Taming the beast
The long, hard, narrow seat gives riders optimal feedback on top of leaving enough room to lean forward for an assault, your inside leg thrown out to carve that corner or a knee on the ground for extra precision. Flying through switchbacks is child’s play even on rough pavement, where the forks do an admirable job maintaining enough grip to keep the nose firmly on course.

The new SMR 511 is a striking and thrilling piece of machinery, on par with the segment’s top performers and more user-friendly than ever. (Photo: France Ouellet)

The natural riding position and the lightness of the Husky will have you drawing out those track days or that quick spin down the local country road, your behind being the only body part that might possibly object.

The new SMR 511 is a striking and thrilling piece of machinery, on par with the segment’s top performers and more user-friendly than ever. And don’t be fooled, this race-bred champion is street legal too with its rear-view mirrors, horn, turn signals and electric starter. To top it off, Husqvarna has set a very competitive MSRP of $9,499 accompanied by a 2-year warranty.

Pros
Efficient, more user-friendly engine
Light and competent frame
Very competitive pricing
2-year warranty

Cons
Power masked by smoothness