Big Bore questions.

[evo550]

Hi all,
I'm currently toying with the idea of getting a husky pre 90 big bore for this year.
I've currently looking at two.1 a '87 xc 500 and 2 a '88 430ae.
Both in the same good condition. The AE is about $1200 cheaper, which is great, but I'm a bit concerned about the auto g/box.
Has anyone had any experience with either of these models, that you might like to share?
Thanks in advance

[SAABCOMBI]

In my opinion, l would stick to a foot change gearbox, the Auto would be ok for enduro and slow change, but when you are in quick mod racing, l done think it would cut the mustard, if they where successfull they would be using a Auto in motorcross.

[firko]

I raced a 360 Husky Auto in motocross and desert back in the day and they work a treat. Where's Husky Pete when you need him?

[PEZBerq]

The 88 430 AE was the pinnacle of auto development for Husky. Auto ownership is a labour of love but there is lots of knowledge and help available in the Oz Husky community.

The auto fluid is not cheap ($20/litre for the genuine Esso Univis stuff) and if you have trouble starting you can not push start them... Everything needs to be spot on. They have no engine braking either so your brakes need to work real good Transmission parts can be obtained but are getting pricey. The steel (first gear) and brass (2nd and 3rd gear) clutch shoes are getting harder to find NOS but many worn used ones are offered on eBay and are probably fine for the occasional VMX use these bikes are likely to get these days.

Clutches like lots of full throttle riding as there is less heat build up than when the clutches are slipping as happens at lower revs.  MX is said by some to be much better for the transmission than enduro riding due to this. VMX is the best as you dont ride for too long at a time and you can nail it - no finessing through tight trails required! 

Of course the husky autos were renowned as great enduro machines but the auto trans get very very hot and you need to change the fluid after every ride to keep everything fine.

A manual gearbox bike is simpler all round and more robust (4 speed preferred over 6 speed for MX due to power of the 500).. but doesnt have that novelty X factor of an auto

Either bike would be a good choice so...get both

[evo550]

Thanks guys,
So far the Auto is getting the nod, due to price, sheer cool factor, and the compliance plate opens up a whole lot of extra fun.( Pulling up outside a trendy Wilston coffee shop on a Saturday morning and pissing off a whole heap of latte sipping M.A.M.I.L.S.) .
I noticed the auto has much shorter legs than the xc, outback is it a shorter shock or different linkage setup ? and are they interchangable?

[Mike52]

A few friends and I worked a checkpoint at the 84 4/day at Connondale.
The track went out of the checkpoint across a road and straight up a hill of clay.
Road width run up only.
Pissing down rain.
The bike that impressed the most was the auto Husky.
Went straight up that hill no fuss.
Others had a more interesting time of it.
Saw another one at Kogan coming out of a narrow track onto a sandy road.
The thing that impressed on both occasions was the lack of wheelspin.
Just hook up and GO.
Mike

[PEZBerq]

Husky WR's (which is what the AE is) had shorter fork damper rods with shorter sliders for more ground clearance. For 84/85 model (last of twin shock 500AE) forks had 30mm less travel than the CR/XC models. Rear shocks had 45mm less travel. Not sure of specs for 88 model but expect would be similar. 

Unless you change forks I would bother messing with the shock - just ride it like its stolen   Post photos!

Cheers Steve

[evo550]

Yeah,
I had plans of either some upside downs or an '87 cr front end to go with the taller rear end.Great brakes and even better suspension.
Those single piston brembo's couldn't really be called brakes
Did the '88's still have 40mm forks?
It would be getting used a fair bit in modern mx at Coolum as well, good suspension is a must 

[evo550]

The 500

[frostype400]

That is very nice.

[Husky1]

So, that would be a six speed.