Is the expectation that (for the next couple years) that the TE/TC/TXC 250/310 bikes will continue to use the current chassis and the bigger bikes (TE/TC/TXC 450, 510?) will use the new chassis? 2 strokes? If so, I'll be quiet about it and observe how the new bike works in real world conditions with real world users for a year or two. Even take a test ride or two so I can convince myself.... Admittedly, I'm sometimes a bit resistant to change and need to observe things for a while before jumping in. It was the same way when in 06 when I first became aware of the modern Huskies (was on a Suzuki then). I watched other users, talked to them and rode a few of them before buying a new one in 07. Since then I've been one of Huskies' biggest unpaid supporter/marketer/salesman. If I had a commission check for every guy that I chatted to about my Huskies(have 2 of them now)...............Hey wait a minute.......
Of course this type of info helps. This video is very nicely done and something similar to this when the new 450 comes out on how to change out a countershaft sprocket would be very useful. I've seen the operation done(Countershaft sprocket change) and it isn't nearly as bad as it looks or sounds. More importantly I would like to learn how to insert cool videos like this into my posts someday. I come across a lot of cool internal stuff from the factory that I'm sure the CafeHusky members would love to see. Down the road I'll call you for some training. Keep up the great work Coffee.
The current line of TC/TE/TXC 250s will continue with the same frame configuration they have now. These were just introduced last year and it is too early to change to the new concentric system.
As far as sales in this country are concerned, I never worried about who was on the podium when I was racing in the 70's and 80's. I rode Yamaha's because there was a dealer 15 min from the house. When I was old enough to move out of the house I rode Honda's because there was a dealer 10 minutes from the house. I almost bought a KTM a few years ago for the same reasons as above, but being older and wiser with a little money now (don't ask my wife about the wiser part) I really looked at what would really fit the riding I now do, and drove from Alabama to Kansas city Missouri to get my TE 610. What I guess I'm trying to say is if you want a new generation of riders, we need a better dealer network, my closest dealer is BMW Atlanta, a 4 hour drive one way. Anyone with a dealer close by is very lucky. If you want to sell Husky's they need to be seen everywhere. Most people around here don't even know that Husky still make bikes, when I ride to the nearest tracks everyone thinks I re-stickered a bike. You need to be everywhere and in peoples faces and you will sell bikes, and great bikes they are, mine always turns heads. Anyway just my .02 cents Glad the engine cases will say Husqvarna, I was a little worried there for a minute. Might have to make another long drive to pick up one of these.
I, for one, am really excited about this bike. I can't wait to see how it rides and runs. Now, if I only had the skills to ride a 450 for a 70-mile enduro...
So where does that leave the 310? Maybe a 300-350 based on the new design? Thanks for all the great information Scot. I can't wait to see the new bike!
I think a 300 on the new 250 motor would be a no brainer for 2011. All done....all proven....all good for the greatest non displacemtn class race bike in the USA. Also great for us older folks....the 4 stroke version of the WR144 if you ask me.
I hope you realize I do want the new 450 to be a success... "saucers of milk" (Any ideas?) "What do you call a Deer with no eyes" No idea? "What do you call a Deer with no eyes and no legs" Still no Idea? Well "saucers of milk" comes from being Catty, or you might say bitchy and what cats like to drink. Another good one if people are slinging mud is "Scratching post anyone" HaHa
That would be great too but I thought I read somewhere that the new 250 bottom end may not support a 300. If it comes to be I will have a tough choice between that and this new 450.
I think I found my next bike, sounds very promising . Hopefully we'll be able to use the cool new plastics/shrouds with the aftermarket tanks when they are produced.
I'm thinking the 310 will go away. I don't think the new super-light 250 architecture will punch out much further than it already is. The previous four-stroke platform pretty much had the same bottom end on all the bikes, so enlarging the 250 was easy. This new platform is optimized for its current displacement. And I can't see Husky supporting three different four-stroke platforms at the same time. Of course, I could be wrong. Hopefully the engineers factored in the ability to handle another 50 cc...
Very good point Rattletrap. We need to have more dealers in open markets. That is the single biggest thing that will help our sales. Naturally we are working on this issue.
Makes total sense when you explain it that way. Thanks for helping me in my continuing education on all things Brit.
I have a 2010 BMW G450x, I had concerns about the countershaft sprocket being hard to change. It is soooo EASY it is not worth discussing. Stop worrying about it, if you have any talent with some basic tools, you will be able to do this no problem. The performance advantages are very noticeable. Once you exepriance how clean and dry your air filter stays with the BMW design, you will never want a conventional set up again. I am amzed how clean the filter is after a race (compared to other bikes in the same event). The clutch... it is VERY tough, resists fading, has accurate engagement, I just did a survival race on it, the clutch was bulletproof, no fade at all. I would have adjusted the freeplay on any other bike on some of those relentless climbs and deep mud holes. The BMW motor is smooth and makes great power, it has more boost than I can use as an "A" level racer in my type of terrain. The Gas tank belongs under the seat, not up high between your knees sloshing around affecting the handling, once you try it, you will never want a conventional set up again. More bikes will copy this design. The suspension on the 2010 BMW is MUCH better than the 2009 (yes.. I have raced both) the new bike is really good. Stop worrying, lots of good stuff happening here. Do you want to ride the same old stuff? same old technology forever? not me..... BRING IT ON!!! btw.... I LOVE the e-start and fuel injection, after wrenching on the new BMW, I respect the quality and the design more and more. They broke new ground, many of us grizzled old veterens are afraid of anything different, open your mind and try it out. Everyone that has ridden my 2010 thinks it is a great bike, several buddies that are owners of new Husabergs tell me they would now buy the BMW instead. Like all new designs, there will be a few minor bugs to work out, no big deal, happens to ALL brands. Husky either steps forward and makes changes or it falls off the face of the earth.
Thanks for sharing your experience. My experience with the 2010 G450X is very similar. Its time to either Go big or Go home.
This is how you change the front sprocket on the bmw. I suspect it will be the same on the bmw...oups! I mean Husky. hii hii. http://www.motoverte.com/site/video-changez-votre-pignon-de-450-bmw--37548.html
