2
NEWS
Husqvarna's new middleweights
Husqvarna's road-bike range is set to expand yet again, with the imminent arrival of the new TR 650 Strada roadie and TR 650 Terra dual-purpose bikeHusqvarna's model offensive is surging ahead, with the marque announcing its range is soon to be expanded by two new models, the TR 650 Strada road bike and TR 650 Terra dual-purpose bike.
Just as Huqvarna's Nuda 900 and 900R benefit from the technological know-how of the marque's parent company, BMW Motorrad -- both models are powered by un upsized version of BMW's 798cc parallel-twin -- so too do the new Husky 650s.
Each is powered by a 652cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine, essentially as found in BMW's G 650 GS and G 650 GS Sertão, but with extensive modifications.
Those modifications, including revised fuelling, piston, camshafts and cylinder-head, plus a boost in compression ratio, combine to produce a maximum output of 43kW (58hp) at 7250rpm and 60Nm (44.2ft-lb) at 5750rpm. That's significantly more power than the BMW GS models, which produce a claimed 35kW (48hp) at 6500rpm, although the Bavarian also produce 60Nm of torque -- and at a more relaxed 5000rpm.
Australia's Husqvarna importer, Paul Feeney Group, has confirmed a LAMS-approved version of each model will be heading our way.
The new Huskies also sport a different chassis, adopting a tubular-steel, split-backbone frame, plus a beefier fork -- the Husqvarnas both have a 46mm fork, as opposed to the Beemers' 41mm equivalent. Suspension travel, however, is markedly different -- 190mm for both Husqvarnas, front and rear, versus 170/165mm front/rear for the G 650 GS and 210mm front/rear for the G 650 GS Sertão.
The Huskies are relatively trim, too, weighing in at 186kg (wet) for the TR 650 Strada and 184kg for the TR 650 Terra -- the equivalent BMW models weigh a claimed 192kg and 193kg (wet) respectively.
The styling is typical of Husqvarna -- edgy and angular, and with red-painted cylinder heads. The TR 650 Strada comes fitted with ABS as standard, while switchable ABS is available as a factory option on the TR 650 Terra.
Since being purchased by BMW in 2007, Husqvarna has benefitted greatly from its new parent's resources, both in terms of technological excellence and management expertise. However, the tie-up does pose an interesting question: if both makers are to produce models that are essentially in competition with one another in the marketplace, isn't BMW 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'?
The Nuda 900 is in a similar class to BMW's F 800 R, but the former boasts more power while being priced $500 under the Beemer.
While the local pricing for the new Huskies is yet to be revealed -- it will be announced a little closer to the bikes' arrival in Aussie showrooms, in the last quarter of this year -- they'll be going head to head with their German siblings.
Read the latest Bikesales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the Bikesales Network's mobile site. Or download the all-new App.
Tags
Share this article
Written byBikesales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a bikesales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the bikesales app
