The writing on the wall?

[Norman Foley]

I hope this considers the X-Lite based bikes as 'new.'

Yes on the X-Lites, guess is '12 TC250 engine tech moves to TE/TXC. As said earlier, X-Lite tech spreads to 450/510 4 strokes. No time line for 2 or 4 strokes that I know of.

 

[wallybean]

Huh, That's funny. Over on TT there's a thread saying Husky's had record sales.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/935312-husqvarna-reports-another-record-retail-performance-in-2011/

Thats in Australia where the men are men and ride real bikes. (sheep are nervous too) Just like Montana

 

[Kevin_TE250]

Thats in Australia where the men are men and ride real bikes. (sheep are nervous too) Just like Montana

The Sheep relationship is strictly platonic right ?

 

[J.R.]

Yeah, not good article. I posted over on TT to see if anyone is racing the 449/511. Think I got 2 actual racers to respond, But awesome reviews from trail riders. What's weird is tons of new 310's/250's. It's Like racers staying away from the new style? Is it the BMW black eye? I think it is still a good bike but fuel capacity/weight is issue. But Nic sure won with it! What's wrong with running around with a clip board or sending a questionaire out, asking what we want? Then build it and we will come! If you want to pull the rug out. Take the advertising dollars, part of contingency and throw a bike/some dollars to every top AA rider in each district, national levels. It has to be a good bike and not left over, let's make a deal parts (outdated zokes, kyb's). It is called the bleed down effect. Instead of pushing forward let's back up and trim,trim,trim/bleed. I think Suzuki is doing the same while KTM is pushing forward to end up on the map. Look at Honda/Kawasaki, they are into all sorts of things that stemmed from this industry. They know how to grow market share. Husqvarna would be ripe for the picking for Toyota. I spent 10 years in Chicago getting about 30 locations out of bankruptcy. You sneak up on your competitors, regroup, rebuild and pull the rug out. Sound like the auto business, years ago to current? Just my thoughts. So let's wait and see I guess from a loyal Husky owner.

I would be racing a 449 if I was in the financial position to do so.. $$$ is the only thing wrong with my situation, I have plenty of confidence in the bike.

 

[Croc]

Thats in Australia where the men are men and ride real bikes. (sheep are nervous too) Just like Montana

That would be the Kiwi's For the sheep that is

 

[ScottyR]

Yes on the X-Lites, guess is '12 TC250 engine tech moves to TE/TXC. As said earlier, X-Lite tech spreads to 450/510 4 strokes. No time line for 2 or 4 strokes that I know of.

2yrs ago at the Toronto Bike show there was a guy from the factory there and he and I talked about the time line of new releases. He showed me pics of the 449 before it was released and even showed me the first pics of the proto Nuda. Everything he told me has come to fruition.

2010 new X-Light
2011 449
2013 New 250/300 2 strokes with EFI

I have also been told by different sources that the 449/511 gets re-done for MY14.

 

[ScottyR]

Funny, I remember when I had my first KTM back in 99. It wasn't great, but a decent bike. When I would go out to the races, I would always make a point to stop and talk to the two other guys that had KTM's. Got to start somewhere. It was a sea of green in those days.

I remember when I bought my 2001 400EXC in August 2000. I was literally mobbed with people every time I stopped.

 

[wallybean]

That would be the Kiwi's For the sheep that is

You are so right. I should have said the roo's are nervous

 

[wallybean]

2yrs ago at the Toronto Bike show there was a guy from the factory there and he and I talked about the time line of new releases. He showed me pics of the 449 before it was released and even showed me the first pics of the proto Nuda. Everything he told me has come to fruition.

2010 new X-Light
2011 449
2013 New 250/300 2 strokes with EFI

I have also been told by different sources that the 449/511 gets re-done for MY14.

I sure hope you are right Scott. I would really hate to have Husky go completely street/ADV

 

[KLOC]

BMW is working on a variety of engines for Husqvarna's future offerings.
Think along the lines of the M-series cars. They are serious.

 

[Vinduro]

Personally, When I get a "New" 2013 model WR125/150 , I hope there is no major changes. This bike is that good. I just hope they put a decent carb on the bike stock or at least perfect the jetting. Much easier to work on than a perimeter frame GG. I won't own a GG even if they give me one. I actually had one for 3 months several years ago and gave it back to return to riding my Honda XR315 . Couldn't stand the way it beat me up. Even with modified suspension. Perimeter fames suck. They can keep EFI too. Not needed nor desired. I prefer a bike made with the KISS method.

 

[rasputin]

What's wrong with running around with a clip board or sending a questionaire out, asking what we want? Then build it and we will come!

ideally, you hire dirtbike enthusiasts, and simply let them build the bikes that they want. this will result in the same excellent bikes without spending a fortune on "market research", and it will improve the quality of the products because even the most dilligent "employee" cannot compete with a true enthusiast. there's a company out there that has a huge success by doing so. their colour is orange.

r

 

[water racer]

Oh yee of little faith. The story was about expanding Husqvarnas brand into the street bike arena. Doesn't mean they won't be developing new dirt bikes as well. If BMW only wants to build street bikes they would sell or close Husqvarna.
KTM is branching into street, maybe BMW wants to compete heads up.
GP

 

[john01]

IMHO to COMPETE with the KTM's you need to START in the dirt and I mean start there. KTM grooms racers with their 50's, 65's, 85's, 105's and so on and so on. You can't expect guys to race pumpkins for years the just "switch" over the Husky's. I would also think it would be easier to compete in this section. I see 500 - 600 bikes show up at VA hare scramble races, most of them orange. If BWM wants to play in the dirt at least have somebody with BMW say so. I mean how hard would that be or how much would that cost? On the figuring out what riders want, how about ask here it's free! Like I said it's working for GasGas no reason it wouldn't for Husky. Look Husky at least say you are going to build new 2-strokes. Like Keshaun say's "comon man"! BTW I don't like KTM LOL. I'm also not bashing BMW/Husky just want them to step up their 2-stroke game......NOW.

 

[racemx904]

I tried 3 different GG's...hated everyone of them....made for short people...engine vibrations made my hands fall asleep...figuring out the parts situation is crazy...I went back to a Kaboom for now until I can stumble across a 150...Rod Overstreet is a Hsuky rep now use to be an unofficial GG rep...

 

[john01]

What can I say, I'm short and they work awesome for me. Hey the new 2012's are taller now so thy must have listened to taller riders like you figuring it's easier to lower a bike than make one taller. I'm getting ready to WB165 my 08 CR 144 Husky so I can have the bike Husky won't build; a 200 (close anyways) 2-stroke!

 

[Motosportz]

Huh, That's funny. Over on TT there's a thread saying Husky's had record sales.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/935312-husqvarna-reports-another-record-retail-performance-in-2011/

Thats why I don't go there any more. This is by FAR the best husky site going.

 

[Motosportz]

I tried 3 different GG's...hated everyone of them....made for short people...engine vibrations made my hands fall asleep...figuring out the parts situation is crazy...I went back to a Kaboom for now until I can stumble across a 150...Rod Overstreet is a Hsuky rep now use to be an unofficial GG rep...

I have an 02 GG I put low pegs, tall bars and getting a tall seat done for. Great bike. I like it better than by buddies 07 WR250, there I said it. Better 3.4 gallon tank (slim), better 6sp transmission, WAY better Ohlins suspension, great tractable motor, small and low so it feels good in the woods. It is way past time Husky updated the 2 strokes. Should have happened in 09 when the 125 was updated.

 

[Motosportz]

Funny, I remember when I had my first KTM back in 99. It wasn't great, but a decent bike. When I would go out to the races, I would always make a point to stop and talk to the two other guys that had KTM's. Got to start somewhere. It was a sea of green in those days.

Yep, things change. Bad timing (economy) to try and start a husky revolution. Used to be all yami and Hondas here until the orange tide.

 

[racemx904]

I have an 02 GG I put low pegs, tall bars and getting a tall seat done for. Great bike. I like it better than by buddies 07 WR250, there I said it. Better 3.4 gallon tank (slim), better 6sp transmission, WAY better Ohlins suspension, great tractable motor, small and low so it feels good in the woods. It is way past time Husky updated the 2 strokes. Should have happened in 09 when the 125 was updated.

I had a 04 EC250, 08 EC300, 09 EC250....the last 2 I put low pegs, high bars and tall seat...still seemed short...felt like it was a long way to stand up...the vibration on the latter 2 thru the bars killed me...both had black tanks(note to everyone) black tanks on offroad bikes SUCK....I hit false neutral a lot on both the latter bikes also....the suspension for me was fine...didnt think the EC300 had as good of power as the WR300....Clutch on the EC's is unbelieveable...wow how great its like a cable but with KTM pull...I do really like the 125/150s of husky and the Wr300...sweet bikes...althought they do need an update....