Husqvarna Motorcycles
Husqvarna signifies a brand with Swedish origins characterized by a centennial history. It is one of the highest points of reference for the off-road market thanks to an image tightly connected to competitions (100 world titles in 2019 – 58 rider and 42 manufacturer titles earned across six different motorcycle disciplines.). Currently owned by KTM AG – owners of KTM, Husqvarna, and Gas Gas motorcycles – Husqvarna motorcycles are primarily manufactured in Austria. This acquisition came in 2013 when Pierer Industries AG purchased the Swedish marque from BMW to the tune of 93 million euros.
The brand's current off-road and competition lineup includes 2-stroke models ranging from 49cc to 293cc, 4-stroke models spanning 250cc to 510cc (including a dedicated competition-only supermoto 450), and the recent addition of a children's electric EE5 motorcycle. Husqvarna also offers a variety of street-legal 4-stroke dual-sport motorcycles in 350, 501, and 701 variations.
The latest addition to the Husqvarna product range has brought the brand back to the paved side of motorcycling. The Vitpilen and Svartpilen, both available in 401 and 701 variants, are stylish and simple motorcycles with modern performance. We expect to see this trend continuing into the red hot adventure segment. Here's a look at a few of Husqvarna's top-level machines.
Husqvarna TE 300i
The TE 300i marks a milestone in motorcycling, as Husqvarna (and, by extension, parent company KTM) have successfully incorporated electronic fuel injection into a mass-produced 2-stroke motorcycle. This was no easy task, and has been attempted by others in the past with varying results. The TE 300i, however, has been well-received and praised for how well it works. Plus it uses the latest in oil-injection 2-stroke technology. With this latest overhaul to Husqvarna’s 2-stroke lineup, rider’s no longer need to premix. Simply fill the oil tank and the machine feeds the oil via the throttle body meaning the oil is not mixed with the fuel eliminating the need for premixing as on traditional 2-stroke engines. A hydraulic Magura clutch, WP suspension, and weight-saving measures have been introduced for model year 2020 as well.
The 501s is powered by a 510cc Single which is counterbalanced and mated to a six-speed transmission using a Magura hydraulic DDS clutch system. The dual-sport features a chrome-moly steel frame with a carbon composite subframe (saving more than two pounds over a traditional metal. subframe). The 501s uses the WP XPLOR fork and WP XACT shock to provide the highest quality ride no matter the conditions. Basically you have a top-shelf dirtbike with all the necessary bits to be street legal for connecting the trails no matter where you find yourself.
Husqvarna may have the 701 Supermoto in its lineup, but the company is also keeping true supermoto alive with the FS 450. Based on the championship-winning FC 450 motocross bike, the FS 450’s powerful engine boasts 63 hp of tarmac-shredding power. Being a supermoto, the FS swaps out the dirt wheels for a 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel wrapped in sticky slick tires. WP Xact suspension and Brembo brakes, including a 310mm rotor and M50 caliper, round out the major component changes to convert the bike from dirt to pavement duty. On the software side, the FS also has the ability to change engine maps and activate traction control. Further proof this is one serious motorcycle. We reviewed one in 2019 and came away with the same conclusion.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is a street bike reduced to the essentials. The lightweight steel trellis frame, 693cc Single-cylinder engine, WP APEX suspension, and Brembo brakes combine to provide an agile exciting motorcycle to ride. Wrap all of that performance in a stylish package and you have the latest Husqvarna streetbike.
Some might view the Svartpilen 401 as the urban assault vehicle reimagined by Swedish motorcycle designers. With its future-forward, minimalistic styling and knobby tires, this is the motorcycle for riders looking to make a statement that they don’t need to worry about whether or not their bike can traverse whatever terrain they may encounter in the urban jungle on their way to work or school. A 373cc Single provides the power, while a radial-mount 4-piston caliper brings the bike to a stop. WP suspension soaks up bumps and a LED headlight looks futuristic while it lights up the road ahead.
