Husqvarna has announced U.S. prices for its new TR650 streetbikes. The 2013 Husqvarna TR650 Terra dual-sport will be available for$6,999 while its more street-going sibling the Strada will be priced at $7,499.

At those prices, the TR650 are actually priced lower than Husqvarna‘s current TE series dual sports line. For 2013, Husqvarna has priced  the TE310R at $8,399, the TE449 at $8,599 and the TE511 at $8,999, making the TR650 models significantly cheaper despite having a displacement advantage of at least 174cc.

The difference of course is the TR650 Strada and Terra are designed primarily to be street bikes whereas the TE models are off-road bikes converted to be street legal. EiC Kevin Duke has tested both TR650 models at their press launch and we should have a full review available shortly. Continue Reading »

Husqvarna announced two new street bike models based on the Concept Strada unveiled last November at the Salon de la Moto show in Paris, France.  The new TR 650 Terra and the TR 650 Strada expand Husqvarna‘s suddenly burgeoning street bike lineup alongside the Nuda 900 and Nuda 900R. Unlike the Nuda models however, the Strada and Terra are coming to the U.S.

The Terra model is a dual sport equipped for light off-roading while the Strada is better suited for paved roads. Both models are powered by a fuel-injected double-overhead cam single-cylinder 652cc engine inherited from the BMW G650GS. According to Husqvarna, the engine produces 58 hp at 7250 rpm and 44 ft-lb. at 5750 rpm compared to the BMW G650GS’ claimed figures of 50 hp at 6500 rpm and 44 ft-lb. at 5000 rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a constant-mesh five-speed transmission.

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BMW announced eight models returning for 2013, all receiving new colors and ABS as standard. Beyond that, the most notable news is what models have not been announced.

The returning 2013 BMW models include the F800R, the G650GS, the R1200R, the S1000RR, the K1300S, the K1300R, the K1600GT and K1600GTL. These eight models join the previously-announced F800GS and F700GS as well as the C600 Sport and C650GT maxi-scooters.

Noticeably absent are BMW’s top-selling R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure and the R1200RT. We already know BMW is developing a liquid-cooled replacement for the R1200GS so its absence from the 2013 lineup announcement is not a surprise. The R1200RT’s absence may mean it too is getting an update, likely using the same liquid-cooled engine. Also not mentioned are the naked version of the S1000RR or the other boxer engined roadster recently spotted by spy photographers. Continue Reading »

BMW has unveiled a new more off-road oriented version of the G650GS.

Named for a dry backlands region of northeastern Brazil, the 2012 BMW G650GS Sertão adds longer-travel suspension and wire-spoke wheels to make it a more capable machine for off-road adventure riding.

The Sertão’s 41mm fork offers over 210mm of travel compared to the regular G650GS’ 170mm. The rear suspension also offers 210mm of travel, compared to 165mm of travel on the base G650GS. The Sertão also has a longer wheelbase at 1484mm, compared to the regular model’s 1477mm.

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