2014 Huskys now on sale in Oz

After months of speculation, the distribution arrangements for the new-look Husqvarnas in Australia were finally sorted last November, and the 2014-model, Austrian-made machines began arriving in Australian dealers last week.

So, how has HQVA (the Australia distributor – a sister company to KTM within the Automotive Holdings Group) priced the new Husqvarnas relative to the 2014 KTM and Husaberg models on which they’re based? The table below confirms that the motocross models all get the same RRPs as the KTMs – which makes sense, as Husqvarna’s TC and FC machines are essentially KTMs with different bodywork and a fibre-reinforced plastic subframe. Husqvarna’s TE and FE enduro models, however, all carry a $500 premium to the equivalent KTMs (and they’re within $300 – either premium or discount, depending on the model – to equivalent Husaberg models).

Will Aussie consumers be willing to pay that $500 premium (which equates to 4-4.5%) for the two- and four-stroke enduro models? Well, that all depends on the value they ascribe to the new Husqvarnas’ ‘premium’ componentry – the rising-rate linkage, the WP 4CS fork, the black billet triple clamps and Swedish-look bodywork and graphics. Anecdotal evidence from Husky dealers we’ve spoken to suggests consumers are having no trouble in justifying the extra spend, with some dealers reporting that they’ve already sold out of their first shipment.

For our ride impression on the 2014-model Husqvarnas, click here.

In related news, to mark the 25^th anniversary of Husaberg, Husaberg Australia has released a limited number of special commemorative Four-Stroke Force upgrade kits to be fitted to selected 2014 models. New 2014 FE350, FE450 and FE501 Husabergs now come equipped with a free graphics and accessory kit, that includes an Akrapovic slip-on, blue anodised oil filler plug, blue anodised oil filter cover, blue anodised oil pump cover, blue anodised clutch master cylinder covers, blue anodised brake master cylinder covers and fork bleeder valve set, all at no extra cost.

All new Husabergs are backed by a six-month Parts & Labour Warranty. Free 25-year anniversary kits will be ready to deliver in early February, and stocks will be limited.