2026 Husqvarna TC 65 Review

For many young motocross racers, the 65cc class represents the first real step into serious competition. It’s where riders begin refining technique, carrying more speed and learning racecraft aboard motorcycles that demand a more advanced approach than the equivalent four-stroke machines. Husqvarna’s TC 65 has long been one of the benchmark bikes in the category, and for 2026, the Austrian manufacturer has concentrated on refining an already proven package rather than reinventing it.

The TC 65 continues to share its foundation with the KTM 65 SX and GasGas MC 65 but maintains its own identity through the yellow and grey bodywork, graphics and a few component choices like handlebars and seat covers.

While the 2026 TC 65 returns with only minor refinements, the platform itself is still relatively new, having undergone a comprehensive redesign in 2024. That update introduced an all-new steel frame with revised geometry, a more compact WP shock and updated suspension settings, and a substantially revised engine featuring new crankcases, a stronger transmission, and a redesigned DS clutch.

Husqvarna also fitted new bodywork inspired by its full-size motocross range, revised the airbox and exhaust system, and added adjustable ergonomics, including multiple handlebar mounting positions and two subframe positions to better accommodate growing riders. The result was a more refined, adaptable package that continues unchanged into 2026.

At the heart of the TC 65 remains Husqvarna’s liquid-cooled 64.9cc two-stroke engine. The little powerhouse features a pressure-controlled exhaust valve, allowing a broader and more usable powerband while still delivering the strong top-end performance that defines the 65cc two-stroke category. A six-speed transmission provides closely spaced gear ratios, helping young riders keep the engine in its optimum power range around the track.

Like any good racing two-stroke, the TC 65 rewards riders who stay in the powerband and stay active with the clutch and gearbox. There is reasonable low-end response to navigate tighter sections of a circuit, but the engine truly comes alive in the midrange before pulling strongly into the upper rpm. This is where the real fun lies.

This can be a bit intimidating for riders new to the class, but more experienced riders will love the nature of this ripper little engine. It fairly charges out of corners if you’re in the right part of the rev range, and the more the rider focuses on gear selection and fanning the clutch, the faster their learning progression will be.

Power delivery is crisp and fast, in proper two-stroke fashion. This is not an engine that likes a soft right hand. The two-stroke builds revs quickly, yet it remains manageable thanks to smooth throttle response and predictable fueling from the Mikuni carburetor.

Helping transfer that power to the ground is a hydraulically actuated clutch that delivers a light lever pull and consistent engagement. For younger riders with smaller hands, clutch feel can be just as important as outright engine performance, and the Husqvarna offers one of the lighter clutch feels in the class.

The TC 65’s steel frame remains unchanged from the 2024 model, offering a balance between rigidity and controlled flex. This is a proper race bike chassis and it’s stable entering rough braking bumps while remaining agile enough to change direction quickly through tighter sections and rhythm lanes.

The slim bodywork allows riders to move freely from the front to the rear of the motorcycle, making it easier to weight the front wheel in corners or shift rearward during acceleration over rough terrain.

Husqvarna equips the TC 65 with a 35mm WP Xact upside-down air fork and a fully adjustable WP Xact rear shock, with 8.5 inches of wheel travel at the front and 10 inches at the rear. The air “spring,” housed in the left fork leg, allows spring-rate changes by altering air pressure, making it easy to tailor the bike to riders of different weights without changing coil springs. For our 9-year-old test rider, Harvey, he’s not yet at the stage of needing to change the base settings, but having full adjustability at both ends is handy for him, as he’ll be able to tailor the ride to himself better the faster he goes. Riders of varying weights can dial in the fork’s performance with only minor adjustments, and the unit offers impressive resistance to bottoming without becoming overly harsh on smaller impacts.

Despite the test rider’s light weight, the TC 65 is noticeably planted at speed, which gives him the confidence to carry momentum into rough sections. Steering remains light without becoming nervous, helping the rider track the chassis accurately through rutted corners as the track deteriorates.

Braking is handled by Formula hydraulic components with wave rotors measuring 198mm up front and 180mm at the rear. Braking power is progressive rather than aggressive, allowing riders to develop a good braking technique without feeling the front lock due to an excessive initial bite. Lever feel remained consistent throughout the full day of testing, even after repeated hard use.

The fit and finish of the TC 65 is beautiful, looking like a shrunken Malcolm Stewart bike. The white, yellow and grey bodywork harks back to Huskies of old, and in-mold graphics give better durability compared to traditional decals. There are other premium touches such as CNC-machined triple clamps, black-anodized rims, and high-quality controls that look straight off Malcolm’s bike.

The big thing with the TC 65 is maintenance. We’ve been fastidious about cleaning after each ride and staying on top of the air filters, which are an easy swap after you take the seat off.

As with any high-performance two-stroke race bike, regular piston, ring and gearbox oil maintenance remain essential to keeping the engine performing at its best, but we’ve not yet reached that stage in the bike’s life.

This can be a pitfall for families unfamiliar with the temperament of a racing two-stroke. However, Husqvarna/KTM have been building junior two-stroke engines for decades, and the availability of parts and technical support through the dealer network is a significant advantage.

On the track, the TC 65 delivers exactly what its intended audience expects. It’s light, responsive and eager to accelerate while providing the chassis stability necessary for developing riders to build confidence as their speed increases.

The TC 65 can be a little intimidating for riders new to the two-stroke space, but that trepidation soon disappears as the TC isn’t as scary to ride as it may look. It gives riders a great footing as they work up to the 85cc class.

The KTM-owned WP suspension package remains one of the TC 65’s strongest assets, offering a level of adjustability on par with the rest of the class save for Kawasaki. Combined with the balanced chassis and fast but predictable engine character, the overall package encourages riders to focus on their technique rather than compensating for any shortcomings in the motorcycle.

For young racers looking to compete in the 65cc class, the 2026 Husqvarna TC 65 is a well-rounded combination of performance, handling and premium component specification. It remains a capable stepping stone toward larger-displacement motocross machinery while delivering the race-ready character that will take a very long time to get sick of.CN

VIDEO | Living With The 2026 Husqvarna TC 65

2026 Husqvarna TC 65 Specifications

Click here to read the 2026 Husqvarna TC 65 Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.