Husqvarna '08 range. April 2008

NEW MODEL 2008 Husqvarna range
Husqvarna has released no less than 16 new or upgraded models for 2008.These include the TC & TE Series 4 strokes, CR & WR 2 strokes, Cross Country TXC 4 stroke range and SM Supermotards.

TE, TC, TXC 4 strokes
Husqvarna describe the changes to their Enduro & 4 Stroke models as "an injection of innovation". What does that mean? Well, for starters, chassis' across the range are all new, including frame, rear suspension and rear frame as well as ergonomics and plastics.All engines in the TE range are now equipped with fuel injection.

Main changes are as follows:
-GEOMETRY New wheelbase, steering angle, rake and weight distribution
-FRAME Oval and box steel tubing frame weighing 1 kilo less.Specially designed to house and give easy access to the injection system, thus simplifying maintenance.
-SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY Simplified and structurally more efficient layout in aluminium squared tubes
-ERGONOMICS, SADDLE AND NEW TANK/SADDLE POSITION Saddle height lowered 10 mm - 40 mm and has a more comfortable ergonomic shape for a better riding position and move towards the front end.Foot pegs advanced by 15 mm, gap between tank/saddle reduced by 15 mm to 40 mm.
-TANK AND FUEL CAP: New cap on narrower tank. For Enduro models, the tank is fitted with injection pump and "return-less" fuel injection system and has eight litres capacity.
-FILTER BOX More compact design with battery housed externally.
-TAPERED TUBING REAR SWINGARM Asymmetrical geometry extruded box aluminium centre unit housing the off-set shock absorber.
-SOFT DAMP SYSTEM Progressive action soft-damp system, new progression curve with improved performance.Reduced load on frame, designed to optimise chain tightening effect as well as traction.
-SACHS SHOCK ABSORBER Fitted with 18mm piston and valve system to optimise travel inversion and to make rebound and compression settings more efficient and more adjustable.
-FORKS New Marzocchi 50 mm forks with sealed pump on TC and TXC models.The new pump is positioned in the tube to reduce the mass in motion.TE models forks present new settings and finish.
-HANDLEBARS New black anodised Tommaselli handlebars featuring new clamps and no cross bar.
-SIDE STAND FOR ENDURO MODELS
-FUEL INJECTED ENGINES FOR ENDURO MODELS New Mikuni "return-less" fuel injection system with 42mm throttle body. New ECM, new electronics and new management software.
-KOKUSAN IGNITION ON TE Specially designed for the new injection system, with cover.
-EXHAUST PIPES AND SILENCERS SUITED FOR dB KILLER Titanium exhaust pipes and silencer for Cross models. Steel exhaust pipes and aluminium silencer for Enduro models. Steel catalyser, exhaust pipes and silencer on Euro 3 models.
-ENGINE LOOK Black crankcases, red valves cover.
-STARTER DECOMPRESSION Improved to optimize starting
-GEAR BOX SHAFT ASSEMBLY To offer smoother gear engagement
-STARTER UNIT GEARS AND KICKSTART Reduce the absorption of energy during starting and improve reliability.The new kickstart optimises resistance, weight, ergonomics and efficiency.
-CLUTCH UNIT To optimise reliability and functioning. New plate package featuring new friction materials.
-RIGHT SIDE CRANKCASE COVER WITH OIL LEVEL INSPECTION PORT
-OIL FILTER To optimise filtering, oil operating pressure and provide improved life span for the hardest working components.

CR & WR 2 strokes
CR 125
Husqvarna have used all their experience in giving the two-stroke CR 125 a comprehensive "make over". The block is completely new and now features 5 transfer ports for more power and better delivery at all engine speeds. Modifications have also been made to the inlet and exhaust ports for better performance. The exhaust valves too have been redesigned to optimise exhaust gas sealing. The connectors for the external valve breathers have been removed and valve lever pressure is now regulated by grooves on the new valves.

WR 125
The same block as on the CR has been fitted to the new 2008 version of the WR 125 Enduro along with a new crankshaft, a modified guard and closer second gear ratios to allow the rider better performance on exiting corners.As on all the two-stroke models, the forks are 45mm Marzocchi with black struts and the rear suspension features a Sachs shock absorber with integrated reservoir. The new tapered Tommaselli handlebars have no cross bar and are the same as those fitted to the CR with new clamps that allow the riding position to be customised.

WR 250
The tireless WR 250 has also benefited from the same improvements as made to its smaller siblings.The improvements include new tapered Tommaselli handlebars with no cross bar, new handlebar clamps on the adjustable steering plate, new 45 mm Marzocchi fUSD orks with black struts and a new Sachs shock absorber. Titanium pipes are available on WR models. A carby jet kit and V-force reed valve is available to suit all Husky 2 strokes.

SM Supermotards
Husqvarna's Supermotard range range follows the changes in frame geometry of the MX & Enduro bikes, along with other ergonomic and cosmetic changes as per the rest of the Husky 2008 range. Marzocchi front forks are new, but the rest of the suspension remains as per ‘07 models. Powerplants are largely unchanged, but Mikuni-developed electronic fuel injection is now common to all models - SM 450R, SM 450RR, SM 510R & SM 610.In brief: SM 450REngine: Single cylinder, 4 strokeDisplacement: 449ccCompression ratio: 12.9:1Starting: Electric Transmission: 6-spd, constant meshLxWxH: 2183 x 820 x 920mmWheelbase: 1445 mmGround clearance: 245mmFuel tank capacity: 7.2LFrame: Steel single tube cradle (round, rectangular and ellipsoidal tubes); rear frame in light alloyFront suspension:"Upside-Down" telescopic hydraulic fork withadvanced axle; compression and rebound stroke adjustmentRear suspension: Progressive "Soft Damp" type with single hydraulic shock absorber; spring preload adjustment, compression and rebound adjustmentFront brake: floating disc type with radial caliperRear brake: "BREMBO", floating disc type with hydraulic control and floating caliper