Husaberg
Spanish bike manufacturer Gas Gas is neck deep in trouble and if it doesn’t get the lifeline it needs to survive, there’s a strong likelihood that the company could go under before the year ends, maybe even sooner than that. Fortunately, help may be on the way in the form of KTM.
According to numerous reports, the Austrian bike maker is rumored to be lining up a bid to buy Gas Gas. Nothing has been confirmed yet and the two parties have been silent on announcing any potential deal, but if there’s some weight to this, it’s obviously great news for the Spanish company, which is so far in trouble that it’s already halted production and shut down its R&D division.
Having the financial muscles of KTM not only puts Gas Gas back in business, but it also allows the latter to finally move forward with its business, knowing full well that it finally has the kind of stability it hasn’t had in recent years.
That sad, such a deal understandably puts some pressure on KTM to differentiate Gas Gas and its off-road bikes from two companies it already has that does the same thing: Husqvarna and Husaberg. There’s enough reason to be skeptical about this plan because KTM would in effect have too many chefs cooking the same thing in a kitchen. That’s not a sound business plan, even though the company has found a way to make Husky and Husaberg co-exist.
But I’m not putting anything past KTM anymore. It obviously knows what current climate is in the off-road market and probably understands that adding another brand that competes in that segment still has enough differentiation so as not to cannibalise on its other brands. The important thing right now is Gas Gas’ fate. It would be awesome if KTM steps up to the plate and purchases the company. But if it doesn’t, well, you could just as well pay your last respects to Gas Gas.
Click "continue reading" to read more about rumors of KTM’s possible acquisition of Gas Gas.
Sometimes, bigger doesn’t always mean better. No more is that evident with supermoto bikes. They’re not the biggest ones out there, but they sure are fun to ride.
This video proves as much. Uploaded by YouTube user Supermofools, we have here a pair of the finest supermotos in the business - a Husaberg FE570 and a KTM 640 LC4 putting in some work around a race track. The video itself isn’t about the two bikes matching wits with another, but more about seeing them seamlessly navigate around the track with the ease and versatility reserved for bikes of hits status. There are no big air jumps, which is a little bit of a bummer, but hey, you get what you can get, right?
I’ve personally ridden a KTM 640 LC4 and I can attest to its impressive handling credentials, especially when it’s in its proper environment. Watching this video kind of makes me want to hop back on one right now.
I can’t exactly do that at this moment, but rest assured, the next opportunity that I can, I’m getting in one and finding the nearest track in my neighborhood.
Featuring a lightweight chassis, a strong engine and an ergonomic riding position, the 2014 Husaberg FE 501 is ready follow your lead with obedience every time you fire up its engine. For 2014, the Husaberg FE 501 has received a new 25th anniversary graphic design and a fresh speedometer developed in collaboration with TRAIL TECH.
Power comes from a 510 cc, 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, water-cooled engine which sends its power to the ground via a 6-speed transmission with DDS clutch.
The engine needs to deal with a total weight of 111 kg (without fuel) and is fed by a generous 9.5 liters fuel tank. The ride is kept in check by a modern WP suspension system which includes front 4CS forks and rear shocks.
The bike’s speed is kept in leash by a set of strong Brembo brakes which are offered as standard equipment.
Hit the jump for more information on the Husaberg FE 501.
If you are looking for a capable endure motorcycle then you should take a closer look at the 2014 Husaberg 450.
The bike was built using the latest technologies in the business and offers a perfect mix of power, reliability and agility.
In terms of style, the 2014 model year comes with a set of new 25th anniversary graphics and a new speedometer.
At the heart of the 2014 Husaberg FE 450 lies a 1 cylinder, 4 stroke, water cooled engine with a displacement of 449.3 Cm³. The engine is brought to life by an electric starter and is mated to a modern transmission with wet multi-disc clutch.
The 4 stroke unit is housed by a stiff tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing.
The motorcycle rides on a pair of lightweight rims shod in grippy Michelin Enduro tyres.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Husaberg FE 450.
The 2104 Husaberg FE 350 is a solid machinery built to be able to endure the toughest punishment without breaking a sweat.
The motorcycle weighs 106.7 Kg and is powered by a single cylinder, 4 stroke, spark ignition, liquid cooled engine with a displacement of 349.7 cm³. The unit is linked to a six speed claw shifted transmission and is brought to life by an electric starter.
As far as suspensions are concerned, the Husaberg FE 350 is fitted with front WP Suspension up side down 4CS forks and a rear WP Suspension PDS shock absorber.
Jump on board and you’ll be welcomed by a comfy seat, a new speedometer and tapered Neken handlebars made from a high-strength aluminium alloy.
For 2014 , the Husaberg FE 350 has also received a series of new refined, 25th anniversary graphics.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Husaberg FE 350.
The Husaberg FE 250 has received a series of significant upgrades for 2014 which help it remain on the same line with its rivals. The most important modification is represented by the new four stroke engine which cranks out more torque than the previous unit. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed enduro gearbox with DDS clutch, that features shorter transmission ratios for 4th, 5th and 6th gears.
The engine is fueled by a lightweight, polyethylene tank with a capacity of 9.5 liters.
For enhanced riding performances, you also get fresh 4CS forks for the front wheel and a new frame. Out back there is a cast aluminium swingarm developed using the latest technologies in the industry.
Another modification for the 2014 model year, is the new chainguide which is slightly revised for enhanced reliability.
The motorcycle’s speed is kept in check by a Brembo breaking system which includes lightweight wave discs and new brake pistons.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Husaberg FE 250.
Developed to be a perfect match for the beginner riders, the 2014 version of the Husaberg TE 125 continues to delivers great off road performances.
The Husaberg TE 125 is light, strong, tough and affordable, so what more could you want from a beginner’s bike? Moreover, with the 2014 model year it just became even better.
The motorcycle rides on a set of modern 4CS closed-cartridge forks that have been totally modified for 2014 featuring new fork springs and settings. The forks are combined with updated PDS shocks that were carefully tuned to endure the toughest demands of enduro racing. Needles to say that rebound and compression damping can be adapted individually to track and rider.
The motorcycle has also received a few improvements to the engine that now has a redesigned reed valve housing featuring Boyesen high-performance reeds.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Husaberg TE 125.
The 2013 Husaberg FE 250 is a lightweight enduro bike powered by a 1-cylinder 4-stroke, water-cooled engine with a displacement of 248.60 cc. The engine is brought to life by an electric starter and is kept in leash by a modern six-speed transmission. To bring the motorcycle to halt, Husaberg equipped it with a set of capable BREMBO brakes.
The 2013 Husaberg FE 250 rides on a pair of rugged wheels with CNC-machined hubs, high-end DID rims and new aluminium spoke nipples. The front wheels is kept in check by a 48 mm 4CS closed-cartridge fork from WP SUSPENSION, while the rear one features a versatile shock absorber with adjustable rebound damping and high and low-speed compression damping.
The motorcycle’s backbone is a newly developed double-cradle, central tube frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel profiles which ensures high levels of torsional stiffness.
Hit the jump for more information on the Husaberg FE 250.
The Husaberg TE 125 is the youngest member of the Husaberg family and was built for up-and-coming 16 year-old racers and ambitious E1 riders.
The motorcycle is packed with various technologies and thanks to its lightweight and compact dimensions is fairly easy to maneuver.
The 2013 model has received a completely revamped seat and tank/spoiler profile which offers a perfect riding position and helps the rider to become one with the machine. We also need to send a shout at the 10.7 liters polyethylene fuel tank designed with enduro-friendly ergonomics.
The motorcycle sports a 1-cylinder 2-stroke, water-cooled engine with reed intake and exhaust control. The engine is combined with a kick starter and a six gears, claw shifted transmission. The transmission is paired with a compact clutch which features hub damping and preload with a single diaphragm spring.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Husaberg TE 125.
The Husaberg FE 501 is equipped with all it needs to be able to withstand the punishment of the toughest off-road tracks. Thereby this bike is eager to venture on the most difficult terrains and will reward you with a rush of adrenaline every time you jump on its back.
The 2013 Husaberg FE 501 weighs just 112.5 kg and is powered by a strong 504 cc 1-cylinder 4-stroke, water-cooled engine. The engine is kept in leash by a capable gearbox and a wet multi-disc clutch.
The motorcycle’s backbone is a newly developed double-cradle, central tube frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel profiles which is perfectly suited for the requirements of a strong dirt bike.
As far as equipment is concerned, the Husaberg FE 501 is packed with a fan, skid plate and hand guards all offered as standard equipment.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Husaberg FE 501.
Forged from Husanberg’s will to build the supreme 450 cc dirt bike, the FE 450 features an unstoppable character, a sporty design language and a capable engine. Talking about the engine, the 2013 Husaberg FE 450 is propelled by a 1 cylinder 4 stroke, water-cooled unit which is paired with a six speed transmission and a wet multi-disc clutch.
The 2013 Husaberg FE 450 received a newly developed double-cradle, central tube frame made from chrome-molybdenum steel profiles which ensure high levels of torsional stiffness. The frame is linked to a perfectly balanced aluminum swing arm which is 300 g lighter than its predecessor.
Up front, the motorcycle is equipped with a 48 mm 4CS closed-cartridge fork from WP SUSPENSION, while out back there is a modern shock absorber adjustable for rebound damping and high and low-speed compression damping.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Husaberg FE 450.
Sweden is known for its precise watches, but this country is also the place where Husaberg was born. The company is specialized on building motorcycles and perhaps it goes without saying that its models are at least as capable as a Swiss watch.
The 2013 Husaberg FE 350 weighs just 109.5 kg and at its heart you will find a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 349.7 cc. The engine is kept in check by a six speed, claw shifted transmission which is paired with a compact hydraulic clutch.
The 2013 Husaberg FE 350 rides on a front 48 mm 4CS closed-cartridge fork from WP SUSPENSION which offers a pretty generous wheel travel of 292 mm. At the back there is a capable shock absorber with adjustable rebound damping and high and low-speed compression damping.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Husaberg FE 350.
Like any respectable off roader, the Husaberg TE 300 features an agile stance and an unstoppable character, being born to conquer any type of terrain with poise.
The 2013 Husaberg TE 300 offers an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio and the 2013 model comes up with a set of pretty important upgrades. Among them you’ll find an improved engine with electric starter and a completely new chassis.
The new engine is among the strongest two stroke units in the largest displacement class. The 1-cylinder 2-stroke, water-cooled engine features reed intake and exhaust control and has a displacement of 293 cc. The unit is brought to life by an electric starter and its power is sent to the ground via a 6-speed transmission.
You also get adjustable exhaust control and selectable ignition curves which help you adapt the bike to any conditions.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Husaberg TE 300.