Husqvarna Motorcycles Reveals
First Look at 2012 Models
The 2012 Husky Cross-Country Lineup Features Re-vamped TXC Range, All-New TXC310 and Upgraded WR Two-Strokes
August 11, 2011 - Corona, CA - With the performance you demand on the trail, and the refinement you expect from Europe, the bold new 2012 line of Husqvarna off-road motorcycles has broken cover. Black frames, silver rims, new graphics and sleek styling define the Husky 2012 line. The first models to be released are the cross-country models, including the race-inspired TXC off-roaders and WR two-stroke motorcycles.
TXC Cross-country Overview
Husqvarna's line of TXC motorcycles is developed exclusively for the high demands of the American off-road market. The competitive cross-country bikes are based on the TE platform, and carry with them race-proven technology straight from the Husqvarna World Enduro Championship bikes of factory racers such as Juha Salminen and Antoine Meo. The TXC line returns for 2012, with a host of premium upgrades such as Leo Vince exhaust (on 250/310) and revised Kayaba suspension components. In addition, 2012 also brings an entirely new model - the TXC310!
The TXC310 is based on Husqvarna's existing TE310 dual-sport, but is all new to the TXC line of purebred off-roaders. A bored and stroked version of the 250 motor, the 302cc fuel-injected four-stroke offers more aggressive power characteristics than its quarter-liter sibling, and fills a significant gap in the current range of off-road bikes. For riders looking for robust power delivery that can run with the 450s, and still provide lightweight maneuvering of a 250, the all-new TXC310 is the ideal tool for the job.
Joining the 310 in the 2012 lineup are the TXC250 and TXC511. All three models receive a new all-black chromoly frame, reinforced for higher rigidity and improved tensile strength. New technology and the addition of select new reinforcements give the 250/310 TXCs an entirely new feel - one that is sure to impress even the most demanding off-road riders. The reworked frame not only provides better handling capabilities, but also substantially improves long-term durability.
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Further chassis upgrades include the Kayaba shock - which replaces the Sachs shock on the 250. The existing Kayaba shock on the 511 receives a new progressive spring, as well as revised damping, allowing it to provide a plusher ride without sacrificing any mid-stroke capability. Up front, the TXC line features premium Kayaba suspension on all three bikes. The 48mm closed-cartridge fork receives revised damping, making the TXC more capable than ever of tackling tough terrain while providing a supple ride for everyone to the casual trail rider to aggressive cross-country racer.
In the power department, the TXC250 is markedly improved, as well. Husqvarna focused on gaining maximum performance from the 2012 TXC250, and heavily revised the fuel injection system for optimum power output. An all-new Leo Vince exhaust system and revised ignition timing allow the 249.5cc fuel-injected powerplant to run stronger and churn out bigger power. The 6-speed gearbox allows the TXC250 and 310 to stretch their ponies across a wide spectrum, making both bikes willing accomplices in a variety of off-road terrain.
The TXC511 remains the open-class off-road specialist. The California green-sticker-legal four-stroke features a fuel-injected 477.5cc motor, revised and fine-tuned for 2012 to smooth out power delivery. The dual-flap ignition system is re-tuned to improve low-end power, resulting in an overall better-running bike. Like its TE counterpart, the TXC511 receives a new single-piece tail section, simplified to improve aesthetics and function. Ergonomics are significantly improved with the narrower tail piece, which is also 15mm shorter than last year's.
The Kayaba shock body on the TXC511 remains unchanged, but the use of the new progressive spring creates more initial sag and allows the rear end to ride slightly lower. Altering the geometry helps refine the overall balance, and noticeably improves the handling characteristics of the TXC511. Husqvarna's patented CTS (Coaxial Traction System) works in ideal harmony with the refined suspension components, continuing to provide incredible climbing ability and unparalleled straight-line stability.
TXC Key Features
* New all-black chromoly frame with higher rigidity and improved strength.
* Kayaba suspension front and rear.
* New 48mm Kayaba closed-cartridge fork re-valved with stiffer settings.
* Silver Excel rims.
* New style IPD (in-mold plastic design) graphics.
TXC250
* All-new Leo Vince exhaust system flows more freely and increases power.
* Reworked ignition timing further improves power output.
* New Kayaba shock (formerly Sachs).
* Adjustable handlebar clamps offer two different offset positions.
* Red sticker designation in California.
TXC310
* All-new model for 2012!
* Race-inspired Leo Vince exhaust system.
* 302cc four-stroke motor bored and stroked from TXC250 motor platform.
* Kayaba suspension tuned specifically for demands of U.S. off-road competition.
* Red sticker designation in California.
TXC511
* Kayaba shock receives progressive shock spring.
* Handling improved with revised shock, designed to harmonize with CTS to also retain its characteristic straight-line stability.
* Re-tuned dual-flap ignition system revised to improve low-end performance.
* Revised one-piece tail section is narrower for streamlined ergonomics.
* New WP radiators improve cooling capability.
* Green sticker designation in California. |
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TXC250
TXC310
TXC511
WR125
WR250
WR300
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WR Cross-country Overview
Husqvarna is proudly still mixing gas with the WR line of two-stroke motorcycles. The lightweight, carbureted WR comes in three different displacements - 125, 250 and 300cc. Husky's small-bore two-stroke returns to its 125cc legendary roots, and for those looking that ever-critical 19cc advantage - great news! Every WR125 comes with a 144cc top-end kit, complete with cylinder and piston, free of charge.
The WR's are suspended by a Kayaba fork and Sachs shock combo, and feature the same cutting-edge look of the black frames, silver rims and new graphics shared with the rest of the '12 Husqvarna line.
Key Features
* WR125 returns to Husqvarna's two-stroke line.
* 144cc top-end kit comes with WR125 free of charge.
* New chromoly frame now black in color.
* Silver Excel rims.
* Striking red and black color scheme with new IPD graphics.
Watch for more information to come on the complete line of 2012 Husqvarna off-road motorcycles, including the TE dual purpose and the TC/CR motocross models, all of which have some significant changes in store for the new model year.
Husqvarna reveals new 900cc parallel twin road bike engine
Italian firm Husqvarna has unveiled a new 900cc engine based around the BMW F800 engine that will power the first of five new road bikes being launched in the next five years.
Husqvarna revealed the bold new road bike plans to MCN just three weeks ago and revealed the firm was already well underway with road bike development thanks to the backing and finance of parent firm BMW.
The 900cc engine (exact capacity is not being revealed) is almost certainly a longer stroke version of the 798cc parallel twin which produces a claimed 85bhp in the F800. Husqvarna isn’t letting any other information out at this stage other than claiming a 'reasonable increase in power and torque' but we would expect around 100bhp to be the claimed engine power.
Husqvarna's statement reads: "Husqvarna has reached a significant milestone in its long history by developing a street bike that will create an innovative new riding concept. This will focus on a unique combination of performance and versatility, with the pleasure and fun of riding the machine.
"For this ambitious project to be successful, selecting the best engine set-up had to be of primary importance. The joint decision taken with BMW’s engine development team in Munich was to go for the highly reliable and technologically advanced BMW F 800 R's 800cc twin-cylinder engine. This would then be adapted to the specific needs of Husqvarna’s new bike concept.
"The engine capacity has been upgraded to 900cc and many of the main components have been reworked to meet specific needs. This allows a reasonable increase in power and torque, which translates into an outstanding and fun riding experience."
