Husqvarna Dirt Bikes - History And The Latest Motocross Machines

Husqvarna Dirt Bikes - History And The Race Lineup

Many years before the Husqvarna dirt bikes range was developed, the company started out producing bicycles until 1903 when they produced their first motorcycle. They built their own frames but were using engines from various other manufacturers.

In 1920 the company opened their first engine factory producing a 550cc four stroke V twin. It was also around this time that Husqvarna started developing racing motorcycles and had considerable success through the 20's and 30's, winning races in Sweden and then throughout Europe. Race wins included the International Six Days as well as GP and the Isle of Man TT road races.

The Husqvarna racing machines were renowned for their light weight, due mainly to the then revolutionary work of designer Folke Mannerstedt who used various alloys in the bikes manufacture to decrease weight.

The company stopped racing in the mid 30's when demand for bigger motorcycles slowed and their production became non-profitable however their engines were later modified and used in the production of army motorcycles.

In 1935 the first two stroke machine was produced. It had a 98cc engine and the bike could be pedalled as well. Riders didn't need a motorbike license and the bike proved to be very popular throughout Sweden.

1946 heralded the release of the 'Svartkvarna' and it was a huge success due to its light weight and reliability. Husqvarna sold thousands of these machines after the second World War as the civilian population had to deal with widespread petrol shortages.

In 1957 Husqvarna released the 'Silver Arrow', bringing with it a brand new design, a 175cc engine and a weight of less than 75 kilograms to comply with Swedens classification of a 'light motorcycle'.

Both the Silver Arrow and the Golden Arrow (a 200cc machine that was released after the Silver Arrow) marked the start of serious development into the Husqvarna dirt bikes range. As the machines became more specialised for off road Husqvarna again started winning national and international championships.

'07 Husqvarna Dirt Bikes

There have been a few updates for the Husqvarna dirt bikes in '07. New 'factory look' red and white plastics are fitted to all bikes for this year, not just the motocrossers.

07 Husqvarna CR125

The CR125 two stroke has scored changes to the crankshaft and combustion chamber for better performance as well as revisions to the exhaust system and a new V Force 3 reed block being fitted as standard. The gearbox ratios have been modified with a shorter second gear to help with faster starts.

07 Husqvarna TC250

The TC250 four stroke has changes made to the sump and exhaust system for increased power and, like all the four strokes in the range, has a new, more durable kickstart shaft for this year.

07 Husqvarna TC450

The four strokes also have a new Ergal clutch basket which is more durable and offers better feel and performance under harsh operating conditions and all models now have a Brembo rear brake caliper with an integrated fluid reservoir.

There have been all the usual suspension setting revisions made this year and all the motocross machines have black anodised Excel rims as standard.

07 Husqvarna TC510

Husqvarna dirt bikes are a common sight at off road and enduro events but don't have a big profile in the motocross world, the company is working hard on their race machines to change that.

(photos courtesy of husqvarnausa.com)

Check out all the Husqvarna dirt bikes on the Australian site or on the US site here.

Please note that to protect our younger visitors to Motocross 101, SafeSearch is turned on in these search results.

footer for husqvarna dirt bikes page