KTM/Husqvarna... now how will this play out?

The more this plays out the more it looks like the whole Pierer Ind acquiring Husqvarna is nothing more then to satisfy Anti-trust laws in EU because you have KTM actively trying to coordinate take over of distribution and some dude from India saying "we this" and "we that" in reference to KTM/HSQ union. They'd be really crazy to kill off the XLite platform, it's about 98% perfect for 2013 and just needs a few set-up tweaks to make it 100%,....I also am personally biased I I feel it's a better package then KTM 250/290 or even 350.

MNB,....BMW does still have a 2013 G650GS and Sertao model which uses the same 652cc engine as the Terra/Strada, along with the same grips, wheels, ABS option, etc.

Maybe KTM was not getting far ahead with the two stroke direct injection, and Husky was??

I don't think you could be CEO of two companies in the same industry or it's a bit unethical (isn't that what anti-trust laws are all about?)...that like having Bill Gates being CEO of both Microsoft and Apple. He can be on the boards of other companies in the same industry as this can be seen as strategic alliances but this is dependent on that company's board as it is a conflict of interest.

And this is the unanswered question...is SP going to control Husqvarna as his own company or as part of Cross AG/Bajaj board, again, anti trust laws will have something to say here.

Highly doubtful BMW cared nothing for this....

Over at Husaberg.org, they didn't even feel the tremor in the force.......

You're right. I keep trying to forget those models... heh Ok, they're gone, too....

But the 449/511 isn't used. I doubt KTM will keep it, though.

I will have to respectfully disagree with you analyses - I've own both KTMs and Huskys (a lot of them) and can compare with experience. There is absolutely no reason to up-grade any part of a Husky from the engineering and design of a KTM (Only exceptions would be maybe electric start on the 2t units and 6-speed tranny for the WRs) Which is no "biggy" and can be delt with.
I'll put my WR300 up against any 300 2t unit from KTM! The engine on the WR is a dated design - but it works so well and is bullet-proof. The suspension is damn-near perfect - "Out-of-Box" .
Hell, I can even get to my spark plug without taking off the tank.

Huskys problem was not design - it was sales/marketing and distribution.
Note - If you want something pretty (?) and want to spend a 1000.00 or more - buy a KTM.

P.s. - I personally think the WRs are pretty-er!

Joe is absolutely right. The US market is probably a very small piece of this whole puzzle.

I have trouble believing "completely different characteristics" from the same engineering platform.

They are pirates or princes, but not looking out for anyone's interests but their own. Vampires might be a better term

Completely different maybe not, but my '12 Husaberg TE250 is definitely different from its '12 KTM 250 2 stroke siblings.....

I am hoping at least we are able to keep Husky frames, suspension, and styling, that does make them different. KTM engines would not be so bad, they do run off the dealer floor. Husqvarnas handle, but usually have to tune the engine. KTM's run great, but we are still looking for the magician that makes the suspension work.
I think I will be hanging on to my 250 X- Light for awhile, maybe I need to get a spare.

Gary, The RedHead Keihin EFI'ed XLights are ready to run hard out of the box,....however little fit'n'finish things like water pump hose needs to be dealt with or it will chaffe a hole in about 10 hours can be a minor show stopper. Otherwise the BMW engine development gurus did help the Husky folks get it to be all it can be,.....unless you feel like installing the high compression piston and GET control module for all out race bred performance but less piston life I'm assuming.

Yeah, there has been a lot of BMW bashing on this thread, but it has helped to remind me that I switched from KTM to Husqvarna when BMW bought them because I felt they would take them too the top. And they have done a lot of good, just takes time.

Wow, just caught up reading the incredible number of posts since last nite Great info as always, still read it as SP wants to do with Husky what he did with KTM when he rescued them from near death many years ago, not fold Husky into the pumpkin. Guess we will all see soon, & IMO, I've had 2 KTMs. they were both good bikes, but I know my Huskys are better bikes for me. So I do hope they keep em the way they are, just refine them. The bikes are good, need better marketing & promotion........

So if Peirer want's to impress me, his first order of business should be to send George at Uptite a "welcome aboard" package Just sayin!