2008 Milan Motorcycle Show: Husqvarna Concepts

Since its acquisition by BMW, Husqvarna has become more creative and vital. After introducing a new-generation SMR450 supermoto racer at the Cologne Show, the Italian bike-maker unveiled two more exciting machines at Milan.

A modern, state-of-the-art scrambler, the SMQ is still in the concept stage, but it appears ready for production. It uses the same liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 450cc Single that powers the BMW G450X. It retains the BMW's crankshaft-mounted clutch and swingarm pivot coaxial to the front sprocket, giving a free hand to the chassis designer in terms of rear-end geometry. This, along with the lay-down cylinder and downdraft induction, was fully exploited.

Wheelbase spans just 53.5 inches. Seat height is a moderate 32.3 inches. The airbox is located on top of the inlet runner, with the gas tank back and under the seat. Husqvarna testers confirmed that the bike is extremely agile, quick, light (265 pounds dry) and slim. The engine is fitted with an electric starter and a balance shaft—all it takes to make a Single comfortable for everyday around-town scooting.

Also shown at Milan, the 250TC motocrosser is totally new and features a dohc, 79 x 50.9mm, liquid-cooled, 250cc Thumper fed by a Keihin FCR-MX39 fuel-injection system and boasting a sky-high 13.6:1 compression ratio to produce a claimed 45 horsepower. This tiny engine is harnessed in a lighter, more compact frame that spans a 57.4-inch wheelbase and has 4.3 inches of trail. The front suspension is an offset-axle, inverted, 50mm Marzocchi fork with 11.8 inches of travel, while the Sachs shock has 11.6 inches of travel. The 250TC is said to weigh 212 pounds dry.