Some of the most eagerly awaited bikes will be the new TC and TE 450 models which are scheduled to arrive in Australia in December/January.

Electric start is fitted to all of Husqvarna's 4-stroke range which in Australia consists of the aforementioned 450 along with a new 250 model to join the much modified 570 model which is carried over into 2002. For those that still can't seem to trust an electric leg a kick starter kit will also be supplied with the new bikes.

Fuel will be supplied to the new 4-strokes via a Mikuni TMR carburettor derived from superbikes, with a flat valve, recovery pump and TPS sensor (36mm for the 250, 41mm for the 450). Other features include a hydraulic clutch for greater modulation and automatic tension adjustment, stamped pistons, Nikasil treated cylinders and a counter-rotating balancing shaft to reduce vibrations.

Interestingly Husqvarna have decided to adopt a double overhead cam with rocker arm valve actuation system. The presence of the rocker arm, in place of the usual tappet, drastically reduces load on the valve-train while enables the new engines to reach high rpm ranges. The new 250 will rev past 13,000rpm.

Exotic materials abound in the new 4-strokes with a full titanium exhaust system and titanium valves while magnesium is used in the head cover, right crankcase cover, clutch cover, ignition cover, oil filter cover. All of which means a significant reduction in weight.

Lubrication is by way of a dry sump system with a double pump in the engine: one pump supplies the head and crankshaft, whilst a second pump extracts oil from the crankshaft and supplies it to the gearbox.

In the suspension department 45mm USD Marzocchi forks are fitted and have a generous 305mm of travel. At the rear a Sachs shock absorber with a 50mm piston should cope with those stutter jumps. Both ends are of course fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.

For the enduro bikes a new seven function digital odometer is fitted and offers tripmeter and odometer in kilometres or miles, maximum speed, average speed, chronometer and clock.

All this should add up to a greater share of the market for Husky in 2002 and hopefully more race wins to add to their recent ISDE successes.