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Motorcycles have been enjoyed by man since the inception of the
steam engine. The melding of raw mechanical force with delicate curves
and color create comparisons to renowned paintings and sculpture.
These works of art transcend the framed canvas.
In 2003
Husqvarna celebrated one hundred years of being an integral part
of this passion. Beginning in 1903, Husqvarna motorcycles were
produced with an obsession for excellence in performance and quality.
Along the way Husqvarna has amassed victories in racing, and made
contributions in technical advances to motorcycling that are unlikely
to be equaled.
Northside Motorcycles now stock all of the models from the motorcross
and enduro bikes to the super popular Supermotards.
Here are few models to check out. If you need to see more you should
come into the shop and have a look around.
| Abit of Husqvarna
history |
Husqvarna 1903 2003 - 100 years of Victories
The origins of Husqvarna date way back to 1903, when a single cylinder
engined bicycle was produced boasting 1,5hp and with a maximum speed
of 50 km/h. In 1916 Husqvarna rallied for the first victory in a
motorcycle competition, the Novemberkasan.
In 1921 the first motorbike
made entirely in the Swedish factory using a 550cc engine ultimately
became the launching pad for production of two cylinder engines
of larger capacity.
At the end of the twenties, Husqvarna began efforts in more international
competitions sparking interest in the European market for this Swedish
manufacturer and selling over 1000 motorcycles .
Between 1928 and 1936 the single cylinder models were still equipped
with engines by Jap or Sturmey Archer because of the low production
volumes did not justify the cost of special tooling. Using production
methods that where state of the art for the time, Husqvarna attained
a level of commercialization that lasted decades and earned the marque
a heralded spot in motorcycle history. In fact, from 1938 to 1954,
production of the “Black Mill” model continued uninterupted
totalling in sales of over 60,000 units.
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In the '50s Husqvarna further confirmed their commitment to the
sport by directing more resources to the competitions in Enduro and
Motocross racing. The “Dream Bike”, a 175 cc. single
cylinder, two stroke, 9hp machine was the first representation of
this commitment. Subsequently, the “Silverpil”, boasted
telescopic forks, hydraulic dampers and an engine which worked as
a stressed element of the frame, resulting in a good combination
of reliability, power and handling for the era. Riders such as Tibblin
and Nilsson are still today remembered not only for their exceptional
driving abilities, but above all to have given the first laurels
to Husqvarna in the Motocross: the former won in 1959 the World championship
of the 250 class and the latter won in 1961 in the 500 class. During
these years the production capacity had gown to a level that necessitated
export not only to the European markets, but also, and most significantly,
to the U.S. market.This direction in the 60’s and 70’s
, saw Husqvarna producting machines unique to the motorcycling world,
hallmaking riders like Mikkola, Aberg and Hallman and writing unforgetable
pages in racing history for the legendary brand.
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1979 marked the passage of Husqvarna to Electrolux which maintained
control until 1986, when the motor-cycle division was sold to the
Cagiva Group. Since then, Husqvarna motorcycles have been conceived,
designed, and created entirely in Italy.
This new course brought a gust of technological innovation that
married a prestigious manufacturer with a premiere brand.The addition
of Husqvarna kick-starter the company’s expansion in the international
market-place and reinforced the commitment to racing.
As a result, victory in the Motocross World Champion-ship 500 class
in 1993 was achieved with a four stroke 600 cc Husqvarna, following
twenty years of 2 stroke dominance.
The new 250 – 450 engines with electric start signify the
new generation of a completely redesigned Husqvarna range, triggering
fantastic press and public appeal when introduced at the last Munich
Intermot Show. The data from the racing division being increasingly
implemented in mass production, translates into vehi-cles which are
better in performance and reliability. This has had an enormous impact
especially in the last several years, thanks to the exceptional results
achieved by Champions the caliber of Jonsson, Merriman, Eriksson,
Silvan, Chambon, Seel, Martens, Chiodi and Puzar.
The most recent achievement for Husqvarna , through precise and
technical evolution, along with superb efforts of world championship
level racers, has allowed the storied Husky brand to excel in all
off-road disciplines; from Motocross to Enduro, to the newly emerging
half-dirt half-asphalt craze of Supermotard. |
