Husky to Enter the Streetbike Market, Showcases new 900cc Parallel Twin

[Rincewind]

Husqvarna announced a few weeks ago that, thanks to the financial backing of BMW, they will be entering the streetbike market with FIVE new models.

Will they be like the Mille-3 concept recently shown, which seems more like a rolling identity crisis than a viable model?




News today is that Husqvarna has revealed their new 900cc engine, which closely resembles the F800 from BMW.



Husqvarna's statement reads: "Husqvarna has reached a significant milestone in its long history by developing a street bike that will create an innovative new riding concept. This will focus on a unique combination of performance and versatility, with the pleasure and fun of riding the machine.

"For this ambitious project to be successful, selecting the best engine set-up had to be of primary importance. The joint decision taken with BMW’s engine development team in Munich was to go for the highly reliable and technologically advanced BMW F 800 R's  800cc twin-cylinder engine. This would then be adapted to the specific needs of Husqvarna’s new bike concept.

"The engine capacity has been upgraded to 900cc and many of the main components have been reworked to meet specific needs. This allows a reasonable increase in power and torque, which translates into an outstanding and fun riding experience."


What do you expect will come from Husqvarna, and how will they prevent stepping on the toes of their parent company, BMW, who already has a fairly well-rounded offering based on their F800 engine?

[Jet Jock]

Well, it's BMW. They throw money at everything. It's corporate policy.

The logic behind this, however, is not to beat Honda or Harley in street bike sales, but rather to offer current and would-be Husky dealers a broader line. Pretty tough to survive on just Husky or KTM dirt bike sales (ask any KTM dealer).

Will it work? Beats me. But I've looked at the new generation Huskys and wouldn't complain if one showed up in my garage. They're making some interesting bikes . . .

[bomber]

Stand out seems to equate "wtf," in both bike and car concepts . . . this one, though I THINK I can see what they're going for, just makes my teeth hurt, it is so styled for style's sake . . ..

[DaisyCutter]

I concur with the statement that diversity is generally good.

but...

The thing in the video is dreadful.



Husky should focus on a dual sport bike.  Something dependable, with good range, decent off road prowess, and powerful enough to hit *fun* speeds on pavement.

A simple $8500 version of a F800GS.

[Jet Jock]

Just now watched the vid. I realize it's a concept bike, but I didn't know they allowed blind people to do design work. Gives a whole new meaning to the word "fugly."  

[DogBoy]

Just now watched the vid. I realize it's a concept bike, but I didn't know they allowed blind people to do design work. Gives a whole new meaning to the word "fugly."  

Thats what you get when you combine Swedish roots, Italian design and German engineering.  

[Blunder]

Looks like somebody stepped on a KTM...

Husky's built big roadbikes before.

[Mookie]

Looks like somebody stepped on a KTM...

Husky's built big roadbikes before.

Tre cool!

[swingset]

Maybe they should focus on reliable wiring for the models they do have before bringing out any new ones, but I don't really care I won't buy one anyway. The only thing I know about the Italians is that when the Germans are working with them, the whole world should be afraid.

 

[veefer800canuck]

Wow, a V-3? That's a different animal.


(ya, I know, Honda NS400 was a V-3........)

[phaze5]

looks like exile choppers teamed up on the design

[DNA]

Variation is good but this bike is targeted to that demographic that thinks the Diavel has too much power but is just not ugly enough.

If Charlie Sheen designed a bike - this is what he would come up with.

[falconati]

WINNING

[Plus Ultra]

 Interesting, but my butt hurts just looking at the seat.

[OrangeSVS]

I read all the comments about how ugly it is, I wanted to chime in and tell everybody that I disagree and that it's not that bad. But then I looked for myself and....

Ummmm... nevermind. Carry on. That thing's fugly.

[SuperSlider]

That's just stoopid!

[coho]

It looks like the styling cues for an entire line of bikes all on one concept.

[Tpoppa]

It looks like a KTM version of the Diavel.

[schmedly]

I really like it.  Does remind me of KTM styling too.

[Rincewind]

It didn't take long for the European Photochopper Bezzi to come up with his own design based on the news.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/husqvarna-900-street-one-concept/

I could very much get into such a bike!