Comments on: BMW Buys Husqvarna Motorcycles

By: Lane

Lane — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:36:26 +0000

I think all of you have forgot about the SV 650. I don’t ride on road any more because of the city I live in, but I logged over 30k on my SV before I sold it. Very light, a magic motor that would run anyway you wanted it to, short shift and cruise or wind it up and go. Relatively comfortable for all day rides, but sporty enough to really aggrivate the sport bike guys in the tight twisties.
Go ride one and you will be amazed.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:04:09 +0000

Not entirely true, Stefan. I don’t see many, and if I recall correctly any, Husqvarna bikes on the road. Sure, you see all manner of other Husqvarna products, but few bikes. Of course this is in Christchurch, so it may be different where you are.

By: Stefan

Stefan — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:46:34 +0000

Dave, while I understand your frustration there are some bikes which fit your needs. The real problem is chances are none are available in the US, mainly because of the mindset of people like Matt, who think a 600cc race rep machine is as small as anyone could possible want. Here in NZ (thanks to the fact that we have a graduated licencing system) we do have a range of smaller machines. Do a search on the following… Honda Hornet, either the 250cc or 600cc. Ducati Monster 400cc and 600cc. There’s tons of others included roadgoing dirtbikes, ie TTR250, XT250, xtx600.

Back on the topic at hand though. I’m a bit surprised that MV Augusta are selling Husqvvarna. I have know idea about their US sales but here in NZ it’s a popular brand, up there with KTM and the Japanese 4. I would have thought that it’d be good for MV Augusta to have that money coming it from Husqvarna to help subsidise they’re continuing to produce the highly desirable MV street weapons.

By: todd

todd — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:29:31 +0000

Yamaha has the SR400 still in its lineup in Japan. There was also the Honda CB400SS and the Suzuki Tempter 400 and 650 (based on the “Savage” motors). These are fine capable bikes and just the sort of thing many used bike buyers are looking for – and they are very affordable (around $4,000) and very efficient.

I guess it comes down to how difficult it is for manufacturers to get approval to import motorcycles in this country (especially California). Honda and the like can only afford to limit the choices so that you only want what they currently offer.

Yes, a 450cc BMW will probably cost about as much or more than “their” 650s, pushing 10 grand. This is not because it costs that much to make but because they don’t want everyone to buy one and destroy the whole exclusivity thing like Aaron says.

This acquisition will lend more engineering dollars to Husky hopefully to develop a nice broad range of capable road and dirt bikes. Maybe they’ll build the Mito 500 (but without the Cagiva logo and 916 styling that they don’t own).

-todd

By: RY

RY — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:34:22 +0000

look for vintage 125 – 500 cc bikes on eBay, It may save you a little money as well . I don’t disagree with a small bike for the commuter or small sport bike. I just think they would be a little pricey after BMW over engineers it . I always liked the old Yamaha 2 stroker twins , enough power to stand up like a pencil and light enough to put it in your attic.