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Terra 650

Posted: 28 Oct 2012 08:52
by Savage
Who's gettin' one? Looks like it would be nice and practical bike to dual sport and commute on. Kind of a cross between the BMW 650, KLR650 & KLX650.

http://husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com/prod ... =64&cid=24


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhI9Y8xpScs

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 29 Oct 2012 09:46
by Bob Morgan
The thing that catches my eye is the seat height. 34.4 inches. Up to now all the Huskys were closer to 37 inches.

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 29 Oct 2012 11:25
by troy
Cool to see that BigDog Mark Sampson has one and did a video review. Mark has ridden more bikes more miles than most of us ever will. I respect his opinion on motorcycles a great deal.

I can't believe the low price of the TR650! It's barely more than a new KLR650 and SO MUCH more capable. I was surprised to hear Big Dog's claims to how smooth and comfortable this big thumper is on the highway. I wonder how serious he is that this bike could replace his KTM 950 and his KLR 650.

Just this past Saturday, I put another 350 miles of highway on my F800GS. It performs so well on the highway and yet allows me to ride some pretty rough trails, too. I have to think a 650 thumper would not be so comfortable for 350 miles of highway. I know my KLR650 was not, although it did a decent job on the highway.

Again, the price value of this new TR650 is really great to see! If Husqvarna can just get the word out, they'll steal a lot of KLR650 and DR650 sales I'd think. Problem is their US dealer network has stunk in the past. I can recommend Halls Cycle in Springfield, IL if you want one of these bad boys.

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 29 Oct 2012 21:45
by bird man
NIce video and bike liked the Big Dog song at the end

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 00:36
by phil denk
Coolest DS ever... The Japanese manufacturers will have a hard time catching-up !

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 08:55
by kendall_smith
I was kind of surprised to see that it has a 5-speed transmission. Seeing as how that is my #1 complaint about my DRZ, I wonder how it will work out in the Terra 650.

All in all, it looks like a pretty cool bike. The weight seems a bit high, but it all depends on how the bike feels- I'm thinking it doesn't feel like it is nearly as heavy as it says it is on paper.

If I were in the market for a replacement for the DRZ, I'd definitely consider this bike, especially at that price. I can't believe an Italian dual sport with 58 horsepower is only $6999!

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 10:07
by Bob Morgan
When I first looked at the bike with the red cam covers I thought it was a Husky motor, but now I see........ and read....... that it's a hot rodded 650 Rotax design out of the GS. Compression ratio up from 11.5 in the 09 GS like mine to 12.3 . After 09 the GS was de tuned, but the 09 was 53 HP. The weight of the two bikes is just about identical. ABS, and heated grips are optional on the Terra, and standard on the GS. There is no doubt the suspension on the Husky is a Huge step up from the GS. The dealer network, and availability of Farkels is going to be the biggest draw back.

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 13:26
by Savage
The DRZ's achilles heel is the shitty tranny ratio. That's the main reason I sold mine. That can now be fixed as a company FINALLY makes a kit to spread the ratio.

I don't know, but I bet (I'm guessing) if you dig deep you'll find the engine isn't Italian at all. I bet it's Made in China like some of the other BMW engines are. 5 speed is fine if they spread it out and it looks like they did. And I bet the syspension is no better than the GS. Again, just guessing. They cut corners wherever they could to lower the price, just like Kawi does with the KLR. Which is fine with me. No different than Jeeps coming from the factory with little donuts for wheels and no ground clearance. Gives you the joy of customizing to your liking!

I won't be selling my KLR for the TR, but I like the new addition of a practical ride to the market!

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 13:33
by troy
Bob Morgan wrote:... that it's a hot rodded 650 Rotax design...
The Rotax engine is an excellent motor....not a Chinese motor.

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 13:44
by Bob Morgan
troy wrote:
Bob Morgan wrote:... that it's a hot rodded 650 Rotax design...
The Rotax engine is an excellent motor....not a Chinese motor.
BMW started assembling them in China a few years back. If the motor on a gs is all black = assembled in China or Thailand. I believe the components are still sourced in Europe though. I love the motor! Very smooth for a thumper, gets insanely good fuel economy, and pulls like crazy. Over 10 HP stronger than the KLR.

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 17:36
by Savage
Why would anyone need 10 more hp than a KLR puts out? They're already scarily powerful! I keep accidently doing power wheelies in 3rd. :shock:

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 17:57
by Bob Morgan
Savage wrote:Why would anyone need 10 more hp than a KLR puts out? They're already scarily powerful! I keep accidently doing power wheelies in 3rd. :shock:
I think it falls in to that axiom of Death and Taxes.........................
When it comes to motorcycles the rule of human behavior never deviates. Everyone wants More Horse Power! :lol:

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 01 Nov 2012 22:23
by Savage
:lol: True! I'd be digging for more power in the KLR if I thought there was any to be had. But it's a tractor, not a choked up "race" bike. And a fine tractor at that! :)

Re: Terra 650

Posted: 03 Nov 2012 09:02
by Savage
Not the TR650, but here's another wicked looking and sounding bike from them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR4z5CsVoiE