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New Husqvarna TR650 New Husqvarna TR650
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 12 Jan 2013
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Originally Posted by Magnon View Post
Wonder how long it'll be before you start slagging the XC then!
Not long after he's interviewed for "How to suffer a tib/fib fracture on a motorbike" - a) paddle while riding. Mind you, I hope that doesn't happen. Paddle in a boat or if you're a duck.

We "must" inform the Dakar organizers that eliminating the big Katoom from the race (following Meoni's death) that they chose the wrong bike. It should have been the "Scram", built in homage to . . . those magnificent old Brit bikes that were long on character and exhaust note and not alot else. Granted, the "Scram" is alot heavier with similarly poor suspension. Those photographs are nice but . . . I know plenty of people who ride Gold Wings and GT1200-1600s on such "terrain".

MCN (Motorcycle Consumer News) a US-based publication that does not accept any advertising recently reviewed the TR650. MCN is a bit like the UK-based 'Bike' (my favorite motorcycle mag, with MCN 2nd) in that it just states opinions and findings rather plainly. US motorcycle mags are notoriously positive and often seem like nothing more than sales vehicles for the manufacturers.

MCN's take:

Pros:
  1. Good Value
  2. Good power from modified GS650 engine
  3. Good suspension balance street/dirt

Cons:
  1. Heavy - 405lbs wet - compromises dirt work considerably
  2. 5-speed transmission
  3. Raised pillion seat interferes with rider movement
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  #2  
Old 23 Jan 2013
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Originally Posted by Genghis9021 View Post

Cons:
  1. Heavy - 405lbs wet - compromises dirt work considerably
  2. 5-speed transmission
Those are my two biggest complaints with the bike too.

Wish they had done enough work to the engine to a) take 7-8 kgs out of the engine and b) to make it 6 speed wide-ratio instead of 5 spd wide-ratio.

On top of that they could take 10 kgs or more out of the bike via stuff like the all steel frame and swingarm and heavy exhaust.

With not much work they could have made the whole series of bikes 15-20 kgs lighter.
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  #3  
Old 24 Jan 2013
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Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
Those are my two biggest complaints with the bike too.

Wish they had done enough work to the engine to a) take 7-8 kgs out of the engine and b) to make it 6 speed wide-ratio instead of 5 spd wide-ratio.

On top of that they could take 10 kgs or more out of the bike via stuff like the all steel frame and swingarm and heavy exhaust.

With not much work they could have made the whole series of bikes 15-20 kgs lighter.
This bike will be popular because it is cheap like the KLR, if they start fixing what is wrong with it to make it lighter then the price will become heavier..
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  #4  
Old 24 Jan 2013
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Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
Those are my two biggest complaints with the bike too.

Wish they had done enough work to the engine to a) take 7-8 kgs out of the engine and b) to make it 6 speed wide-ratio instead of 5 spd wide-ratio.

On top of that they could take 10 kgs or more out of the bike via stuff like the all steel frame and swingarm and heavy exhaust.

With not much work they could have made the whole series of bikes 15-20 kgs lighter.
Walter what's the wet weight of you XChallenge with no luggage?
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  #5  
Old 1 Feb 2013
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BMW sells Husky to KTM CEO !
KTM CEO buys Husqvarna through personally owned company

BMW sells Husqvarna - | Motorcycle News | Bike News | Motorbike Videos | MCN

Persberichten: BMW verkoopt Husqvarn...r Industrie AG
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  #6  
Old 2 Feb 2013
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Yep transistion period will be 6-12 months, BMW dont want to have their competitors bikes in their showrooms so any dealer that has a husqvarna franchise will be getting rid of it
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Old 16 May 2013
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Well its official. Husqvarna as of October will have an all new range of Mattighofen designed and built bikes. The Nuda is dead, but they may continue with the 650 Terra and Strada for a short while.

Also apparent is they have over a years inventory of built bikes that have not been sold. Well over 10,000 bikes. With new models coming, they will probably look to get ride of existing models very cheaply.

Husqvarna & Husaberg Will “Reunite” After 25 Years Apart
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Old 16 May 2013
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Quote:
... probably look to get ride of existing models very cheaply.
Started already. Up to 30% off because it's their '110th anniversary', no less:
Husqvarna Motorcycles UK

Shame, we may never see the Baja then, but a Terra/Strada for around £4k could be tempting.


Press Release from Husqvarna:
The year 2013 will be remembered in motorcycling history as the year that Husqvarna was reborn.

More spin than Torvill & Dean... Look forward to seeing what KTM come up with. I suppose a Terra-based modern version of a 640 Adv is too much to ask for (yes).

Ch
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Old 20 May 2013
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Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
I think it's a shame, both Husqvarna and Husaberg has great bikes.
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