Husqvarna

HUSQVARNA

WHAT'S IN STORE FOR '84

Radical...only where it helps

Husqvarna remains the only major dirt bike manufacturer using twin shock rear suspension. Why not? It works.

Husqvarna is heavy on tradition, light on experimentation. If a part has worked well on past models, it won’t be changed just to be different. Sudden, radical moves aren’t part of Husqvarna’s master plan. Slow, logical evolution is.

For ’84 Husky has 13 models. Motocross, enduro and cross country bikes are offered in 125, 250 and 500cc

two-strokes. Additionally, there’s a 500cc four-stroke Single for each category. And these 13 models are newer and more different than any model line Husky has ever shown.

Husqvarnas have had metal gas tanks seemingly forever. Even a change in the composition of a part is scorned. But time marches on. Forming steel and aluminum into gas tanks is expensive. And trying to make them with low bellies and other odd shapes, (designed for function instead of

style), proved almost impossible. All of Husqvarna’s ’84 bikes have plastic gas tanks. Two basic versions are used, a 2.8 gal. tank for all three 125s, and the 250 motocrosser. And a 3.3 gal. job that’s standard on all the rest. The tanks are a pleasing shape and give the ’84 bikes a modern look.

Water-cooling has also been discovered. The 125 WR enduro, 125 XC cross country, 125 motocross and CR250 motocross models are equipped with a large framemounted radiator. These water-cooled wonders have wishbone frame downtubes, another first for the brand. Past Husqvarnas have been labeled straight-line handlers due to kicked-out 30.5° fork rakes. Even the rake has been altered for ’84; all models have a 28.5° rake.

Engine changes amount to new cylinders and porting for the WR250, CR250, CR and XC500 and all the 125 models. The 430WR is history, the open class enduro has the 500cc engine. And there is a new 500cc three-speed automatic designed for the woods.

All models have new, trimmer side number plates for ’84. Motocross and crosscountry bikes have longer rear fenders. Two Ohlins shocks are still used and dual-rate, progressive-wound springs are standard on all models. The three 125 bikes have 36mm Mikuni carburetors, the CR250 motocrosser has a 38mm flat-slide Mikuni, otherwise carburetion is unchanged from ’83. The CR250 also has a triple exhaust port, new pipe and ignition.

Husqvarna-made forks with 40mm stanchion tubes are still used but those on the WR enduro bikes have less slider extending below the axle. In this case, less is best as it’s less (sorry) likely to catch on rocks and tree roots.

Husqvarna’s long-awaited four-stroke Single has already appeared in small numbers at a few selected dealers. The first batch were prototypes for sale. There have been some problems and Husqvarna has an open ear for owner’s comments for improvement. Three four-stroke models are projected; a four-speed motocrosser, a six-speed enduro and a six-speed cross country.

When final specifications and prices are available we’ll pass the information along.