new KTM, sorry, Husaberg, sorry again 2014 Husqvarnas

I heard this is the last year of the production of Husqvarna, and KTM just acquired GasGas and Beta :mrgreen:

That's funny dustbite :lol: In the future we may be sorry 3 times because they might look for another unfortunate
candidate to be the name of their different color KTMs.
We saw what they did to our wonderful Husabergs. After the 2004 models when we began our better years the jealosy began to heat up. You see, Husaberg had pretty good reviews as being reliable and had also adopted the saying of " When it is tough, rutted and ugly the Berg is king" I don't think KTM liked that too much.
And the power issue must have surely gotten to them also because both the 550 and the 650 would smoke their
525s. Sure you don't need all that power off road but men will be men and talk power.
Yes Husaberg was a 239lb 628cc 63hp beast. Surely the supermoto king if anything.
So make them red sticker bikes in 2008 in Ca. and get rid of them.
They may have told the Husaberg motor builders in Sweden. Look, use your imagination. Make something cool
No more big bores and whatever you do get that chain on the left side!
So the experiment went on and guess what. They made a fabulous motocycle that worked awesome!
Fuel injected and yes the chain on the left side. And yes, still better than their bikes.
So they must still find something wrong with it now because at this point it is time for them to die.
Well it may have been the ease of access or it being too unconventional. Whatever is was that was stirred by more jealosy.
So the answer was to make blue KTMs, still call them Husaberg technology and sell them for a couple years.
Husaberg died in 2012.
And after a few years buy Husqvarna to end the Husaberg name by painting the frames white and putting Husqvarna on them instead.
Actually you could put any name on them if you really wanted too because it doesnt really matter. We know what they are. But we have to accept that they are Huskys because they have the rights to it.
Isnt that the way with KTM.
Exercising there rights.

So theres pollos version of the story.

Well said pollo! My thoughts exactly! But who knows, maybe someone will buy Husaberg as brand !?

Im in!!

Tested BY ENDURO21.COM- 2014 Husqvarna TE 250



The 2014 Husqvarna TE 250 ridden and rated...
Ridden and rated, Enduro21.com rides the all-new 2014 Husqvarna TE 250…

Tester: Llel Pavey

The rebirth of Husqvarna is an exciting prospect. With the brand taken back to its Swedish roots for the launch of the 2014 model range, and with the might of KTM behind it, the yellow and blue of Sweden could soon return to its heyday. Husqvarna fans can now look forward to the addition of a top-level two-stroke line-up - something that has been missing for a long time. The TE 250 is the pride of the two-stroke range - here's the lowdown...

1. Styling

Based on the Husaberg styling, Husqvarna’s design team have gone a little old school. Referring back to Husqvarna ‘classics’ such as Thomas Gustavsson’s 1983 ISDE bike, the yesteryear influence is clear to see. White frame and plastics, coupled with flashes of Swedish blue and yellow make for a gorgeous and striking combination.




2. Linkage

For many the linkage is the most interesting point of the bike, and range. While PDS has divided opinion among KTM owners, using a linkage system on the new Husqvarnas now gives riders the option of orange and no linkage, or white with a linkage. The reason Husky's now feature a linkage is twofold - to attract the PDS detractors while also targeting the North American market. It also allows another element of adjustability through different linkage ratios.

While some people feel linkages are vulnerable to damage, it doesn’t appear to be the case. Despite the brutal Swedish rocks scattered around the test track, the linkage neveronce came into contact with anything. To ride, the bike sits lower on the rear and feels more predictable than PDS. It’s more consistent, confidence inspiring and seems to deal better with unexpected hits.




3. Braking

Brembo systems are top notch and the Husky brakes don’t disappoint. The wheels feature billet aluminium hubs laced to black anodized DID rims while Michelin Comp IV (front) and Comp III (rear) provide the rubber. The gearing on the TE 250 is the same as the Husaberg predecessor with 14/50 standard and an optional 13 tooth included.




4. Cockpit

The Husqvarna retains all the same controls and switchgear from the Husaberg. That means the Brembo hydraulic clutch, electric start buttons and lighting switches are carried over. The TE 250 doesn’t come with an optional CDI map switch, but one is available from the Husqvarna Power Parts catalogue. The controls on the Husqvarna are, as you would expect, very good. The clutch is light and the buttons all do the jobs for which they are intended. The clear fuel tank means it’s easy to gauge fuel level.



5. Engine

Whilst the engine remains the same as the ’14 Husabergs - including the change from Vforce to Boyeson reed block - the standard jetting is different. The Husky also comes fitted with a plastic sump guard as standard and has both an electric starter and a kick start.

The engine gave smooth and easily managed bottom end and pulled strongly towards the top-end. The mid-range felt stronger than this engine has in the past too. It was incredibly easy to ride and was jetted far better than the most recent batch of Husaberg’s.




6. Suspension

The Husqvarna forks are WP’s newest creation - the 4CS that has graced KTM’s Six Day’s editions and the Husaberg range. The four-cartridge system has compression on the left fork and rebound on the right with easy adjust dials. The rebound dial is also red, so it’s easier to remember. The rear shock is the WP DDS, fully adjustable shock that comes on the motocross models so it’s specifically designed for the linkage.

The linkage and rear shock has added an element of stability to the Husqvarna that the Husaberg had lost. The forks ride well on the slippery roots and rocks of the Swedish forest, allowing us to ride with confidence in difficult situations. At times they felt a little ‘dead’ but the ability to change rebound and compression on the fly is a nice touch. The forks were more responsive to clicker changes than they were previously.




7. Ride Impression

Hopping onto the TE 250, it won’t feel all that different to owners of Husaberg & KTM. The biggest difference is that the rear end feels more squatted and neutral than previously.

The chassis with the linkage combo is great to ride - it feels more predictable and doesn’t ever feel wild. Because the bike sits a little lower at the back, it is more neutral and unlike the Husaberg. You might expect this to affect the cornering of the bike but it doesn’t.

Regarding general suspension performance, the setup felt quite soft. The forks were very good over the slippery rocks and roots of the test track, however the terrain on offer was quite technical making it difficult to guage its performance at higher speeds. Even in the slower going it has a tendency to use a large portion of the travel without much encouragement.

The carburation and power delivery were superb. The engine has smooth gentle power right from tick over, making it easy to make forward progress even in the slipperiest of conditions. When you give it some gas, the Husqvarna engine feels stronger than it’s Husaberg base, which is impressive.



The new Husqvarna TE 250 is without doubt one of the best enduro bikes in production today. A bold statement we know, but it really is hard to fault any area of the bike. With over one-hour of riding time spent on the TE 250, clambering in and around wet, moss covered rocks and muddy, Swedish tracks, the Husky showed where it excels best - the harder the riding gets, the more the bike’s ability shines through.

The only reservation we had was the performance of the fork, and how well it will hold up to faster riding. But it’s surprising how a few, small refinements have produced a bike that is noticeably different to a Husaberg.

Husqvarna have set out to deliver as high a quality product as possible, and they've done a smart job. It’s a serious woods weapon that is far enough removed from its Austrian cousin to not be considered ‘just’ a white KTM.

Two-stroke lovers, put this bike on your shopping list…

- AS TESTED BY ENDURO 21: http://www.enduro21.com/index.php/compo ... rna-te-250

- See more at: http://www.enduro21.com/index.php/compo ... W2noK.dpuf

Has Husqvarna really gone back to its Sweedish roots? Is it based on Husaberg styling? Let's back up a litle bit
because many times there's another story more believable than the first.
The last of the Sweedish roots ended with the 70* motor and frame in 2012. (Not available in the USA by the way.) Thats when they began making blue KTMs. Of course we know them as Husabergs because they had rights to call them that. A product of Austria. Orange or blue with such slight differences. Like no kick start on the Husaberg and a different subframe and maybe suspension settings. Little stuff. But same motor, frame , wheels and suspension.
So Husqvarna is based on Husaberg styling? Yes Husaberg styling that is KTM styling. They look the same.
So the new Husqvarna has KTM styling. It looks just like the orange and blue KTMs to me.
And it is completely a product of Austria.

So is it really far enough removed to not be considered a white KTM?
If you have to make a statement like that you might be worried people might actually believe they are white
KTMs.
You see when a bike has its unique qualities that sets it apart from others. Like their own motor and frame for example. Then you wouldn't need to say such things because you are a legitimate competetor with your own unique design.
pollo

So it looks like absolutely nothing, zero, nada has been retained form Husky. Whatever you thought of Husky bikes, they were priced really well and that put pressure on other makes. They will be missed as an independent brand - almost as much as my beloved bergs.

dustbite said:

What KTM bought is the NAME Husqvarna.
It is engraved in the minds of many men and last week, much to my surprise, a friend told me that his biggest wish is to own a new Husqvarna TE 300.
Mind you, at present he owns KTM 2012 EXC 300, six day version.
I am too down-to-earth to be lead by such sentiments, I just saw a blue and yellow KTM and now a white-blue-yellow KTM and the price would be the deciding factor. But for Freddy, my friend, it's the NAME that decides!

So KTM made the right decision: the name Husqvarna has much more "emotion" in it than Husaberg. It is a strong selling point for a majority of riders. What I liked about Husaberg was the “smallness” and technically genuine ideas.

In all the interviews I read that one question was never asked or answered: why did KTM stop with the 70D engine?
My guess: that stupid X-bow project nearly brought KTM to bankruptcy. As far as I understand the Austrian government had to bail out the factory for the second time in history.
Building two different engines is just too expensive at this time. Perhaps in one or two years KTM will re-launch that engine as "improved", "state of the art Swedish design", "blalbla".
That's the only hope or sentiment I have. It was a brilliant idea and from the start it had no downsides/big design problems.

Click to expand...

Your convenientlty forgetting that the FE390 engine was considerably heavier than the 350 that replaced it. I think most people who owned both the FE and the KTM would agree the KTM 350 is a superior bike. It's lighter, handled better and was easier to work on.

Also I remember reading on this forum about some of the FE handling quirks that some owners could never figure out, I think a "searching" front end was one big complaint that could not be ironed out and the consensus seemed to be this was due to the 70 deg motor and reciprocating mass.

I dunno about your belief that most folks prefer the KTM350 to the Berg390.......granted, the Berg's handling is "different" but, in most of our riding conditions it is a (slightly) better performer, both motor and handling-wise. I do agree that it's not as easy to work on though......fortunately, its been amazingly tough and reliable. I for one am sad to see the 70D thrown onto the scrap heap of history. Just my 2 cents.

Ive rode the 350 back to back with my 390,..... Ill take the 390 ANY day over the 350. Much better mountain gnar bike.

I had a 390 and like all who have had the pleasure of riding one, I loved it. Engine was amazing, great at climbing knarly tracks and weight distribution was brilliant.

I had a brief go of a KTM 350 2013 and it felt horrible. Very light in comparison but engine felt dull and handling just felt alien to me.

HOWEVER........

I decided to sell the 390 and buy a Husaberg 350 2014 and it is unbelievable. Just fantastic in every way. Handily is so superior in every way, light, agile, the suspension just soaks up the bumps with ease. The engine is outstanding too. I loved the 70 degree engine and couldn't believe KTM killed it off. But the 350 (on the 2014 Husaberg at least) can chug up any climb with power and traction to spare - very 390 like. And power on all terrain is instantaneous.

I from the first moment I sat on the 350, I felt at home. Everything was just where I wanted it. I don't know why the KTM felt sorry horrible in comparison.......

Anyone who has a go on my bike loves it and a few friends are already thinking about getting one as there next weapon of choice.

As far as the Husky is concerned, I would think that it will be as good and be a nice alternative to a stock KTM. So, a KTM with all the bells and whistles - like a Husaberg!!

Hope that helps. :wink:

kipper said:

I had a brief go of a KTM 350 2013 and it felt horrible. Very light in comparison but engine felt dull and handling just felt alien to me.

HOWEVER........

I decided to sell the 390 and buy a Husaberg 350 2014 and it is unbelievable. Just fantastic in every way. Handily is so superior in every way, light, agile, the suspension just soaks up the bumps with ease. The engine is outstanding too. I loved the 70 degree engine and couldn't believe KTM killed it off. But the 350 (on the 2014 Husaberg at least) can chug up any climb with power and traction to spare.

I from the first moment I sat on the 350, I felt at home. Everything was just where I wanted it. I don't know why the KTM felt sorry horrible in comparison.......

Anyone who has a go on my bike loves it and a few friends are already thinking about getting one as their next weapon of choice.

Click to expand...

Your comparisons between the Berg 350 and the KTM 350 seem a little odd and don't really make sense to me as they are in essence the same bike or at least very similar. Both the KTM 350 XC-W and the somewhat racier 350 XCF are excellent bikes that handle well and have strong engines. My own '08 HTR 350 XCF-W conversion is still a super bike and has proven to be extremely reliable after six years of use.

I had the same experience as kipper (minus the new husaberg 350). the berg feels like an XR600 off the bottom compared to it.