Hard Cross HC9 2022

The Husqvarna Hard Cross HC9 2024 is the Swedish-Austrian motorcycle brand's carbon enduro flagship: 180 mm of travel front and rear, a Shimano EP8 (DU-EP800) motor delivering 85 Nm of torque, and a 630 Wh battery. With a Fox Factory + Shimano XT Di2 build kit, this is one of the more aggressively-suspended e-enduros on sale, even if the 66 degree head angle is conservative for the segment. Four sizes (42–48 frame measurements) cover a 435–495 mm reach range with a constant 455 mm chainstay.

Drive system and range. Shimano EP8 is the proven middleweight choice here: 85 Nm of torque, 250 W rated, 500 W peak, 2.6 kg unit weight. It is the smoothest-feeling and most natural drive system on the market in its weight class, with a long warranty track record and the E-TUBE app for user profile customisation. It has been overtaken on headline numbers by Bosch CX Gen 5 (120 Nm), Specialized 3.1 (111 Nm) and DJI Avinox (105–150 Nm) — but for trail riders who do not need maximum top-end torque, EP8 remains a very credible choice. The 630 Wh battery is small by 2024 standards where 750–800 Wh is now the norm. Real-world range typically lands at 1,000–1,400 m of climbing per charge.

Geometry and handling. A 66.0 degree head angle is notably steep for a bike with 180 mm of travel front and rear — this is a classic case of long-travel suspension paired with trail-leaning geometry. Reach progresses well: 435 mm (size 42), 455 mm (44), 475 mm (46), 495 mm (48). The 455 mm chainstay is held constant across sizes — long, prioritising stability and climbing traction. Wheelbase grows 1,212 mm to 1,280 mm. The configuration suggests a bike intended for all-day enduro use and big climbs rather than aggressive bike-park descending.

Build and value. Only the base HC9 trim is gold-listed — described as "Fox Factory + XT Di2", a top-tier suspension and electronic shifting package. Husqvarna does not chase price points: the HC9 is a halo build with premium components throughout. Pricing data is not gold-listed but typical 2024 retail for an HC9-equivalent Fox Factory + XT Di2 Shimano EP8 build runs €8,500–9,500 in European markets. The Fox Factory + Di2 spec is at the top of the segment and the bike's strongest practical selling point.

Caveats and known gripes. No curated owner quotes or forum excerpts exist for the HC9, so buyers are working from the manufacturer spec and press first-rides rather than long-term ownership data. The 630 Wh battery and 85 Nm motor are unambiguously dated against the 2025–2026 Bosch CX Gen 5 and DJI Avinox cohort that now dominate the long-travel category. The 66 degree head angle is steep for 180 mm of travel and may feel out of step on the very steepest descents. The Husqvarna dealer network in the UK is essentially shared with KTM's distribution and is smaller than mainstream cycling brands — warranty turnaround and spares should be checked.

Verdict. The Husqvarna Hard Cross HC9 is a premium-spec long-travel e-enduro that leans on motor-brand DNA and a top-tier Fox Factory + XT Di2 build, all wrapped around proven EP8 power. It will suit buyers attracted to the Husqvarna motorcycling heritage who value smooth EP8 drive character and Di2 electronic shifting, and who can live with a small (630 Wh) battery on big rides. Riders who need 120 Nm Bosch CX Gen 5 torque, an 800 Wh battery, slacker enduro geometry, or first-hand owner feedback should look at the Cube One77, Centurion No Pogo or Trek Rail+ alternatives. Production status: current.