Husqvarna, the motorcycle manufacturer, got its start making muskets for the king of Sweden in 1689. In fact, the Husqvarna logo pays tribute to this legacy with a gunsight on a rifle barrel on its logo.
In 1903, the company started making motorcycles with engines imported from Belgium. Today, the Husqvarna brand of power tools and its Austrian motorcycle brand are highly respected for design and quality. So why should Husqvarna be on your dirt-bike shopping list?
A Respected Brand
1972 Husqvarna CR125
Husqvarna came of age in the 1960s, establishing itself for making fast, dependable dirt bikes. The company made a mark in motocross, racking up several world titles, including 11 Baja 1000 - opens in new window or tab. wins and 24 Enduro European championships.
Husqvarna off-road bikes use a carbon-fiber composite subframe, making them light but strong. They are often equipped with ProTaper handlebars - opens in new window or tab.. Beginning in 2018, Husqvarna announced a switch from Magura brakes - opens in new window or tab. to Brembo. WP suspensions - opens in new window or tab. keep the bike bouncing over obstacles.
2018 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
The brand is best known for its dirt bikes, but Husqvarna’s lightweight Vitpilen 401 and powerful Svartpilen 701 street machines are also well-reviewed. The Husqvarna Norden 901 has three ride modes—street, rain, and off-road—to dial in the bike’s suspension for specific riding conditions. The liquid-cooled 889cc engine provides plenty of power, while the Bosch ABS braking system brings you to a safe stop.
The optional Bluetooth-enabled Ride Husqvarna app provides turn-by-turn navigation for Android and iPhone.
Collectible Husqvarna Dirt Bikes
eBay usually has a sizable selection of vintage Huskies for riders seeking nostalgia with riding prowess. Husqvarna motorcycles from the 1960s and 1970s command reasonable prices. The rare Husqvarna 360 and 175 Cross Country attract buyers seeking prime examples of motorcycle history.
1974 Husqvarna 250CR
By 1974, Husqvarna had established itself as a leading European brand in motocross competition. The all-magnesium 250 demonstrated Husqvarna’s ability to market a true “works” caliber motorcycle. This exquisite GP-winning 1974 Husqvarna 250CR - opens in new window or tab., on display in the New England Motorcycle Museum, is offered for $7,950. The seller notes the bike was completely gone through with the addition of new pistons and rings, clutch, and other vital parts.
1987 Husqvarna 430 CR
This freshly restored 1987 Husqvarna 430 CR - opens in new window or tab., recently sold on eBay, swapped in an engine from a rebuilt ’89 430 WR. It’s fed by a new Speed Wolf USA billet intake and refurbished factory Mikuni carb - opens in new window or tab.. In addition, the seller cleaned the original Husqvarna silencer - opens in new window or tab. and re-packed it. Its many enhancements produced what equates to a brand-new big-bore two-stroke Husky dirt bike.
1998 Husqvarna TE 410
This long and rugged 1998 Husqvarna TE 410 trail bike - opens in new window or tab. has less than 3,000 miles since it was first sold. The original chain and sprockets are intact. The paint on the frame is pristine. Reviewers say the bike’s predictable power delivery allows riders to focus on technique through technical sections. The TE410 is best suited to open terrain.
Reliability, durability, and performance are the hallmarks of any reputable riding machine. Husqvarana delivers all three while maintaining its value to dirt-bike aficionados.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.