Actual news on the KTM purchase of Husqvarna

[PBM457]

It really annoys me that we won't have access to the full range.

 

[john01]

It just wasn't enough white plastic to go around......jk

 

[rasputin]

another new "motorrad" issue, this time there's an interview with oliver goehring, ex husaberg c.e.o. and now husqvarna c.e.o.
- just like ktm sportmotorcycles ag, husqvarna motorcycles gmbh is a sub-company of ktm ag. they're on their own economically, and therefor need to earn the money they need for r&d and racing efforts themselves (the according article mentions that the new huskys cost as much as the ktm "six days" editions)
- husqvarna currently has ~15 employees. the current "husqvarna project leader" worked in varese before (this guy's official position is named "product manager", bytheway), and they also hired "several ex-employees of the varese company
- husaberg sold 7000 bikes this (fiscal) year. next year, they want to sell 11500 husqvarna bikes. the extra 4500 bikes will be sold through extending the model range: mx, and there will be supermoto models soon ("production racers" as well as road-legal supermoto bikes)
- the husqvarna bikes will not "cannibalize" ktm's sales, because they will both have distinctive brand images. ktm is going more and more "generalist", therefor "hardcore-offroaders" might not be willing to follow this "mainstream road" and be feeling more confortable staying with husqvarna, the offroad specialist.
- the "swedish connection" of future husqvsarna is the sweden-based race team, and the involvement of thomas gustavvsson.
- there will be two separated distribution channels for husqvarna and ktm

r

 

[Darkside]

Man, I was really looking hard at the Sherco 300i. Now I might have to wait until 2015 to see what these Husky/Husa guys come up with.

 

[ajaxauto]

Man, I was really looking hard at the Sherco 300i. Now I might have to wait until 2015 to see what these Husky/Husa guys come up with.

Question After all we know about husky and the fact the bikes are so good and the fact husaberg now owns it and wants to
kick the orange bike ass Why would you want to jump ship Give it some time why ride a bike that is so untested from a small company I am so looking forward to the new with old employee Husky

 

[Connor]

click the link

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPqRWic1GP8

 

[Boogie]

...why ride a bike that is so untested from a small company....

Re: Sherco

I think guys that love the TE310 X-light platform will look at the Sherco 300i as its now the only dedicated 300cc 4 stroke on the market AND apparently they are lighter and a little more agile than the Husky 310. That's enough for me to try one.

Also, the Sherco 300i really isn't that far behind the Italian built 310 Husky X-light when it comes to being "untested and from a small company"

 

[john01]

X2. I keep going back and forth myself, TXC310 or Sherco 300. It's just something about getting a bike that's no longer made that makes it hard to go with the Husky even though the buy in is so GOOD.

 

[Darkside]

When you think about the companies that make these bikes, they are not new. These companies have been around for a long time.
Unlike many, I am not a big fan of the Italian Huskies. I used to have 4 of them in my garage, now I have none. For me, the small issues became too much for me to ignore. My hope is that the Husky/Husa engineers can bring some of their innovation to KTM fit and finish and quality control. I have a soft place in my heart for Husky no matter who makes them. I would love to have a new one back in my stable

John01, I've been following your posts. I'm in the same boat. Hurry up and make up our minds.

 

[organ donor]

He certainly didn´t seem overawed with the new Husky lineup. Seemed more like a very critical assessment.

 

[rancher1]

He certainly didn´t seem overawed with the new Husky lineup. Seemed more like a very critical assessment.

There isn't anything new to be awed about, just a new name in the side case casting.

 

[TooOld]

Well now, hasn't this topic kinda gone full circle...from the initial news of the buy-out, to never going to get another Husky, going to get this or that instead, to a gradual acceptance of "it is what it is" and "maybe I'll wait for the more 'Husky' Huskies in '14 or '15"...
If nothing else, the whole takeover thing (and this thread) has given the likes of Sherco, TM, GasGas et al, far greater public awareness of their companies and models...

 

[Motosportz]

X2. I keep going back and forth myself, TXC310 or Sherco 300. It's just something about getting a bike that's no longer made that makes it hard to go with the Husky even though the buy in is so GOOD.

I had the pleasure of riding all the flavors of the last of the breed X-lights this weekend and am going to really miss that design. The TXC310 is an amazing bike with an awesome motor. the x-lights handle like nothing else (amazing) and the TXC310 rips. Super fun light feeling bikes. The new motor with newly designed head and different EFI is amazing and pulls from down low to a ripping top end. So linear and smooth. Love it.

 

[dartyppyt]

I had the pleasure of riding all the flavors of the last of the breed X-lights this weekend and am going to really miss that design. The TXC310 is an amazing bike with an awesome motor. the x-lights handle like nothing else (amazing) and the TXC310 rips. Super fun light feeling bikes. The new motor with newly designed head and different EFI is amazing and pulls from down low to a ripping top end. So linear and smooth. Love it.

Best Husky I've owned after dialing in the boinkers.

 

[PBM457]

It just wasn't enough white plastic to go around......jk

That's why I'm making my own.

 

[water racer]

another new "motorrad" issue, this time there's an interview with oliver goehring, ex husaberg c.e.o. and now husqvarna c.e.o.
- just like ktm sportmotorcycles ag, husqvarna motorcycles gmbh is a sub-company of ktm ag. they're on their own economically, and therefor need to earn the money they need for r&d and racing efforts themselves (the according article mentions that the new huskys cost as much as the ktm "six days" editions)
- husqvarna currently has ~15 employees. the current "husqvarna project leader" worked in varese before (this guy's official position is named "product manager", bytheway), and they also hired "several ex-employees of the varese company
- husaberg sold 7000 bikes this (fiscal) year. next year, they want to sell 11500 husqvarna bikes. the extra 4500 bikes will be sold through extending the model range: mx, and there will be supermoto models soon ("production racers" as well as road-legal supermoto bikes)
- the husqvarna bikes will not "cannibalize" ktm's sales, because they will both have distinctive brand images. ktm is going more and more "generalist", therefor "hardcore-offroaders" might not be willing to follow this "mainstream road" and be feeling more confortable staying with husqvarna, the offroad specialist.
- the "swedish connection" of future husqvsarna is the sweden-based race team, and the involvement of thomas gustavvsson.
- there will be two separated distribution channels for husqvarna and ktm

r

So I wonder what KTM going more mainstream means? Husqvarna to be the premium more expensive bike?

 

[john01]

From the post I've read, yes the Husky will be the "premium" brand which will of course be more expensive. That just doesn't go with the owner saying early on that Husky was to compete with the Jap brands ....

 

[LandofMotards]

I wonder if KTM will have all the offroad options and mimic more of a Japanese line up and husqvarna becomes what KTM is now

 

[john01]

I wonder if KTM will have all the offroad options and mimic more of a Japanese line up and husqvarna becomes what KTM is now

That would be my WAG.

 

[LandofMotards]

That would be my WAG.

Can't figure out what that means...sorry lol