Husaberg: the Swedish Motorcycle Makes A Comeback

Husaberg: The Swedish Motorcycle Makes a Comeback

ROUNDUP

WHEN THE SWEDISH COM pany Husqvarna sold its motorcycle division to Cagiva. Husqvarna management moved the motorcycle production people to the lawn-mower and chain-saw plants the company retained. Sure, these people still had jobs, but building home-care implements was just too boring for some of the motorcycle engineers.

So, four of the brains behind the development of the successful Husky 510 four-stroke SingleThomas Gustavsson, Rubin Helmin, Urban Larsson and Bjorn Elvin—decided to start their own motorcycle company. And their first product will be the Husaberg 510 dirtbike, powered by a—no surprise— four-stroke Single.

After arranging for the necessary funds, the four men basically redesigned the liquid-cooled, Husqvarna 510 four-stroke engine. Their new engine looks very similar to the original, but has several significant improvements: The sixspeed transmission, a weak link in the Husqvarna powerplant, was scrapped and a new six-speed was designed, using a Honda 500cc GF roadrace transmission as a starting point.

Relocating the transmission shafts in the engine cases also shortened the length of the engine. A thinner, larger-diameter clutch narrowed the engine and reduced weight. The ignition flywheel, crankshaft and connecting rod were also lightened and strengthened. A Nikasil-coated, aluminum cylinder liner and short, full-slipper, two-ring racing piston are used. A new head design improved horsepower and lowered the overall height of the engine.

This more-compact engine is a claimed nine pounds lighter than the original 5 10 engine. If those weight claims are true, the new Husaberg Single should weigh only 60 pounds with the kickstarter and shift levers attached, an impressive 35 pounds lighter than the Honda XR600 and Rotax 600 Singles.

The new bike’s frame uses a single, square-section downtube and rectangular tubing in the area of the swingarm pivot. The frame appears to be heavily gusseted, with the air intake for the carburetor located just aft of the steering head. Suspension is provided by a White Fower fork and a single rear shock.

The Husaberg is as narrow as a Honda CR250, claim the designers. Dual exhaust headpipes are routed down the left side of the 5 10 and terminate in an aluminum muffler. The 2.6-gallon fuel tank is narrow and features a very low right side; the air cleaner appears to be located in the upper left side of the fuel tank.

Production of this interesting machine has already started, but just when any of these four-stroke Husabergs will be sold in the USA isn't clear, although the company is said to have hopes of entering a team in this year's Baja 1000 offroad race.

—Robert Lofgren and Bjorn Renva/I