I consider myself to be a careful consumer and hardly ever purchase anything without reading reviews or testing the product, if possible. I was about to purchase a WR300, but I am not sure about this choice anymore. Reading about the modifications to the 2012 WR model range, I can't help but wonder why Husqvarna had to reinforce the frame near the steering head on most models. Would they really do this if it weren't necessary? Did frames show signs of metal fatigue in previous years? Apart from that, there was a recent newspaper article that made me wonder if there is not a general build problem with the Italian Huskies. Sima, the French motorcycle importing company, accounting for the largest sales volume of Husqvarna bikes worldwide, has decided to stop importing Huskies. When interviewed, the CEO answered (litterally translated from French): I am very disappointed about the build quality of Husqvarna in the recent couple of years. I was expecting the Germans (from BMW) to show more discipline and offer solutions to correct the problems. As there are no solutions, I cannot put my company and my dealer network in jeopardy. The original interview (in French) can be read here: http://www.moto-station.com/article...eric-fourgeaud-sima-je-ne-veux-pas-subir.html This is a clear statement and I think I have no choice but to consider purchasing a different brand now. This is sad in a sense, because the WR250/300 are the only bikes left that are suitable (without aftermarket parts) for large riders. I have had one Husky before (a 1975 MIkkola Replica CR360, I was 16 years old back then). Even though the crankcase broke (an issue known to the Swedish Husqvarna engineers), I liked the roughness of that bike. I'd love to have another Husky, but I do expect to receive a quality bike when I pay 7000 Euros. Not trying to spread negative publicity, but am looking for your comments, please.
It's my understanding that the WR250/300 has not changed much in 3 or more years (which seems to be what most are complaining about). I have an 09 and really like it and have had zero trouble out of it so far, and yes it is tall man friendly which is why I prefer it over my GasGas EC200. Since the WR250/300 hasn't changed much and hasn't been having problems, thus the current design seems to be proven, it appears the the French CEO may have another agenda hiding behind these complaints. I'm very curious what others will post here. Great thread!
Your loss Stefan. You'd probably be happier with a KTM. The French? Really...? the FRENCH? I keep waiting for the French to build a dirt bike... well... not really.
I would say the importer has another agenda. France is not the largest sales area for husqvarna either.
A couple huskies did crack or break just under the steering head, but so did a whole bunch of KTMs and Japanese bikes. I interpret additional re-inforcing on the new frames as a good thing, not as a bad thing.
i say go for it man, i dont have one but i havent seen very many complaints on here about them either. everyone that has one loves them from what i can gather.
I don't know how far you would have to drop to snap a head frame on the WR250/300, but to do it the cracked head frame would be the least of your worries. I have years of abuse on the bigger WR's(245 riding weight) and have yet to experience any kind of fatiguing of the frame or any other part for that matter. Buy with confidence and then go ride as much as you want for years with very little needed maintenance.
There is a lot more to that article than what your concern is (quality): Sounds to me that he wanted to be the importer and they would not let him.. and he was attempting to dictate contract details which BMW did not agree to. In addition it appears he is happy being co-manufacturer of some quads. Though I may have gotten the wrong impression, the translation was through bablefish.. Regardless, I would never decide to by, or not to buy, an item based on one article...
my local bike shop sponsored a rider on a 2009 cr125, he managed to crack the frame twice in a season. He said it was the best handling bike in the field at the time. I think it has been documented elsewhere that there was a bad batch of 2009 cr125 frames but have not heard anything about any other models. people always crave change even when its not warranted.
There were some reported frame issues on 09-11 125s but I have never heard of an issue with the 250/300 bikes. I think if you look at the forums (where even minor issues are reported) you won't see much for the 250/300. In some cases no news is good news.
