HUSABERG FOR 2013

Husaberg is back. After abruptly switching to two-strokes from a unique four-stroke line that featured the 70-degree, crank-above the-gearbox layout, Husaberg is back in the four-stroke business. That’s what made the name famous years ago, and that’s what we expect from Husaberg.
      Sadly, the 70-degree engine layout is gone, a victim of economic reality. It’s no secret that Husaberg is owned by KTM.  As such, it is expected to pay its own way, and there’s no way that a niche manufacturer can survive with its own proprietary engine design. Husaberg and KTM must share as many components as possible if Husaberg is to survive, so for 2013, the revived Husaberg four-stroke line will be comprised of models that are similar (though not identical) to models in the KTM line. The five Husabergs that will be sold in the U.S. are the following:
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FE250: This is an electric-start 250cc four-stroke designed specifically for enduros, as are all the bikes in Husaberg’s line. In the past there was a lack of focus as the name was put on motocross bikes and dual-sport bikes. Now Husaberg will concentrate solely on enduro bikes. The KTM counterpart that is most similar to the FE250 is the 250XC-W. The FE has no-link PDS suspension with a design that is significantly different from that on the KTM. It also features a new composite sub-frame with a built-in airbox and distinctive bodywork.
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FE350: Like the 350 KTM, the Husaberg counterpart has a midsize motor that is mostly new for 2013. The Husaberg gets a new diaphragm-spring clutch like the larger KTMs. It also has its own suspension settings and a fork that features separate rebound and compression workings in the left and right legs.

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FE501: This is the biggest bike in the combined KTM/Husaberg line. It has a motor similar to the one that Ryan Dungey is using to dominate National MX, only bigger. It also gets the Husaberg composite sub-frame and the new WP fork.
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TE250: Let’s make this clear; Husaberg was never a two-stroke company until recently. But the TE250 is a two-stroke that fits perfectly with Husaberg’s enduro-only focus. It’s a hard-core bike for hard-core off-road riding. It comes with an electric starter, the composite sub-frame/airbox and its own suspension settings and components.
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TE300: Graham Jarvis used the Husaberg 300 to win some of the ugliest extreme enduros in the world last year. It’s back as a limited-edition version of the electric-start KTM 300XC-W, but with more exclusive parts, slimmer bodywork and the composite sub-frame/airbox.
      Stay tuned to www.dirtbikemagazine.com for riding impressions and check out the November issue of Dirt Bike for more info.