Going by that, then at this time one would presume the only engine they have to go in there is the efi donk out of the 690, would that be about right?
Either the TR650 will continue to be supported in it's present form, or it won't be. If it is supported then the TR650 owners have got a great bike for a very reasonable price with no worries about future parts supply. If it's not supported and is discontinued then the TR650 owners have got what will probably become a valuable collectors bike. I expect to get my TR650 Terra in a week or so - just as soon as it arrives at the dealers. Either way it turns out I can live with it. Can't wait to get the bike. But since none of us really knows what will happen, what deals might be worked out to support the bike, or kill it let's get back to discussing the bike and stuff we know about. Can anybody comment on how the Terra performs off-road when compared to the KLR and the DR650?
I'd like to take the KTM/Pierer Business Strategy Thread in a different direction. I've combed this thread and have one question remaining. Has anyone put Terra wheels on a Strada yet? More specifically, if I got a smokin deal on a Strada, would I be able to (easily) make the conversion to the larger spoke wheels for better dirt performance? I've only seen the bike once, fell madly in love, and am now negotiating a deal from Asscrackistan.
Mind you, its not that simple there where you are. Bikes are similar, mostly wheel sizes differ. BUT Strada is ABS while Terra is sold only without ABS in US. That mod might be still possible (albeit costly) either by removing ABS altogether or importing wheels from Europe (where Terra ABS version is offered). People liking Strada on Terra wheels usually work the other way round - buy Terra and swap plastics to black and swap front fenders.
The ABS is precisely the point. I'm in a situation where I might be able to get a Strada with ABS for significantly cheaper than a Terra. Throwing Terra wheels on the Strada would definitely leave the ABS useless. However, I vaguely recall the rear wheels on the two both having the ABS sensor ring. I'm thinking a 21" BMW wheel for the front with a sensor ring would keep the ABS working, and then I would still be able to turn the ABS off when I get it offroad. I have never had a bike with ABS, or fuel injection for that matter. This is kind of new to me, but I'm hoping I can get a thumbs up from someone who has done it.
I bought the Strada. I wanted ABS. I figure it would be easier to add wheels. I could have bought wheels from the dealer I reckon or even used off a BMW 650.. but I decided I wanted something a little tougher. I have wheels on the way from Woodys. It was not a cheap option. Here in the south, it's hard to get any off msrp on the Terra...the Strada I was able to save nearly all the premium they charge simply because the dealer had several Stradas and only one Terra. So I bought the Strada for Terra money. Not huge savings but every bit helps. Especially when you start adding all the farkles you need to get the bike where you want it. I have a big GS too...but really like the little single. It seems to get better all the time. Rode about 100 miles yesterday. Finally using all the tach...it's not a race bike...but it's a hoot compared to the KLR it replaced.
Matter of opinion but I believe Herr Grunert's analysis is a bit off. While it's true the Off Road market collapsed ... the Dual Sport market has NOT. In fact it's been the only segment the US Motorcycle market that has gone UP. Look at bikes like the DR650 and KLR. Both survived the '08 collapse fairly well. Pure Moto Cross bikes did not and TE Husky sales have been slow as well. Since Husky makes some pure off road race bikes ... you could say Grunert's statement/analysis is partly correct. But clearly, the Terra and Strada are dual sports and have been selling well. For whatever reason BMW Motarrad have chosen to sort of throw the "Baby Out With The Bathwater" in abandoning the Terra/Strada. How Pierer AG handle the transition from the Loncin supplier (Terra and Strada motor built there) is another multi faceted problem. Several things could happen: 1. Pierer AG/Bajaj/KTM could move motor production back to Italy, bringing all current stock of motors/spares, molds, templates, plans and machine tools from Loncin. Most likely they now OWN all stock at Loncin and possibly more. 2. re-negociate a new contract with Loncin to continue production in China 3. Move production to Bajaj India. Will be interesting to see which direction they go.
I agree with what you said and believe that the Terra is a sweet bike, i looked at them alot just because of the low price tag (low is a relative term). It seems to be a capable, large displacement thumper... we need more of those around i think. I would just be skeptical of buying one in fear that they wouldnt be supported in the future and Husky is getting kicked around more than a soccer ball. I hope they keep them around and support them for a long time, i just dont want them to be like many other bikes (old husa's for example) that become scarier to ride in fear of a breakdown with little parts support. I want to reiterate how much i like the idea of a terra tho!
The bigger question to me is if the Terra/Strada are actually money makers or only good sellers partially due to their pricing. Assuming they can source the numerous BMW parts bin components. Are they currently priced at a realistic and profitable level or priced to get them into the market? Why was the X-Challenge a $9000 bike in 2007? Why are the similar yet long in the tooth (design long paid for) 650 GS's $7900 and Sertao $8700 The price difference between the GS/Sertao even questions if the basic GS is a loser or break even bike to hook new customers.
It's a great bike at a very reasonable price. Certainly price plays a part ... but a crap bike will fade fast. Looks like the Terra/Strada are KEEPERS. Not many parts come from BMW bins far as we can tell. The newly up graded Terra/Strada motors were re-designed in either Berlin or Italy ...but ultimately built in China (Loncin). Most electronics are probably Japanese (F.I. CDI et al) mostly likely Denso or Keihin), wheels? probably DID, Behr or Excel, frame? probably built in either Loncin or Italy under BMW supervision. More importantly ... why was it "closed out" at the fire sale price of $6500 a year or so later? (nearly bought one!) Main answer about price is one word: C H I N A But it's true, the GS series are sort of "loss leaders" for BMW with the goal of bringing in new BMW acolytes. Because of Made In China, they still make a profit.
OK I am a liar. The facts are out there folks, it gets frustrating to read some of these forum facts. The engine in made by Loncin. At least most of it is, I am not sure about the head, as it is different than the one on the G 650/Sertao. In fact most of the differences are above the crankcase and that may be a saving grace for keeping one of these running, if its run ends. Occasional problems on other bikes like the KLR are ruined cam bearings and burnt valves. Usually owner error, but could be a problem if you do it on this bike. The head is unique to the model. A BMW version may bolt on, but the differences will effect the timing. The electronics are Martelli, an Italian firm. It is a fuel injected bike. On its spec sheet it clearly says Martelli engine management system with a closed loop injection and emission function. That spells computor and probably designed specifically for this engine. That may be a problem as they are expensive and based on the BMW G650 singles and F800s, are not reprogramable. Ever compare the cost of a fuel pump, controller and injectors compared to a carb? At least it does not have Canbus. That is reliable but expensive to replicate. I don't know where the rest of parts are made, but they are all assembled in the new plant in Italy. Parts from those venders should be available. Another seemly oddball part are the forks. 46mm Showa forks, hopefully are not built to BMW specs, as the F800 forks are. Does Showa even make another 46mm fork? Compared to any of the old Japanese 650 models this bike is high tech. The KLR is made in Thailand. How can Husquarna sell this bike for $500 more and make a profit? If they don't, the answer is not to make more of them. It is interesting that KTM already has included the Husqvarna bikes as a parts source: http://www.ktm-parts.com/13TR650T.html Notice anything odd about it?
That the 2013 Terra is not listed? But then, no 13' Huskys are! That must mean the sky has indeed fallen and the Husky name is finished........ ...... or they just haven"t added them to the database yet....
why is suzuki, honda, kawasaki had these carb bikes in the 650 class? and yamaha looks like they have one or two the tenere 660 and the xt660r i would buy if they would just bring them over here. so this bike fills a void that i think it will be popular enough to stay around, unfortunaly im gonna wait to see if they keep it. i dont wanna to buy a one hit wonder. its either sertao or terra single 650 class fuel injected. i hope more will follow and go terra.
Memory fade, you are right, I even researched all this once, thinking if the plug got pulled, there might be an opportunity to buy cheap and still keep it running. The BMW r1000? bushings and seals might work.
See ... you ARE a liar! Just kidding, I knew you meant Sachs. Reviews are pretty good on these latest units. Not many bikes besides Aprilia and Husky use them ... Are Sachs still a German outfit ... or Italian? ... by the way, ... the Italian electronics company is MARELLI not "Martelli".
Its Karma, If you are critical of some one elses research you will get caught in a mistake. From the original announcement, i have become convinced that this may be an orphan bike. I have posted my reasons and taken the heat. I don't want to argue about it, as I feel it is more likely now. It may happen faster than I thought. I have done a lot of research, not because I want to be an internet expert, nor would I rather do this than riding, but because I may buy one. What an opportunity to get a good cheap bike. I wanted to know what the differences were compared to the BMW versions for future parts. Turns out there is a lot different, including Sachs forks and Martelli is a typo or a fine apple cider. I need to look at parts list and wait for the official decision. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Yep, we'll all have to wait and see. I just can't believe Pierer will throw the Terra/Strada's under the bus. This bike, IMHO, is a GO. They will build it and support it ... One way or the other.
I know this thread should be about the bike not the business, but this snippet of interview with Pierer is interesting as it puts the whole acquisition in the context of the global motorcycle business, and especially the huge market AND low cost manufacturing location that is India. In that big picture, the long-term plan for the Terra seems pretty insignificant. http://www.moneycontrol.com/video/business/bajaj-auto-ktm-to-roll-out-husqvarna2-years-_818643.html -dman (Not a Terra owner yet, was very interested as a replacement for my DR and DL, but now waiting to see what happens next)
Bingo! Maybe we just picked up Husky a couple months ago and it takes forever to get anything out of them like price files and such. Possibly we should've waited until KTM bought them and we didn't have to go through the trouble, not to mention the expense of the BMW MOSS tool that will probably only ever be useful on one bike for one model year. We should be marking these up a grand over retail to try to not lose money, because that's what's up. The $6999 retail is really a good price but we have a few and have sold exactly zero and have had little interest. The only people to ride the demo have been myself and another employee. The margin on these things are not much, not that we ever sell anything at retail but you can't come off retail much when you make a few hundred at best.