insider information.......two new huskys for 2013?

[broadwayron]

I guess if you are in the market for a BMW Sertao, the Terra is a decent option. Or, looking to upgrade a KLR.
But, these bikes don't seem to be made for the type who hang out here (or advrider)... the weight and [lack of] suspension being the obvious flaws.

 

[Motosportz]

I guess if you are in the market for a BMW Sertao, the Terra is a decent option. Or, looking to upgrade a KLR.
But, these bikes don't seem to be made for the type who hang out here (or advrider)... the weight and [lack of] suspension being the obvious flaws.

Does to me. Hard core off road husky head. Why? Going to sell my FZ1 and get this. Will make me ride at more reasonable speeds on the street, will allow me to explore gravel roads and EZ trails. Will be perfect for riding long days in the Cascade range. It is simply a different tool for the job.

Like the look. The big robust motor and and WIDE trans should be great for my needs.

 

[Motosportz]

How did they manage to add 45 pounds of weight?

Big motor, steel swingarm (why?), rack, dual exhaust, steel kick stand, passenger pegs, etc. Sometimes heavier bikes work better, like on the highway and rough gravel roads which this bike is designed for.

 

[HuskyBrutha]

The TR's are nice looking bikes.

Interesting that they are called TR's and not TE's - must be because they represent a new class of bikes for Husqvarna.
These are adventure bikes of the BMW GS650 ilk and not your smaller, lighter 610/630 class of DS bike.

While the TE / SM 630's are not available in the USA, they are available elsewhere in the world.

So question is:
will Husqvarna still keep the 630's when the introduce the 650's and cater for both segments of the market or
will they drop the 630 DS market segment ?

 

[mike54]

The 630 is gone, in europe anyway. Manufacture is over. I like the look of the new terra and I'll try one but boy, the weight?!

 

[withiam]

I am also surprised at the weight. A Suzuki DR650 weighs in at 366 lbs wet.

 

[Russ]

The 630 is gone, in europe anyway.

They're in runout mode in Australia as well.

 

[Planepower]

I am also surprised at the weight. A Suzuki DR650 weighs in at 366 lbs wet.

That light? I had a DRZ 400SM that topped the scales at 380lbs. I do know the Japanese are very incorrect when they publish bike weights.

 

[Kenneth Webb]

On second thought.....as I sit in the garage thinking about taking either my WRR or 630 to Colorado in a week (3000 mile trip) instead of the BMW RT (I won't), the TR650 actually looks pretty good as a third bike. The RT would have to go. I've really gotten to enjoy the naked bike dual sport feel, and the TR would probably take me anywhere I need to go at highway speed and provide opportunities to explore along the way. Just add a small windscreen. Hope they offer heated grips from the factory!

 

[Travis Shrey]

Are the bmw singles any smoother than our motors? That is the only thing keeping me from doing long road miles on the TE.

 

[1lunger]

Is there a MSRP. on the new TR 650?

 

[Motosportz]

On second thought.....as I sit in the garage thinking about taking either my WRR or 630 to Colorado in a week (3000 mile trip) instead of the BMW RT (I won't), the TR650 actually looks pretty good as a third bike. The RT would have to go. I've really gotten to enjoy the naked bike dual sport feel, and the TR would probably take me anywhere I need to go at highway speed and provide opportunities to explore along the way. Just add a small windscreen. Hope they offer heated grips from the factory!

Just what it is designed for.

 

[Motosportz]

Is there a MSRP. on the new TR 650?

Rumors and hopes are in the 7K range but we will have to see.

 

[Motosportz]

Are the bmw singles any smoother than our motors? That is the only thing keeping me from doing long road miles on the TE.

Absolutely. I did a ride with some dudes from ADV, one guy had a G650 and I had my 06 610. We traded off and his was very smooth (real nice power too) and his first comment was "WOW that thing vibrates a lot" referring to my 610. The difference was huge. My 610 was a far better off road bike and his 650 was a far better street bike. I am hoping this bike will split the difference well and why I am interested in it.

 

[kirbybikes]

My wife has a 09 BMW XCountry, w/rotax 650 motor. The thing sips fuel compared to my 630, nothing scientific but probably 25 % better fuel economy. XC will take 4L and 630 will take 6L, same size tank 13L.

 

[Kenneth Webb]

My friends with BMW 650's put big miles on them, and are quite happy, and never complain about vibes. There were some issues with the early 650 singles though I can't remember exactly what they were. Water or oil pump? Paul Glaves, a BMW Guru who lives near Big Bend Nat. Park, had two bikes with that failure, almost back to back. I'm not sure if this is the same engine or not, but it would be worth checking out.

 

[mnb]

The 650 thumper engine has been in use since the mid 90s. They've had plenty of time to shake out the kinks and tweak it.

It has enhanced performance due to some changes (cams, pistons, possibly the head) and marelli ignition (instead of BMW). These are the areas of potential issues I'd say, since they're the new stuff.

Personally, I expect the engine to be pretty rock solid. I think these bikes will prove to be trusty steeds.

 

[DYNOBOB]

While I can't fully understand why it needs to weigh 60lbs more than a 630, I'll bet it turns out to be an impressive piece overall. I'd agree, the well developed 650 (Chinese?) engine will probably be a smoother highway cruiser, more durable (no spring washer bs), the closed-loop injection will likely be spot on, and it will make advertised hp right from the dealer. I doubt there will be a power up kit anymore. The smaller exhaust cans look nice. I wonder if it will have can-bus wiring? It looks like they dished the seat for lower height and it appears to have conventional "dog bones" at the rear shock which will make it cheap to lower. Some of the weight gain may come from the (standard?) rear rack and BMW may have demanded a stronger sub-frame. Appears to have Metzler Enduro 3 Sahara tires. I'm guessing $9000+ msrp.

I don't see enough to make me want to get rid of my sorted out 630 though...


.

 

[duca99]

The 650 thumper engine has been in use since the mid 90s. They've had plenty of time to shake out the kinks and tweak it.

It has enhanced performance due to some changes (cams, pistons, possibly the head) and marelli ignition (instead of BMW). These are the areas of potential issues I'd say, since they're the new stuff.

Personally, I expect the engine to be pretty rock solid. I think these bikes will prove to be trusty steeds.

Yes, the engine has been revised, but it still remains a BMW series G650....At the first glance, I promised to myself to never leave my 630....
now I visited all the websites to see more: not so bad (I mean the design), but when I turned to Husqvarna I was looking for something with wild, powerful feeling, not old german stuff.

Isn't anybody worried about the weight distribution due to the central tank?

 

[Xcuvator]

Sometimes heavier bikes work better, like on the highway and rough gravel roads which this bike is designed for.

I don't admit this to everyone and we are all friends here right? Anyway I have a KLR with a 685 kit that I have put close to 38000 miles on. It is even heavier than the new Huskys and I like it better for gravel roads than my 610. I have ridden that bike loaded for camping from 6:30 AM to 7:30+ PM many times while exploring gravel roads in ID/MT. I might be able to do it with the 610 if I had to, but prefer the KLR for that duty.
While everyone has been piling on about the weight of the new bikes, I've been thinking they might be just the ticket and if there is a way to get some more fuel capacity I would be interested.