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 recently marking its fifth consecutive month of sales increases in May, and the company hopes to continue that momentum with the announcement of its 2013 off-road model lineup.

The BMW-owned manufacturer is starting to churn out new product after a period of reductions since being  acquired by the German company. As of May, Husqvarna had sold 4,420 motorcycles in 2012, up 43.5% from 2011.

Last year, Husqvarna  signaled the start of its turnaround by re-entering the streetbike market with its Nuda 900 and Nuda 900R. Despite the introduction of the two new street-oriented models, Husqvarna’s focus remains its off-road motorcycles.

For 2013, updated a number of models including its Enduro World Championship-winning TE250 and TE310, both of which receive an “R” designation to its model name. Continue Reading »

Husqvarna announced it will introduce the worlds’ first anti-lock braking system designed for off-road racing, equipping a BMW-developed off-road ABS to Husqvarna’s flagship TE449.

On paved roads, ABS prevents wheels from locking up, keeping them rotating and providing traction. Off the pavement however, rear wheel lockup is helpful for stopping on loose surfaces such as dirt and gravel. Many off-road riders recommend non-ABS machines, or at least, motorcycles where ABS can be disabled.

Husqvarna’s solution uses an ABS system introduced by BMW in 2007, and similar to the system works similar to the “Slick” mode on the BMW S1000RR. Husqvarna’s system only applies antilock regulation to the front wheel while the rear wheel is allowed to lock.

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Husqvarna has announced its 2012 lineup of TE dual-sports. For 2012, all four TE models have been updated with all-black chromoly frames, silver rims and new graphics.

The 2012 Husqvarna TE250 and TE310 both get revised suspension with stiffer 48mm open cartridge forks and rear shock from Kayaba. Exclusive to the U.S. market, the 2012 Husqvarna TE250 (pictured up top) has been lowered through new suspension settings, dropping the seat height by two inches to 35.8 inches. Husqvarna says will the lower height will appeal to shorter riders and help distinguish the TE250 from the TE310 (pictured below).

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