a real drive and inspiration. Bringing real life challenges, battles and big goals to youth in the hope that it will encourage the future generation to get up and take life by the hands and focus on what they can do.
Organised by me Vanessa Ruck, I attend schools to deliver workshops on finding ways to make things work, dealing with the lows and the set backs, whilst moving steadily towards the objective.
What a refreshing presenter! Vanessa delivered an emotional and hard hitting story, with clear and concise strategies for thriving in life, in a cool, calm and professional manner. Vanessa spoke to all year groups and delivered smaller group workshops to our disadvantaged students. She showed a deft ability to switch between the styles needed in these different environments and has built a lasting impression with many of the students she interacted with. Vanessa lures the students attention with her knowledge and experience and when their guard is down she delivers the tough lessons that they need to hear. We look forward to working with her again in the future.
Vanessa brings fresh perspective to a diverse range of kids from age 6 up to 18.
“The energy Vanessa brought to the school was fantastic. Not only is her story inspirational but she actually delivers actionable tools the kids can relate too.”
Ben Cordy, Leeds Faith In Schools
With engaging storytelling, Vanessa’s sessions can deliver practical advice on:
Reality that life does have challenges and battles – it’s normal
Learning to accept your situation and focus on the road ahead
Importance of talking about mental health and asking for help
Working on outcomes with goal setting to keep focused
Dealing with pressure and anxiety by utilising the facts in the situation and pushing aside the ‘noise’
Empowerment through mindfulness
FEAR being False-Expectations-Appearing-Real
The importance of understanding the facts in the situation and pushing aside the ‘noise’ when anxiety hits
Importance and benefit of gratitude
Taking control to find the solution with an overcome mindset
Remembering that wanting to quit is normal – but what makes you extraordinary is not quitting
Rednock School feedback
More practical, smaller group sessions can cover:
Really the options are huge, we can work together for something more bespoke for the needs of your school or students. However, as food for thought, these more intimate sessions could cover:
Reflection on past challenges
Learning from our own mindset
Current and future challenges and areas for preparation
Goal setting for big stretch ambitions but also smaller goals to work towards the big goals
Identifying obstacles and areas where support can be utilized
Finding areas for gratitude
Self care and body image
Female empowerment and believe
By the end, the children are challenged to come up with their own #BecauseICan challenge and set goals.
What is on offer?
The school workshops that can take a very flexible form:
large assembly presentations with audience engagement
Smaller more intimate round table sessions
Interactive mini workshops
Evening parent sessions
Staff sessions
Parent and staff sessions of the school speaker sessions are a great way to help triangulate the support network around kids to help the thought process continue. Conversations at the dinner table, support at home, and everyone understanding the language used during our sessions helps empower kids to put their learnings into action.
Really the options are open so please do get in touch and we can discuss the best plan for your school.
Intimate coaching workshops
How it works:
Contact Vanessa Ruck
Discuss your school’s needs, programmes and how best to fit the workshops into your programmes
Book a date and ideally organise multiple sessions across the day /days to get the largest impact for travel
Vanessa will come and deliver
What is the cost?
Every school is different, and so is every request. Whether you’re looking for a single assembly, multiple workshops, a full-day programme, parent sessions, or something more bespoke, the best next step is simply to get in touch.
Costs will depend on:
the type of sessions you’re looking for duration and number of students any specific aims, outcomes or deliverables location (as travel expenses may apply)
If you’re exploring options or still shaping an idea, that’s completely fine — please reach out. We can have an open conversation about what you need, what’s possible, and agree a package that works for both of us (including options for schools with limited budgets).
My goal is always the same: to make a positive impact on young people and help them build resilience, curiosity and confidence — and I’m always happy to work with you to make that happen.
To enquire or book, please get in touch and we can take it from there.
All workshops and sessions are also available for clubs, groups and corporate events but these are at a higher cost – any paid events help me to keep a subsidised rate for schools enabling me to give time to schools for a more lower rate.
How can you help?
– Schools message me to book your speaking event – Brands reach out to support the big picture and schools programme – Corporations please reach out to book me for your motivational speaking, employee engagement, diversity & inclusion, key note speaker, annual conference headline speaker etc – Book me for resilience training at your company as the funding helps support my subsidised schools programme
I offer youngsters a new perspective on life’s outcomes and highlight an approach to reaching life’s goals. Be part of the solution!
About Vanessa Ruck
As a motorcycle rider and racer, Vanessa speaks passionately and authentically about the challenges of recovery from a life changing accident and making the most of every day. After being hit by a car while cycling in 2014, Vanessa’s world was turned upside down, resulting in 7 surgeries and a roller-coaster of mental and physical recovery spanning 7 years. Through her recovery she discovered motorcycles, becoming known as “The Girl On A Bike”.
‘Motorcycles, something I started post-accident, have become my love and passion. If you’d asked me 7 years ago whether I would be racing off-road motorcycles I’d have probably choked on my drink! But life takes us on some amazing journeys.’
‘People can relate to my story because everyone goes through bad times. Hopefully I am inspiring others with my school sessions to show that if I can bounce back after 7 surgeries, others can get through their hard times.’
Vanessa Ruck from accident to racer
Helping Inspire Others to Make the Most of Each Day
Combining her ten-year career in marketing and her resilience for life, Vanessa has built a following of over 550,000. She now inspires others to get up and tackle the battles life throws at us with gratitude and happiness. Instead of adding to the sometimes-toxic social media landscape filled with ‘all so perfect’ lives, she’s real and honest, sharing the highs and the lows. Showing the strength needed to come out stronger against life’s curve-balls.
She’s absolutely brilliant, she’s so engaging. I could listen to her for hours and it’s so clear the kids will take loads away from what they’ve heard.
Anonymous teacher
Vanessa is on a mission to show that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough, even as a slightly reconstructed person following the accident. Vanessa has successfully leveraged the power of social media, passionate storytelling and marketing to share her story and inspire others. She empowers others with the lessons she has learned through her emotional, thought provoking and highly engaging story.
If you can pull her away from her bikes, she will bring an incredible energy to your school for pure resilience, determination and inspiration.
Vanessa speaks from the heart
What the audience can expect
An exciting story of sports and challenges from the point of view of Vanessa, who as a fit and active individual with many passions was struck down by an easily avoidable accident and went on to find new ways of slaking her thirst for adventure by becoming “The Girl on a Bike”.
Presentation Approach
Vanessa speaks from the heart, and as such will take the group on a journey of emotions. They will feel they are with her through the adversity and adventure alike and will come away from the presentation with a renewed vigour and outlook.
For further information, including booking a school visit for your school, please get in touch.
You never grow in your comfort zone
The Girl On A Bike
Finish line of the first hard enduro race
Hear what some of the schools have to say:
“Vanessa worked with 440 children in one afternoon across years 9, 10 and 11. Each session had clear messages linked to their personal experiences, but they also managed to carefully reflect the needs of each group to maximise possible impacts. Her ability to create links between her own seemingly untouchable achievements and the everyday mindset needed by us all, captured their audience’s attention.”
Matt Skinner – Personal Development and Wellbeing @CMCS
“Vanessa embodies the mindset that sits at the heart of the #BecauseICan project. Her experience, storytelling and ability to apply her learning to others has inspired young people across Leeds to step up throughout the multiple school tours of Leeds. Tooled with the insights from their sessions I’m excited to see how the young people we work with will put the #BecauseICan mindset into practice”
Over 20 years of working in education I’ve listened to many different speakers on a wide range of interesting topics; however, I must say that your incredibly powerful and engaging presentation was by far the most enjoyable and beneficial presentation I have been privileged to witness. You have a natural way to deliver and engaged the pupils, you speak from the heart and share experiences wholeheartedly with the pupils. You are inspiring not just to the children but to the adults that were in the room, all humans need more speakers such as yourself that provide a truly engaging and supportive approach towards everyone’s lives, your belief in them was genuine and they could feel this!
Phil Keeling Burton, Orchard School, Bristol
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the time and energy that you gave to the students on Tuesday. The assemblies were brilliant – they developed your inspirational story and then made it very relatable to how students can use mindset to achieve goals. Vanessa’s obvious enthusiasm for life and her inspirational story connected with students and helped them to think about their own life goals and barriers to success . The workshop was particularly powerful and Vanessa worked empathetically with the groups to discuss their aspirations and plans. It would lovely if you could revisit”
Sarah Haines, Headteacher, Bradon Forest School
“We absolutely loved your visit. The girls were totally transfixed during your talk (this doesn’t always happen, especially on the last day of term!). You pitched it perfectly to all the girls in the audience and their huge number of questions at the end was testament to their interest in everything you had talked about. It was fun, interesting, thought provoking and inspiring on all levels. Life doesn’t always take the perfectly paved path you imagine and you have to take what’s thrown at you and make the most if it! Thank you for making it a truly memorable End of Term Lecture!”
Fiona Haywood, St Catherine’s Association
Want to donate and support more subsidised school programme?
I unfortunately do have somewhat limited resources so I am always welcome to sponsors supporting me. Please do get in touch to donate and help me fund more school visits.
Supported by …. could your name / brand go here?
As a small individual I am desperate for any support to help me keep on visiting schools. Please get in touch to make a donation or sponsor the schools programme.
I am fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing. These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal.
For many people across Africa the only way of reaching medical care is to walk miles by foot, travel the bumpy roads on a donkey and cart or get pushed in a wheelbarrow. And many do not not make it at all. Two Wheels for Life works to ensure healthcare reaches people in the poorest and most remote parts of Africa – using reliable, appropriate vehicles.
“I feel so fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing. These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.”
The programmes they support, delivered by sister organisation Riders for Health, use a unique system that involves sourcing the appropriate vehicle, training health professionals to ride safely and perform daily checks, and providing fuel, ongoing maintenance and parts.
Two Wheels support Riders programmes operating in The Gambia, Nigeria, Malawi and Lesotho reaching over 47 million people with increased access to healthcare. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.
One part of being a Charity Brand Ambassador for Two Wheels for Life we are offering the chance for Two Wheels “Win the experience of a lifetime at the Africa Eco Race” prize draw winner to have drinks with me and chat through my experience of racing across Africa. This is just one part of an all-expenses paid trip to the finish of the Africa Eco Race in in Dakar, Senegal.
Two Wheels for Life’s Zoë Herron-Coleman said: “We’re really excited that Vanessa is joining us as an ambassador. She’s an incredible person who has forged her professional racing career out of adversity, and is committed to using her influence and experience to do good in the world.
We hope her involvement will help us build our support base in the worlds of rally and adventure riding and I know she will bring great energy and enthusiasm to her work with us.”
For your chance to meet Vanessa in Dakar in 2024, enter the prize draw below:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Morocco Desert Challenge a 3000km extreme desert race
This is a 3 part series showing you the real behind the scenes of one of the toughest races out there; the Morocco Desert Challenge. I’ve entered the full rally raid class, so up there riding with the pros, and it’s a full on 8 day moving bivouac race.
In part 1 you’ll see what goes into getting to the start of the race and taking on the prologue. The prologue is designed to be a ‘short’ 150 km ish day with a special stage. The times in the SS are then used to seed the riders into the first full day of racing.
Successful day based on..
1. I didn’t vomit with nerves at the start line
2. I made the prologue finish line
3. I didn’t get lost
4. I had fun
5. I 3 million % fell in love with my new bike he’s a beast but just gorgeous to ride, even in the sand
And..
6. I came 25th overall!!! Mad stoked with that.
Watch part two here: Biggest crash of my life
Watch part three here: My eyes have never hurt so bad…
Watch part four here: I had to pee while riding….
I mention my Tunisia Desert Challenge series where I was the first female to ever enter and first to finish, I highly recommend watching:
I’m riding Big Buddy for the Morocco Desert Challenge!! After just one shake down ride the only way to describe him is like sex on wheels. He has to be the nicest bike l’ve ever ridden!! Quite possibly swayed by knowing the adventures we’re going to have together with the first race being the MDC. He’s a brand new KTM 450 rally replica with some key modifications:
– Custom tool kit hidden under the seat @tengtools with my emergency flare: / @tengtools3639
Weighing in at 175kg he’s going to be much lighter than the Tiger in the dunes [see 1000 Dunas series for me racing the 900 Rally Pro] but a lot more capable than my little Honda rally bike [see Qatar rally video]. lt’s time to up my game and ride with the big boys. I’m road with Desert Road Racing as my bike support, rally mechanics and all round knowledge pool as I take my rally riding to the next level. This was a BIG rally.
KTM 450 Rally Replica review:
For more information on details shared in the videos:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
The Bike Shed show in London is a weekend long event with hundreds of custom bikes, live music, food, shed talks with guest speakers and of course my KTM 450 Rally Replica on display.
The Bike Shed show at Tobacco docks London is a weekend long event with hundreds of bikes to look at, including my KTM 450 Rally Replica “Big Buddy”, live music, lots of food, a VIP night, Shed Talks and a huge array of custom bikes from both professional builds to home shed builds. The range and amount of motorcycles is incredible, and a great place for inspiration.
Join me in my video below for a walk around the Bike Shed Show and see first hand why this is an event worth adding to your calendar.
During the show I was honored to join Gareth on the Shed Talks stage to talk about Dakar and Beyond, alongside Chris Evens, the UK Dakar customer liaison. It was an interesting talk you can check it out here
DAKAR & BEYOND – SHED TALK – LIVE AT BIKE SHED MOTO SHOW LONDON 2023
With the main Bike Shed Show sponsor being Michelin I also show you their take on Past, Present Future with the augmented reality custom bike.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
In the rally world the Bowler Wildcat has been a car to reckon with for years. But there is a new car on the block and in this video, I’ll talk you through what a Land Rover Bowler Defender rally car is and how it varies from the base model Land Rover Defender 90. The Defender rally car is 300hp monster!
Watch the full video here:
If you missed it, you can see my Bowler Defender crash here:
Key Bowler Defender rally car conversion specifications: • Land Rover Defender 90 P300 SE • Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol • Power/torque 296bhp/400Nm • Transmission Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive • 0-60mph 6.7 seconds • Top speed 119mph (limited when in Bowler Mode) • Economy 24.6mpg • Fuel Capacity 90 litres • Weight 2,065kg • Monocoque bracing and full internal roll cage • Internal spare wheel mount integrated to roll cage and rally jacking points
Performance • Improved cooling – auxiliary radiators removed and increased airflow to main radiator • • Sports exhaust system • Bowler 18” wheels with increased strength • BFGoodrich AT tyres • Bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness • Bespoke Fox racing dampers • Race steering wheel with quick release boss
Electrical/systems • ECU system integration with race box • ABS/DSC – rally control modifications • Navigator control unit for lights/washer/horn • Cobra race sports seats with 6-point race harness suitable for use with Simpson hans devise and Stilo helmet • Integrated and hand-held fire suppression • Electrical cut-off switches – internal and external
More details on the Land Rover Bowler rally series here:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Bodies can be incredible but also a huge burden, especially if living with chronic pain. As someone who lives and manages ongoing pain in my hip following the accident, I’ve found a few things that help with living with pain. Nothing truly gets rid of it, but a lot does help so I wanted to share.
1. Look after your home – it sounds so simple but ensuring a good diet is so important. Natural, non-processed, low sugar and low salt food makes a huge difference to how I feel. If I eat rubbish food such as a KFC, I genuinely feel poisoned. Your body is what you eat, so eat well and you’ll have more healing, more energy and more sass for life!
2. Sleep – pain is exhausting so prioritize your sleep. I always travel with military grade ear defenders to cut out noise to help protect my sleep quality. When we’re tired life is so much harder. Scrolling on social media isn’t ideal at bedtime [unless you’re watching my YouTube obs 😉].
3. Supplements – if you have specific pain see what supplements might help you. My hip is bone, cartilage, soft tissue, tendons and ligaments so I take Active Collagen. I’ve been on it over 3 years now and it’s made a huge improvement to the elasticity and strength of my joints and body. I also notice an improvement in my athletic recovery and performance. I use their whey & collagen protein powder for breakfast on my rabbit food [oats] too. It’s a supplement I highly recommend – message me for details but this link gives you up to 20% off with code https://shop.u-perform.co.uk/r1m81 “UPVRUC10”
4. Physio – it sounds obvious but DO your physio, it might be painful and boring as heck, but it will help!! Find the energy now to make tomorrow easier!
5. Mindfullness – be more aware of your thoughts. Dwelling on your pain won’t help, it will just lead to upset, so instead focus on what you CAN do. Do you need to take a pain killer, do you need to stand up, sit down, walk, do physio, do you need to put on some music or call a friend to distract your mind. What CAN you do to change the moment you’re in either with something to help or distract. Being the victim will not help the situation, it will just foster emotion pain.
6. Don’t just ignore it and hope it will go away – ask for help! Especially if it’s mental health. Asking for help is a sign of strength!
7. Hugs and smile – never underestimate the power of a smile and cuddle so do it every chance you can!!! They’re free and unlimited
Let me know what helps you living with chronic pain, there is so much more to this complex existence with pain but I hope these few ideas might help.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Taking on my next UK rally round in the Bowler Defender took me to mid-Wales for the Rally Nuts event. This was my first public rally and my nerves were high. However, upon arriving it was a great experience.
As a girl I’m often judged on arriving to a race, stereotyped in my blonde hair and long eyelashes. It was amazing that at my Bowler rally experience the Rally Nuts event in mid-Wales I was welcome with no sexism or judgment. You can watch the full race behind the scenes of me doing my second big 4×4 rally [first public event] in the Land Rover Bowler Defender. I hope you enjoy it.
Big learning for me…
The girl on a bike Swapping my bike for Bowler Defender Rally Series
It turns out trust is up there one of the most vital elements of four-wheel racing. As a driver the braking, correct lines, and acceleration are key but the biggest speed game is trusting your navigator. You’re in a 2.3 tonne Bowler Defender weapon powering into a corner and your natural instincts say come off the throttle but I can hear Chris Cuming shouting a fast right at me… foot stays flat trusting the input aligns to the corner and sure enough, the speed stays on, the corner opens and the pace is kept. My goodness, it gets the heart racing. I’ll be honest in that I definitely braked a few times when I shouldn’t have but that team trust is a huge new thing for me.
Chuffed to have climbed to a 2nd place finish in the category too for the Rally Nuts event… and only 1m8 seconds behind 1st!! Bring on the next race in Scotland.
Watch the full Bowler Defender rally car behind the scenes:
See my first Bowler Defender rally car race here:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Nearly 100% redesign with the Husqvarna 2024 enduro range
Here’s my experience on the Husqvarna 2024 enduro: Your eyes are sharp on the terrain ahead, the rocks, roots, loose stones and sand all grappling to throw you and the bike off path. But I was feeling confident armed with the best weapon for the job. Below me was the nearly 100% newly redesigned Husqvarna TE 300i. Certainly one of the most high-performance dirt bikes on the market. As a personal owner of the 2020 TE that I finished Red Bull Romaniacs on and having seen countless pro rider podium wins from the likes of Billy Bolt and Graham Jarvis, I was keen to feel if the 2024 range was as good as all the hype…let’s just say I had high expectations.
With a full redesign it really is a new breed of dirt bike. New bikes are often a small splash, sometimes even a disappointment with a couple of tweaks, but having spent the day in Norway riding 2024 enduro range I can hand on heart tell you that this next generation fleet is worth a look at! The 2 and 4 stroke models are nearly a total head-to-toe redesign. The say change is what drives progression and these bikes are monsters in all the right way and will certainly be ruffling the feathers of rival brands.
With the new throttle body injected engine, closed cartridge front and fully adjustable toolless suspension, redesigned ergonomics for a solid rider triangle and increased grip seat, the bikes fill you with confidence. The throttle response felt lively, instant, and despite previous Husky models bringing impressive performance, they have seriously upped their game.
Pausing for a moment to absorb the wilderness around me, I was in a Norwegian forest, not a sole nearby, a mirror calm lake glistening in the distance, and me on a Husqvarna dirt bike, it was the ideal testing environment. We had a 6.5km dedicated enduro loop this was a match made in heaven for the new enduro range. Gravitating to the TE 300i I went round and round, building pace and really getting a feel for the new set up.
The throttle body fuel injection for better response with two injectors, combined with electronically monitored exhausted values meant for a fiery ride. The engine is programmed to adjust and adapt to the riding conditions, always bringing you the optimum performance. As I climbed the peaks the engine was seamlessly and effortlessly adjusting as the air, conditions and my riding changed.
The electronics have been overhauled with a new centralised smart control unit for easy troubleshooting, torque values etched on for simplified serviceability and an increased durability in the subframe design to reduce the risk of breaks. Even small touches like narrower foot pegs to reduce the risk of catching them in ruts have been taken a step further with a peg redesign. The new pegs give 27% more surface area for the foot, reducing riding fatigue.
The 30% brighter headlight will remove night-time riding worries with 900 lumens to illuminate the track. And as a rider holding on, the flatter and straighter, bars, improved seat grip and symmetrical tank fairing all aid rider ergonomics. For four stroke models have been given a new quick shift sensor to momentarily cut the ignition as the gear lever is engaged allowing you to smash up through the gears at full throttle without the use of the clutch.
Making a list of what has not changed on the Husqvarna 2024 enduro range would be a far shorter process. That list would contain the premium Michelin Medium rubber and the D.I.D DirtStar rims.
Having swung my leg over all 5 models [TE 150, 250, 300 and FE 250, 350, 450 and 501] it’s safe to say that these bikes are going to bring high performance to the pros on the racetrack but also a whole heap of fun to the everyday riders wanting to play in the dirt.
Key changes on the Husqvarna 2024 enduro include:
Throttle body fuel injection for better response with two injectors
Electronically monitored exhausted values for a two stroke feel
Subframe with increased durability and integrated grab handle
Fully adjustable suspension without need for tools
Improved grip seat and symmetrical tank fairing for knee grip
27% larger peg surface with lower narrow stance for more stable position and reduced risk of catching in ruts
LED headlight giving 900 lumens
Smart Control unit for centralised electronic troubleshooting
Premium Michelin Medium rubber for ultimate traction
Smaller 22mm rear swing arm for more flex over rocks
Flush faced chain guard to prevent damage
Torque values etched in for serviceability
Improved feel and difference in two engine maps
Quick shifter for smoother great shifts [four stoke FE models]
Check out The Girl On A Bike’s YouTube channel for a full review of the 2024 Husqvarna enduro bikes.
YouTube – Husqvarna 2024 enduro bikes tested and reviewed – TE and FE models
Husqvarna 2024 two stroke enduro bikes ridden, reviewed and tested – TE 150 250 300
Who is the Girl on a Bike?
Vanessa Ruck is a dirt bike maniac, extreme desert rally racer, traveller, and social media goddess on a mission to inspire other riders following a life changing road accident that’s left her with chronic pain. She’s determined to prove that nothing is impossible.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
