Husqvarna Motorcycles

About Husqvarna

Husqvarna Motorcycles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pierer Industrie AG, designs, engineers, manufactures and distributes motocross, enduro and supermoto motorcycles. Husqvarna company started in 1689 in the town of Huskvarna, making weapons.

As with many motorcycle manufacturers, Husqvarna first began producing bicycles in the late 19th century. In 1903, they made the jump to motorcycle manufacturing. The first "Husky" motorcycles used imported engines, and it wasn't until 1918 that Husqvarna began producing machines built entirely in-house.

In 1920, Husqvarna established its own engine factory and the first engine to be designed was a 550 cc four-stroke 50-degree side-valve V-twin engine, similar to those made by companies like Harley-Davidson and Indian.

Husqvarna was Sweden's largest motorcycle manufacturer by 1939.

Motorcyclists had to be 18-years-old to ride, but bikes under 75 kilos (165 pounds) were deemed appropriate for riders aged 16 and up. Husqvarna first targeted the lightweight motorcycle realm with a 98cc moped, inadvertently starting down a path that would change off-road racing. In 1955, the “Silverpilen,” or “Silver Arrow” was introduced in Sweden with a 175cc motor and three-speed transmission. Consumers immediately began modifying the 2-stroke for off-road use, and by 1959 the factory produced five special machines for its racers which featured an enlarged 250cc engine and 4-speed tranny.

In the 1960s, their lightweight, two-stroke engined off-road bikes helped make the once dominant British four-stroke motorcycles obsolete. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Husqvarna was a dominant force in the motocross world, winning 14 Motocross world championships in the 125 cc, 250 cc and 500 cc divisions, 24 enduro world championships and 11 Baja 1000 victories.

In 1987, the Husqvarna motorcycle division (not the other arms of the brand such as chainsaw production) was sold to Italian motorcycle manufacturer Cagiva and became part of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. The motorcycles, widely known as "Huskies"/ "Husky", are now produced in Varese. In July 2007, Husqvarna motorcycles was purchased by BMW.

Moto blog

2011 a Success for Husqvarna North America

Husqvarna‘s worldwide shipment totals were down 23% in 2011 but the numbers don’t tell the whole story for the BMW-owned brand, especially when it comes to the North American market. According to BMW’s 2011 fiscal year report, Husqvarna delivered 9,286 units in 2011, compared to 12,066 units in 2010. What those figures do not explain is BMW intentionally reduced supply to dealerships to help clear excess inventory.

Training with Marco Melandri

New BMW World Superbike recruit, Marco Melandri has been using the Bavarian manufacturer's connection to Husqvarna to get himself a nice new motocross bike for the off-season. Melandri has been riding the Husky TC250 in preparation for the 2012 season, whilst the winter testing ban was in effect. Commenting on riding motocross the Italian said: “I ride a lot, almost every week, I like riding with friends, mainly just to have fun.

Husqvarna Baja Concept Unveiled at New York IMS

Husqvarna has unveiled a new dual-sport concept at the New York stop of the 2012 International Motorcycle Shows. At first glance, the Husqvarna Baja Concept appears similar to the Moab concept unveiled at the 2011 EICMA Show last November. Both models are aesthetically inspired by Husqvarna motorcycles from the ’70s and especially Steve McQueen‘s Husqvarna H400 famously immortalized on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

2012 New York International Motorcycle Shows Preview

The 2011-2012 International Motorcycle Shows tour hits the Big Apple this weekend with a number of debuts, Jan. 20-22 at the Jakob K. Javits Convention Center.

BMW Set New Sales Record in 2011 – Husqvarna Sales Continue Plunge

BMW sold 104,286 motorcycles in 2011, the most units the German manufacturer has sold in a single year in its entire 90-year history. 2011 sales surpassed the previous record of 102,467 units sold in 2007. 2011 also saw a 6.4% increase in BMW’s motorcycle sales over the 98,047 units sold in 2010.

Husqvarna Reveals BMW G650GS-Engined Concept Strada

Husqvarna unveiled a new streetbike model powered by the engine from parent company BMW’s G650GS. The Husqvarna Concept Strada was int4roduced in Paris at the Salon de la Moto show. Though Husqvarna is calling the supermoto-styled Strada a concept, but the new model is near production ready, with Husqvarna expecting to begin sales in 2012, possibly as a 2013 model.

Top 10 EICMA Show Bikes You May Have Missed

Interesting motorcycles you probably didn't see1 of 11Next Last There’s no cave deep, mountain high or rock heavy enough to have thwarted news of Ducati’s 1199 Panigale superbike launch at the 2012 EICMA show in Milan, Italy. And a few models such as Honda’s NC700S and X, Kawasaki’s Versys 1000 and CRP’s Energica were unveiled without heavy prior fanfare, but gasps of surprise weren’t heard when the wraps were taken off Triumph’s Tiger 1200 Explorer, Husqvarna’s Nuda or MV Augusta’s F3 675 among others, whose existences were revealed months in advance of the show. What we’ve comprised below is our list Top 10 Bikes unveiled at EICMA that didn’t receive top billing but are certainly worthy of your attention.

Husqvarna Developing ABS for Off-Road Use

Husqvarna announced it will introduce the worlds’ first anti-lock braking system designed for off-road racing, equipping a BMW-developed off-road ABS to Husqvarna’s flagship TE449. On paved roads, ABS prevents wheels from locking up, keeping them rotating and providing traction. Off the pavement however, rear wheel lockup is helpful for stopping on loose surfaces such as dirt and gravel.

EICMA 2011 Preview: Husqvarna Nuda 900, 900R and a “Big Surprise”

Husqvarna will present its new Nuda 900R and Nuda 900 street bikes at the 2011 EICMA show, but the BMW-owned manufacturer promises to have a surprise in store. The Husqvarna Nuda 900R already made its public debut in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but EICMA will mark the first public appearance of the 900 version. Both models are powered by 900cc parallel Twin engines derived from BMW’s F800 engine, but the R version will have higher-spec suspension and brakes as well as various carbon fiber bits.

Husqvarna E-go Entry-Level Electric Motorcycle Revealed in Frankfurt

BMW unveiled its concept for an electric-powered entry-level motorcycle, the Husqvarna E-go, a motard-style urban commuter that appears to be BMW’s answer to Zero’s offerings. Despite the rather self-centered sounding name, the E-go is a humble-looking vehicle with some intriguing innovations. At first glance, the Husqvarna E-Go looks a lot like a bicycle – until you notice there are no pedals.