Hang on. Let’s go back to the beginning. Husqvarna began in the 1680s with a royal commission to produce rifles for the army. The factory was built around a series of waterfalls which provided hydro-power.
Seeing as how the Swedish army rarely went to war — on account of Sweden’s official policy of neutrality — the Husqvarna bosses figured they’d better diversify away from rifles.
In the 1870s, the company began producing sewing machines. Early models were beautiful, but fragile.
The same foundry that produced sewing machine frames eventually produced motorcycle parts. This 350cc bike was built in 1929. It was built for speed and could hit 160 km/h, which would’ve been terrifying.
Through the early half of the 1900s, Husqvarna began making bicycles and mopeds too. This is one of the earliest models, from 1902. Check out those wooden rims.
1910 Husqvarna Model 65, below. The 275cc motor used semi-overhead “flapper valves” which made a snoring sound. Husqvarna built a whopping 48 motorcycles in 1910.
1927 Husqvarna Model 180. This bike was equipped with the first motorcycle engine produced by the company.
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They sold their motorcycle and bicycle branch decades ago and these branches left the country. So the new bikes like the Vitpilen 701 will need another museum preferably in Austria.
Thanks!
It was so cool to be there, even compared to all the globetrotting car trips I do for “work” as Richardson says.
Made me want to get a Husqvarna as a first bike. But whenever I tell people that they say I’m crazy.
Indeed – very cool, thank you for sharing !
“That 1902 bicycle with the wooden rims is absolutely amazing! ”
I wonder if it was a joint venture with IKEA ? 😉
That 1902 bicycle with the wooden rims is absolutely amazing!
Wow thank you for this, what a rich history of original and beautiful Scandinavian designs. This must have been a memorable experience, even for someone used to these trips.
Awesome!