Discover the Ultimate 500cc 2 Stroke Dirt Bike

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The History of Husqvarna: From Royal Armorers to Motorcycle Manufacturer
3. The Birth of Automatic Dirt Bikes
4. The Swedish Army Contract and the Birth of Husqvarna Automatics
5. How the Automatic Gearbox Works
6. Riding Experience and Performance of Husqvarna Automatics
7. Challenges and Quirks of Husqvarna Automatics
8. Racing Success and Legacy of Husqvarna Automatics
9. The Decline of Husqvarna and the End of Automatic Dirt Bikes
10. The Future of Automatic Bikes in Motocross

The Automatic Husqvarna 500 AE: A Unique Piece of Motocross History

In the world of dirt bikes, there are certain brands and models that have achieved legendary status. One such model is the automatic Husqvarna 500 AE. This two-stroke, 500cc dirt bike was a one-of-a-kind machine that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in off-road racing. In this article, we will Delve into the history of Husqvarna as a motorcycle manufacturer, explore the origins of automatic dirt bikes, and take a closer look at the fascinating story behind the Husqvarna 500 AE.

1. Introduction

The Husqvarna 500 AE may be an unfamiliar name to many, especially those not deeply immersed in the world of dirt biking. However, this unique machine holds a special place in the history of off-road racing. With its automatic gearbox and powerful two-stroke engine, the Husqvarna 500 AE was a trailblazer in its time. But before we delve into the intricacies of this dirt bike, let's take a step back and explore the rich heritage of Husqvarna as a brand.

2. The History of Husqvarna: From Royal Armorers to Motorcycle Manufacturer

Husqvarna is a brand with a history that spans centuries. It began its Journey in 1689 as Swedish royal armorers, manufacturing muskets in the town of Huskvarna. Over time, Husqvarna diversified its product range and ventured into various markets, including chainsaws and motorcycles. In the early 1900s, Husqvarna started producing motorcycles, initially using imported engines. However, by 1920, the company had begun manufacturing their motorcycles in-house.

3. The Birth of Automatic Dirt Bikes

During the 1950s, the sport of motocross was on the rise, and Husqvarna played a significant role in its development. The lightweight, single-cylinder, two-stroke motorcycles produced by Husqvarna became dominant in the sport, winning multiple World Championships between 1959 and 1979. However, it was in the early 1970s that the story of the automatic Husqvarna began.

4. The Swedish Army Contract and the Birth of Husqvarna Automatics

In 1973, the Swedish army initiated a competition to find the best bike for raw recruits. The main requirement was that the bike had to be easy to operate and ideally have an automatic gearbox. Husqvarna, along with other companies, participated in the competition, each vying for the lucrative government contract. Eventually, Husqvarna secured the contract and began producing automatic dirt bikes for the Swedish army.

5. How the Automatic Gearbox Works

The automatic Husqvarna bikes of the 1970s and 1980s featured a unique automatic gearbox that allowed riders to effortlessly shift gears without the need for a clutch or manual gear shifting. The gearbox employed a centrifugal clutch system, borrowed from Husqvarna's chainsaw division. This clutch system utilized centrifugal force to engage the gears automatically as the engine's rpm increased.

6. Riding Experience and Performance of Husqvarna Automatics

Riding an automatic dirt bike was a unique experience. Without the need to manually shift gears or operate a clutch, riders could focus on other aspects of riding, such as line selection and racecraft. Husqvarna automatics were known for their ease of use, especially for beginners. However, they did possess certain peculiarities, such as freewheeling when the throttle was released, which required riders to adapt their riding style.

7. Challenges and Quirks of Husqvarna Automatics

While the automatic Husqvarna dirt bikes had their advantages, they also faced challenges and quirks. The transmission fluid could become incredibly hot, leading to potential issues with the plastic filler cap and boots. The clutch spring on the first gear centrifugal clutch was prone to breaking, causing sudden acceleration. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as changing the hydraulic fluid, was necessary to ensure optimal performance.

8. Racing Success and Legacy of Husqvarna Automatics

Despite some of the challenges faced by Husqvarna automatics, these bikes found success in racing. In the American National Enduro championships, Husqvarna dominated the scene from 1971 to 1986, with riders like Dick Burleson and Terry Cunningham achieving remarkable victories. Husqvarna's automatic machines showcased the brand's engineering prowess and racing pedigree but struggled to gain widespread popularity outside of certain markets.

9. The Decline of Husqvarna and the End of Automatic Dirt Bikes

In the 1980s, Husqvarna's fortunes took a downturn. The brand was acquired by Electrolux, a Swedish appliance company, and production was moved to Italy. The automatic Husqvarna bikes faced difficulties capturing the Attention of European markets, while the Americans showed more interest. Ultimately, the automatic dirt bike experiment came to an end as Husqvarna shifted its focus away from automatic models.

10. The Future of Automatic Bikes in Motocross

While automatic dirt bikes like the Husqvarna 500 AE may be a thing of the past, the concept of automatic motorcycles is not entirely forgotten. With the rise of electric dirt bikes and their twist-and-go technology, the ease of use and simplicity that automatic bikes offer is experiencing a resurgence of interest. Only time will tell whether fully automatic dirt bikes will re-emerge in the motocross world, but the legacy of the Husqvarna automatics serves as a reminder of the innovative spirit that pushes the boundaries of what is possible.

Highlights

• The Husqvarna 500 AE was a groundbreaking automatic dirt bike that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in off-road racing.
• Husqvarna, a brand known for its rich history in weapons manufacturing, diversified into various markets, including motorcycles, in the early 1900s.
• The automatic Husqvarna bikes were born out of a Swedish army contract in the 1970s, where the need for an easy-to-operate bike for raw recruits led to the development of an automatic gearbox.
• The automatic Husqvarna featured a centrifugal clutch system borrowed from the brand's chainsaw division, allowing for effortless gear shifting without the need for a clutch or manual shifting.
• Riding an automatic dirt bike offered a unique experience, with riders able to focus on other aspects of riding, such as line selection and racecraft.
• Husqvarna automatics faced certain challenges, including issues with transmission fluid overheating and clutch spring breakages.
• Despite some quirks, Husqvarna automatics achieved considerable success in racing, dominating the American National Enduro championships for many years.
• The decline of Husqvarna as a brand and the shift in focus away from automatic models eventually led to the end of the automatic dirt bike experiment.
• The rise of electric dirt bikes and their twist-and-go technology Hints at a potential resurgence of interest in automatic bikes in the future.

FAQ

Q: Were there any other brands that produced automatic dirt bikes besides Husqvarna?
A: While Husqvarna was the leading brand in automatic dirt bikes, Honda also experimented with automatic models, particularly in the 1990s with the RC250 MA.

Q: Why did Husqvarna struggle to gain widespread popularity with its automatic dirt bikes?
A: The automatic Husqvarna bikes faced challenges in terms of winning over the European market. Meanwhile, American riders showed more interest in the innovative automatic technology.

Q: What is the Current status of automatic dirt bikes in the motocross world?
A: While automatic dirt bikes are not commonly found in the market today, the rise of electric bikes with twist-and-go technology reignites the conversation about the future of automatic bikes in motocross.

Q: Do automatic dirt bikes offer any advantages over manual bikes?
A: Automatic dirt bikes, like the Husqvarna 500 AE, offered ease of use, making them suitable for beginners or riders who prefer a simplified riding experience. They also allowed riders to focus on other aspects of riding, such as line selection and racecraft.

Q: How rare are the automatic Husqvarna bikes today?
A: The automatic Husqvarna bikes are considered rare and highly sought after by collectors due to their unique history and innovative technology.

Q: Are there any plans to reintroduce automatic dirt bikes in the market?
A: While there are no concrete plans to reintroduce automatic dirt bikes currently, the resurgence of interest in electric bikes and their automatic features hints at the possibility of future developments in this area.