US Highland might be up and rolling again.

[Clutch]

http://www.i2e.org/news/us-highland-coming-full-cycle/

I would be VERY interested in the 950 Desert X, supposedly it is 268 lbs dry.
Much more compact package than what the other manufactures are offering.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1008_2011_highland_desert_x_enduro/



If you look on the products page and watch the bike models change, the 750/950 Desert and Super Moto have new exhaust routing than previous pictures, nice and tucked, and not under the swingarm.

http://www.ushighland.com/ourbikes.php

 

[Stumpalump]

Stainless steel frame. That's cool.

 

[Clutch]

Talking with some people on another forum, Highland is supposed to have new website up in a week or so.

That 950 produces 100 HP, and should be around under 300 lbs. Yeah Haw!!!

 

[mhiscox]

I've got a feeling that if we were in charge of American Honda during their horrific drop in sales since 2009, we might also make the decision to produce a motorcycle that will appeal specifically to people who don't currently ride. It's not meant to be cross shopped with KTMs and and Husabergs and Betas (and maybe not even Versi and Wee Stroms); I believe it's more meant as a fun alternative to a used Toyota Corolla. Whether it succeeds in finding new and returning riders is yet to be seen, but my guess is that the fact that most of us with rorty bikes and much experience view it as lame won't surprise any of the people who designed it.

This is just my humble opinion, but I think the road tests coming out now are cutting the bike considerable slack by taking the same perspective.

 

[Clutch]

I've got a feeling that if we were in charge of American Honda during their horrific drop in sales since 2009, we might also make the decision to produce a motorcycle that will appeal specifically to people who don't currently ride. It's not meant to be cross shopped with KTMs and and Husabergs and Betas (and maybe not even Versi and Wee Stroms); I believe it's more meant as a fun alternative to a used Toyota Corolla. Whether it succeeds in finding new and returning riders is yet to be seen, but my guess is that the fact that most of us with rorty bikes and much experience view it as lame won't surprise any of the people who designed it.

This is just my humble opinion, but I think the road tests coming out now are cutting the bike considerable slack by taking the same perspective.

While I see you're point, there is no reason that they can't do both....this is a company that builds private jets...and $600/month lease only hydrogen fuel cell cars. Comparatively speaking, motos are very cheap to manufacture.

Good thing there are companies out there still offering models for the hard core rider. And bringing back 2-strokes, perhaps if Honda still had offered their 2 Strokes MX bikes they wouldn't of taken such a dive. Or something with a bit more excitement, their whole line is rather bland. KTM is strong, Gas Gas is growing, Beta is introducing a 2T enduro, OSSA is coming back, TM's have a great line up, etc ....all the while with a week Euro economy. They see the need for low maintenance 2-Strokes for the core rider.

The old Honda's guy are wishing they would return to their roots, but have to look elsewhere, perhaps why these smaller companies are doing well.

I would like to have a Honda, as the local shop here is awesome, however there is really nothing in their current lineup that I like, and many would agree with me.

Perhaps as you suggested, Honda's watered down models will bring more people into the sport, only time will tell.

There is rumor floating around that Honda has a direct injection clean burning 2-Stroke coming down the pike, but with the current offerings
they have...I highly doubt it.

 

[RHINO]

its interesting to me how some of these older bikes, that were ahead of theyre time back then, are seeming to come back into existence today, like honda's 2 stroke that they devoloped and ran back in the 90's in dakar.

on the highland, i wont be holding my breath, been talking to them for years now and they never seem ready to sell, i want them to as i rode a highland desert back in the day and it was a neat bike, i know US highland has made some changes and hopefully it will be ready to go this time.

 

[Clutch]

New website is up:

http://www.highland.se/

Maybe it is a go this time around?

 

[RHINO]

i would like to see it happen, i really like my ATK and it would be great to have another USA mostly bike on the market again as a choice, i would really consider buying one, i say consider because i can only imagine the prices, and i think that has something to do with the super slow and shaky attempts to get this company going.

when i was inquiring about one a few years ago the thumper was up in the 12k range. thats just too dang much money.

 

[Stumpalump]

It looks like its going to be a build to order operation. That may be one way to stay in business. Y'all know what a trials bike is right?Observed trials is what it's called and its those light bikes without a seat. Can you believe out of all of the company's that make them combined they only sell 100 new bikes a year in the US

Rokon makes those cool 2 wheel drive bikes and since California wants $30,000 for the permits and emissions test they can't afford the permit and stopped selling new Rokons in California. They come with an emissions compliant Kohler engine so passing the test is not a problem but making back the $30 grand is. These facts show how small the market is. The only place outside of the big market for cruisers and 250/450 motos need to be filled but its going to take something really special to sell more than a few. You can look back at all the buzz about the Ossa explorer and KTM free ride. We are not going to buy those trinkets. Face it so if Highland wants to be a player they will need a lot more buzz than that snazzy prototype.

 

[sandalscout]

Can you believe out of all of the company's that make them combined they only sell 100 new bikes a year in the US

Wow, that's nuts. I can believe it, sort of. I was at the Trials Training Center in Sequatchie, TN a few weekends ago. They had probably 6-7 new models on the floor, and about 15-20 used bikes that stretched back 20-25 years. The new models were a mix of makes and years, dating back at least three years. I have a feeling that they possibly sell more Trials bikes than just about anyone in the country, and I would guess that they sell maybe 5 brand new bikes a year.

 

[Clutch]

Yeah, Highlands are not going to be cheap, the market is going to be very small, a niche of a niche if you will. I am guessing they will pull in some old Husaberg curmudgeons with deep pockets that aren't happy with the new blue KTM's...the soul of a Husaberg's/Husqvarna's is there in the Highlands.

They won't get average dirt bike rider, when that rider can buy nearly 2 Japanese bikes for the same cost.

I would very interested in the 950 Desert X, looks to be 40-50 pounds lighter than a KTM 690. They might pull in the hard core ADV guys with that model over a KTM or a GS.

They might of been a little further ahead, if it wasn't for that tragic accident that took the lives of the top 3 guys. I am amazed that they are still giving
it a shot, wishing them all the best.

 

[RHINO]

yeah me too, i'd really like to see this company get going even if i cant participate.

 

[Stumpalump]

The 2013 Huasbergs look good. On the fly compression damping adjustment. New frames and engines. KTM parts I guess.
http://www.dirtrider.com/tests/2013-husaberg-lineup-first-impression/

 

[Clutch]

The 2013 Huasbergs look good. On the fly compression damping adjustment. New frames and engines. KTM parts I guess.
http://www.dirtrider.com/tests/2013-husaberg-lineup-first-impression/

Yes, pretty much a blue KTM with subtle differences. If Highland releases their enduros, they have some stiff competition that is extremely refined and will cost less.

My one riding buddy has '12 KTM 500 XCW (basically what the new Husabergs are), the motor is extremely smooth, yet plenty powerful.
All in a very compact agile chassis, which feels smallish like a 125, not like a big bore 4-Stroke. Very impressive piece of equipment.

I would of liked to see a 570cc model from Berg, just so there is "some" difference from them and the KTM, as the 501 Berg and the 500 KTM are both 510cc's.

A 650 in that chassis, would be icing on the cake...

 

[RHINO]

A 650 in that chassis, would be icing on the cake...

it would really sway me for a new bike, a new FE650 might be a dream cruel sport for me.