What's New For'82: Husqvarna
What’s New For'82: Husqvarna
Husqvarna Polishes the Swedish Steel.
Husqvarna has 11 models for 1982; the newest are the three 250s. All 250s have new engines for '82. Primary kick starting is finally standard and the bolt-on reed cage has been scrapped for an all-new cylinder with the reed cavity built-in. And Husky did it right, the cavity is big enough to hold a large eight-petal reed cage complete with fiber reeds. Porting is new as well. The exhaust port is a large single unbridged port as per past Husky practice, but the bridged intake has giant double boost ports and a slot port connects the lower end to the incoming fuel charge, without need for an arched piston skirt. The compact lower end still has a six-speed transmission tucked into it.
Open bikes are offered in the same XC, WR and CR models, and all have new pipes and porting for more mid-range and top-end power. Kick starter mechanisms, a problem on ’81 bikes, have been improved. Although the open bikes, still 430s, have new porting they didn’t get new cylinders with the trick reed used on the 250. Internally, the open bikes have strengthened clutch baskets but little else is changed.
Three 125s, a CR, XC and new WR are offered. New cylinders are also used on the 125s. They have large reeds and 38mm Mikuni carbs to feed them.
Two 420s are available for '82, both have four-speed automatic transmissions. No motocross auto is offered, just the XC and enduro. Both have basically the same engines with some improved transmission parts for longer life.
All models have Husqvarna-made forks with 40mm stanchion tubes. Travel varies with model. But generally, XCs and CRs have 1 1.8 in. of travel, WRs 10.6 in. Ohlin remote reservoir shocks are stock on the rear of all but the 125 WR which uses Betors. Travel is 12.2 inches on the 250 and open XCs and CRs, 10.6in.onthe250 and open WRs. The 1 25s have 1 1.8 in. and 12.2 on the XC and CR. 9.4 and 9.8 on the 125 WR.
All ’82s now have the bigger, stronger rear hub that was standard on last year's 430s. Spokes are large and strength is high. The deep center aluminum rims are retained but the awful gold paint is gone and a pleasant gold anodized finish is used.
WRs get some new plastic; rear fender, front numberplate/headlight that’s held on with rubber bands and water splash guard for the air cleaner opening. All models have redesigned side numberplate mountings so the pipe doesn’t melt them anymore.
Hand levers are by Magura. Throttles are Gunnar Gassers and control cables have oil pots. Most models have 17 in. rear wheels except for the XC and CR 125 which use 18s. All models have a longer front brake lever on the backing plate for increased stopping power.
Ignitions and tires vary with model. CRs use an internal rotor Motoplat CDI. XCs have a Motoplat CDI with external flywheel and 36 watt lighting coils. WRs use SEM external flywheel CDI with dual 70 watt lighting coils. Both coil leads can be used to run double lights, or one can be hooked to heated grips for foul weather enduros. Trelleborg tires are stock on CRs, Pirellis on XCs and Barums on WRs.
Many small parts and pieces are new for ’82. Seat bases are stronger, gas caps have vent hoses, kick starter hold brackets are stronger, fork seals actually seal, shock springs and damping rate are carefully matched to each model and the bikes with spark arrester silencers have different spark screens that don’t clog as quickly as before.
