Husqvarna 283 Guldpilen
Husqvarna is to the Swedes what Tempo is to the Norwegians, a motorcycle brand with high emotional value. The two brands have a lot in common. 1-cylinder 2-strokes in simple, robust frames, made at a time when motorcycles were affordable and an important means of transportation. The Guldpilen was, despite the engine of about 200 cc, legal to ride for 16-year-olds in Sweden in the 1950s due to its weight, which was only 74.5 kg. The limit for lightweights at the time was weight, max 75 kg, not displacement.
Now Husqvarna went much further than what Tempo did, and the brand made, among other things, exclusive 4-strokes with V-engines in the 1930s, and remained among the world's elite in motocross until well into recent times.
The old models from the 1950s and 1960s are now back in retro style, and the brand has long been producing motocross bikes that are world-renowned. Husqvarna 's roots go back to 1689 when they started manufacturing weapons.
With time and the modernization of society, new products were constantly introduced, including chainsaws, sewing machines, lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc.
The first Husqvarna motorcycle was launched in 1903. The lightweight Husqvarna motorcycles became very popular. For a short period between the wars, Husqvarna won a number of racing trophies with its large 4-strokes, and these models are still highly sought after today.
Husqvarna would eventually establish itself among the world elite in motocross and enduro, and especially in the years after World War II they had great success in the two motorsport disciplines.
Production of small 2-strokes for civilian use was extensive in the 1950s and 1960s, and it was the 175-cc Silverpilen in particular that brought in money for the factory.
The Guldpilen, which was a further development of the successful Silverpilen, had a short life. Despite the engine being about 200 cubic centimeters, it was not perceived as faster than the Silverpilen, which was 175 cc. As a result, it did not achieve the sales figures that Husqvarna had hoped for. An estimated 1,258 copies of the Guldpilen were produced in the period 1957-1959, making it a rare and highly sought-after motorcycle among Husqvarna enthusiasts today.
- Technical data Husqvarna Guldpilen 283, 1958 model:
- Engine: 1-cylinder 2-stroke
- Displacement: 200 cc
- Power: 10.5 hp at 6000 rpm.
- Weight: 75 kg
- Front tire: 3.00 x 19
- Rear tire: 3.00 x 19
- Top speed: 100 km/h
