[Features]

2014 Husqvarna Range Details

10 years ago | Words: Andy Wigan

What does this week’s unveiling of the new-look Husqvarnas reveal about the rejuvenated brand? Transmoto’s Andy Wigan offers these insights while en route to the international launch for Husky’s 2014 model-range in Sweden.

With limited time between KTM’s acquisition of Husqvarna and the early October reveal of the 2014 models, it was always unlikely that these new-look machines would appear with any startling new technology – especially because the 2014 range was promised to include minicycle, enduro and motocross models. Revamping seven enduro and six motocross machines in less that six months would have been an impossible task for any design team, and the PR that Husqvarna released simultaneously to the world’s media on Sunday confirmed exactly that. It didn’t go into too much detail about the new bikes ahead of the Swedish launch, but it did reveal a few interesting things about the new machines, and gave us our first look at colour schemes, bodywork and componentry. So, before we’ve seen the 2014 Husqvarnas in the flesh, what can we tell you about them?

Well, as expected, they’re pretty much 2014-model Husabergs with Husqvarna logos. They even retain the blue and yellow livery in an overt effort to pay homage to the brand’s Swedish roots … and to differentiate them from the KTMs, whose engines and frames they all use. The most obvious differences for these new Husqvarnas are their white frames, black rims, predominantly white plastics and different-coloured ignition and clutch covers.

But more specifically, what can we say about the new machines? This:

SUBFRAME:

Husvqvarna quite rightly points out that their 2014 FC and TC models will be the first motocrossers on the market with a polyamide subframe. But the technology sure isn’t new. From the images, the subframe on the MXers appear near identical to the enduro bikes’ polyamide subframe, which was introduced to Husaberg’s range in 2013 (and that, in turn, was a refinement of the plastic subframe used on the Bergs from 2009, when the 70-degree engine was introduced). Heritage aside, there is little doubt that these tough, reinforced plastic subframes are the future. Yes, they weigh slightly more than their alloy equivalents, but they’re way stronger (it’s almost impossible to find a Husaberg dealer who’s sold a replacement subframe in the past 12 months), and they can be specifically manufactured to accommodate (and protect) battery, wiring, airbox and air filter much better than alloy subframes can.

Enduro_4stroke_RSC4362_miho_flat_B_x

NEW LINKAGE:

The most surprising revelation in the PR was the announcement that Husqvarna’s enduro models would all use a shock absorber with a rising-rate linkage, in place of the no-linkage PDS system that KTM’s enduro models have all run since 1997. It remains to be seen just how different the enduro and motocross models’ linkages are, if at all. In any case, the introduction of a linkage is a shrewd move for Husqvarna for three reasons: 1) it’s a relatively cheap addition, 2) it clearly differentiates the new Husqvarnas from both Husaberg’s and KTM’s enduro models, and 3) it’ll remove a purchase impediment for all those Japanese enduro bike owners who like to think a dirt bike won’t handle properly without a rising-rate shock linkage. When KTM swallowed their pride and re-introduced a linkage to their motocross range in 2010, it led to a sharp increase in market share for their motocross models – particularly in America. We’re guessing Husqvarna is hoping for a similar reaction with its linkage-equipped enduro models. That said, not everyone will embrace the revised rear-end on the enduro models. Aside from adding to the bikes’ weight and maintenance requirements, there’s now a large cross-section of riders who are sworn devotees of the no-linage PDS shock absorbers.

FE-TE_Chassis_MOD

“The most surprising revelation in the PR was the announcement that Husqvarna’s enduro models would all use a shock absorber with a rising-rate linkage.”

BLING RIMS:

KTM dropped the black rims on its enduro range for 2012, citing practical considerations (the fact the silver rims are more scratch-resistant), but Husaberg has long retained it’s penchant for coloured rims. Few argue that black rims look the bomb on most bikes, so this one’s a matter of personal preference.

2014_HUSKY

WHITE FRAMES:

The new bikes’ white frame sure stands out – but not in the same way as Husabergs’ lurid yellow frames stood out back in 2012. Like the black rims, however, they might not appeal to the more practical-minded trail and enduro riders. Aside from being a bit reminiscent of a mid-1990s CR250, the white frames are likely to scuff up and look used a fair bit quicker than darker-coloured frame paint.

FC-250_Left-front_MOD

BODYWORK:

Sure, there’s more white in the bikes’ overall aesthetic, but the bodywork remains very similar to the Husabergs they’re based on, aside from the retro-look Husky logo on the shrouds (another effort to reinforce the brand’s 110-year heritage). Even the shape of the radiator shrouds – designed to imitate a Viking’s axe-blade – remain unchanged. And those new yellow fork guards? Well, they look like a bit of a last-minute addition from the ‘make-it-look-different’ department.

BODYWORK

“The new Huskys are pretty much 2014-model Husabergs with Husqvarna logos. They even retain the blue and yellow livery in an obvious effort to pay homage to the brand’s Swedish roots.”

So… new shock linkage aside, there are really only colour changes to differentiate Husqvarna’s 2014 enduro models from the Husaberg machines they’re based on. Just like the Husabergs before them, the only componentry that sets the 2014 Husqvarnas apart from their KTM equivalents is the 4CS fork, billet triple clamps, plastic subframe and bodywork. Of course, Husqvarna is quick to point of that there will be a divergence between the design and look of KTMs and Husqvarnas in the future. But you have to wonder about that. Economies of scale aside (the very reason the KTM-owned Husaberg was forced to adopt KTM’s cutting-edge technology in 2013), the fact remains that several of KTM/Husaberg’s former design team are now in Husqvarna colours in another part of the same building. And if you know an engineer, you’ll know they’re logical creatures. Present the same engineer with the same problem, and he’s likely to find the same solution to it. Given that both KTM and Husqvarna will roll off the same production line in Austria, a sceptic might therefore say this ‘design divergence’ talk is little more than wishful thinking – in the near-term, anyway. We’ll see. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to finally getting on the ground in Sweden and sampling these Husqvarnas. Suspended for 36 hours in the air can leave a bloke ready to cut loose on some terra firma!

For extended information on the 2014 Husqvarna model-range, click here.

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