New Husqvarna distributor announced

The Gold Coast-based Paul Feeney Group is expanding its motorcycle activities as the new Australian distributor for the Husqvarna off-road brand.

The PFG has been Australian distributor for Italian-built road motorcycles MV Agusta and Cagiva since 1999.

Husqvarna, which commenced operations in 1903 and has won 67 world championship titles in motocross and endurance competition, is a division of MV Agusta Motorcycles S.p.A. at Varese in Italy.

The PFG's Managing Director Paul Feeney said securing the Husqvarna distributor rights in Australia from April 1 was a major step forward in his company's growth.

"Dirt bikes have a high-volume market in Australia and Husqvarna is a quality product so this is an exciting new direction for us," said Feeney.

"We have a good relationship with the MV Agusta factory, and they will support us to make this partnership work for both parties."

"Riding dirt bikes is all about having fun - we want our customers feeling happy on their 'Husky'."

"Our aim is to double sales to around 2,000 bikes annually within two years. We will be getting out and about in the marketplace and Husqvarna will have a high profile."

The previous Australian distributor for the brand was Husky Motorcycle Imports in NSW.

Feeney said his short-term tasks included evaluating and expanding the current Husqvarna dealer network of more than 30 outlets.

"There is a good supply of 2004 stock available and we will work with the dealers to ensure they have a consistent flow of bikes, and our customers are getting good service and support," he said.

"We have a proven record with looking after our MV Agusta and Cagiva customers, and this will continue with Husqvarna."

Husqvarna was founded in Sweden and its first machine was a bicycle fitted with a single cylinder two-stroke engine which generated 1.5-horsepower. In 1987 the company's motorcycle division was sold to the Cagiva Group, and since then all designs and manufacturing has been done in Italy.

Feeney said the 2004 model range would probably include the following machines:

Endurance: TE250, TE450, TE510, TEC510 four-strokes; WR250 two-stroke

Motocross: TC250, TC450, TC510 four-strokes; CR250 two-stroke

Supermotard: SMR450, SMR570, SMR630, SMS610 four-strokes

Feeney said a notable feature of the 2004-specification Husqvarnas was the introduction of completely new four-stroke 250cc, 450cc, and 510cc engines with dual overhead cams and rocker arms actuating lightweight titanium valves, and electric starter. Also new is a Mikuni TMR carburettor, similar to the type used in Superbike road racing.

Titanium headers and silencers are standard equipment on the 250cc, 450cc, and 510cc motocross models. Improvements also include a hydraulic clutch. Suspension comprises Marzocchi 45mm upside-down forks, and a new competition Sachs shock absorber. The TC models feature a new swingarm. Brembo brakes feature dual-piston caliper on the front, and single caliper on the rear.

Feeney, who raced superbikes in Australia against 500cc grand prix winners Mick Doohan and Kevin Magee in the 1980s, said he had long-term plans for a Husqvarna competition program in endurance events, motocross, and supermotard competition.

"I've always been a firm believer in racing being a good way to promote what bikes are capable of," said Feeney. "Initially we may support some riders in a low-key way, and once we've got everything up and running we will look at a bigger race program."