Why Are Factory Husqvarna Wheels Anodized Blue, and Why Do the Colors Differ?
Husqvarna motorcycles, renowned for their performance and style, often feature striking blue anodized wheels. But why this color choice, and why do you sometimes see variations in the shade of blue? Let's delve into the reasons behind this popular aesthetic choice and the factors contributing to color discrepancies.
Why are Husqvarna factory wheels anodized blue?
The choice of blue anodization for Husqvarna factory wheels isn't arbitrary; it's a deliberate design decision driven by several factors:
-
Branding and Identity: Blue is a significant part of Husqvarna's brand identity. The color is consistently used in their logos, marketing materials, and overall aesthetic, creating a strong visual association with the brand. Anodizing the wheels blue reinforces this visual identity and helps to distinguish Husqvarna motorcycles from competitors.
-
Visual Appeal and Aesthetics: Blue anodization offers a sleek and modern look. The vibrant color contrasts nicely with the typically black or white motorcycle bodywork, creating an eye-catching effect that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the bike. It's a bold choice that contributes to the perceived premium quality and high performance of the machine.
-
Protection and Durability: Anodization isn't just for looks; it's a crucial surface treatment process. It creates a hard, wear-resistant layer on the aluminum wheels, providing enhanced protection against corrosion, scratches, and wear and tear. This is particularly important for off-road motorcycles, where wheels are subjected to harsh conditions and impacts. The anodizing process itself doesn't dictate the color, but choosing a color like blue allows for this added protection.
Why do the shades of blue differ on Husqvarna wheels?
While Husqvarna often uses blue, the exact shade can vary for a number of reasons:
-
Different Anodizing Processes: Even with the same intended color, the anodizing process itself has variables. Factors such as the specific anodizing solution used, the treatment time, the voltage applied, and even the aluminum alloy's composition can slightly influence the final shade. These subtle differences can lead to inconsistencies in the hue.
-
Year and Model Variations: Over time, Husqvarna might subtly alter their anodizing specifications. A blue used on one model year might be slightly different from the blue used on a subsequent year's model. This is common across many manufacturers and isn't necessarily indicative of any quality issue.
-
Aftermarket Wheels: Keep in mind that many aftermarket wheel manufacturers offer blue anodized wheels designed to fit Husqvarna motorcycles. The shades from these aftermarket suppliers might differ from the factory anodization. These companies might use slightly different anodizing techniques or solutions, leading to variations in color.
-
Wear and Tear: Over time, the anodizing on wheels can fade or wear slightly, leading to changes in the perceived color. This is particularly true with exposure to the elements, UV radiation, and regular use.
In conclusion, while Husqvarna aims for a consistent blue anodization on their factory wheels, subtle variations are possible due to the anodizing process itself, model-year changes, or the use of aftermarket options. The vibrant blue color is a key element of Husqvarna's brand identity and provides significant functional benefits through enhanced protection and durability.
