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Arrivederci
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Husqvarna Limited Edition SM450RR
Jeff Buchanan
12/01/2007
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Photography by Cordero Studios/corderostudios.com
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The name
Husqvarna was ushered into the
American motorcycling vernacular in the 1960s with the Swedish manufacturers’
exotic machines serving as ambassadors for the freshly imported sport of
motocross. The marque (renowned for proudly displaying its nation’s flag) was
sold to Italian Cagiva in 1986. Thankfully, the new owners maintained
Husqvarna’s revered off-road presence, launching an equally formidable assault
on the burgeoning arena of supermoto.
 This purpose-built SM450RR supermoto racer is rumored to be one
of only 50 built. Proof of the Italian’s devotion to uphold Husqvarna’s
reputation as serious race metal, owner Steve Storz of Storz Performance says,
"Aside from the Scotts Steering Stabilizer, this is straight out of the box."
Despite the bike’s scarcity, Storz thrashes it regularly on circuits around
Southern California. (Click image to enlarge)
The quick-handling motocross-inspired chassis, raspy 450cc
single cylinder 4-stroke engine, and prodigious use of carbon-fiber result in a
sleek, lightweight, aggressive supermoto weapon. 17-inch diameter wheels fitted
with Dunlop Supermoto slicks are surface-scribed with a tread pattern and keep
the SMRR stuck to the pavement even at unconscionable lean angles and during
controlled slides.
After 20 years under the Italian flag, Husqvarna is changing
hands again. BMW has signed the papers that will inject Germanic blood into the
famous Swedish lineage. The cross-pollination of these two iconic brands hold
great promise and potential to continue Husqvarna’s winning ways.
www.husqvarnausa.com | www.storzperf.com
www.scottsperformance.com | www.dunlopmotorcycle.com
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