New, super light weight, four-stroke Husqvarnas, displacing 250cc and 450cc, were highly anticipated models last year. They never materialized, however, while Husqvarna completed a merger with a larger Italian manufacturer.
The merger is now done, and so are the new bikes. According to dealers in the United States, you can expect to see the new 250 and 450 in the flesh in approximately November of this year.
Below is a press release from Husqvarna (in inimitable Italglish) regarding major changes to the 2003 models, both two-stroke and four-stroke. At the end is a handy link to Husky’s web site.
Weight reduction and improvement of performances and reliability: these are the guidelines on which the Husqvarna R&D technicians have put their effort for the 2003 Husqvarna models. The 100th anniversary models.(1903-2003).
Frame 125/250 2 stroke WR-CR, 250/450 4 stroke TE-TC.
The major work has been made to increase stiffness and to reduce the weight.
New calculation, FEM method, has brought the engineers to redesign parts in the frame and in the rear suspension.
10 % of the total weight of the frames has been reduced working on the steering area where the canned part is now modified in view of increasing the rigidity for a more precise riding.The same technology application has been applied to components in the rear suspension.
In particularly the swing arm weight is decreased of the 5 %,obtaining in the meantime more rigidity.
The linkage components are now in new material, deriving from aircraft engineering, with improved mechanical characteristics.Engine 125 WR – CR
Gearbox is modified for a better shifting: the profile where the gears run is machine worked, obtaining a smoother surface.
New cylinder porting for higher performance, with consequential modification to the exhaust pipe.
On the CR, new reed valve with carbon fibre reeds, improving bottom and top power.Engine 250 WR – CR
New cylinder porting for higher performance, improvement to the exhaust pipe to match the cylinder modifications.
On the CR, new reed valve with carbon fibre reeds, improving bottom and top power.SM 570R
New piston with different profile for better performance.
Electrical system
On the 250/450 a new battery and new cables have been placed for a better and safety start of the engine.
Miscellaneous
- New front mudguard on the MX, Enduro and SMR range (not for WRE/TEE/SMS)
- New graphics on 4 stroke Supermotard
- New cock of the petrol tank of the 570’s
- All models come with carburettor getting kit
- TE 250/TE 450/SM450R: six speed gearbox
- TC 250: lightweight five speed gearbox
- TC 450: five speed gearbox
Note: all four stroke models 250/450 are completely new. In 2002 these models were presented only as pre production models or for racing purpose. For more info check on husqvarna.it.
