History of Husqvarna
A Legend of Swedish Craftsmanship
Since its first motorized bicycle in 1903, Husqvarna Motorcycles has made a name for itself as one of the most recognizable brands in the world of motorized vehicles.
From its roots in Sweden to its global reach today, this legend has continued to bring excellent products and services to riders around the world.
Origin Story
Husqvarna Motorcycles traces its origin back to the year 1689 when it started as a weapons factory as a result of the Swedish king's order. Throughout its long history, Husqvarna has been involved in several industries, from sewing machines to kitchen appliances in 1872 and bicycles in 1896.
However, the legend of Husqvarna Motorcycles truly began in 1903 when it ventured into motorcycles, unveiling its first “motorized bicycle”.
The brand continued to grow throughout the next century, expanding its product range to include mopeds and scooters, and winning multiple awards at various racing competitions — all while undergoing several ownership changes.
Today, Husqvarna Motorcycles — now owned by the
KTM AG Group since 2013— has its headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria and has become one of the most prominent names in off-road motorcycling and a true household name among avid riders around the world.
History
The history of Husqvarna Motorcycles is a tale of innovation, passion, and determination. With a rich history that goes back hundreds of years, this legend has undergone many changes.
Here's a brief look at some of the milestones that have helped shape the brand over the past century.
Key Milestones
The company has played a big role in shaping the world of motorcycling and continues to do so today. Here is a breakdown of some of Triumph's most notable achievements over the years.
It All Started in 1689
Excellence on Two Wheels Since 1903
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1914List Item 1
Husqvarna Motorcycles has produced a variety of innovative motorcycle models since 1903. Here are some of the most notable ones.
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1903List Item 2
Husqvarna began producing motorcycles — the first of which was a “motorized bicycle.” As the world’s second-oldest motorcycle manufacturer, Husqvarna has over 100 years of experience to draw from when developing its new models.
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1955List Item 3
Husqvarna introduced its Silverpilen: a bike designed for offroad use, and one of the first models to be used in modern motocross races.
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2014List Item 4
At the 2014 EICMA motorcycle trade show, Husqvarna Motorcycles revealed the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto along with two stunning prototypes – the Vitpilen and Svartpilen – signaling its return to street motorcycles. The 701 Supermoto offered pure performance and design while continuing Husqvarna’s long tradition in Supermoto racing.
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2016
Husqvarna Motorcycles unveiled the Vitpilen 401 Aero Concept, a radical design departure from its previous creations that excited the motorcycling world.
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2018
At the EICMA motorcycle exhibition, Husqvarna Motorcycles made its debut in the electric mobility market with its first line of electric motorcycles, including the EE 5 mini-crosser.
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2019
Husqvarna Motorcycles unveiled a travel-focused concept bike, the Norden 901, at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle exhibition in Milan. Additionally, Husqvarna announced a return to racing Moto3 competitions.
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2020
Husqvarna Motorcycles launches in India, Latin America, and South East Asia introducing 200 cc and 250 cc street motorcycles to boost sales and further grow the brand.
Ownership Changes
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1953List Item 1
Husqvarna Motorcycles has a rich history of ownership, starting with a subsidiary of Husqvarna Armament in 1903.
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1977List Item 2
Electrolux acquired the entire business of Husqvarna.
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1987
Husqvarna Motorcycles was acquired by Cagiva MV Agusta. After plans were made to relocate to Italy, the main development team opted to remain in Sweden and launched Husaberg in 1988. After the brand spinoff, Husaberg Motor AB became its own company until 2007 when it was purchased by BMW.
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2013
Husqvarna motorcycles were purchased by Pierer Industries as part of their strategy to become one of the largest European manufacturers. A transfer to KTM AG established Husqvarna Motorcycle GmbH and reunited with Husaberg.
Noteworthy Statistics
Husqvarna Motorcycles is one of the world's leading motorcycle manufacturers with a long history and a strong market presence all over the globe. Here are some of its notable statistics.
- Husqvarna has over 100 years of experience in the motorcycle industry since its first motorcycle in 1903, making it the second-oldest operating motorcycle manufacturer in the world to one of the largest producers of off-road and enduro motorcycles available today.
- The 1960s and 1970s were a golden age for Husqvarna. During this time, Husqvarna won 24 Enduro European Championships, 14 Motocross world titles, and 11 Baja victories. This established the brand as the ultimate off-road racing brand at the time.
- Husqvarna Motorcycles has won 108 international competition titles since the company's inception, most recently Billy Bolt's win in the 2022 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.
- According to Statista, the annual revenue of Husqvarna is expected to reach $101.40 million in 2022. This should be followed by an increase of 7.36% per year on average between 2022 and 2026, to result in revenues of $134.70 million by 2026.
Models by Type
Husqvarna produces a wide range of motorbikes, from entry-level bikes to high-performance motorcycles for racing, known for their quality, performance, and versatility. Here's a breakdown of the different types of Husqvarna motorcycles.
List of Services
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MotocrossList Item 1
Motocross bikes are built for off-road racing. They're lightweight, agile, and fast—and they're not meant to be used on the street. They feature a narrow tire profile and high ground clearance to help riders navigate through tough terrain. Because these bikes are built for speed, they usually come equipped with large engines that can achieve high speeds quickly. This line features 2-stroke models including TC 50, and TC 65.
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EnduroList Item 2
Enduro bikes are designed to handle extreme conditions and long distances at high speeds. These machines have excellent suspension systems and are designed to handle rough terrain while still providing comfort for their riders. Enduro bikes can be used on trails or the street, but they're typically better suited for off-road riding because of their larger tires and more powerful engines. This line features the 2-stroke models (e.g. TE 300i Rockstar) and 4-stroke models (e.g. FE 350 Rockstar).
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TravelList Item 3
Travel bikes are built with comfort in mind. These models are designed for long-distance travel and offer comfort, stability, and safety for riders who want to take off on an adventure. Some of these bikes include the Norden 901 and the 701 Enduro.
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NakedList Item 4
The naked category represents Husqvarna's line of sportbikes with no bodywork to cover up their beauty—just a simple design that lets you see exactly what you're getting when you buy one of these machines. These bikes are designed for maximum speed and control on the road. They have no fairings or windshields which makes them more aerodynamic, lighter in weight, and more responsive than other types of motorcycles. The naked line includes the SVARTPILEN and the VITPILEN.
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Supermoto
This type of bike combines the best parts of both motocross racing and street riding into one package. It's built with lightweight materials that allow you to move quickly through rough terrain while still being able to take on city streets without sacrificing power or control over your vehicle. They typically feature lower ground clearance to make it easier to navigate off-road terrain and knobby tires for traction in mud or sand. The most recent models include the FS 450 and the 701 Supermoto.
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Electric Balance Bikes
Electric balance bikes are bicycles that have no pedals; instead, the rider balances the bike by shifting their weight from side to side as needed. They're great for kids who haven't learned how to ride a standard bicycle yet. They are powered by rechargeable batteries instead of gas engines like other motorbikes, so there's no pollution or noise associated with them either. It includes the Husqvarna 12eDrive and the Husqvarna 16eDrive.
