Motorcycle specifications HägglundsXM 72 1971

Motorcycling isn't always about passion. Hägglunds is certainly one of the best examples. This century-old Swedish company has long specialized in the production of railway equipment and tracked machines for both the military (especially tanks) and the civil sector (construction equipment).

in the early 70s, the company sniffed out a good deal on a major tender from the Swedish government, wishing to equip its army.hägglunds designed its first prototype, the XM72, in response to a major tender from the Swedish government to equip its army with 2-wheelers.

starting from a blank sheet of paper, the brand was able to tailor its specifications scrupulously to the requirements of the Swedish government; Hagglunds was taking significant risks insofar as it was competing with real motorcycle manufacturers, including heavyweight Husqvarna. The requirements also included crossing capability, ease of operation and maintenance, and low weight (140kg) for easy transport to the job site.

hägglunds engineers turned their inexperience in motorcycling into a fantastic strength, coming up with completely new ideas that had not previously come from the motorcycle industry: interchangeable 18-inch wheels, single-arm swing forks, single-beam frames serving as tank and rear mudguard, and above all an original Sachs 25-hp engine with variator transmission, shaft final drive shaft final drive (integrated into a rear monoblock, 8 years before the BMW system) and equipped with a hand starter (a string like lawnmowers). This prototype could even be fitted with a pair of skis to get around in the snow.

at 120 kg, with an air-cooled engine with variator and universal joint, the XM72 was bound to win the bid. The bike was light, drove like a moped, and required very little maintenance.

the prototype was initially produced in 5 units for presentation to the Swedish government. However, as the XM72 was still in its infancy, roadholding left a lot to be desired. The XM72 had to make way for another motorcycle whose chassis was developed, this time, by a specialist, Bill Nilsson, a former Swedish motocross champion: the XM74.

Tanthallas - Photos: Manufacturer