[Features]

2017 Huskys: In Perspective

7 years ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: Marco Campelli | BLACK&RAD

Husqvarna’s Product Manager, Justin Maxwell, talks design philosophy and how the 2017-model enduro machines differ from their KTM counterparts.

Eighteen months ago, Husqvarna plucked Justin Maxwell out of South Africa’s biggest dealership and shipped him off to Mattighofen in Austria to take on the plumb role of Product Marketing Manager for the company. That means he’s primarily responsible for overseeing Husqvarna’s product development and for explaining why various components find their way onto the bikes. We sat down with Maxwell at the Swedish launch to get better handle on the sweeping upgrades made to Husqvarna’s enduro models for 2017, and the degree to which Husqvarna and KTM share parts and settings.

2017HUSKY_1

TM: The ‘new-era’ Husqvarnas have been produced in Austria for only three years now, but there’s been a lot of change in that short timeframe.
JM:
There has. Normally, producing a range of completely new-generation motorcycles takes at least four years from scratch, but Husqvarna has released three new-generation ranges in three years – in 2014 after we came under KTM’s ownership; in 2016 with the MX models; and again in 2017 with our enduro range. This time around with the enduro bikes, every single displacement – two-stroke and four-stroke – gets a new engine, as well as an all-new frame, suspension and bodywork. So it has been a lot of work for our design team.

2017HUSKY_3

The 2014 model-range felt a bit rushed because your MX and enduro models used the same bodywork, seat, linkage, graphics, running gear, etcetera. The 2017 TE and FE models, however, come with more enduro-specific features, right?
Absolutely. With only six months between KTM’s acquisition of Husqvarna and the unveiling of 13 all-new enduro, MX and mini models for 2014, it was definitely a rush. That meant more sharing of technologies between Husqvarna and KTM and, as you say, more sharing of parts between our MX and enduro models. For 2017, our enduro bikes are based on the new-generation MX models released 12 months ago, but virtually every component has been modified to suit enduro use. For instance, the enduro and MX models’ frames use a similar architecture, but the enduro bikes have a longer wheelbase, a completely different fork and an enduro-specific linkage design. With the TE and FE engines, the rotating masses have all been optimised for enduro. The piston, gearbox, throttle body, mapping and exhausts are all completely different on the enduro models, too. In other words, the objective was to develop enduro-specific machines, rather than simply ‘convert’ the motocross bikes for off-road use.

2017HUSKY_4

Even though the fuel tanks on the enduro bikes are larger, their bodywork appears identical to the MXers. Is it?
Yes. The bodywork components are the same because our MX and enduro test pilots settled on the same optimal solution for the major contact points with the bike: the shrouds and sideplates. The same applies with this year’s lower and flatter seat, which also ensures seamless movement for the rider. Of course, there are small adjustments to customise the enduro models. For example, the TE and FE models’ footpegs are 6mm higher, the handlebars are taller, and the subframe is a little different to accommodate the larger Lithium battery and wiring. Then obviously you have the instruments and different switchblocks on the handlebars.

2017HUSKY_5

Husqvarna’s enduro models now share the new WP XPlor fork with KTM’s EXC range, but the DCC shock is unique. What are its advantages?
The DCC, or Dual Compression Control, shock is designed to have a pressure balance between the chambers on either side of the piston. This is primarily to produce a very consistent feel in the damping characteristic. It is the same shock absorber as what’s now used in our motocross models, but with different spring rates and damping settings to accommodate the enduro-specific linkage and use.

2017HUSKY_2

How different is the linkage ratio between the MX and enduro models?
Significantly different. The linkage on the enduro models is designed to be softer in the initial part of its travel and then ramp up later into the stroke’s progression. That extra suppleness gives the enduro models added stability and traction over the more technical type of obstacles generally encountered off-road. The feedback we got from our Pro riders suggests the linkage’s biggest advantage is that it helps keep the rear-end more planted when braking really hard over big bumps coming into a corner.

2017HUSKY_6

There are obviously many shared components between Husqvarna and KTM, but to what extent do Husqvarna and KTM share personnel and R&D?
In the R&D department at the Mattighofen factory, we have some staff dedicated to Husqvarna projects. And then there are several people who are ‘shared’ across the two brands. So, for instance, an engine will be developed for both brands to take advantage of the best technology we have available. Early in the development phase, we’ll sit down with the KTM guys to discuss the engine platform’s shared features, but from that point, we go our separate ways to fine-tune settings. Because there’s generally one best way to produce fast competition bikes, product differentiation does become a challenge. For example, we’ll often send separate Husqvarna and KTM teams to develop suspension settings, but they’ll both come back with near identical recommendations. On our enduro bikes do, however, have a lot of features that don’t appear on the KTMs. Aside from the linkage, we use a different shock absorber, subframe, bodywork, seat, clutch, airbox and mapping, plus we have the billet triple clamps, fork preload adjuster and traction control switch. I’m not going to say that we’re reinventing the wheel here; it’s more a matter of us using a different material or a slightly more premium product for the job.

2017HUSKY_8

Why the move from Brembo to Magura hydraulic clutch for 2017?
We switched our entire MX bike range onto a Magura clutch master cylinder for 2016, and we believe they have a lighter pull than the Brembo, and better modulation and feel. Plus it’s a point of differentiation from the KTMs.

2017HUSKY_9

Because Husqvarna runs the same engine platform as their KTM counterparts, is each model’s ECU mapping (or CDI settings for the two-strokes) also the same?
No. We develop our own ignition curves and mapping for all models, mainly because the airbox in our bikes is different to what you’ll find in the KTMs. For 2017, our airbox is much less restricted than it was last year, and the way it brings air into the engine also differs significantly. That’s why, even though the two brands use the same engines, they’ll often have different power characteristics. Typically, the Husqvarna models deliver a smooth and responsive power.

2017HUSKY_10

Be sure to check out our ride impression on Husqvarna’s 2017 enduro range in Transmoto’s free-to-view July-August issue (#57).

Be the first to comment...

You might also like...

3 weeks ago

BAJA 1000: ‘BEYOND THE LINE’

‘Beyond the Line’: a cool, bite-sized insight to the iconic annual Baja 1000 race.

3 weeks ago

HOW-TO: REPLACE YOUR GRAPHICS – PROPERLY!

The six key steps involved in replacing your bike’s old, worn graphics.

4 weeks ago

GIFT A MATE – AMA SUPERMOTOCROSS VIDEO PASS

Buy your mate an exclusive ticket to watching AMA SX outside of the USA.

1 month ago

HOW-TO: CHAIN & SPROCKET REPLACEMENT

We walk you through the 10 key steps that’ll ensure your bike’s chain and sprocket are doing their job properly.

Royal Enfield

1 month ago

ROYAL ENFIELD’S HIMALAYAN 450 – FAQS ANSWERED

We answer your most FAQs about Royal Enfield’s landmark new Himalayan 450 adventure tourer.

1 month ago

HOW-TO: HANDLEBAR CONTROLS SET-UP

Eight simple steps to help you declutter, service and update your bike’s handlebar-mounted controls.

1 month ago

HOW-TO: FOOT-CONTROL SET-UP

Five simple steps to help you get your footpegs, rear brake pedal and gear-shift lever properly adjusted.

2 months ago

Harry Norton Takes the Helm at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Aussie Harry Norton has taken the step into the role as Team Manager of the Red Bull KTM race team.