Breaking In The New Husqvarna 15

GuyB
2/3/2014 5:52pm

Yep, Husqvarna has had an interesting history for over 50 years, but the last year or so have been a really wild ride. With the purchase of Husky by Pierer Industries AG, the consolidation of the Husqvarna and Husaberg brands, and a worldwide relaunch of the now-Austrian-made Husky, they're looking to make big steps forward.

We got a chance to stop by Husqvarna's new USA headquarters in Murrieta, CA, last weekend for their first steps in building the new Husqvarna brand here. With their line of Austrian-built TC and FC models there's already plenty for MX fans to get excited about, and we expect that we'll see some action on the pro and amateur racing fronts this year.

In front of a large group of dealers, there was a ceremonial ribbon-cutting with Mathias Kumpf, Robert Pierce, Jon-Erik Burleson, Hohn Hinz, Reinhold Zenz (President of Husqvarna Worldwide), and Brad Hagi.

Yep, there are already dreams being built for the next generation. Don't be shocked to see Husky get aggressive in amateur racing.

Here's the lobby of the new facility.

There were plenty of legends on hand for the ribbon-cutting, including Chuck Sun, Mark Blackwell, Malcolm Smith, current KTM USA President Jon-Erik Burleson, Dick Burleson, and Larry Roseler.

Recognize this guy? Mike Brown has been the race anywhere, race anything, utility player for KTM in the past, and he's now made the move over to Husqvarna. If they can get the homologation details dialed before Glen Helen, don't be too surprised if he debuts the new Husqvarna at the first round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Glen Helen. Oh yeah, now that he lost his number three to Eli Tomac, he'll also be rocking the number 100 in the future.

The Husqvarna facility is brand-new, including their race shop.

With their ownership, and product ties to KTM, it should be no shock that the Husky headquarters is next door to KTM's offices in Murrieta, CA. The challenge for the future will be in how Husqvarna differentiates itself from KTM.

Broc Glover and Gunnar Lindstrom check out some old news stories. We can't wait to see what kind of history the new Husqvarna creates for itself.

Related:
Husqvarna
2014
15 comments

View replies to: Breaking In The New Husqvarna

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davistld01
12 years ago
I've had a love affair with Husqvarna since 1973, and I'm really glad to see that familiar logo on such competitive motorcycles.
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rrjr
12 years ago
Saw the Factory Husky Van at Pala late yesterday afternoon with two riders on the vet track. Bikes had #3 & #14 on them.
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DesertHusky
12 years ago
Yes!! the Hey day of Husqvarna is back! Love the new Husqvarnas. I can't decide if I should trade in my 2011 Husqvarna 449 or wait for the 2015?
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Old-Man
12 years ago
Sign of the times, Always liked KTM (Penton) and Husky's. The Japanese bikes have there hands full with KTM and now Husky is going to make a comeback. Damn, seems like yesterday I was watching Mickey Dymond on the Husky
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jimmie
12 years ago
This is really exciting!

Very cool news.

The USA headquarters right in our backyard.

King Richard looks pretty dam good, as does Roseler.

Had me a brand new1977 WR250, right out of high school, it wasn't as sweet as my 1978 and 19781/2 RMs that followed, but a nice ride non-the-less.

Hope all goes well for Husqvarna.
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mrquick
12 years ago
I've always been a huge fan of Husqvarnas...They come with all the good parts right out of the crate.
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mikebrownsound
12 years ago
Well its a KTM. So if you buy a husqvarna 2014 you will get a ktm in a white version
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Paul Buckley
12 years ago
Hope they do good, always been a Husky fan and had one of the last metal tank Huskys back in the 80s.
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mikebrownsound
12 years ago
Swedish redemption! I like it. Wonder how much technology Husqvarna gets from Roger from the other side of the street. It feels still quite weird that they will do a Copy of their own brand but in white colours and some different staff, even the building looks similar inside or what? But no Redbull for them in usa, only in europe or will we see redbull husqvarna usa to? Great job again Guy always nice to see inside the shops.
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overthebars39
12 years ago
Love the yellow valve covers on the thumpers
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loftyair
12 years ago
So you know when the dealers are getting them?
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shortcourse
12 years ago
Frist supercross I ever went had Chuck Sun on a HUSKY and Rocket Rex Staten on HARLEY! Atlanta 74-75, I think I still have the pink and yellow foam trucker hat.....somewhere. Marty Tripes, Marty Smith, Bob Hannah, Goat Breaker and JAMMIN' Jimmy W. and more...Awesome racing...
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Crush
12 years ago
Brownie's bike looks SICK!
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GuyB
12 years ago
That one isn't Brownie's, but his is equally cool-looking. He's headed for a month of Australian Endurocross racing.
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Crush
12 years ago
Ya just re-read the caption. Must have had a dyslexic moment