Who is Husqvarna?

Originally Swedish, Husqvarna was bought by Cagiva in the late Eighties, with production moved to Italy. BMW bought it in 2007, but sold it to KTM after six years.

“Husqvarna is part of the KTM group and all models are built at the same factory in Mattighofen in Austria,” says UK Marketing Manager, Simon Roots. “But Husqvarna is a separate company in both Austria and the UK and run as such. Husqvarna dealers are separate from KTM dealers, though in some cases, such as Fowlers in Bristol, they’re under the same roof.

“There are currently 22 Street dealers in the UK, though we’re planning to increase that number this year. You’ll only be able to buy the 701 Enduro from them in future. The 701 Enduro is part of the road-bike range and you’ll need to get it serviced at Street dealers to maintain its two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

“Some Husqvarna and KTM models share the same engine and chassis platforms, such as the motocross and enduro bikes. It’s a successful formula for both manufacturer and customer. Others, like the new Vitpilen 701 and 401 models will only wear a Husqvarna badge. Future road models will be more simple than KTMS and likely to be of smaller engine capacity.”