We are constantly being surprised by Husqvarna Motorcycles. First it was the Mille3 concept bike that was first unveiled at last year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Then most recently it was the first showing of the new NUDA 900 R streetbike, which took place on 1 July as part of the BMW Innovations Day programme in Munich.
Of course, Husqvarna is not just about the off-road world – it has a long tradition with street models, dating back to the beginning of the last century and its origins as a motorcycle manufacturer. However, taking the covers of this latest machine marked a new and important chapter in the history of the brand, which has become synonymous with off-road success.
Until now, all its current range of models in the Cross, Enduro and Supermotard sectors have been derived from off-road machines. Not so the NUDA 900 R – this is a motorcycle from Husqvarna, conceived and designed for the street, matching German technical brilliance with thrilling Italian style.
The pictures don’t do this machine justice – you have to see it ‘in the metal’ to appreciate its lines, character and undisputed aesthetic appeal. Being a Husqvarna, performance is everything, and thanks to BMW technology and the use of premium components throughout, the NUDA 900 R both looks and means business.
Its 900cc engine will output more than 100 bhp and 100 Nm of torque when it comes to the market later this year. However, the total dry weight of the NUDA 900 R will be less than 175kg – ensuring a more than healthy power-to-weight ratio. Expect it to handle beautifully, thanks to full-adjustable ?hlins suspension at the rear, and full-adjustable Sachs forks at the front. Monoblock radially-mounted four-piston Brembo brakes at the front ensure it will stop ‘on a sixpence’, while a trick exhaust system, equipped with carbon parts and valve will help it sound every inch a Husqvarna.
In taking the covers off the new NUDA 900 R, Husqvarna President Klaus Allisat said: “This is the first step of the collaboration between BMW and Husqvarna to develop new road bikes. This 900 combines Husqvarna’s traditional sporting nature with BMW’s engineering, technology and reliability. The core is the parallel 800cc two-cylinder engine also seen on the BMW F 800 R, but modified to give the bike a more typically aggressive, racing character. To reach this aim the engine was upgraded, increasing the capacity to 900cc and many internal components were modified to improve the performance of the power and torque curve.
“This new model will have more than 100 horsepower, but will be easy to handle thanks to its extreme lightness and the linear, fluid nature of the engine. The components will be top-notch too, just like our Husqvarna racing bikes. Our future road bikes will continue to have Husqvarna’s DNA and, above all, our concept of riding, based on pleasure, power and flexibility.”
The plan is to have the new 900cc NUDA in the showrooms by the end of the year, but for those who can’t wait that long, a visit to husqvarna-motorcycles.com.au will provide lots of extra information, including action video, images, technical data, an interview with Husqvarna Style Centre manager, Raffaele Zaccagnini about the design of the NUDA, and an opportunity to subscribe to a newsletter to be kept informed about this exciting new motorcycle.
Jeff Stanton Rex Staten James Stewart Jr Brian Stonebridge David Strijbos
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