The Husqvarna TR650 Terra – Ride Impression

Peter Whitaker

iKapture Images

Long before the BMW R 800 GS arrived and moved ‘adventure touring’ into more sophisticated multi-cylinder territory, it was big bore singles that ruled Australia’s outback. And there’s still nothing like heading into the hills knowing that if the track turns to crap, you’re riding a machine that can handle it; and a machine you can pick up unassisted when you don’t. The Husqvarna TR650 Terra (and its more road-oriented sibling – the Strada) are just such machines – big bore trailies; just as comfortable as a daily commuter as they in the backblocks.

For those capable of wringing the neck of a Kato 690 or Yami 660 Ténéré, the Husky TR650 Terra may not appeal, however the Husky’s Italian styling and super-keen pricing make the venerable marker leaders, the Suzuki DR650 and Kawasaki KLR650, appear vulnerable. At a recommended retail price of $8995, the Terra needs no more than heated grips, handguards and a bashplate to take on Australia’s fine trails and outback tracks.

Reliability and fuel range are always problematical when venturing beyond the black stump, however the Terra reflects its BMW pedigree from the Rotax powerplant to much of the running gear. And with 10,000km service intervals, plus a 2 year unlimited km warranty, Husqvarna displays total confidence in the build quality. Fuel range is a minimum of 300km and with a little restraint this can be stretched to over 400km from the 14 litre tank. For those hard-arses intending to ride 500kms between drinks, Safari are already developing the means to increase the Terra’s fuel capacity – hopefully without detriment to the Terra’s distinctive styling.

On a two day ride touring the Gold Coast hinterland the Terra’s ergos proved ideal, either standing up or sitting on, rather than in, the comfortable seat with the bars in the standard position. The Metzeler Enduro Sahara tyres handled the variety of dirt gravel and, mostly wet, tarmac; however the 18/21 hoop combination (exclusive to Oz) allows for the widest possible choice of rubber. With 190mm of travel front and rear the Sachs suspension soaked up some fairly rugged potholes caused by the heavy rain the region has suffered over the past few weeks and the preload and damping are adjustable; though I found the standard settings just about right for my 87kg weight – and no luggage.

The Terra – and to a lesser extent the Strada – represent the ideal entry to adventure touring on a machine that will happily double up as a commuter or weekend trailie. There’s a full suite of options from a small screen up front to panniers at the rear and, for novices, there’s a LAMS approved version that can be upgraded to full power when a full licence is produced. Whilst the Husqvarna may only be a faux BMW Sertao, the 20% plus saving over the original will buy enough Coronas and mixed grills to make your next adventure a very memorable tour.

Stay tuned for an image gallery of Pete on board the all-new Husqvarna TR650 Terra, as well as Transmoto’s exclusive video from the touring.