I suspect patience is not a virtue?
I think a DI 2 stroke from Husky is just around the corner. An early release 2014 in mid 2013. Ahh yes, so its been claimed "around the corner" since before forever. But I think this is where the BMW angle comes into play. BMW has a far longer view of the market. As a result, they want to have Husky make game-changing bikes versus year to year updates. They want to create machines for the future, rather than rehashed versions of current model year designs. And to make bikes that are distinctive to Husky. Such as a Beemer fan taking pride in their 6 cylinder bike, or classic flathead twin cylinder bikes. So too do they want people to develop an affinity for Husky specific design distinctions, rather than design similarities in a bike. Make a bike that is lighter by 5 pounds? Or makes 2 more HP? Or has electric start? Not enough. They want to make bikes that reset the bar and have an application and sales potential for years, not seasons. After all, BMW is making scooters now?!? And their flagship airhead is soon to be water cooled?!? Jeez, what's next... Harley making an overhead cam motor? Oh wait, they did already.
I think BMW sees a better future for dirt bikes along the lines of "better technology makes better living". After all, a DIRT BIKE (no brand mentioned) purist would argue that a clutch as in the G450X aka TE511 is idiotic. Or that 2 strokes need a carb and a power valve, nothing else. But witness how sled manufacturers have brought orbital injection and E-TEC advances. So BMW is moving Husky into a strategic position to be competitive as a brand in the offroad segment. Yes, they could come out with a lighter frame, or 2 more HP in a motor redesign, or a new plastic color scheme. But that is just evolving the models. It is my opinion that BMW wants to redirect the market in a whole new direction, and in a direction that has the mettle to overcome the constantly changing emission standards in the US, EU, so on. So a DI 2 stroke is Husky's next play. But it takes time to make this technology work. Think Bimota VDue, Honda EXP-2, etc. So, as a big wig in BMW HVA, do you invest your hard earned money tweaking a 250/300 bike that is old and could use a lot of attention, or hold that design steady for a year or two past its due date to make a really big splash with a new motor/DI design? This is that long range vision that I believe BMW is bringing to Husky. Still, it doesn't make the current situation any easier to swallow. GG, Beta, TM, OSSA, Sherco... all very tempting. But I think without the current importer for GG, they'd be much less prevalent. TM is a nice bike, but if they became big, they'd no longer be TM, no? OSSA has DI, but the network and manufacturer support looks miniscule. I know of a few Husaberg who are quietly irritated that KTM is making their bikes a copy cat version of several KTM models. Husaberg had a real design innovation with their 70 degree engine... even if the new KTM motors in their standard configuration (some might say "typical" layout) have replaced the 70 motors because they really are lighter and slightly more powerful. Then again, there are lots of rabid Honda/Yamaha/Kaw/Suz fans out there. But all that enthusiasm is for one 450 and one 250 bike. Imagine how they would be beside themselves if Honda (for example) had multiple 4 stroke bikes AND 2 stroke bikes to choose from. They would all die from over excitement! So in a larger sense, Husky isn't all that bad. Could they be better? Absolutely. But the immediacy of excellence is a little slower coming for Husky now, but I think if patience could be a virtue, Husky will be very much on top of their game in the not too distant future and satisfy most enthusiasts.