OzVMX Forum
Marque Remarks => Husqvarna => Topic started by: kenny5000 on November 13, 2013, 01:52:06 am
-
I am chasing a new bike to restore and run in Pre 78 250cc class. I was looking at either a 76 or 77 77 Husky 250 CR. I dont really know to much about Huskies so I thought id put it out to the floor. Pros/Cons, how different are the models? Do they met class requirements regarding suspension etc and what is there availability (and availability for parts)?? Any info would be much appreciated. Cheers.
-
77 models need the suspension travel limited to 9 inch front rear. Not too difficult to do. Parts availability for Husky's is not too bad in my experience so don't let that put you off. Plenty of Husky folk on this forum who can help if you go Swede 8)
-
First off CR Huskies are harder to find than the WR models. I have a 77 CR Husky and have shorten the travel to 9 inch and it now has the cornering ability of a plow the once mighty steed pushes the front everywhere. I will convert it back to standard and just ride club days and leave it at home when the Nats are on, until the rules change.
WR models dont appear to have this problem so if it must be Husky you maybe be better off with the WR.
-
There is a really tidy looking '77 Husky CR250, fitted with what looks like Fox Airshox, in the latest Just Bikes mag. It's a bit pricey, at $6500 ono, but I know that I wouldn't be selling mine for less than $5K ( if I can restore it to that kind of condition), as they are a rare bike in Australia. I will also be leaving my '77 bikes at home when the Nats are on, while ever the suspension limit rules are in place and there is no age group racing in pre '78.
-
Hey Evo,
I saw the one you talking about in just bikes, it looks nice but a little pricey as you say. I wasn't sure about the number he supplied for frame/engine. As I said i don't know too much about Huskies but did seem to match with model when I google them, i'm most likely wrong though. I might have to go with a 75/76 model!!
-
The 77's are better bikes than the 75/76's. I did some research and the 77 frame has the steering head angle pulled in 2 degrees and turns way better and also has more suspension travel and leading axle forks.
I have a 77 390 that is fitted with a 76 frame and it does not turn so I'm looking for a 77/78 frame.
-
Running upright bar mounts instead of the standard lay backs gives you more room & helps them turn faster. You can use the early upright mounts if you're worried about eligibility with after market ones.
My '77 CR390 is up for sale if anyone wants one, not cheap though, $6500.
K
-
Have a 76 model CR250 with 77 Suspension{ Swingarm ,Shocks and Front Forks and Tripples}I`am no expert but didn`t notice and change in the way it steered??.
-
Have a 76 model CR250 with 77 Suspension{ Swingarm ,Shocks and Front Forks and Tripples}I`am no expert but didn`t notice and change in the way it steered??.
The frame has a different steering angle not the triples..
-
Have a 76 model CR250 with 77 Suspension{ Swingarm ,Shocks and Front Forks and Tripples}I`am no expert but didn`t notice and change in the way it steered??.
The frame has a different steering angle not the triples..
The triples are totally different between the '76 CR250/360 and '77 CR250/390 as well though. Because the '76 CRs had in line axle forks, the triples have an offset V shape, where the '77 CR had leading axle forks with more or less straight across triple clamps. Having another look at the CR250 on Just Bikes online website, it has '78 CR frame and engine numbers ( but looks to have a '77 swingarm). I don't know why Husky changed the '77 CR250 2059 engine prefix number to 2065 in '78, as the '77 & '78 CR390 share the same 2061 engine prefix number. I also see that Dead Dog have a '77 CR390 , which looks a bit rough around the edges, but probably reasonably priced at around the $3.5 K mark.
-
I saw the Dead Dog one the other day, something to think about....... Im also thinking about a 75 250 GP. What are the thoughts about this bike?
-
I know the triples are different between 76 & 77 Mark, that's obvious. I'm talking about the different steering head angle which is in the frame, not the triples.
-
I thought about the Dead Dog 390 before buying mine but the modified swingarm with the shock mounts moved and the bend in the arm put me off. With all the swingarm issues in pre 78 it wasn't worth the risk.
-
I know the triples are different between 76 & 77 Mark, that's obvious. I'm talking about the different steering head angle which is in the frame, not the triples.
I knew that you were referring to the frame headstock angle, but I thought that I'd also mention the obvious triple clamp differences. I know that my '77 CR390 in standard trim used to steer really well and also have a slight headshake in braking bumps coming into corners (much like my Maico 490 does). This is very unusual for older Huskys, as they have a reputation for being hard to turn and ultra stable at speed. I gave myself a big fright on my 390 at the Conondale Nats, when I briefly got in front of Bill Nolan, but got into a big tankslapper on a faster section of the track and nearly brought us both down. I put the reason for this violent headshake, down to the fact that I had fitted travel limiting spacers to the forks without lowering the back end to the same level. So, you have got to be careful mucking around with geometry and steeper steering head angles, or you can hurt yourself.
On the earlier mentioned subject of a '75 CR250 Husky, I thought that the '75 and '76 models were virtually identical. I have ridden a '75 CR250 and a '77 CR250 and thought that the '77 model was vastly better, in both suspension and handling. From memory the '75 motor was more peaky as well. But this could be because of the pipe, because I don't think that the porting or motor design had changed much.
-
The Husky 250 were never the fastest bike. What ever you do dont buy one of these.
(http://www.hellbentracing.com/MPL-MC5c-M13.jpg)
-
Haha,
Im going the Husky because I cant find one of those, not at a decent price in Oz anyway!! As you know im tackling a 78 build but its taking to much time, hence Im now chasing a husky. Guess you can never have to many bike though!!
-
The Husky 250 were never the fastest bike. What ever you do dont buy one of these.
(http://www.hellbentracing.com/MPL-MC5c-M13.jpg)
Hi Slakewell. I have a question for you about the '77 KTM MC5s. I think I read in one of your posts, that the MC5 came out with 10.5 inches fork travel ? I was on the start line of the Coffs Harbour Nats, next to two MC5 KTMs and my Husky 390 seemed heaps taller than them, even with the forks pulled down an inch with the travel limiting spacers installed. So I wouldn't have thought that the KTMs would have had more travel standard, than the 9 inch limit. I thought that the Montesa VB models were the class leaders for suspension travel in 1977, with ten inches both ends. Here is a pic of my '77 VB 250, which is still a work in progress.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m605/Husky500evo/IMG_0368_zps8ad2dfaf.jpg)
I remember reading in Motocross Action Magazine, that they tested every '77 model 250 motocross bike and rated the Monty as the best. In fact I am sure I read that Jody Weisel liked it so much, he kept it as his personal racebike for the rest of that year. I have to go and find that magazine issue.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m605/Husky500evo/JodyWeiselonVB250_zps239e956a.jpg)
-
There are very few real MX framed KTM's for 76/77 that I know of, I have only seen two MX models in OZ. Most of the racing KTM's in the pre 78 class are enduro models which had slightly less travel. Mine is an enduro framed bike. I thought the CR Huskies were the longest in 77 but I did know the monties were up there also. I had a VB 360 for while in 90's. More bikes dont fit the 9 inch than do fit. We should stop modifying the bikes and modify the rules instead. I love to see some more Monties out there in pre 78 racing and for sure there almost as good ;) as the kato's. The Kato's also changed thou the model run with different forks so early 77 was different to late 77 etc. Look at two photo's yet both 77 models.
(http://www.vintagedirtbikeparts.net/A%201977%20ktm%20MC5%20250%20%20at%20n.jpg)
-
Can't say for the 250, but my 390 is great. I did have it in a 76 frame, and was not good. Now has 78 steering head grafted on 77 CR frame, 78 triples, damper rod limiters, 78 OR engine and pipe. I need the bladders in remotes worked. I have an early steel tank that is narrower than the alloy tank, and the earlier upright bar mounts. It helps get weight forward for turning. It's taking some adjustments but it's most stable bike ever, and while it really makes probably a bit less power than the Maicos, YZs and VB360, it hooks up and out accelerates them.
-
Can't say for the 250, but my 390 is great. I did have it in a 76 frame, and was not good. Now has 78 steering head grafted on 77 CR frame, 78 triples, damper rod limiters, 78 OR engine and pipe. I need the bladders in remotes worked. I have an early steel tank that is narrower than the alloy tank, and the earlier upright bar mounts. It helps get weight forward for turning. It's taking some adjustments but it's most stable bike ever, and while it really makes probably a bit less power than the Maicos, YZs and VB360, it hooks up and out accelerates them.
Do you race it in Evo class?
-
Hi Slakewell, is this an MX or an Enduro Model?
(http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc376/gippslander2/77KTM_zpsf595a0a8.jpg) (http://s1208.photobucket.com/user/gippslander2/media/77KTM_zpsf595a0a8.jpg.html)
-
Easiest way is the frame under the tank will be part airbox in enduro and normal frame in MX. Looks to be an early 77 to me. Nice bike all the same.
-
Can't say for the 250, but my 390 is great. I did have it in a 76 frame, and was not good. Now has 78 steering head grafted on 77 CR frame, 78 triples, damper rod limiters, 78 OR engine and pipe. I need the bladders in remotes worked. I have an early steel tank that is narrower than the alloy tank, and the earlier upright bar mounts. It helps get weight forward for turning. It's taking some adjustments but it's most stable bike ever, and while it really makes probably a bit less power than the Maicos, YZs and VB360, it hooks up and out accelerates them.
Do you race it in Evo class?
I think he rides it in the US's equal to our pre 78 class..
-
I found the August '77 issue of Motocross Action Magazine, which has the test on the VB250 Montesa. I will post it up in the Spanish section , when I get a chance to scan it. I also noticed , when I did a search on this forum , that there is a thread called " a contemporary view of the VB 250", which had a link to a more recent MXA article. The link no longer works to find that topic, but made me wonder if there is some kind of search feature to find older MXA articles ?
-
all tube = MX, thought so, thanks Slakewell
With a bit of luck will be ready to run in 14 (just in front of the sweep rider ;D ) in Viper and VCM pre 78
About Huskies, here is a 77 CR250
Was on Marks a while ago and should still be available:
(http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc376/gippslander2/15498104-69544-large_zps7473a9e4.jpg) (http://s1208.photobucket.com/user/gippslander2/media/15498104-69544-large_zps7473a9e4.jpg.html)
1977 Husqvarna 250CR
Motor has been freshened,new seat cover & foam,new Michelin tires,new chain & sprockets,Mikuni carb,frame painted,stainless spokes,Works Performance aluminum body shocks,new plastics. Race ready,add gas & go.$2200
Martin Carmichael
Maryville, MO.
Email | Website
-
Can't go wrong with a 77 CR250. I owned one in the late 70's. An MX/Hare Scrambles/trail riding special. It did it ALL well.
-
Gippslander a Lewis Brother Pipe would tidy up your MC5
-
Yes I race pre 78. Last club race combined all post vintage of our skill level. The old girl had no problem pulling away from a YZ 465. They really put the power down regardless of the soil. I know they're not for everyone, but I love it. I really have to rate it equal to an AW Maico.
-
I like the look of the 77 250 CR on Marks, I couldn't find it on there anymore, so may have been sold. Good price I think too!! Any more Huskies out there for sale??
-
kenny5000, where are you located. Might be able to assist.
Ed
-
If there is an Aussie bike that suits then go for that, you can look and ride and go face to face and ask questions... best way to buy....
But if you cannot find what you want then look overseas, the 77 cr250 above was still available yesterday:
http://www.vintagemx.us/cgi-bin/largephoto.cgi?C=3CF5n5P2vSAJrAvt&w=1
should get you the listing and from there you can email the seller
if you want to buy and want transport there are plenty of "agents", I have used Darren Cheney from Sunbury Melbourne:
http://www.midlifecrisisimports.com/Contact_Us.aspx
he will organise the paperwork and will get a bike picked up without crating from anywhere in the US, has done "the lot" for me 3 times now, no problems, easy.
-
Thanks Gippslander, I'll keep that in mind. I agree though, I'd much rather buy one in Australia!
Ed, I am located in Melbourne.
Cheers
-
Kenny5000
email sent
Ed
-
I have just purchased a bike from a very helpful forum member, thanks to all the people who emailed/PM me with options. If anyone sees well priced 77 model around please let me know as I might look at one in the future.
Cheers
-
Great bike enjoy if you ever want an open class one hit me up.