Husqvarna

Although Swedish-born Husqvarna had a significant streetbike and even Grand Prix roadracing presence before World War II, the brand is now largely known for its dirt bikes. In recent years, Husqvarna ownership has changed hands, with Pierer Industrie AG of Austria—KTM’s majority owner—buying the concern from BMW and combining it with niche enduro-bike-maker Husaberg. Husqvarna has since embarked on a mission to recapture its once-enviable share of the motocross and enduro market. The current off-road lineup is an amalgam of KTM and Husaberg platforms, with the FC 450 leading the MX lineup, the FE 501 topping the enduro range, and the FS 450 ready to take on all comers in supermoto. Numerous two-strokes are likewise in the mix, including the TE 150, TE 250i, and TE 300i enduro models and six RC MXers ranging in displacement from 49cc to 249cc. Top-shelf components such as Keihin, WP, and Brembo have helped Husqvarna earn more market share. On the streetbike front, Husqvarna left showgoers slack-jawed when it unveiled the radically styled, single-cylinder Vitpilen 401 and 701, and more recently, the adventure-style Svartpilen 401 and 701. OMG! The 701 Supermoto, meanwhile, backs up its racy looks with track-worthy performance.