Husky works for bmw so it is a short jump to see why they are using this motor in a bike. This engine design (CS shaft location) drove the frame and linkage designs it appears... this is a package deal it appears ... With the new fuel tank location thrown in as a kicker of some sort ...
I think it has promise ... Some of these ideas have been tried throughout the years but not all in a package and not with such a big $ company backing them to my knowledge ... The original bmw project did not totally fail and now a new frame (with a cradle!!) has been added ... HP \ torque on this engine must be good as not much complaining about this aspect of the new package ... A live performance is all that is missing here
Has anyone noticed as the pic progress the pipe is getting blue-er and blue-er and more and more pant/boot residue on the exhaust? They are riding the wheels of this thing to test. No complaints being spoken or "leaking" out so I would assume it is going very well. I mean....who would keep riding a bike that was marginal? Even if they paid you lots....you would walk (McGrath/KTM-Knight/BMW....the older one)
sprocket74, I think the title of this thread should be changed to "2011 Husqvarna TC450" noted that The new Husky motor (BMW) all ready has a bigger brother from the 2009 E3 class so I am sure we can expect to see a "451-525" size (somewhere in there anyway) as well for the 510 fans out there. See Tarkala's 09 E3 BMW machine for reference.
I noticed the pipe as well - that bike is looking like it's having the snot ragged out of it. I see the O2 sensor is still in there too... Liking the supermoto mock-up btw.
And it seems to have grown a canister to the top of it. Testing continues. All i need is a target date and to put a few bikes on Craigslist.
This bike is looking and sounding very good and i'm excited about it but..... As far as the styling goes, i'd like to see a smoother transition from the seat into the rear fender....and maybe a bit more of a positive curve (convex shape) to the rear fender. Anybody else? (maybe it's just me). I really like the looks of the g450x and hope they take some styling cues from it. In particular, I like the rear fender and side panels (# plates) from the g450x. Don't get me wrong, I like the looks of the current and past Huskys (i do own two of em after all). Maybe this spy shots are not the final iteration of this bike?
I'm guessing the plastic will not change. Thats an expensive process and to build it they already thought about it and implemented what they liked. Other than the front fender I love it.
It did kinda sound like Scots message was we were seeing the final iteration of the bike...at least as far as the styling goes... I am seriously hoping that the opening at the rear edge of the seat is in fact a grab "area"...as the rear fender side/panel area is a no go ??? I really am getting used to the styling....I like it...
It's not you because I've heard other people say that about the current gen Husky fenders. But I like 'em with a little turned up style. It's different and I think looks good. The styling reminds me a little of some of the electric dirtbikes I've seen. I'm guessing that style is done to look light and maybe that's what they're trying to accomplish. I do agree with Kelly that the front fender is a little excessive. That channel down the middle is too deep/wide in my opinion.
To tell the truth I am actually pretty bummed about the look of the bike. It would have been much better with a red all aluminum tank with a clear polished window where your legs rub.
Scot, While I would love to own a retro schemed Husky with the new frame, I think it would need to have one of those old stand out big bore 2T motors in it. Even the pipey 360 from the mid-70's would be ok. Back to the new bike, I like the integration of all the different concepts in one bike if/when they work. I personally don't like the front fender and a lack of a kick starter makes me nervous, but I will just carry an extra TurnTech in my pack. I am an optomist and always look for the best in something and will do what ever is necessary to make whatever I buy meet my expectations. I just look at it as part of the experience when owning a dirt bike. I can't help but be optomistic about this new bike given all the positive influences that surround its creation. I too will be eagerly awaiting a ride when one shows up in my neck of the woods. Walt
good idea.. (he's clearly doing drugs people.......what kind I don't know, but he's wack. Probably a hallucinogenic )
When you are anxious to see the final production bike, or the bike officially at a race, the same couple of weeks are like 10 years. I'm really confident in that it will show to be a great bike.
