Yamaha WR450 or BMW G450X??

[2StrokeDan]

There was an association with Husky's for a while but that relationship also did not last - I suspect for the same reason the Speedbrain BMW relationship did not work.

As you likely know Husqvarna is now owned by KTM, and seemed to be coming into its own as a kind of prototype breed of KTM. Its rumored that KTM try out new tweaks and angles on the Husky rather than on their main brand. Its also seen flavors of KTM coming into it which is not a bad thing in itself either. For example there is a very sweet Husky 700 that has the frame of the KTM 450 RR/690 RR and the tanks of the new 450 rally replica as well. Its a thing of beauty and I want one!

I think KTM understand also that Husky has always attracted independent thinkers, and their very loyal following (blazes on the forum or used to be is one) were super concerned it would just become the test brand for KTM. Instead they have allowed the brand to continue rather than die and be absorbed which is brilliant.

I have actually heard that KTM wants to, over longer-term, concentrate on roadgoing machines and shift the race-emphasis to Husky.

[Rough Rider]

There was an association with Husky's for a while but that relationship also did not last - I suspect for the same reason the Speedbrain BMW relationship did not work.

As you likely know Husqvarna is now owned by KTM, and seemed to be coming into its own as a kind of prototype breed of KTM. Its rumored that KTM try out new tweaks and angles on the Husky rather than on their main brand. Its also seen flavors of KTM coming into it which is not a bad thing in itself either. For example there is a very sweet Husky 700 that has the frame of the KTM 450 RR/690 RR and the tanks of the new 450 rally replica as well. Its a thing of beauty and I want one!

I think KTM understand also that Husky has always attracted independent thinkers, and their very loyal following (blazes on the forum or used to be is one) were super concerned it would just become the test brand for KTM. Instead they have allowed the brand to continue rather than die and be absorbed which is brilliant.

There was a little more than an association with BMW and Husqvarna; BMW bought Husqvarna in 2007 from Cagiva. As far as I recall they wanted to get into the offroad market.

Unfortunately, typical of Germans, instead of going the Husqvarna route they imposed their will and forced their shitty ideas onto the Italians who were still building the red Huskys in Italy. The G450X was sent to Italy and after being tinkered with was turned into the Husqvarna TE449 and TE511, which were both basically G450X's in different clothing, the 511 being a longer stroke version. They also sent the GS800 engine to Italy and after tinkering the Italians produced the Nuda 900. The same with the GS650 which became the TR650.

Speedbrain used the Husqvarna TE449 for their Dakar effort when their so called collaboration with BMW ended, however it was just the development of the same BMW G450X in different colours.

Husqvarna was not bought by KTM, it was basically given to the KTM boss, Stefan Pierer, for a token amount.

The original Italian Husqvarna factory has reopened under Chinese management and they are building some of the bikes that Husqvarna were building before BMW came along. BMW have refused to supply engines or components to these new Chinese owners and none of the BMW / Husqvarna's are being built anymore.

[Dux]

The original Italian Husqvarna factory has reopened under Chinese management and they are building some of the bikes that Husqvarna were building before BMW came along. BMW have refused to supply engines or components to these new Chinese owners and none of the BMW / Husqvarna's are being built anymore.

And are now called SWM

[Rough Rider]

The original Italian Husqvarna factory has reopened under Chinese management and they are building some of the bikes that Husqvarna were building before BMW came along. BMW have refused to supply engines or components to these new Chinese owners and none of the BMW / Husqvarna's are being built anymore.

And are now called SWM

 

[BlueBull2007]

There was an association with Husky's for a while but that relationship also did not last - I suspect for the same reason the Speedbrain BMW relationship did not work.

As you likely know Husqvarna is now owned by KTM, and seemed to be coming into its own as a kind of prototype breed of KTM. Its rumored that KTM try out new tweaks and angles on the Husky rather than on their main brand. Its also seen flavors of KTM coming into it which is not a bad thing in itself either. For example there is a very sweet Husky 700 that has the frame of the KTM 450 RR/690 RR and the tanks of the new 450 rally replica as well. Its a thing of beauty and I want one!

I think KTM understand also that Husky has always attracted independent thinkers, and their very loyal following (blazes on the forum or used to be is one) were super concerned it would just become the test brand for KTM. Instead they have allowed the brand to continue rather than die and be absorbed which is brilliant.

There was a little more than an association with BMW and Husqvarna; BMW bought Husqvarna in 2007 from Cagiva. As far as I recall they wanted to get into the offroad market.

Unfortunately, typical of Germans, instead of going the Husqvarna route they imposed their will and forced their shitty ideas onto the Italians who were still building the red Huskys in Italy. The G450X was sent to Italy and after being tinkered with was turned into the Husqvarna TE449 and TE511, which were both basically G450X's in different clothing, the 511 being a longer stroke version. They also sent the GS800 engine to Italy and after tinkering the Italians produced the Nuda 900. The same with the GS650 which became the TR650.

Speedbrain used the Husqvarna TE449 for their Dakar effort when their so called collaboration with BMW ended, however it was just the development of the same BMW G450X in different colours.

Husqvarna was not bought by KTM, it was basically given to the KTM boss, Stefan Pierer, for a token amount.

The original Italian Husqvarna factory has reopened under Chinese management and they are building some of the bikes that Husqvarna were building before BMW came along. BMW have refused to supply engines or components to these new Chinese owners and none of the BMW / Husqvarna's are being built anymore.

Thanks for the clarification.

[Bwana]

new suggestion.
How about the new Honda CRF450x being launched later this year apparently a completely new bike.. Cant be bad considering the 2016 has just won the world MXGP championship.

http://www.hondaprokevin.com/2017-honda-crf450r-crf450rx-review-specs-motorcycles-dirt-race-bikes-trail-crf-450

[The_Crow]

Where does a YZ450 with a WR box fit into all of this?

[sidetrack]

Where does a YZ450 with a WR box fit into all of this?

Even more difficult to roadworthy, no lights, lighter flywheel and no side stand so not in the same league unless it will be a play bike only

[The_Crow]

Even more difficult to roadworthy, no lights, lighter flywheel and no side stand so not in the same league unless it will be a play bike only

This one comes with a side stand fitted, bigger tank and is on the road.

[sidetrack]

Even more difficult to roadworthy, no lights, lighter flywheel and no side stand so not in the same league unless it will be a play bike only

This one comes with a side stand fitted, bigger tank and is on the road.

That sounds great

[KarooKid]

So after reading and taking in all the advice it seemed like the WR would be to bike to go for.

In the end I looked at my needs, budget, and what was available.

I was lucky to get my hands on a virtually new BMW g450x. It has only 7 hours on the clock (290km) and is in perfect condition with a few extras. Beautiful machine.

I took the bike to Eddy2Race to check everything over and I am mightily impressed with his service and the fact that he can be objective despite being a Husqvarna man. Eddy confirmed the bike was in perfect mechanical condition.

I guess in the end it comes down to what WolfSkaap said on Dan's thread - nobody can decide for you.

Let's see how this goes. I am confident that this bike will serve my purpose well, and you will be the first to know if I made a mistake.

Pictures to follow.

 

[Bus]

Lekker man!!!

Gooi daai fotos

[sidetrack]

I was lucky to get my hands on a virtually new BMW g450x. It has only 7 hours on the clock (290km) and is in perfect condition with a few extras. Beautiful machine.

I took the bike to Eddy2Race to check everything over and I am mightily impressed with his service and the fact that he can be objective despite being a Husqvarna man. Eddy confirmed the bike was in perfect mechanical condition.



  

I would hope so   Congrats good as new

[Buff]

Congrats, sounds like a new bike, shouldn't give you any hassles in the foreseeable future 

[zebra - Flying Brick]

congratulations, i know what you paid - I think you got an excellent buy AND you really wanted this bike, so I do think it will serve you well!

Cheers
Chris & team

[KarooKid]

congratulations, i know what you paid - I think you got an excellent buy AND you really wanted this bike, so I do think it will serve you well!

Cheers
Chris & team

Thanks for all the help, advice and time Chris. I really appreciate.

[Bus]

Lekker man!!!

Gooi daai fotos

Ahem...

 

[Omninorm]

I'm jealous... I also want one to go next to the G650 XChallenge. :-/

[Rough Rider]

Like I said your best option is to buy the neatest low hour bike you can find for a bargain.

[KarooKid]

Will post some decent pics later.

As I got it.......................