Husaberg unleashes two-strokers

For the first time in its 22-year history, Husaberg has just announced a pair of two-stroke dirt bikes.

The 2011 Husaberg TE250 and TE300 go against the grain for the company which has only ever built four-stroke bikes, but these new models could win over two-stroke fans.

While Husaberg will be hoping to sell as many of these new models as it can, they were designed with half an eye towards competing in the World Enduro Championship, in the E2 and E3 classes.

What do you get on your brand-spanking new Husaberg two-smokers? Apart from liquid-cooled two-stroke engines – 249cc and 293cc units in the TE250 and TE300 respectively – there's electric start, Brembo brakes, 11 litre fuel tanks, a six-speed gearbox and a Brembo hydraulic clutch.

Other features include new closed-cartridge upside down WP forks which are expected to improve bike control, and black anodized triple clamps are part of the package as well.

The new closed-cartridge forks will also make their way into the rest of the four-stroke 2011 enduro range (FE390, FE450, FE570) along with stronger frames.

Interestingly, the 2011 Husaberg TE250 and TE300 also come with an exhaust power-valve system and adjustable ignition. The latter feature will appeal to racers, as it lets the rider switch between two ignition options, via a handy little switch on the handlebars. The 'soft' mode is supposed to improve traction in tricky conditions, while the 'aggressive' mode amps up the power, giving the bike more squirt.

The 2011 Husaberg TE250 tips the scales at 102.8kg dry, while the more powerful TE300 weighs in at 103.1kg.

No word yet on when the new two-stroke models will come to Australia, or how much they'll cost, but stay tuned for more details.