Husqvarna Vapenfabrik AB began in the 1600s, as a weapons manufacturer located in the Swedish hamlet of Huskvarna, in southern-central Sweden. During the 1800s, Husqvarna AB supplied the Swedish military with the Mauser Model 38 and Model 96 bolt-action rifle, and by the late 1800s the company diversified into the bicycle business.
Husqvarna got into the motorcycle business in 1903, using small-displacement engines manufactured by FN Fabrique Nationale, Moto-Rve and NSU, and 250cc or 500cc engines from J.A.P. and Sturmey-Archer.
By 1920, Husqvarna AB began building their own V-twin engines designed by Folke Mannerstedt. Husqvarna's first in-house engine was a four-stroke 550cc 50 degree side-valve motor built for consumer use, as well as 1000cc V-twin racing versions.
In 1936 the company began to focus exclusively on their small-displacement engines, favoring the production of lightweight, 98cc two-stroke powered motorcycles that were built like a traditional bicycle with pedals.
In 1946, Husqvarna AB designed their 'Svartkvarna' in order to conform to the Swedish regulatory classification of a "lightweight motorcycle" of under 75 kg. During the 1950s, Husqvarna began producing step-through scooters using a Moto Parilla Greyhound chassis with a Husky motor.
The 175cc Husqvarna 'Silver Arrow' was introduced in 1957, followed by the 200cc 'Golden Arrow' in 1958. Both were designed to be lightweight (under 75 kg), and both were the precursors to Husqvarna's motocross bloodline.
By the early 1970s Husqvarna's lightweight motocross and enduro models had earned a reputation for their performance and reliability in the U.S. import market, and had won numerous World Champions in the 250cc and 500cc class.
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