2024 Husqvarna® HardCross 4

What comes after Light Cross and Mountain Cross? That’s right! Hard Cross – at least according to Husqvarna, one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers. The brand are best known for their motorcycles, lawnmowers, and chainsaws, though they’ve long been established in the ebike segment, calling themselves pioneers in the field. Following last year’s renewal of the Light Cross (LC) and Mountain Cross (MC) models, the time has come for the flagship range to get a makeover. The wheel sizes, travel, geometry, battery size, and design as a whole have changed. The new Hard Cross models now roll on a mullet setup with a 29er up front and 27.5? wheel on the rear, and the rear travel has reduced by 10 mm. This leaves the new HC range with 180- and 170-mm travel at the front and rear respectively. The batteries of the two top end models, on the other hand, have grown to 720 Wh. The only constant seems to be the Shimano EP8 motor, which isn’t integrated, staying true to Husqvarna’s signature eMTB style. Instead, it’s exposed to cooling fresh air and highlighted, screaming “look at me, I’m an ebike!” But that’s enough of the secrecy: let’s get to the all-important facts and figures of the new 2023 Husqvarna Hard Cross HC.

The 2023 Husqvarna Hard Cross HC5 in detail
If the devil is in the details, Husqvarna’s designers certainly were devilish when developing the bike. The head tube badge functions as a camouflaged ventilation port for the battery in the down tube, promising consistent battery performance. You can access the battery via a large flap in the down tube, which is held in place with the help of a knurled thumb screw. The battery itself is further secured by a lock. The charging port in the bend of the seat stays is rather safe than sorry, imitating the fuel cap design of most cars: open the flap, then remove the cap. Some might find this annoying, but others will think of it as a post-ride ceremony – see you at the charging station!