HUSABERG

600 Tucson Vega - 1992

SOS – but no distress!

By the middle of the 1960s, two-stroke machines had driven the four-stroke big-singles from the race circuits. However, 25 years later, the big-single is back, thanks to a new racing formula curiously known as "SOS" – "Sound of Single," which has become highly popular in Japan, England, Italy, Germany, Spain and Holland.

High-Tech Super-Singles

The legendary big-singles of the past – for the most part British – have given way to modern machines equipped with engines from off-road and motocross machines in Grand Prix frames. These often unique conceptions are the work of dedicated builders like the young Frenchman JeanFrançois Robert, creator of the Tucson Vega.

First-Time-Out Winner

Robert has followed the lightweight route in building his Tucson Vega, choosing the powerful, ultra-light Husaberg 600 enduro engine, which scales less than 66 lb. He uses a stressed multitube space frame whose short, straight tubes never work in bending mode, allowing the structure to be kept to a minimum. Making wide use of racing components like Marvic magnesium rims, Brembo brakes, aluminum swinging arm suspension and White Power reversed telescopic fork, this remarkable machine weighs under 200 lb complete with oil and water, has a power-weight ratio of 3.3 lb/hp and has a level of performance that, in its 500cc version, made it a winner from the word go!

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 595cc (95x84mm) Husaberg water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; forced lubrication by crankcase pressure

Power Rating: 65 hp @ 8500 rpm

Valves: overhead-camshaft: 4 valves

Fuel System: 38mrn carburetor

Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: reversed telescopic forks (front); swing arm with monodamper (rear)

Brakes: disc (front & rear)

Wheels: 17 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 198 lb

Maximum Speed: 137 mph

Displaying much innovative technology, the 600cc Tucson Vega is a typical handbuilt single-cylinder racing machine created for the increasingly popular "SOS” formula.