Husqvarna Motorcycle brand will be re-launched later this year

[ray_ray]

Seems like they know enough to put KTM on the top of virtually every single off-road competition in the world, barring one or two here or there that they haven't quite gotten.

I understand people not wanting Husky to be another KTM. I don't understand people who act like KTMs are crappy, or they don't know about dirt bikes. KTM is the premier manufacturer of performance dirt bikes in the world, period.

(For the record, I have never owned a KTM, and I own two Huskies, but facts are facts!)

Just because something sells does not make it the best or even close sometimes ... EXAMPLE: The windows operating system was crap when it got off DOS and peaked at XP most likely and has just pretty much been a clone ever since then with new front end ...While huge UNIX machines were running the computing world behind the scenes and you never knew it ... Same as every ATM machine was and probably still is running OS/2 ...

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Those pinkin machines must be OK but they are not a Husky ... But they might be in the future with the right backing from SP ... I'm hoping the divorce SP has started is not as rosy as being presented and a small war starts up with bajaj\ktm crowd.

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Huskies will be raced on the same level as the bajaj\ktm machines now ...We'll see what happens in the near future ...

 

[DTX915]

This is not a slam on Husky
We picked up a KTM for the Mrs two years ago. It was race ready out of the box. Yes we paid more upfront for that. Everything was paint ckecked and well greased,100% spot on.
I will get a new Husky later this month,this and the thumper talk fourm tell me to take the bike apart and grease everything. I do that to the big 4 asian bikes everytime i get a new one,they dont do a good job. I will also change the carb on a new bike.

I have always understood suspension changse will be made on every bike i buy,every brand. But carbs in this day and age ? How hard can it be to grease a new bike to deliver it to the customer,if katoom can get it right why not everyone else. Like to think i will take it apart and it will be good to go,but i will have to take a look just because.

Other than to adress that,the product has a good rep and is 2000$ less than an orange bike off the floor. Thats a good value,no need to change that. I am looking foward to my new Husky.Cannot wait to make it mine,guards,decals,skidplate and suspension changes are the stuff i do for me and i enjoy.But to toss a brand new carb,that i dont get.

 

[Kyle Tarry]

Just because something sells does not make it the best or even close sometimes ...

The post I replied to said "WTF do indians know about dirt bikes." The answer is, apparently they know more about dirt bikes than anybody else, because KTM is willing more trophies than any other make.

That's all there is to it.

 

[ray_ray]

The post I replied to said "WTF do indians know about dirt bikes." The answer is, apparently they know more about dirt bikes than anybody else, because KTM is willing more trophies than any other make.

That's all there is to it.

Maybe but Bajaj does not hold controlling interest ... I doubt they are driving any racing strategy or even imputing much on building dirt bikes ...Sounds more like SP, the new Husqvarna Company owner, is calling the shots ... Bajaj wants to sell to the BILs in their home country and thats fine ... Huskies will be sold there also I'd guess some day ....

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Again, to be successful in any business, or at least to appear to be successful, surrounding yourself with top notch help goes a very long way ... SP is the guy you want to run your business and he'll made every pimkin in the patch look good.

 

[bearorso]

I for one will miss the Nuda.

I went to the MX Des Nations last year, and rode from Switzerland, up to Teutschenthal (for the final MXGP), over to Berlin, then down to the Six Days, for the 3rd day. Then over to Holland, via a hell of a lot of German cities (on nothing but 2 lane roads), thence to Lommel.

I then went to Namur, into Luxemburg, back into Germany, to the Neurburgring. I got in 11 laps, and was able to get high to mid 8 minute times, with fresh, sticky tyres fitted, and a "I want to get out of here in one piece" attitude.

Then back out to France, down into Switzerland.

The Nuda R, with a higher screen, Ohlins fork cartridges, a TTX shock, a thumb brake (can't use a foot lever), an Akro and my hosts ECU (he makes them), was probably the best , most fun bike I've ridden in years. Fast, light, great handling, and it did "Great Wheelies, and Big Skids" - copyright, HonestMuzz ( those are important points for a old Aussie riding like a teenager again).

I got pulled over, I think, 7 times, somehow my big ( crazed) smile and good attitude kept me out of the clink.

A fantastic bike, especially for a dirt bike oriented rider.

It will be a thing of the past, now.

And that, is a crying shame.

 

[Darkside]

The post I replied to said "WTF do indians know about dirt bikes." The answer is, apparently they know more about dirt bikes than anybody else, because KTM is willing more trophies than any other make.

That's all there is to it.

The Indians don't have to know squat about dirt bikes. They just hire someone that does. Like Roger D.

 

[firebolter]

Maybe they can put a 6th gear in the 250/300's? Maybe they'll update the motor some? Maybe they'll get a Hydraulic clutch? Engines built in Italy again?

There is alot of room for Husky to make improvements IMO. I have been a Husky and KTM owner since the early 90's. Have both now. You can say what you want about KTM, but they have the market share they do for a reason, they are making what people want, truly Race ready bikes out of the box set up for the woods and not a MX track. When the Japanese basically stayed focused on Motocross in the mid 90's, KTM and others (Husky, GasGas, Husaberg, TM etc.) went after the "woods" rider and i am glad they did. It was KTM more so than any other brand (IMO) that keeps the 2 stroke alive. Sure other manufacturers make 2 strokes still like Husky and I am glad they do, but not the numbers KTM makes and sells.

KTM's presence in Motocross is limited but growing. It's probably a pretty sound plan to focus on Motocross/SM for now. Build purpose built bikes and go start racing and hopefully winning. That's exactly how KTM got to where they are now, small focused approach making bikes people wanted and starting winning off road races. I am excited for Husky, I hope to see them update the aging design of the 250/300. If they do, I might be back on Red/White instead of my current "Blue KTM" which I love as well.

 

[84scrambler]

Indian - smindian ! Lets just hope they start winning races.. Come on people what happen to all the racing blood out there ? It's all about the money huh ...

 

[Thumperama]

I for one will miss the Nuda.

I went to the MX Des Nations last year, and rode from Switzerland, up to Teutschenthal (for the final MXGP), over to Berlin, then down to the Six Days, for the 3rd day. Then over to Holland, via a hell of a lot of German cities (on nothing but 2 lane roads), thence to Lommel.

I then went to Namur, into Luxemburg, back into Germany, to the Neurburgring. I got in 11 laps, and was able to get high to mid 8 minute times, with fresh, sticky tyres fitted, and a "I want to get out of here in one piece" attitude.

Then back out to France, down into Switzerland.

The Nuda R, with a higher screen, Ohlins fork cartridges, a TTX shock, a thumb brake (can't use a foot lever), an Akro and my hosts ECU (he makes them), was probably the best , most fun bike I've ridden in years. Fast, light, great handling, and it did "Great Wheelies, and Big Skids" - copyright, HonestMuzz ( those are important points for a old Aussie riding like a teenager again).

I got pulled over, I think, 7 times, somehow my big ( crazed) smile and good attitude kept me out of the clink.

A fantastic bike, especially for a dirt bike oriented rider.

It will be a thing of the past, now.

And that, is a crying shame.

Too bad they didn't offer the Nuda in the US.

 

[Kyle Tarry]

The Indians don't have to know squat about dirt bikes. They just hire someone that does. Like Roger D.

That's fine too.

The point is that, in response to "anti-Indian" sentiments, there is absolutely zero reason to think or act like "Indians" are incapable of being at the top of a dirt bike company. They're at the top of KTM, and KTM is winning everything. I don't know (or care) if they're doing design, or hiring people to do design, and it doesn't matter. The point is that them being in charge hasn't been a problem for KTM, so I don't think it's something to get all hot and bothered about for Husky either.

 

[Motosportz]

I think we will be fine, husky will march forward hopefully faster and better now, etc. I REALLY hope great shops like Bills and Halls get to move forward with all this and are not overlooked and released so the local KTM dealer can take business they earned over the years. In places that don't have great dealers like Bills and Halls and I know there are many areas that do not have coverage hopefully this will fix some of that. As for product it is all wait an see at this point. If they fark it up Beta and GG should see a bump in sales. It is a consumer market. I am more worried about great dealers than product right now. I am a obviously husky enthusiast but there is other fantastic product our thier but good people behind it is the really important thing. Bills gets push out and starts selling Beta and GG and thats what I will be on.

 

[Motosportz]

That's fine too.

The point is that, in response to "anti-Indian" sentiments, there is absolutely zero reason to think or act like "Indians" are incapable of being at the top of a dirt bike company. They're at the top of KTM, and KTM is winning everything. I don't know (or care) if they're doing design, or hiring people to do design, and it doesn't matter. The point is that them being in charge hasn't been a problem for KTM, so I don't think it's something to get all hot and bothered about for Husky either.

In fact the Indians are on the leading edge these days.

 

[rajobigguy]

Just afew thoughts on this whole deal. I have no inside info as to what the plans are for Husky under the new owner but I am pretty familiar with acquisitions and mergers so here's how I see it.
1. A lot of people are worried about BMW tech. (ie. 449/511 engines) going away. I just don't see that happening in the near future. For one thing I'm not even sure that BMW is the owner of that tech. since the engines are being manufactured elsewhere (Kymco) then elsewhere may own that design. Even if Kymco dosen't own the design there is no reason to think that thhey don't have license to produce it or maybe the new owner has that lincense. Since BMW is realigning it's marketing they have little use for a dirt engine and would liely have included in the deal even if they own it.
2. The Nuda is probably gone since the engine is part of the BMW target plan and the new owner/owners of Husky have stated that they don't believe thats the direction that Husky should be headed. The same goes for the Terra and Strada.
3. Since the new owner has stated that he wants to return Husky to it's roots it's likely that we sill some new 2Ts in the line-up. As a matter of fact I would not be surprised to see the entire KTM 2T line being handed over to Husky which would allow KTM to persue a more aggresive role in the adventure bike arena which is where they have playing with the larger bikes.
That make sense to anyone?

 

[boisedave]

Just afew thoughts on this whole deal. I have no inside info as to what the plans are for Husky under the new owner but I am pretty familiar with acquisitions and mergers so here's how I see it.
1. A lot of people are worried about BMW tech. (ie. 449/511 engines) going away. I just don't see that happening in the near future. For one thing I'm not even sure that BMW is the owner of that tech. since the engines are being manufactured elsewhere (Kymco) then elsewhere may own that design. Even if Kymco dosen't own the design there is no reason to think that thhey don't have license to produce it or maybe the new owner has that lincense. Since BMW is realigning it's marketing they have little use for a dirt engine and would liely have included in the deal even if they own it.
2. The Nuda is probably gone since the engine is part of the BMW target plan and the new owner/owners of Husky have stated that they don't believe thats the direction that Husky should be headed. The same goes for the Terra and Strada.
3. Since the new owner has stated that he wants to return Husky to it's roots it's likely that we sill some new 2Ts in the line-up. As a matter of fact I would not be surprised to see the entire KTM 2T line being handed over to Husky which would allow KTM to persue a more aggresive role in the adventure bike arena which is where they have playing with the larger bikes.
That make sense to anyone?

I have similar thoughts -- although I'd be surprised if they took the divide and conquer approach by giving Husky the two strokes. KTM has a loyal following too -- I don't see KTM giving much away on that front. What I predict is KTM will go on like normal. Husaberg is more interesting -- do they really need it or does fusing Husaberg and Husky back together make sense? I think it might as part of the relaunch.

Leaving Husaberg out of the equation for now, I predict we will see a new Husky in the next few months. I DO NOT think you will see a KTM with Husky colors [AKA Husaberg] most bikes [although it may be there for some]. I think Husky will continue as a seperate identity but you will see some commonalities [like WP suspension, wheels, etc.]. So the bikes will be different, but with common supply chain components.

I also predict that the frames will NOT be identical [at least generally]. I think Husky will retain something unique for itself. I also don't think that the engines will be identical either. I suspect you will see [over the next 4-5 years] completely redesigned engines for Husky, but with some common features [like clutches, starter motors, etc.. I do think Husky's will be common amongst themselves [share plastics, etc.] like KTMs.

My thoughts for this are that KTM has the infrastructure to make this happen. If you follow KTM, they ROUTINELY makeover their bikes. At least the 4-strokes. They have new model after new model. Husky will likely capitalize on this engineering base to produce something new. Would I be surprised to see a KTM engine in a Husky? No - not really, but I don't think they will go there in the long run. Just a hunch.

The real issue is 2-strokes. KTM hasn't renewed the 2-strokes for awhile -- so I think there are posibilities there. Even if they don't go with the DI/FI [and I am not sure I would want that now there is a Lectron or Smartcarb], there is room to make 2-stroke engines smaller and more compact and at least integrate the e-start [ala Beta and Sherco]. Just a hunch but I think Husky will get the new 2-stroke first.

In the end -- I don't have a clue. It sure is fun to think about though. The wait until November for the EICMA is going to kill me.

 

[Bradass80]

I don't see it as all that bad, and I also don't see it as KTM now owning Husky. From what I've gathered Stefan Pierer sold his share of KTM to the indians, so KTM doesn't technically own Husky, Pierer does. For now I have hope that he lets the Husky engineers get back to what they do best. Brad.

 

[WVdag]

I don't see it as all that bad, and I also don't see it as KTM now owning Husky. From what I've gathered Stefan Pierer sold his share of KTM to the indians, so KTM doesn't technically own Husky, Pierer does. For now I have hope that he lets the Husky engineers get back to what they do best. Brad.

Amen Brother!

 

[juzz]

KTM killed everything good about husaberg, its history, its ingenuity, the forward thinkers that push boundaries. they were one of the most unique purpose built bikes. now they are a blue ktm! what do you think is going to happen to all the progress husky have made in recent years ( with the help of bmw) to be more competitive now ktm are in control? the reason i bought the te511 was i wanted to support the advancements of dirt bikes. my dad raced 20 years ago and he said it was hard to see how the other bikes have changed over the years but when he saw the te511 he said that he could see the advancements and the push to create something new. so now we all end up with a choice of red blue or orange!

 

[mnb]

I for one will miss the Nuda.

...

It will be a thing of the past, now.

And that, is a crying shame.

Who knows, maybe BMW will ship it moving forward? Probably altered some, but same frame and engine would be likely.