It was back in the 1960s that then name Husqvarna became synonymous with quality motocross and induro motorcycles as rider after rider crossed the finish line in major events on one of their bikes. However; as time progressed it was two factors that had a diminishing effect on Husqvarna's iconic role as the premier name in off road bikes.
New Stiffer Competition From Old Competitors
One factor was the change of ownership of the company and the relocation of the it's manufacturing facilities from Sweden to Italy in the late 1980s. The other factor was that names like Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki began to increase their standing in the off road motorcycle riding community. In short, they went from being known for rinki-dink, cheap flimsy bikes, to being recognized as worthy competitors.
Enter BMW in 2007
However; just as in any other type of motorcycle race, it seems that Husqvarna may come from behind to reclaim the glory that they had in the 60s and 70s. The new hope for Husqvarna fans is drawn from the recent sale in 2007 of the company to BMW. BMW, of course is well recognized for their high quality luxury and performance cars but they also are well known for their large (sideways) motored street motorcycles.
Husqvarna Chainsaws
One genre of manufacturing however, where Husqvarna still reigns supreme is chainsaws. It's been that way for decades, beginning from the time when chainsaws first began to appear on the market. While Husqvarna chainsaws have never been known for being inexpensive, they have maintained a consistent and well earned reputation for being "durable and well built". The type of chainsaw that one would expect to find in a "working professionals" hands.
Husqvarna Pioneers Solid Reliable Chain Saw Safety Features
McCulloch has basically been Husqvarna's main competitor in the chainsaw market over the years. This is mainly due the McCulloch reputation for well built small motors that are compact and powerful. However; over the long run it would seem that the stiff competition from McCulloch has been to Husqvarna's benefit. This is because it spurned on Huskvarna engineers and designers to come up with new solid and reliable safety features, such as "fatigue reducing" anti-vibration technology.
A New Far More Safer Chain Saw
In fact, Husqvarna chainsaws now come fully loaded with safety features that fully address the handful of areas that have traditionally been the cause of the majority of chainsaw accidents. Features such as an inertia activated chain brake, a chain catcher stud, rear handle chain guard and a throttle lock that prevents unintentional operation, now make Husqvarna chainsaws without question the safest available on the market.
Husqvarna Sewing Machines? - It All Makes Perfect Sense
So it's not hard to imagine a Husqvarna product development facility being populated by a bunch of macho men, obsessed with creating quality products powered by loud precision gasoline motors. That is until you learn that Husqvarna is also recognized around the globe for their high quality, incredibly durable, feature laden sewing machines. Sweden does have very harsh snowy winters, so it can be reasoned that all of the macho-wood-cutting-dirt-bike-riding men needed something to do when they were stuck inside, so why not sewing?
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