Bike Setup 101: Front End

Thanks to KTM North America and WP for the images and descriptions. 

Husavarna?

If you were waiting for a 2014 Husaberg, it looks like you are out of luck (CORRECTION: We don't know if these will be hitting state side or not.) . According to a letter we received today from Husaberg, (that was distributed to both Husqvarna and Husaberg dealers) Husaberg and Husqvarna are joining forces, "combining the worldwide heritage of Husqvarna with the latest state-of-the-art technology of Husaberg."

At this point, all we have is an announcement and not much along the lines of detailed information. What we understand is the Husaberg brand is going into the history books. Bikes we know of as Husaberg will stick around, but to be badged as a Husqvarna. Italian bikes we currently know as Husqvarna will no longer be produced.

The "reunification" of the two brands puts a book end on what has been a 25 year long Swedish off-road motorcycle drama. It all goes back to 1987 when, a then nine year old company named Cagiva, purchased Husqvarna and moved them out of their originating home in Sweden to Italy. Some of Husqvarna's engineers decided to forego the move to Italy and stayed behind in Sweden and founded a new company that would eventually be called Husaberg in 1988. Husaberg started claiming championships a year later thanks in part to their four-stroke motor. This caught the eye of KTM who purchased Husaberg in 1995. Following the trend of leaving Sweeden, KTM moved production of Husaberg in 2003 from Endurovägen, Sweeden to Mattighofen, Austria. Meanwhile, Husqvarna under the Cagiva-MV Agusta company sold to BMW in 2007 who earlier this year sold to not KTM Sportmotorcycle AG, but KTM CEO Stefan Pierer under the newly formed Pierer Industrie AG. Now, a new company called "Husqvarna Sportmotorcycle GmbH" will provide what it refers to as a "rebirth" for Husqvarna.

All of this excitement for a wait and see. The 2014 Husqvarna offroad model range is set to be unveiled in Sweden in October.

KTM Throttle Housing Factory Direct Modification Campaign

This recall is being conducted voluntarily by KTM North America Inc. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to prevent possible injuries.

KTM North America has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists with selected 2013 2-Stroke models: 85 SX, 85 SXS, 125 SX, 150 SX, 150 XC, 200 XC-W, 250 SX, 250 XC, 250 XC-W, 300 XC, 300 XC-W pertaining to the throttle assembly on such models. To ensure the highest level of safety, performance, reliability and customer satisfaction, it is necessary to replace the top half of the throttle housing assembly on all affected units.

On affected units, during use there is a possibility that the throttle cable could be pinched between the throttle cable wheel (white plastic) and the top half of the throttle housing. This could cause the throttle cable not to function properly which potentially may result in an uncontrollable throttle; this could result in an accident which could cause injury or death to the rider or others.

KTM has notified all registered owners of the above affected motorcycles by mail. A copy of the customer letter is included in this bulletin. The customer should take the letter along with the affected motorcycle to an authorized KTM Dealer for the replacement of the top half of their throttle housing assembly.

It is mandatory that you discontinue riding your motorcycle until the defect has been repaired.

Five Star Cycle's Master Orange Level Service Center now has the replacement parts in stock and is making appointments with customers who have purchased affected units to make the proper modification. While this recall affects the above listed models, not all units of those models are affected. The motorcycle's VIN must be verified before the modification is made. Please call (814) 763-2543 with your VIN ready to schedule your appointment. We estimate the modification will take up to an hour to perform.

For more information, please contact Five Star Cycle at (814) 763-2543, KTM North America, Inc. Customer Relations at (888) 985-6090 or The US Consumer Product Safety Commission's hotline at (800) 638-2772

This modification has top priority and must be performed immediately to ensure customer safety!

Cleveland IX Center 01.25.2013 to 01.27.2013

The Five Star Cycle staff will be at the KTM Pavilion at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show at the I-X Center in Cleveland Friday Jan 25 thru Sunday Jan 27. 

This will be the area's first chance to take a look at some of the 2013 street models. Other models will be on hand as well:

- 2013 690 Duke

- 2013 1190 RC8 R

- 2013 990 SM T 

- 2013 990 Adventure Baja

- 2013 690 Enduro R

- 2013 500 EXC

- 1190 RC8 RS (KTM/HMC Chris Fillmore replica)

- 450 SX-F FE (Red Bull KTM Ryan Dungey replica)

- 2013 300 XC-W

- 2013 50 SXS (KJSC replica)

- 2013 85 SXS

- 2013 250 SX 

KTM will also be showcasing PowerParts and PowerWear. 

More information about the show is available on the show's website

Swing by the store on you're way there! We currently have $2.00 off coupons available at the store usable at the show's box office. 

KTM North America Inc. Leaves 2012 with Record Success

From KTM Press Release:

Murrieta, CA – KTM North America, Inc. is excited to report another successful year in 2012 thanks to its loyal owners, dedicated dealers, racing fans and the continued growth of its products across all motorcycle segments.

In 2012, KTM retail sales increased by over 15% showing particular growth in its core offroad competition segment. Two models particularly led the charge: the 350 SX-F in motocross and the street-legal 500 EXC in travel enduro. The latter even won “Bike of the Year” in Dirt Rider, Dirt Bike and Cycle World magazines complementing the 450 XCF-W’s shootout win awards in Dirt Bike and Dirt Rider.

At the business level, KTM was elected Motorcycle USA’s “Best OEM of 2012” while KTM North America President, Jon-Erik Burleson, was named “Motorcyclist of the Year” by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). In the same year, the late Rod Bush, former President of the KTM, was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame for his instrumental role in growing the KTM brand from 1987 to 2005.

At KTM, a successful year can only be celebrated on the racing podium. This was accomplished when Red Bull KTM Factory Rider, Ryan Dungey, claimed the first-ever 450 Motocross Championship for the KTM brand. In the street segment, KTM/HMC Factory rider, Chris Fillmore, earned KTM’s top finish in the AMA Pro Superbike class aboard the KTM 1190 RC8 R with a 4th place result. The championships continued on the offroad side as KTM continued to reinforce its lead role earning multiple championships:

- WORCS Pro 2 Lights – Ivan Ramirez
- GNCC XC2 – Jason Thomas
- AMA National Enduro – Steward Baylor Jr.
- AMA National Hare & Hound – Kurt Caselli
- AMA EnduroCross – Taddy Blazusiak
- GNCC Women’s – Maria Forsberg
- AMA EnduroCross Women’s – Maria Forsberg

In October, KTM announced the return of the most popular Supercross intermission show, the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC). The program allows rider’s 7-8 years of age to race aboard identically prepared 50 SXS motorcycles on the same race track as their Supercross heroes. The program will debut in 2013 at the third Anaheim Supercross.

In December, KTM kicked-off its official return to the International Motorcycle Shows where the new range of KTM street and off-road motorcycles are displayed at select key events across the country. For more information on the KJSC Program please visit www.ktmjrsx.com and for further information on KTM North America, Inc. please visit www.ktmusa.com.

Factory Direct Modification Campaign – Preformed Fuel Hose Replacement

Affected Models:

2012: 350 XCF-W, 350 EXC-F, 500 EXC 
2013: 250 XC-F, 250 XCF-W, 350 XC-F, 350 XCF-W, 450 XC-F, 450 XC-W, 500 XC-W, 350 EXC-F, 500 EXC

Caution!:

Motorcycles that are affected should not be operated until the preformed fuel hose is replaced. 

Restrictions: 

Not all units are affected. KTM has determined certain units by VIN to be concerned under this recall. 

Initial Information: 

» In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, KTM North America, Inc. is conducting a recall of the preformed fuel hose on certain KTM Enduro motorcycles. The hose may leak during use, posing a fire and crash hazard. 

» KTM has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle and rider safety exists with selected 2012 and 2013 models pertaining to the preformed fuel hose on such models. To ensure the highest level of safety, performance, reliability and customer satisfaction, it is necessary to replace the preformed fuel hose on all affected units. 

» On affected units, during use the preformed fuel hose may develop small holes or cracks in the ends of the preformed fuel hose; this could result in the possibility of the preformed fuel hose to leak fuel and subsequently lead to an accident which could cause injury or death to the rider or others. 


» It has been determined that the cause of the defect is from variations in the production process of the preformed fuel hose at the supplier. To remedy this defect the replacement preformed fuel hose molding process by the supplier has been changed. 

» KTM has notified all registered owners of the above affected motorcycles by mail. A copy of the customer letter is included in this bulletin. The customer should take the letter along with the affected motorcycle to an authorized KTM Dealer for the replacement of their preformed fuel hose.

NOTE: 

This Technical Bulletin only affects certain VIN numbers! 

Affected customers were to receive a letter about the recall in December, 2012.

To verify if your motorcycle is affected under this campaign, please contact Five Star Cycle's Orange Level Service Center at 814-763-2453.

Uphill Rush Game