For 2010, Husqvarna continues to update its supermoto line with the 2010 Husqvarna SM630, the successor to the popular SM610. With the SM630 Husqvarna takes on the mantra that bigger is better, bumping the bike’s displacement by an additional 30cc for 2010. This means the SM 630 will pack a full 600cc’s of motor, which will make 56hp and 41lb•ft of torque. We were on hand for the unveiling, click through the jump for details and pictures.
Husqvarna has opened a new headquarters in Varese, Italy this week. The three-story building will include not only offices for the Husqvarna staff, but also will include a testing cetner, and production center for prototype and racing motorycles.
At home in Varese is Husqvarna’s development team, and the new HQ will include a presentation center and showroom for the team to show off their latest creations. Additionally, there is a small area that has been dedicated to top models and photographs from Husqvarna history, which may interest tourists.
Husqvarna has released pricing for its 2010 line-up of cross country, enduro, motocross and supermoto motorcycles. The big news for 2010 is that there will be an upgrade to Kayaba 48mm forks across the line. Also, the 2010 line-up will feature more flexible plastic, stronger and lighter wheel hubs (front and rear), and other tweaks on a per model basis.
We especially enjoy the SM510 for its happy merger of hooliganism meets serious racing machine. It is so choice. If you have the means, we highly recommend picking one up. Pricing after the jump
Husqvarna (which BMW bought in 2007) will be moving to its new headquarters in Italy by the end of May this year. The move is part of BMW’s plan to have all the Husqvarna business units in one facility. This means that all the engine, testing, development, styling, and racing divisions of Husqvarna will exist under one roof at the Cassinetta di Biandronno facility, in the Varese district of Italy.
Part of BMW’s motivation behind the move is to reduce costs and to sort out Husqvarna’s problems with quality control and supplies of spare parts. While Husqvarna only sold 12,000 bikes in 2007, BMW hopes to increase sales by over three times the current levels over the next 2 to 3 years. In fact, the new manufacturing facility will have the capacity to produce up to 40,000 Husqvarna motorcycles every year.
BMW intends to keep Husqvarna as an off-road specialist brand and use R&D inputs from the company to improve/develop its own dual-purpose and off-road machines.
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So….this is the Husqvarna SMQ. It is a whole new type of motorcycle called a “supermoto”. Read after the jump why that statement is slightly off, but doesn’t detract from eye-catchingly strange concept.