2017 Husqvarnas: In Context

There’s never been a better time to get your hands on a brand new 2015 or 2016 run-out model from Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia. Put a grin on your dial and a twitch in your wrist with your choice of superseded TC or FC motocrosser, or a spanking new TE or FE enduro bike, financed with a zero percent comparison rate. Offer running from February 1, 2017, until March 31, 2017.

Husqvarna’s 2017 TE and FE enduro models are completely new specimens, but let’s reflect on the bikes’ evolution since the brand was acquired by KTM three years ago.

Cast your mind back. Just three years back, Husqvarna was owned by BMW and rolling off a production line in Italy. It’s been a whirlwind journey for the brand after KTM snapped it up for a reported song in early 2013, so let’s do a top-line recap of the birth and evolution of the ‘new-era’, Austrian-made Husqvarnas, shall we… 

2014 MODELS

Right from the get-go, Husqvarna’s new-era intentions were made clear: that the “reunification of the two Swedish-born brands” would “combine Husqvarna’s 110-year heritage with Husaberg’s state-of-the-art technology”. That was code for, “Initially, we’re going to put Husqvarna logos on Husaberg/KTM machines”, and that’s exactly what we got with Husqvarna’s 2014-model enduro range. They were 2014-model Husabergs with Husqvarna logos, even retaining 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 now used. The only real differences from the Bergs were their white frames, black rims, predominantly white plastics, different-coloured ignition and clutch covers, and the introduction of a rising-rate linkage for the shock absorber (a shrewd move, and somewhat of a surprise at the time). 

2015 MODELS

For 2015, Husqvarna’s enduro range got a lighter clutch basket, new headlight and front guard, and tweaks to subframe, speedo, hand guards and seat cover. Not a lot. 

2016 MODELS

For 2016, it was also a case of refinement rather than reinvention for Husky’s enduro models. The front axle’s diameter was reduced from 26 to 22mm, the offset on the triple clamps was increased from 20 to 22mm, and there were refinements to suspension valving to suit. In addition to that, the 2016 bikes got transmission mods for smoother shifting, a bar-mounted map-selector switch, new GFK wave brake discs, a blue-anodised Supersprox rear sprocket, lighter spokes, a grippier and more durable seat cover, new fork protectors and fresh graphics.

2017 MODELS

Husqvarna’s enduro range received new engines, frames, suspension, bodywork and big weight savings for 2017. Be sure to check out our ride impression on Husqvarna’s 2017 enduro range.