..the fact still remains that the Italian effort(Cagiva) wanted to save Husqvarna(motherland was giving up on them)...and although my love for Husqvarna grew from me racing/riding the Swedish ,it almost came to a halt because of the new owners...BIGGEST differance here is that ktm IS Husky's #1 competitor and Husky will become a partner in ranks with them,and "I" personally do not want to be involved with a company who is likely going to shove their crap on a model and call it a Husky(I will make every attempt not to buy oem parts for my Huskys but I know the time will come I will have to).
Claudio (Cagiva)was very passionate about motorcycles and when he bought Husky at least he offered many of the factory workers jobs...probably knowing not many would make the move but there were a few that not only were factory workers but helped in R&D) ..Mr. Pierer (and I use that term loosely ) just went in and cleaned house and did so cowardly ...not a good way to buy trust from owners of the brand..like me.At least the Swedes had some prior notice and a chance of employment .
Cagiva,although small in comparison,had a few great bikes that were winning,but were still not considered to be Husky's #1 competitor ,not by a long shot but because back then I knew (even before there was internet) Claudio's vision and compassion would ease the minds of those who were die hard Husqvarna owners(not all of course).Like I said before,Claudio took Husqvarna to the next level,killing off his own brand(Cagiva mx/enduro)....will pierer do this,nope,he'd be stupid to,and that there lies within the 1 problem of many.Claudio loved motorcyces,that for sure,but some of his other "passions" got in the way...that's it,I'm done..thank God I'm old ,I'm sure my 4 pre-ktm Husky's will keep me happyso I won't have to buy another bike...but I'll pray that "some day" there won't be a Husky ktm clone..........
Well said, my experience with the U.S.A. motocycle buying public is they are very hard to please in any regard unless there is plenty off bling offered. We have such a varied set of conditions when it comes to riding off road and racing that one size fits all is a tough sell. Italian and British small shops still amaze when it comes to products worthy of praise but then you factor in the American magazine crowd and the balance is set by politics and cronyism it is difficult for their magic to appear in any meaningful way. My point is that KTM has been the master into making billy-burmshot think that linkage is better than PDS as an example when in pure physics terms there is no difference,where as when the Husky was tested with CTS it was scorned because it didn't fit the mold of an clone product. So i would say that you will get a KTM with red paint and Husky emblems attached and Dirt Rider will tell you it's the greatest, even B.S. old Chilly into adding a point or two. It has come down to this, the appearance of choice. Me; i'm traveling on a Sherco.......P.S. No disrespect intended for the Chill'ster.
