husky bmw hybrid

[ARod2000]

Drum Roll Please......................WORD OF MOUTH. Guys talking to each other over the tailgate of their pick-up truck or around a campfire. .......

Its just that for my money I will take any 10 memebers of CafeHusky bragging up there Huskys to their friends over Ricky Carmichael saying he would ride one if we paid him enough money.

Very much agreed Future sales of Husky are on the right track.

 

[ray_ray]

No, we actually need RC on the bike Not talking smack about it ... lol ...

I actually talked with him at a SX race in Seattle when he walked out of the Qwest stadium by himself after he walked the track before the race about a riding a Husky in the future ...

He said he did not know Husky still made bikes ... His remark was so believable!! I told him they were bad a$$ and to get on one after his glory days were over

How about a superbowl ad? Think that will help sales? Probably not ... lol ...

 

[ARod2000]

I can't understand how anyone could see an ounce of KTM in this design. It's radically different from anything in the mainstream.

If I were crafty enough to post a side by side pic of the two brands maybe you could see it. The obvious similarities are:

Front fender (both the channel down the middle and the angled down front 1/3 of it)
The way the exhaust pipe comes back inside the frame
Small or no side number plates
Swing arm
The hour-glass shape when looking at the bike from above

I think it looks much better than any KTM I've ever seen, but there are some design elements straight from Austria.

 

[Husky Relic]

First let me put on my sun glasses as the sunshine is bright here Next, the words above in bold are most laughable .... So a good launch means a good bike? .. lol ... Most of us here are not concerned with a showroom sales show ... They are good advertisements and all and needed, like racing the product, but we wanna see results in the end product ...


Maybe you can expand on your riding? Did you win a race or kick some local a$$ ... On a trail? In the mountains? What can you tell us about the front sprocket deal? Is it really as hard to change as one might think? I change my sprocket almost daily so I'm a concerned customer


Everyone here is on Huskies side ... we just were not born yesterday Blowing all this smoke about an untested bike is not what most of us want to hear ... This bmw bike had big issues or maybe the riders just sucked? I doubt the latter is true ... So pumping sunshine here, among some of us local yokels, may not fly too high till a live performance shows some positive results...

Plus, in the previous years, the bikes were getting very good ... some customers may not be so interested in reseting a clock whose time is not wrong ...

Ray Ray

You obviously are not pleased or accept the information or views I have to share and of course that is your perogative. Likewise I can choose to ignore your input and rants. I do my best to offer input and feedback based on my years of exprience in management and in the sport. In my life I have found that people can agree to disagree. I have also found that some choose negativity or negative energy over the positive choice just for the sake of trying to make others look bad or to make a statement about themselves. This seems to be your approach Ray and everyone who reads this reads through you and your feeble attempt to impress.

In the end you no longer exist in my world. I don't have time to be sucked dry or drug down by your animosity or ill will.

Respond all you want but I just pushed DELETE on you Ray Ray, life is too short. You no longer exist as far as I am concerned.

I will choose to remain engaged with those that truly want to have an open and honest dialogue about the brand and the sport without resorting to personal attacks.

 

[ray_ray]

Cool and I don't mean to rub you the wrong way, but I just don't buy what you sell till it is proven ... I'm a realist ... no fluff here

And just because your sales in N. america are being kicked to the curb by KTM.. Don't change your ideas I'm sure with the bmw budget, you can drive the Husky brand to new levels and get another brand new title in the near future

I ride nothing but huskies and continue to do so ... I hope this works all for all the Husky lovers of the world ...

 

[Coffee]

One of the major reasons this site was established was to foster communications with Husqvarna management. The more communication that occurs, the better the bikes can be for everyone. The better the bikes, the more we like them, and the more sales.

For example it is possible that the people designing the bikes may not know how important the larger fuel tanks are to the USA customers for instance. Obviously they know, because of Scots input.


That communication will cease to occur if the management is continually pestered non-stop, especially about things they have either no control over, or are trying to improve. And then the bikes would not be improved as much as they could be.

It would be nice if everyone kept that in mind.

 

[ajaxauto]

After reading all this fine info on a new husky bike i still want to know when will the new 150 be state side or what dealer has a 144 kit in stock Now back to all the talk of this new 4 stroke which i do think is a great looking bike Lets see what happens when Zip Ty Racing get one out in the desert

 

[robertaccio]

Steve says its all good......
Steve also says wheres the WR 200? Heh heh heh

That was brilliant!!!


Joe now you are scaring me,,,,,
"No worries....while I had you in sight from the "In and Out Burger" lot...I decided to pass and let you enjoy the 2011 model stuff....to much to miss out on....besideds there was no challenge at 450 meters. LOL!"
I was with the kids on sat nite..............at in and out burger****************************************! but its ok 3000 miles is a tough shot.

good stuff and great fun over here in the cafe!!!

 

[Husky Relic]

One of the major reasons this site was established was to foster communications with Husqvarna management. The more communication that occurs, the better the bikes can be for everyone. The better the bikes, the more we like them, and the more sales.

For example it is possible that the people designing the bikes may not know how important the larger fuel tanks are to the USA customers for instance. Obviously they know, because of Scots input.


That communication will cease to occur if the management is continually pestered non-stop, especially about things they have either no control over, or are trying to improve. And then the bikes would not be improved as much as they could be.



It would be nice if everyone kept that in mind.

I am prepared to keep this dialogue going with the other members of CafeHusky but frankly I don'y have the time or am willing to suffer long for fools especially those who have a personal axe to grind. I don't do that others and I don't expect it to be done to me. My requirements for continued participation are simple. Either the dialogue is based on mutual respect or there is no dialogue at all. Its up to everyone that is involved. All it takes is one person with an axe to grind and I am out of here. I don't expect everone to bow down and kiss ass as frankly I come here to find out what is really going on to try and help our company improve. Constructive criticism is welcome. Rants are not. Its up to all of you.

 

[john01]

Heck I just found out today we had Scot on the site. Of course I have read his post but didn't know who he was and that we had his (Husky's) ear. For that I am gratefull. We ride three differnent dirt bikes at my home, all of them Husky's. Thanks Dean and Scot.

 

[Coffee]

Constructive criticism is welcome. Rants are not. Its up to all of you.

Understood.

Contrary to popular opinion, I can not be online every moment either. And knowing human nature there is a tiny percentage of people that will simply do things that are not helpful.

I hate doing certain things, but will do them, if they are necessary. Hopefully the won't be necessary. Communication with corporate is simply too important.

 

[John47]

Well said, It's obvious the above post has a lack of respect, along with sarcasm, and has no idea of the passion some of us have about motorcycles.
My Husky Bucks are going down on the new breed, the agility is there, electric power band, wr 5 speed should be a good woods bike.
appreciate all the info and pictures.

John.

 

[rajobigguy]

I am prepared to keep this dialogue going with the other members of CafeHusky but frankly I don'y have the time or am willing to suffer long for fools especially those who have a personal axe to grind. I don't do that others and I don't expect it to be done to me. My requirements for continued participation are simple. Either the dialogue is based on mutual respect or there is no dialogue at all. Its up to everyone that is involved. All it takes is one person with an axe to grind and I am out of here. I don't expect everone to bow down and kiss ass as frankly I come here to find out what is really going on to try and help our company improve. Constructive criticism is welcome. Rants are not. Its up to all of you.

Understood.

Contrary to popular opinion, I can not be online every moment either. And knowing human nature there is a tiny percentage of people that will simply do things that are not helpful.

I hate doing certain things, but will do them, if they are necessary. Hopefully the won't be necessary. Communication with corporate is simply too important.

Agreed. Frankly I think that there has been to much criticism solely for the sake of bantering going on. Scott has been a target on more than one occasion but it hasn't been exclusively limited to him. If people cannot treat each other with respect then there is going to be no alternative but start dealing with people in a harsher manner.
Husky Relic has done nothing but try to help foster a relationship between Corp. and the community and for that we should be grateful, I doubt that anyone could find that kind of interaction from one one the competitive brands leadership. Useful input is one thing but engaging in trivial arguing for the purpose of boosting ones own ego is simply not going to be tolerated anymore.

 

[HuskyT]

Going back to the technical side of things, I can't believe that anyone has serious concern about not having a kicker. E-start is perfect. I have a TC450 with stock factory e-start and it hasn't let me down in 5 years. It has been quite nice to hit the little red button whenever I have stalled in a race.

I want one. So much for saving for a 2010. I'll continue to wait.

Scot - Will the TC have 19" rear still?

T

 

[aethelred]

Judging by the bikes you currently own it would appear that Husky passed on for you a long time ago.

Saucer of milk?

 

[aethelred]

Husky have been the only manufacturer looking for retailers. There is not much chance of picking up another make to sell without treading on somebodies toes.

I would say that everybody on this forum is very much a husky fan. Maybe even too much so...


"So get ready all you BMW bashers your about to read some very complimentary tests on the new G450X. I know it wil be hard to accept but get used to it."


Why do people always say BMW is being picked on?

Saying "get used to it" to me is a bit aggressive!

BMW bought Husqvarna for the same purpose as KTM bought Husaberg. They can develop new concepts without affecting there brand. KTM's sales have grown so much that they now have to be more careful with their updates and modifications...

 

[aethelred]

Ray Ray

You obviously are not pleased or accept the information or views I have to share and of course that is your perogative. Likewise I can choose to ignore your input and rants. I do my best to offer input and feedback based on my years of exprience in management and in the sport. In my life I have found that people can agree to disagree. I have also found that some choose negativity or negative energy over the positive choice just for the sake of trying to make others look bad or to make a statement about themselves. This seems to be your approach Ray and everyone who reads this reads through you and your feeble attempt to impress.

In the end you no longer exist in my world. I don't have time to be sucked dry or drug down by your animosity or ill will.

Respond all you want but I just pushed DELETE on you Ray Ray, life is too short. You no longer exist as far as I am concerned.

I will choose to remain engaged with those that truly want to have an open and honest dialogue about the brand and the sport without resorting to personal attacks.

I think it was the attitude taken and the way things were said that might of offended other members. I would call it maybe a little bit condescending.

We don't really want to hear the sales and marketing pitch on here. We all are already Husky owners...

Isn't the customer the Boss.

 

[Slowpoke]

I agree with most everything you say Slowpoke. I too was drawn to the sleek look of our current line of bikes. I really think they are the best looking bikes on the market.

I sat in on a presentaion by Centrostile on why our new 450 has the look it does and here is some additional food for thought. All the other brands if you look at them closely tend to angle down on the ends(spoiler/rear fender) while Husqvarna design flares up. This is captured in the new design as well. This is supposed to give the impression of upper momentum/anti-gravity. The guys in Centrostile(and yes they are all Italians) wanted to creat something that was the next evolution in this main style/theme idea. I was always told that any good design must elicit a response/reaction(either negative or positive) and that it is only successful when it does. I've seen the actual finished pieces in person(with colors and graphics) and I love the look of the bike. Any good design must also be ahead of its time which means it may take time for the public to catch up especially tradionalists loyal to the brand. The way the plastic all fits ogether is so sleek and modern looking. None of the fasteners(bolts/mounting hardware) is visible. For me it creates this feeling of when I was a kid and I used to have those snap together model cars. It has a very futuristic feel.

As Bobby from BMW Atlanta pointed out once you really get your hands on it the engine is very easy to work on and access. With just a couple of bolts removed the whole side panel of the bike comes off and you can get anywhere you need to on the complete work on whichever side of the m/c front or back. The linkage on top of the swingarm gives all the benefits of having a linkage with none of the downsides of reduced clearance or vulnerability. There is some real innovative thinking going on here.

You have to see it in person to do justice.

Frankly I would be dissapointed if this all new bike looked just like any other Husqvarna. Its time to step out and stand out. I remember similar criticisms on design when I was at KTM especially when I along with two others lobbied to go Orange and now look. You can't imagine KTM without seeing orange.

Scot-

I appreciate you taking the time to answer both myself and others here. I can also appreciate that you don't likely have final say on what actually gets produced(although you do likely have some input??).
I also can appreciate all of the issues and egos that have to be addressed when producing a bike like this.
This design certainly provoked a reaction in me. One of my biggest concerns is that I can't visually trace the design lineage from the current bikes to this one. If it showed up somewhere unannounced with no names on it, I would have guessed it to be a KTM or something.
Now, granted I didn't like when they went to red/white from Blue/yellow in 07(based on pics), but in person I found I liked the new colors better. Perhaps when I see the bikes in person with final colors I may come around........?
I have no doubt that this new bike will ride/handle better than current bikes. My biggest concern is the CS sprocket. It looks to me like a great engineering idea that wasn't executed properly. (for reasons??)
I still hold hope that they will address that before production, or at least by 2012

To Bobby in Atlanta- There are several issues here regarding your thoughts on the CS -
With all due respect - you're a dealer(IIRC) and I feel I need to take some things you say with a small grain of salt. An extra 10 mins might be doable if everything goes right in the shop after the bike has been cleaned and is on a stand, all the tools & equipment are handy & the guy doing it has done it 20 times before.
It's not realistic to say that's going to be everyone else's experience.(ie. the average guy that's actually the end customer) It's certainly not a good idea to R&R the rear suspension when it's covered in dirt & crap. But it appears that's what may be required to do a CS change out in the field. On my current bikes I can change the CS in 10 min without having to clean the bike or have it on a stand.
The fact is that the swingarm on a bike shouldn't have to be removed more than once a year and only to to inspect the pivot bearings. It's just that simple.
On this new design, that could be addressed by moving the CS sprocket outboard of the left swingarm pivot, or by designing it so that all you have to do is remove the pivot shaft nut, slide the shaft to the right by ~3-4", pull the CS sprocket out towards the front and do the reverse to replace everything.
I can only hope at this point.

 

[tm_enduro]

I am baffled by folks that complain about how hard something may be to work on. I have been riding bikes for 35+ years now, I can tell you that it is the rare occasion when I have to work on a bike on the trail. I will go on record saying that I use a rivoted masterlink chain, and remove the swingarm to put on a new chain, just to reduce the potential of a masterlink failure (I ride lots of mud and rocks). Things like CS changing, and sparkplug access don't make me fret. The traction benefit of a shared CS/SA pivot far outweigh a few minutes to change the CS to me. Folks are using trails tires and risking flats when the BMW/Husky uses a mechanical solution to traction.
Seems like anothe case of dejevue. Go back a few years when Husky came out with the left side drive 250/400, there was wailing in the streets over the DOHC and how it was going to be a complicated high strung expensive screamer of a motor. Now it has a cult following. If you want an old school Husky, go find a pre '83 twinshocker.
I've been reading every post posssible on the BMW on forums, and am very hopeful that Husky has finished the product, because this looks like my next bike (rather than the WR300 that I have been wanting).
I predict the 2011 Husky/BMW will be the next benchmark bike, and that is saying something because KTM make a very good 450 (and Husaberg has won accolades for tight woods riding).

 

[dartyppyt]

Scot,

Mid Ohio July? Great place to kick it off. Would be neat to test ride one at the event.

It's about time Husky started leading the pack again!