Husky as the "luxury" brand of the KTM group?

Randy Olson
Profile picture for user Randy Olson
Posts
41
Joined
5/17/2011
Location
Yucaipa, CA, USA
Randy Olson
When I went to a Husky dealer recently to look at a new bike and told him I was also considering a KTM, he said Husky is the "luxury" or top-of-the-line brand in the KTM group, with GasGas as the entry-level, with KTM in the middle. Any truth to this? I've never heard it put that way.
9
|
YZed250
Profile picture for user YZed250
Posts
1370
Joined
11/9/2014
Location
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
YZed250 11/4/2022 10:53am
11/4/2022 10:53am Edited Date/Time 11/4/2022 11:23am
Randy Olson wrote:
When I went to a Husky dealer recently to look at a new bike and told him I was also considering a KTM, he said Husky...
When I went to a Husky dealer recently to look at a new bike and told him I was also considering a KTM, he said Husky is the "luxury" or top-of-the-line brand in the KTM group, with GasGas as the entry-level, with KTM in the middle. Any truth to this? I've never heard it put that way.
Yes, they came with some upgrades in the past ... Pro Taper (vs Neken) bars, map switch, dirt star rims. Some say the composite subframe is a luxury item because it gives a softer ride.

The brand distinction is a little confused and they can be made to work like each other ... the red bikes are pitched as 'entry level/ value' the ktm are 'race' and the Husky are 'vet/luxury'.
3
2
Cygrace74
Profile picture for user Cygrace74
Posts
1152
Joined
7/2/2017
Location
Westport, MA, USA
Cygrace74 11/4/2022 10:57am
11/4/2022 10:57am
Gasgas is inferior but ktm and husky do that just to have something to separate them. The msrp is hundred or so more for husky but the quality of the bikes is the same. They do have things that change chassis feel but it’s a preference to each person, nothing is really better
3
4
Dirty Points 11/4/2022 11:01am
11/4/2022 11:01am Edited Date/Time 11/4/2022 11:13am
Randy Olson wrote:
When I went to a Husky dealer recently to look at a new bike and told him I was also considering a KTM, he said Husky...
When I went to a Husky dealer recently to look at a new bike and told him I was also considering a KTM, he said Husky is the "luxury" or top-of-the-line brand in the KTM group, with GasGas as the entry-level, with KTM in the middle. Any truth to this? I've never heard it put that way.
Yes, this is the general marketing distinction between the products, but it has shifted a bit more with the recent changes to:

Gas Gas - Value brand
KTM - Performance brand
Husqvarna - Vet/smoother brand
6
mx 219
Profile picture for user mx 219
Posts
4047
Joined
8/15/2010
Location
South Central, PA, USA
mx 219 11/4/2022 11:01am
11/4/2022 11:01am
This is what they have been claiming (KTM).

The Shop

See All »
Falcon
Profile picture for user Falcon
Posts
12604
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA, USA
Falcon 11/4/2022 11:07am
11/4/2022 11:07am
They are positioning the brand that way; it doesn't necessarily mean the bikes are any better.
2
1
thearc
Profile picture for user thearc
Posts
243
Joined
5/1/2017
Location
Vancouver, CA
thearc 11/4/2022 11:25am
11/4/2022 11:25am
Now with 23 bike all having map switches, almost the same subframe, and brembo the differences is much smaller. Rims and bars and plastics.
Pick your favourite color!
2
1
fourfourone
Profile picture for user fourfourone
Posts
3046
Joined
10/14/2017
Location
86oh, CT, USA
fourfourone 11/4/2022 11:31am
11/4/2022 11:31am
Back a few years ago Husky was a few hundred cheaper than the same KTM.
2
skeef
Profile picture for user skeef
Posts
1455
Joined
7/18/2018
Location
USA
Fantasy
950th
skeef 11/4/2022 11:48am
11/4/2022 11:48am Edited Date/Time 11/4/2022 11:49am
In more pressing news, did you see KTM has acquired 25.1% majority stake in MV Agusta?
5
Johnny Ringo
Profile picture for user Johnny Ringo
Posts
8219
Joined
1/11/2016
Location
Tombstone, AZ, USA
Johnny Ringo 11/4/2022 11:57am
11/4/2022 11:57am
Jody says they are completely different bikes
5
SEE ARE125 11/4/2022 12:30pm
11/4/2022 12:30pm
It’s like Chevy/GMC/Cadillac.

Younger guys get a Chevy, throw on mud terrains, beat the shit out of it and change the oil themselves whenever they feel like “it’s about due for one.”

Middle aged guys get a GMC, have it serviced by a trusted local mechanic and hand wash it weekly.

Old guys get a Cadillac, take it to the dealership for an oil change and 1,278 point inspection every 2,998 miles and pay someone to wash, vacuum and detail the interior for no other reason than because they fuckin’ can.

GasGas/KTM/Husky is the same thing except with dirt scooters.
22
3
731chopper
Profile picture for user 731chopper
Posts
4234
Joined
1/2/2015
Location
DFW, TX, USA
731chopper 11/4/2022 12:52pm
11/4/2022 12:52pm
Husky is pretty good value if you consider how many colors you get now. One bike gets you white, black, grey, yellow and blue!

Note: I own a new husky.
18
Dirty Points 11/4/2022 1:45pm
11/4/2022 1:45pm
thearc wrote:
Now with 23 bike all having map switches, almost the same subframe, and brembo the differences is much smaller. Rims and bars and plastics. Pick your...
Now with 23 bike all having map switches, almost the same subframe, and brembo the differences is much smaller. Rims and bars and plastics.
Pick your favourite color!
But with the lowered stance on the Husky maybe also more functionally different than in the past, despite the more common componentry.
BigBoreFan58
Profile picture for user BigBoreFan58
Posts
966
Joined
8/11/2019
Location
Beverly Hills, CA, USA
BigBoreFan58 11/4/2022 1:54pm
11/4/2022 1:54pm
SEE ARE125 wrote:
It’s like Chevy/GMC/Cadillac. Younger guys get a Chevy, throw on mud terrains, beat the shit out of it and change the oil themselves whenever they feel...
It’s like Chevy/GMC/Cadillac.

Younger guys get a Chevy, throw on mud terrains, beat the shit out of it and change the oil themselves whenever they feel like “it’s about due for one.”

Middle aged guys get a GMC, have it serviced by a trusted local mechanic and hand wash it weekly.

Old guys get a Cadillac, take it to the dealership for an oil change and 1,278 point inspection every 2,998 miles and pay someone to wash, vacuum and detail the interior for no other reason than because they fuckin’ can.

GasGas/KTM/Husky is the same thing except with dirt scooters.
Middle aged man here, but no side-kick drinking buddies. Bought a GMC yesterday. I'll hand wash it myself but let the local dealership do the oil changes.

I currently own a Husaberg, 2 KTMs and one Husqvarna.
3
wreckitrandy
Profile picture for user wreckitrandy
Posts
4239
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Granite Falls, NC, USA
wreckitrandy 11/4/2022 4:04pm
11/4/2022 4:04pm
SEE ARE125 wrote:
It’s like Chevy/GMC/Cadillac. Younger guys get a Chevy, throw on mud terrains, beat the shit out of it and change the oil themselves whenever they feel...
It’s like Chevy/GMC/Cadillac.

Younger guys get a Chevy, throw on mud terrains, beat the shit out of it and change the oil themselves whenever they feel like “it’s about due for one.”

Middle aged guys get a GMC, have it serviced by a trusted local mechanic and hand wash it weekly.

Old guys get a Cadillac, take it to the dealership for an oil change and 1,278 point inspection every 2,998 miles and pay someone to wash, vacuum and detail the interior for no other reason than because they fuckin’ can.

GasGas/KTM/Husky is the same thing except with dirt scooters.
That's close but, the Caddy guys don't bother with maintenance. When the ashtray is full, it's time to trade up.
2
Opinionated Blowhard 11/4/2022 4:07pm
11/4/2022 4:07pm
SEE ARE125 wrote:
It’s like Chevy/GMC/Cadillac. Younger guys get a Chevy, throw on mud terrains, beat the shit out of it and change the oil themselves whenever they feel...
It’s like Chevy/GMC/Cadillac.

Younger guys get a Chevy, throw on mud terrains, beat the shit out of it and change the oil themselves whenever they feel like “it’s about due for one.”

Middle aged guys get a GMC, have it serviced by a trusted local mechanic and hand wash it weekly.

Old guys get a Cadillac, take it to the dealership for an oil change and 1,278 point inspection every 2,998 miles and pay someone to wash, vacuum and detail the interior for no other reason than because they fuckin’ can.

GasGas/KTM/Husky is the same thing except with dirt scooters.
So does this mean I can modify the engine on a Gas Gas and get a bigger exhaust pipe so I can "Roll Coal?"
4
user760a
Profile picture for user user760a
Posts
1210
Joined
9/15/2008
Location
Shelby, NC, USA
user760a 11/4/2022 4:10pm
11/4/2022 4:10pm Edited Date/Time 11/4/2022 4:11pm
I know KTM positions husky at the top of their line, but its a tough sell with me. Plain white bikes = blah , boring appearance, which really does effect my opinion on an emotional basis at least
1
2
captmoto
Profile picture for user captmoto
Posts
5916
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
captmoto 11/4/2022 4:20pm
11/4/2022 4:20pm
Boomer aged guy here, 22 F250. I wash my own truck, change my own oil and rotate my own tires. The rest will likely be warranty work since I just can't stand to let someone else work on my truck.
17 Husky FC450. It's practically a vintage bike.
5
3

Pit Row

See All »
FGR01
Profile picture for user FGR01
Posts
6150
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
USA
Fantasy
910th
FGR01 11/4/2022 6:17pm
11/4/2022 6:17pm
I can tell you one thing, the Dirt Star rims on the Huskies certainly ain't no luxury upgrade!
2
MX558
Profile picture for user MX558
Posts
1995
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
MX558 11/5/2022 1:25am
11/5/2022 1:25am
FGR01 wrote:
I can tell you one thing, the Dirt Star rims on the Huskies certainly ain't no luxury upgrade!
They have to be better that the OEM shit wheels from KTM . I actually have both sets for my 350
Richy
Profile picture for user Richy
Posts
3093
Joined
7/18/2020
Location
UK, GB
Richy 11/5/2022 2:00am
11/5/2022 2:00am
Johnny Ringo wrote:
Jody says they are completely different bikes
Haha yes indeed, they share all the same parts but are totally different, MXA ftw.

They also say add a tooth to every bike known to man. Plus every other bike is like one of the three bears' porridge, or even Goldilocks', depending on how they remember the story that week. And if you don't have the right tool, don't lay out those $10 getting your shit together, just fuck it up with a flat-head screwdriver or whatever else you can bodge in there.
Leave Us To
Profile picture for user Leave Us To
Posts
1141
Joined
10/21/2015
Location
Rocky River, OH, USA
Leave Us To 11/5/2022 3:57am
11/5/2022 3:57am
Falcon wrote:
They are positioning the brand that way; it doesn't necessarily mean the bikes are any better.
And doesn't necessarily mean the majority of Vital members would go faster on one or the other. Same thing IMO for the post about the guy asking about the frame differences on the new KTM. He was hesitant to go for it after the bad press the 22 KTM frame has received.

But maybe the guy is ultra fast and can actually tell the difference between the frames.
1
canuck250f
Profile picture for user canuck250f
Posts
60
Joined
2/3/2011
Location
Cochrane, Alberta, CA
canuck250f 11/5/2022 5:21am
11/5/2022 5:21am
fourfourone wrote:
Back a few years ago Husky was a few hundred cheaper than the same KTM.
Husqvarna has always been $100 more than equivalent KTM models since they we rebranded under the KTM Group in 2014. At least at MSRP.

GasGas - Fun brand get out with your friends
KTM - Ready to Race focus
Husqvarna- Pioneering, clean lines modern design

Different strokes for different folks. It seems to be working as we sell all three and customers for sure have their favourite. Not as simple as oh we are sold out of the FC250 but here is a KTM 250 SXF or GasGas MC250F just grab one of these. Customer typically will say no I want the Husky and will wait. Actually very interesting as I personally thought the switch would be easy.
3
Brad460
Profile picture for user Brad460
Posts
4589
Joined
5/15/2012
Location
Richfield, WI, USA
Fantasy
230th
Brad460 11/5/2022 5:36am
11/5/2022 5:36am
GasGas- You’re slow and cheap
KTM- You’re just as slow but not as broke
Husky- You’re slow and a bit older

8
2
yz763
Profile picture for user yz763
Posts
792
Joined
2/6/2009
Location
Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
yz763 11/5/2022 10:30am
11/5/2022 10:30am Edited Date/Time 11/5/2022 10:32am
I don’t get it. The marketing is flawed. Sell one with cone valves and a works shock. No one is making buying decisions over 1-1.5% difference in price on a $10k plus machine.
4
soggy
Profile picture for user soggy
Posts
9040
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
soggy 11/5/2022 2:26pm
11/5/2022 2:26pm
yz763 wrote:
I don’t get it. The marketing is flawed. Sell one with cone valves and a works shock. No one is making buying decisions over 1-1.5% difference...
I don’t get it. The marketing is flawed. Sell one with cone valves and a works shock. No one is making buying decisions over 1-1.5% difference in price on a $10k plus machine.
Cone valves and shock would increase the price a couple grand and it would just have a base setting in it that wouldnt necessarily work that well for everyone.

I’m with you though I wish ktm would ditch the air. The pro 6500 cartridges would be much more feasible for them to equip on the bikes.
4
1
Neo78
Profile picture for user Neo78
Posts
159
Joined
8/11/2014
Location
GB
Neo78 11/5/2022 2:38pm
11/5/2022 2:38pm
KTM - Keep Taking Money
3
yz763
Profile picture for user yz763
Posts
792
Joined
2/6/2009
Location
Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
yz763 11/5/2022 3:18pm
11/5/2022 3:18pm
soggy wrote:
Cone valves and shock would increase the price a couple grand and it would just have a base setting in it that wouldnt necessarily work that...
Cone valves and shock would increase the price a couple grand and it would just have a base setting in it that wouldnt necessarily work that well for everyone.

I’m with you though I wish ktm would ditch the air. The pro 6500 cartridges would be much more feasible for them to equip on the bikes.
I keep forgetting about that 6500 kit. That’s a great alternative.
soggy
Profile picture for user soggy
Posts
9040
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
soggy 11/5/2022 5:51pm
11/5/2022 5:51pm
yz763 wrote:
I keep forgetting about that 6500 kit. That’s a great alternative.
Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like they are going away from air anytime soon. What is interesting though is in 2021 they had some riders testing the air shock again and I haven’t see or heard anything of it since.

Post a reply to: Husky as the "luxury" brand of the KTM group?