Husqvarna Plastics Kits Explained

 There aren't as many motorcycle brands nowadays that have continued their success story as well as Husqvarna has. The Swedish brand started out as a weapons factory in the town of Huskvarna back in 1689 on the command of the Swedish king. It wasn't until the year 1903 that the first motorcycle, or rather motorised bicycle, was created by the manufacturer.

Being the second oldest motorcycle manufacturer, Husqvarna fell a bit behind the competition over the following decades. However, the recent takeover of KTM has brought Husqvarna back into the game, as it now enjoys worldwide sales success with more than 360,000 motorcycles sold since 2013. Today, the Swedish brand has a steady position in the world of performance motorbikes and almost a cult-like following.

Materials Plastics are Made of

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Nylon

Plastics kits and plastic trim pieces, in general, are made of different materials, and Nylon is one of them. With Nylon trim pieces, you can expect wear resistance as with no other material. This is why a Nylon Husqvarna plastic kit is one that usually includes even pieces such as the foot pegs.

ABS

Although strong and wear-resistant, Nylon pieces are not as strong as those made of ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic. ABS pieces are much stronger than Nylon ones, too, as they are more impact-resistant. However, ABS is less flexible of a material, which is what can make it break more easily when under extreme pressure.

Polycarbonate

If you want to go for a unique look with your Husqvarna, you should consider getting a plastics kit made of Polycarbonate. This clear plastic is able to withstand most impacts, but it's not the most impact resistant, however, it has excellent scratch resistance as long as it's coated with an adequate layer. 

Polypropylene

Polypropylene trim pieces are quite durable and are able to survive exposure to harsh chemicals. PP Husqvarna dirt bike plastics are able to stay in good shape when exposed to oil and mud together, which is not something any of the above materials are able to do. Polypropylene is, unfortunately not as impact resistant or as flexible as any of the above options.

Types of Plastics Kits

Individual

According to the number of trim pieces Husqvarna plastic kits offer, there are different types with individual kits being known as fix kits. They are actually individual parts that you can get to replace a damaged trim piece. They usually come with the necessary hardware and decals to do so but keep in mind you can't change the appearance of your dirt bike with an individual Husqvarna plastics kit.

Base

The most popular plastics kit is a standard or base one. With it, you get trim pieces such as the air box covers, side panels, front fenders and the radiator shroud. It definitely is a step up from an individual kit but it doesn't cost as much as a full kit, making it the most cost-effective option out of the three.

Full

With a full kit, you get every single component you do with a base kit with the addition of the rear fenders, lower fork cover and in some instances, number plate cover. This makes it the most versatile solution, as you can install a certain number of pieces at first and then choose to install the rest at a later date.

What Matters in a Kit

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Thickness

The durability and flexibility of the trim pieces are determined by their thickness and not just the material they're made of. The thicker the plastic the more impact resistant it is, but also the more weight it adds and the less flexible it is. Thinner pieces are more flexible and lighter but not as strong.

Compatibility

Before you consider any of the above two factors, though, you should take into consideration the shape and size of the plastic pieces. Not all Husqvarna dirt bike plastics kits are made to fit every dirt bike, which is why you should ensure that the one you go for is made for your model dirt bike.

Stickers

Last but not least, you have the option to get decals for your new plastic pieces. This is entirely up to your personal preference, but know that stickers can change the way your dirt bike looks way better than just getting a Husqvarna plastics kit.

How to install a Plastics Kit

Step 1

With every installation process, the first and most impact step is to prepare and in this case, it involves cleaning your dirt bike. Make sure that your Husqvarna has no dirt and grease left on it and also make sure to park it on level ground so you don't have it falling when you start working on it.

Step 2

Next comes the removal of the current trim pieces, which are usually secured on the bike with fasteners and/ or clips. Some rely on a combination of the two, while other models only have fasteners or clips. Once removed, clean the area behind the plastic piece so that the new ones are installed on a clean surface.

Step 3

The new trim pieces should fit exactly in the same way the old ones did, which confirms their compatibility with your dirt bike. They go in the same way as the old ones came out, just in reverse order. Lastly, place the decals, if any, and you can go out on the beaten path.