Why the new Husqvarna 900 should worry rivals?

Italian manufacturer Husqvarna is months away from unveiling a 100bhp 900cc parallel-twin naked bike which uses proven BMW technology but designed around a new look.

Husqvarna is wholly owned by BMW and the German firm has pumped a huge amount of know-how, money and technical experts into the Varese headquarters in an effort to bring out bikes that will appeal to a younger audience than BMWs.

The bike will be pitched into a busy class to go up against the Ducati Hypermotard and Monster 796, Aprilia Dorsoduro 750, KTM Superduke 990, Triumph Street Triple, Yamaha FZ8 and Suzuki GSR750. All have their appeal but the Husqvarna could well take sales away if it proves to be as good as the parts being used promise.

The new bike will take a bigger bore version of the F800 parallel-twin motor which should give around 100bhp thanks to the modifications. The looks of the bike are said to be a lot more youthful.

The new bike has only been seen in official sketch form so far but beneath the Ducati Hypermotard looks, Husqvarna insiders have told MCN they want the bike to be seen as a practical bike that can handle real riding along with the lightweight and radical looks. Hard panniers and a host of aftermarket parts are all going to be offered we are told.

The finished bike will be seen at the Milan motorcycle show in November.