I don't want to side track the other threads about the purchase. If Husky does get purchased by KTM, what parts should be bought just in case they close production. A lot of parts will be available through the aftermarket, but what parts should be bought before they aren't available? Pistons,rings, engine gaskets?
Word is that KTM wants to double Husqvarna production, share parts and use Husky to take a larger share of the market. They've been working on this for two years. The idea is to control the market by buying up the competition.
Personally, I hope they bring back the TE450/510 motor. Add a wide ratio trans, a current-tech EFI, and a large tank, and I'd buy one. I sold my 09, loving it, because of the ratios, the EFI, and the lack of range. Otherwise, it was perfect for me. And, although I own and love several KTM's, this Husky handled better than their similar offerings.
I forgot I posted this. Now that I have heard the details, I'm sure it's not going to be a problem with parts. Back in the 80's when Chrysler bought AMC for the Jeep brand, they destroyed all the AMC tooling and there were stories from several people working at dealerships, that they were ordered to destroy new parts and I was worried something similar might happen. A friend of mine's dad worked at an AMC dealership back then and they were ordered to destroy parts. Here's a quote from a guy who had first hand experience. "Yes, back in 1987 Chrysler did destroy lots of Amc parts and bull dozed them into the ground. They took sludge hammers and and knocked holes into sides of brand new engines to make sure they couldn't be used. As back in September, 1987 I was at the local Amc dealership just a few weeks after Chrysler took over having my 1977 Hornet Amx restored. The dealership already had my inner and outer rocker panels, new fenders, and other parts for it, but needed some other parts when the parts manager called a Amc warehouse. The worker told him he could still get that part shipped, but that day was his last day, as Chrysler was bull dozing the other end DOWN of the warehouse! My local parts manager told me he could even hear in background loud bull dozing noises! Also a few weeks later Chrysler came and took down the AMC sign, and the AMC used car sign, lined them up against wall, Took a picture of them, then they SMASHED them, took another picture of them destroyed. Then they put up the new Chrysler Jeep Eagle sign!"
