Husqvarna dealer meeting marks opening of new HQ

Now owned by KTM, Husqvarna celebrates fresh digs

Nearly a year ago, the sale of Husqvarna Motorcycles to Pierer Industry AG was announced, and only 10 months ago, Husqvarna Motorcycles North America came under the proprietorship of KTM North America. A lot happened during this short amount of time, including the unveiling of the all-new 2014 line of Mattighofen, Austria-built Husky models. But it was in February at the 2014 Husqvarna Motorcycles North American Dealer Meeting in Murietta, Calif., that the new keepers of the iconic brand were finally able to showcase what’s been going on behind the scenes.

“We’re thrilled to have the who’s who of motorcycle dealers and business owners here to commemorate this landmark moment,” said Husqvarna Motorcycles North America vice president Brad Hagi. “The new headquarters is really impressive. The vintage photography alongside the brand-new Husqvarna motorcycles illustrates how far this brand has come, and this all-new facility clearly shows our commitment to the future.”

After a champagne toast and official ribbon cutting, more than 300 dealers, VIPs, media and industry guests received a tour of the new 15,000-square-foot facility. From there, dealers attended a dinner and presentation at Ponte Winery in Temecula, where Hagi, along with president Jon-Erik Burleson, talked about the future of the company. Topics included the reuniting of Husqvarna and Husaberg, the direction of Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2014, and how KTM and Husqvarna will complement each other in the marketplace.

“We not only have a great opportunity with Husqvarna, but also a responsibility to uphold its core values,” Burleson explained during the Sunday evening address to dealers. “Husky stands for premium components, Swedish culture, heritage and of course, racing, and we remain dedicated to these values with the rebirth of Husqvarna.”

Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH and KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG now stand together under the umbrella of KTM AG, and as such, will share a number of platforms and resources. Burleson also outlined where the companies will remain separate and distinct in the U.S. market: “We plan to have unique dealerships where possible,” Burleson explained. “Husqvarna’s marketing, customer service and racing efforts will be run completely separate from KTM North America. We’re excited to have two European brands to challenge the four Japanese brands with in the marketplace instead of just one, but I’m also really looking forward to going to the races and seeing Husqvarna and KTM battling each other for the win.”

Burleson concluded the presentation by inviting Husqvarna legends up to the stage, which, of course, included his father, eight-time National Enduro champion and AMA Hall of Famer Dick Burleson. Also in the house were Malcolm Smith, Gunnar Lindstrom, Chuck Sun, Larry Roeseler and Mark Blackwell.

“Husqvarna would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Tom White, Kelly Owen and Malcolm Smith for use of their immaculate vintage Husqvarna Motorcycles at the Southern California headquarters, which will remain on display,” Hagi added.

With the North American facility now operational, and a healthy dealer network quickly taking shape, Husqvarna Motorcycles were expected to begin arriving on showroom floors as early as the first week of March. Model year 2014 MSRPs were also finally announced, as was the coming of a 2015 model year lineup in summer 2014.

Model year 2014 Husqvarna MSRPs are as follows:
Motocross — TC 85, $5,399; TC 125, $6,549; TC 250, $7,249; FC 250, $8,049; FC 450, $9,049;
Enduro — TE 250, $8,349; TE 300, $8,549; FE 250, $8,649; FE 350, $9,549; FE 501, $9,899.