[Husqvarna]

HUSQVARNA: WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE

8 months ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: Husqvarna

We tend to get wrapped up in the mods introduced to the latest new-model bikes. But what about longer-term design trends? For an insight into the design evolution can we expect to see over the coming five years, we spoke with two of Husqvarna’s most senior R&D guys.

With Husqvarna’s new-generation 2024 enduro models receiving a radical overhaul a year ago, it came as no surprise that the recently unveiled 2025 enduro range only came in for refinements. But what if we were to look further in the future? Where are big-picture design-evolution trends heading? Where is there potential for the most improvement? And what sort of design features are in the pipeline for Husqvarna’s future models?

When we posed those crystal-ball questions to two of Husqvarna Motorcycles’ most prominent design team members (two guys who work out of the brand’s 600-strong R&D Department in Austria), Florian Schober and Florian Braatz, here’s what they had to say…

FLORIAN SCHOBER (R&D PROJECT MANAGER)

TM: What’s in the pipeline for Husqvarna? What future design trends are we likely to see? Where is the biggest potential to improve, in your view?

FS: I see a few areas. First, ergonomics. That will change because riding styles are constantly evolving, and that will demand different design requirements from us. And this is why we constantly challenge ourselves about optimising the contact points between rider and bike. Ergonomics and rider comfort will make the difference between winning races and not winning races time and time again. Secondly, technology that makes the bikes more user-friendly. By that, I mean features that produce better connectivity with smart devices. Offering greater adjustability for the rider is also part of that. Thirdly, completely new features … the details of which I cannot disclose publicly [laughs].

TM: A lot of people have struggled to get their heads around the idea that additional flex is no longer designed into your enduro models’ frame itself. But has the ‘stiff’ frame concept’ introduced to Husqvarna’s 2024 enduro models been in response to changes in consumer demand?

FS: In some ways, yes. And it’s true to say that our new-generation 2024 enduro model range uses a very different design concept. Its frame architecture, geometry and flex character are all the same – or at least very, very similar – to what’s used on our MX models. But what’s important to understand is that the enduro ‘compliance’ is now achieved by altering the flex characteristics of other things – such as the triple clamps, steering stem, engine mounts, axles, suspension, and so on. And thanks to technological advancements and greater computing power, we can now fine-tune the flex of specific components much better. Also consider the fact that, as the sport has changed, so has the market’s expectations. In the past, enduro meant a soft, traction-searching bike. Nowadays, our customer feedback tells us their bikes are predominantly used for cross-country riding, for motocross training, and for full-gas enduro riding – often in technical and extreme terrain. So, the market’s requirement has changed toward wanting a bike that is very stable and can do all those things in a safe and predictable way. Now we have a stiff frame for that stable platform, and we can create flex in a more controlled way with the suspension and other components.

Click here for the full interview with Florian Schober.

FLORIAN BRAATZ (PRODUCT MANAGER)

TM: Where do you see there being the most potential for design evolution in the coming years?

FB: In both enduro and motocross segments, I think we will see more and more digital technologies coming into play, making the bikes ‘smarter’ and more adjustable and even easier to ride. More connectivity between rider and bike will be a big focus in the future, I’d say. All of which will prompt us to figure out what we need as a technological, electronic platform to enable those types of features. First and foremost, a motorcycles’ engine and suspension need to work – for both elite racers through to the weekend warriors. But we will also be putting a lot of effort into features that will make our bikes better and easier to ride, no matter what the rider’s ability.

Click here for the full interview with Florian Braatz.

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