Jacob Smith has parted ways with Honda after 10 years and has signed a one-year deal with the Husqvarna desert team.
The Condobolin local will pilot the latest FE501 under the guidance of Husqvarna desert team manager Dave Schwarz.
Smith will contest the Condo 750, Hattah, Sunraysia Safari, Yellow Mountain Cross Country and Finke Desert Race, in-between working full time. As a Finke veteran, the multi-time podium finisher hopes to secure an elusive win in that event before he retires.
“I’m feeling confident this year. The team is really strong and the equipment is great. We’ve got the same engine and suspension as the guys who are winning and the bikes are super reliable,” Smith told ADB.
Having been with Honda for over a decade, Smith said it was a strange feeling switching brands. “I felt weird about leaving but everyone at Honda was super supportive of my decision and I’m grateful for everything they have done for me. It’s a good change for me and I feel refreshed. I’m excited for what this year holds.”
Smith had never ridden a Husqvarna FE501 until after the deal was done but said he had quickly become comfortable on the bike.
“I’d never properly ridden a Husqvarna before and I signed the deal before even riding the new FE501.
“Since then I’ve been putting in a lot of hours. The engine is so usable and strong and the chassis is well balanced. Out of the box it tips 170kmh which is the speeds we need to achieve if we want to win.”
Smith’s first race on his new machine will be the Condo 750 navigational rally on 6-7 April, where he will be defending his 2018 title and be going for his fifth in total.