As much as I am not wild over the KTM/Berg thing...

[Motosportz]

The more I look at this the more I think I could be happy with one. Hope they import it and wish they would toss a linkage on it. (I know it is just me)

- Also wish Beta would make a 125 or better yet a 175.

Just thinking out loud.

 

[john01]

I really like the looks of the Bergs/KTM's it's their ergos and general ride feel I don't like. I also think the Husky 125 engine's are built better and last longer. I do know one thing for sure, there is nothing we as Husky owners can do about it. If we don't like the "new" Huskys we have a few other choices out there and the world will continue to turn at least I hope so.

 

[MotoMarc36]

I'm reasonably sure I'll like the new Huskies....Quite frankly I've been a bit more receptive of KTM since Decoster has been at the helm and changed the MX bikes so much for the better....As much as I love my Italian Husky, I will also enjoy this new chapter, where we will see Husky front-center stage racing. KTM will take them places that the Italians just weren't going to go which has always frustrated me.

I could live with that bike, too, K.

 

[Motosportz]

I really like the looks of the Bergs/KTM's it's their ergos and general ride feel I don't like. I also think the Husky 125 engine's are built better and last longer. I do know one thing for sure, their is nothing we as Husky owners can do about it. If we don't like the "new" Huskys we have a few other choices out there and the world will continue to turn at least I hope so.

totally agree.

 

[Norman Foley]

The Bergs are more different from KTM's, than the naysayers believe... Husaberg tanks are different from KTM tanks, that are larger yet slim, their own suspension settings, engine mapping and now plastic subframes that change the feel of the bike.

Coming off a bunch of Huskys, it was different at first and took some setup. It was a steep learning curve, as all my Husky buddies were of no help and a bit down on it. Ask a Husky guy what it takes to make PDS work and he says either... "It doesn't or a $5000 Hard Parts shock."

After a bunch of small steps and too much time on KTM Talk, I was gaining ground, but not quite there. I went down to do a bike set up session and riding lesson with Rich Lafferty. The Lafferty's know a little something about KTM and Husabergs! Rich thought the things I'd done, were in the correct direction.... shorten wheelbase, switch to 20mm triple clamps (which Husaberg did on '13-'14 bikes), bar location front to back in triple clamps, suspension settings. He thought my bars were too high and my static sag was off. We swapped to a higher rate rear spring and went riding. The bike was much better turning and working better overall. We rode for another 3 hours, working on my standing position and a bunch of other things.

For homework, he suggested that I lower my bars to stock height, but to first do an experiment. He said when you get home, lay out a figure 8 grass track and ride it sitting and standing with your high bars. Then I want you to ride it with low bars and see which feels better. The low bars had much better front end feel and traction and made the bike what I wanted. It will never handle quite as well as a Husky, but damn close and the e-start and adjustable PV set up make it nice for an old cripple like me. I'd be curious what the Husky/Husaberg version of the 200 would be like, I'm thinking it would be better than KTM's

For those who don't want PDS, the Husky MX models will have linkage and there may be XC models with linkage too.

 

[Motosportz]

Thanks guys for the purposeful derailment. Never mind.

 

[Norman Foley]

Thanks guys for the purposeful derailment. Never mind.

Don't know why I bothered to spend time on a thoughtful response.... I'm going to go ride the thing, instead of talk about it.

 

[Motosportz]

The Bergs are more different from KTM's, than the naysayers believe... Husaberg tanks are different from KTM tanks, that are larger yet slim, their own suspension settings, engine mapping and now plastic subframes that change the feel of the bike.

Coming off a bunch of Huskys, it was different at first and took some setup. It was a steep learning curve, as all my Husky buddies were of no help and a bit down on it. Ask a Husky guy what it takes to make PDS work and he says either... "It doesn't or a $5000 Hard Parts shock."

After a bunch of small steps and too much time on KTM Talk, I was gaining ground, but not quite there. I went down to do a bike set up session and riding lesson with Rich Lafferty. The Lafferty's know a little something about KTM and Husabergs! Rich thought the things I'd done, were in the correct direction.... shorten wheelbase, switch to 20mm triple clamps (which Husaberg did on '13-'14 bikes), bar location front to back in triple clamps, suspension settings. He thought my bars were too high and my static sag was off. We swapped to a higher rate rear spring and went riding. The bike was much better turning and working better overall. We rode for another 3 hours, working on my standing position and a bunch of other things.

For homework, he suggested that I lower my bars to stock height, but to first do an experiment. He said when you get home, lay out a figure 8 grass track and ride it sitting and standing with your high bars. Then I want you to ride it with low bars and see which feels better. The low bars had much better front end feel and traction and made the bike what I wanted. It will never handle quite as well as a Husky, but damn close and the e-start and adjustable PV set up make it nice for an old cripple like me. I'd be curious what the Husky/Husaberg version of the 200 would be like, I'm thinking it would be better than KTM's

For those who don't want PDS, the Husky MX models will have linkage and there may be XC models with linkage too.

Completely understand Norm and thanks for the thoughtful on topic post. Your changing of triple clamps (I have never seen so many options provided to fix something as KTM triple clamps), shock voodoo and painful setup are what i don't like about PDS. IMHO it takes a lot to get them right. The FE390 hit the nail on the head for me setup wise (has a completely different shock angle than a KTM for some reason). Completely stock it was very good for me and my type of riding. I have ridden probably north of 40 KTMs, what I dislike it the hinged in the middle feeling, the ergonomics, the horrible seat and the odd front end feel. Yes all fixable to some extent but when I jump on a 09 or up 125 or X-light I realize how much better of a starting platform it is FOR ME. I can ride a stock 09 WR125 all sprung wrong and setup wrong and still think it is amazingly accurate and can go fast on it. I realize KTM / Berg wins at the very top of racing all the time and many make the setup work great. But for me, and why I have been riding huskys all these years warts and all is a love how they configure the frames and geometry.

 

[Motosportz]

Don't know why I bothered to spend time on a thoughtful response.... I'm going to go ride the thing, instead of talk about it.

I totally appreciate your response and urge you to keep it coming. As a husky guy that made the switch I find your info valuable and always have.

- have a great ride

 

[Norman Foley]

Completely understand Norm and thanks for the thoughtful on topic post. Your changing of triple clamps (I have never seen so many options provided to fix something as KTM triple clamps), shock voodoo and painful setup are what i don't like about PDS. IMHO it takes a lot to get them right. The FE390 hit the nail on the head for me setup wise (has a completely different shock angle than a KTM for some reason). Completely stock it was very good for me and my type of riding. I have ridden probably north of 40 KTMs, what I dislike it the hinged in the middle feeling, the ergonomics, the horrible seat and the odd front end feel. Yes all fixable to some extent but when I jump on a 09 or up 125 or X-light I realize how much better of a starting platform it is FOR ME. I can ride a stock 09 WR125 all sprung wrong and setup wrong and still think it is amazingly accurate and can go fast on it. I realize KTM / Berg wins at the very top of racing all the time and many make the setup work great. But for me, and why I have been riding huskys all these years warts and all is a love how they configure the frames and geometry.

Totally understand what you're saying. Huskys are just so neutral and forgiving in any set up. Funny thing is... you put a KTM guy on one and they think it feels all weird!

Interesting point Rasputin made a while ago.... CH Racing adjusts the geometry to the Factory riders' preference, so none of the frames are "stock".

 

[Motosportz]

Interesting point Rasputin made a while ago.... CH Racing adjusts the geometry to the Factory riders' preference, so none of the frames are "stock".

Which is a big part of why the bike is not really all that important at that level as EVERYTHING gets changed and massaged. So far from stock it is not even the same bike. They are using piles of stuff you cant even buy and spend 3x what the bike costs just setting them up. Most of us dont have the money or time to do that which is why I like to start with a platform that is EZ to get where I need it personally.

 

[Coffee]

I've cleaned this thread up a bit, and because I'm tired of this type of thing, someone is on a short vacation from this site.

 

[john01]

Yeah Norman helpful info is always appreciated; thanks.

 

[LandofMotards]

I've cleaned this thread up a bit, and because I'm tired of this type of thing, someone is on a short vacation from this site.

That's enough warning, I check this site more than my wife checks Facebook. I don't know what I'd do lol

 

[Jersey Woods]

I think that bike looks fantastic. I just wish I knew someone who owned one so I could ride it. There are Berg dealers with in driving distance of me but I doubt they'd just let me take one for a joy ride. I'm sure they would only let a person who wants to buy one take one for a ride.

 

[Norman Foley]

Had a great ride on some very cool new off camber a buddy put in. He dug out the tough places by hand with some tough switchbacks. We had 3.8" of rain, last night through this morning, so I glad I rode it yesterday!

 

[juicypips]

i like it never riden a pds but the look of no linkage appeals to my boulder garden green lanes and riding up stream. if i had the money i would probably look into a 200 just cus they are light nimble and have a bit of torque. but i wont have the money cus i always blow it on petrol! £1.39 a liter is redunkulos.

i like the bike im not judging till i ride one looks good tho

 

[Tinken]

Also wish Beta would make a 125 or better yet a 175

Considering that the new Husky 125 produces 38 horsepower, I doubt you will be considering a 175.

 

[Colo moto]

i like it never riden a pds but the look of no linkage appeals to my boulder garden green lanes and riding up stream.

I absolutely love my KTM 300 for this exact reason. Never ridden a bike better at hopping over down logs or boulders. Loooots of ground clearance under that bike. The rest of the bike.... meh it's ok. But for tight woods with lots of log crossings this is my go to bike.

 

[Motosportz]

Considering that the new Husky 125 produces 38 horsepower, I doubt you will be considering a 175.

Its about the kind of power not the amount. For me the 165-175cc bike is PERFECT. The 200 makes to much and changes it from a 125 to more of a 250 feeling bike. What is perfect for me is a 125 feeling bike with a more meaty powerband. That's what a 175 class bike delivers without making it feel like a 250 IMHO. Those that don't ride steep technical deep woods stuff all day might not get it. I think the reason I like the 165 kit is you still have the same crank and the piston is almost the same weight so really you are just adding bottom and mid. Once you stoke a motor it becomes different feeling. They are all good I'm just saying for me the 125 stroke and big bore work perfect for my needs.