Husqvarna began its manufacturing career making muskets for the Swedish army back in 1699. It then branched out into chain saws, lawn mowers, and motorcycles. It sold off its motorcycle division to BMW in 1987, but still the name remains. Husqvarna celebrated 100 years of making motorcycles in 2005. Along the way, Husqvarna switched from making street bikes to dirt bikes, and won 82 world titles over a period of 50 years in motocross, Enduro, and Supercross racing in the process.
In 2005, this dirt bike powerhouse offered three models in its TC series: 250, 450, and 510. The 510 is considered the centennial motorcycle, honoring Husqvarna’s 100 years of making motorbikes, in any series which offers a 510 cc bike. Engine size is the predominant difference among the three TC models. Riders say the TC motorcycles perform equally well on trails and tracks. All engines have electric starters, though Enduro models also come with a kick start. A kick start is optional on motocross models. Husqvarna introduced the TC 450 in 2002; at the time it was the biggest motocross bike Husqvarna built.