Yeah, it doesn't offend me too... I hope they where able to make something out of that engine...guess we'll know soon enough
Damn straight! My F800GS would spank the Strada off road. It may weigh 50lbs more, but it's got at least 2" more suspension travel, better clearance and probably 50% more horsepower.
Rumor is it is supposed to be offered at a very competitive price aimed at the large segment of DRZ650 type customers. In that regard it should do very well. Makes sense and people who want lighter DS can get a 511.
In my opinion... The Strada does not compete with the DR650. It lacks adequate suspension, clearance and weighs 50lbs more. It does look tons better than a DR650, though. It's like Husqvarna made a naked V-Strom (without the V engine obviously). A 511 is not a dual sport. It's a dirt bike. That is plateable. With very short maintenance intervals. Checking and replacing your piston isn't on the maintenance schedule of a dual sport. If maintenance intervals lengthen to 3000-preferably 6000 miles, THEN it will be a dual sport.
I'll toss another thumbs down at the weight. It'll be over 400# in true riding condition, which is ridiculous IMO. I've driven snowmobiles that weighed much less than that. They should just put 2 more wheels on it and call it a quad......... The engineers know they don't have to use solid steel for the frame, right? There's such a thing as CrMo & it's not too expensive.
That looks like a way better bike for Prince to have ridden in the movie Purple Rain while he was riding on gravel, grass, and doing little burnouts and cherrios while stalking Appolonia..... I like cool bikes in general and its got the NUDA look to it- but I just don't know what I would realistically do with a bike like that- personally. I don't adventure ride-but if I did would that fit the bill?- and I don't think my version of "dualsport' is the "web'sters" definition either. Seems the 610/630 I'd find easier to find a purpose for than this. I saw the 449/511 "adventure" maybe fake pics and thought NO!?- but then thought... ok for Prince that would be an upgrade... then thought if the 449/511 "adventure was a 600-800cc- it might be worthy of a fairing like the Ktm adventure. BUT that's too much.. Husky should make a 640 adventure equivalent for adventure- is this an attempt? Coulda just updated the 630 platform more. Just seems styling is taking away from 'purpose' builds- other than reaching the purpose of selling to people who are impulsive- and buy cause "they just like it". "Just look at it!" Sorry- narrowly dirt minded (and I know that's not the offroad version/ maybe it'll be more inspiring) I still really really really like my 09TE450 for what I do and have no plans to change any time soon
I see this bike being sold in BMW dealers along with the other new Husky street bikes. That's the plan. Street bikes sold in BMW dealers, dirt bikes at Husky dealers. They're creating a new line of bikes for this. It should help build the Husky brand. I don't know if the gap in the Husky line that the 610 held will ever be filled. If not, that's too bad because the 610 is a heck of a great bike. The 630 was a step in the wrong direction (heavier).
You hear a price point yet Bill? From the rumors I hear it might be a very good bike for husky. I like the bike. If I was in the market for an adventure bike this is what I would get. I don't want a twin cylinder bike. I'm not quite at the age where i want to go there but if i was 5 or so years older, looking to explore more and ride the gnar less i would be all over this. While we hard core types might not be into this i bet it ends up a very good machine for many looking for a cool bike to explore, take pix etc.
