BMW has purchased Husqvarna motorcycles from MV Agusta. Price of the sale was not disclosed. Husqvarna will continue to operate as an independent unit and will continue operations in northern Italy.
‘With the Husqvarna models, which are focused on sports competitions, we can expand the range of BMW Motorrad to younger target groups as well as to the entire offroad and supermoto segment,’ said BMW’s motorcycle division head, Herbert Diess.
Link: Forbes
See also: Husqvarna motorcycles for sale
Mayakovski says
Hmmmm……………..
Methinks this doth bode well for the future.
todd says
So building a dirt bike is much more complicated than BMW originally thought….
-todd
hoyt says
Todd – that could be one possibility. Another possibility could be that MV Augusta really wanted some cash & BMW couldn’t pass up a killer deal.
BMW – build the Mito. Remove the “myth” that it is becoming.
The Cagiva Mito (or “Myth” in English) was to use a 500 cc Husqvarna single
Bryce says
This could be interesting. I’d love to see some cool, smaller displacement bikes coming to the US.
Jim says
“So building a dirt bike is much more complicated than BMW originally thought….”
Doubtful BMW underestimated the design challenge, but having Husky is a definate advantage.
BMW’s Berlin factory is at near capacity, which is why the G650 manufacturing was contracted out to Aprilia, it would be logical that when that agreement ends manufacturing is shifted to Husky’s facilities and BMW essentially pays itself for contract manufacturing.
The entire MC industry is facing the challenge of where to find the next generation of riders as the current one trades two wheels for walkers. The one type of motorcycle that the under 30 age group has shown interest in is off road riding.
Husky also allows BMW to go down market with out diminishing the brand. By this I mean Husky is priced closer to mainstream bikes then BMW and it also sells smaller displacement bikes. BMW’s problem with the 450 is likely the willingness of the target market to pay a BMW premium for the bike rather than any technical issue. In fact one Spanish MC website is claiming that development of the 450 is now on hold.
Husky is also a brand that BMW can push in the developing world where small displacement MCs are basic transportation. And don’t rule out manufacturing in China or India.
What might we expect? First expanded Husky distribution through select BMW dealers, i.e. BMW only dealers who are willing to make a commtment to the brand with a designated Husky space within the dealer with dedicated sales staff and technicians.
Perhaps Husky super motarrds across the range and a stronger emphasis on dual sports.
This will be fun to watch develop.
todd says
well good, as long as Husky doesn’t just become another big bike like BMW, Ducati, Moto Morini, and others. It was refreshing to have a range of lightweight sporty street singles in the SMR’s. It’s getting to be that motorcycle companies only make and sell bikes to motorcyclists with not much of an attempt to attract new riders. My hopes is for more modest powered bikes at lower prices and less intimidating seat heights and wet weights.
I grew up with the idea that a 90 or 100cc was an appropriate entry level bike, a 250 was a perfectly capable commuter, a 350 a sporty roadster, and a 500 single was a top contender for road racing. Big 50HP 650’s and 750’s were for show offs or side cars and I’m only 34 years old.
Why Doesn’t BMW offer a 600 or 750 boxer any more? Why doesn’t Ducati have a sporty 350 single? Why is the Moto Morini a “9 1/2” and not a “3 1/2”? Can a 675 Triumph Tiger really be called a “Cub”?
In Short I’m anxious to see what becomes of Husqvarna. Will BMW over glorify and over price it like they did the MINI? Will BMW slap a roundule on a Husky and take all the credit for such a fine bike?
-todd
Dave says
I agree with Todd. I would like to see BMW make lighter and much smaller bikes with short wheelbases and lower seat heights. It’s ridiculous that the only bikes with low seat heights are big fat heavy cruisers with long wheelbases. Personally, what I want is a very small lightweight city-bike that has a low seat height and a Twin-Cylinder 500 engine with the thumb-shifty thing from the FJR1300.
Husky has three engines sizes that could be used by BMW in a small bike (4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid cooled, single cylinder): 576cc, 510cc, 249cc. However, I can’t seem to find the horsepower ratings for these engines.
aaron says
my first thought was that the 450 would be badged as a husky. I’ve always had problems seeing bmw selling a plastic and mud encrusted motocross bike in the states to the blue collar workin’ man. just the brand conflict – they’d have to recast bmw as a marque to put it in these folks minds, and that would be really tough without compromising the high end street rides.
the porsche cayanne is a prime example. porsche has lost a degree of luster with many (including me) due to it, but the main problem may be in the future – with a sport ute and sedan in the lineup, our kids could think of porsche as just another a car company, like lexus, mercedes, and bmw. if ferrari chooses to break their self imposed production limit, or if companies like lambo expanded into a full sportcar range – there’s no longer a perception that porsche is in the same league – because to many people, porsche won’t be a “sports car company” anymore. and that may erode the high margins that porsche enjoys right now. remember – they just bought a huge chunk of volkswagen, and may take control entirely in the near future…
sure bmw could build dirty bikes, cheap commuters, lightweight sportsters, and the like. but badging them as something else entirely would mean bmw could keep their reputation as a high end bike manufacturer – rather than just another company that has some high end models in the lineup.
Matt in NC says
Dave, ever hear of a Ninja 650R? Of course it’s not some auto-shifting bike, but then it’d be a Burgman…
Dave says
I have come to the conclusion that motorcyclists are rather dull and unimaginative people. Matt thought that a “very small lightweight city-bike that has a low seat height” was either describing a 600-lb scooter or a 650 Ninja with poor ergonomics and a 30-inch seat. In fact, I am describing something that does not currently exist.
Sean says
I just want a 250 that isn’t a sluggish single or a screaming 4. A Husky powered thing with a bit of sting in it’s tail would be great. Oh, and Dave, if you want something light and geared for city riding over a racetrack, you might need to look for something in the quarter litre mark. Everything else seems to be function over sensibility.
Bryce says
I’m with Dave on the lack of imagination thing. For street use I’d be bored with most of the new bikes available. Most are too heavy, too powerful, and too purposeful to be a whole lot of fun on the street day to day. Sure it’s great to hit the twisty 2 lane highways on a sport bike, or better yet, attend a track day. I’ve enjoyed a variety of other bikes whenever friends have been generous or foolish enough to let me ride theirs. Personally, I do most of my riding in town or just outside it. I lust after something light, agile, capable of keeping up with freeway traffic, but also not unpleasant to drive in heavier traffic.
A nice 350-450 weighing in sufficiently under 300 would be pretty nice. Give it ergonomics that are conducive to riding all afternoon and I’m in.
Jeff says
I was reading a Cycle World or the other mag I can’t remember which one . It had an article on the Standard style bikes still being produced in Japan . They just don’t sell in the States . Maybe if there is a demand for the classic standard sensible motorcycle they will start bringing them over here . It’s up to the consumer demand.
RY says
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.
todd says
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
Stefan says
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.
Sean says
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.
Lane says
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.