BIG Ks 1980 cr 390

[bigk]

Latest update. Finally soughted the brakes and tuned the Fox forks. The handling is fantastic combined with the Ohlins rear. I've had a lot of big bore bikes, most makes, and this motor is the sweetest, easiest to ride of them all. 13/53 gearing, electric smooth with heaps of torque and still too fast for a fat old bald guy like me! I think the engine is even better than the last XC500 I had. It turns a good as anything I've ridden. My only qualm is the weirdo shaped kick start lever, as you only get about half a decent go at it because of the design. It starts easy enough, if you go through the procedure, but a stall in a race and she'd be all over. I can see an '84 kick lever in the future. I'm not that much slower on it than my modern bike (2008 Husaberg FE550) and I'm sure it's only because it doesn't stop as good and you can't be as aggresive into the corners. I have a '76 360 and a '74 400 as well, if the engines are similar to the 390 they will be great bikes too. I also have a '78 roller and have been deciding on which engine to put in. At the moment a 390 engine is on top of the list, maybe with the 420 power up kit.
Cheers,
K

[fatboycrash]

Gudday Mate, nice bike!
I've been down the alternate  Husky kick starter route, just be sure you get one that doesn't foul the left peg... It might look like it may  but I got caught because on race day (yep, right in the lowest part of the course) with the new kicker and size 11 boots on I couldn't get enough clearance to give it a good kick. The toe of my boot snagged the peg every time. Ended up going back to the original... I find it's just as easy to push start the first time from cold. Use 3rd. 2nd is still too short. Once warm she's always a no brainer to start.
FatBoy

[bigk]

Latest update: I finally have the bike and suspension soughted and I must say it is a pleasure to ride and damn fast! Perfect amount of easily controlable power and turns as good as anything I've owned. The power delivery is electric smooth and you could almost describe it as a funny sounding 4 stroke. I have owned and raced the legendy '81 MC490 Mega2 Maico which is a great bike, BUT this 390 Husky is as good, if not better, and easier to live with than the Maico. I found an old magazine with a test on the '81 MC490 and the '81 Husky CR430 and the Husky got the nod over the Maico. I've not ridden a CR430 but they must be good to be better than the 390. I don't even mind the chainsaw and sewing machine jibes I get when I pull it out of the van. Have I mentioned that I love my Varna?
Cheers,
K

[mxmaniac]

That bike looks F#@$in Horn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want one, cant wait to see it at RAVO!

[265coupe]

You're right about the 430cc Husky.

I've got a '83 WR430 VMX modified. It has a smooth, crisp tractor engine that also revs.

Before that I had a YZ465H that was just a handful. All power instantly, top heavy and didn't want to turn.

I reckon that the 390/430 Huskies are really underrated. Good because that makes em cheap.

The 390CR is the looker of the bunch.

[Maico31]

I've had a couple of 430 Husky's before i got a 490 Maico and they are a really good bike. Of all the huskys i've ridden i prefer the 430. The engine is crisp and revs more than the 500 husky and feels light for a big bore and they are fast.

[bigk]

Hey mxmaniac, ask your dad if he likes it after his good samaratin act? Thanks and sorry at the same time Ken!
Cheers,
K

[JC]

I can't help thinking all BigK's bikes look fantastic.
Seems to me he's got great taste  - & ability to match.

[firko]

Sweet bike . Those 390s are great bikes. I'd like a WR version for Vinduros.

[PEZBerq]

Big K, what did you use to get the cylinder and head looking so clean - bead blast?  I have a black painted cylinder I need to clean up.  Also what are the rims - Excel?

[bigk]

Took the cylinder & head to the local paint stripping company ($10) then sent off to have them water blasted ( much finer finish than sand blasting), which cost $40.00. The rims are the standard rims, polished first then sent to the anodiser. $120.00 per rim all up.
Cheers,
K

[PEZBerq]

Cheers.  What did you paint the cases with or did you powder coat em?  I am after all your secrets! 

[bigk]

We strip the cases first, apply a light coat of etch primer, then use low sheen 2 pack enamel I have mixed at the local automotive paint supplier. I usually add a little flex aid in as well which helps stop chipping from stones & roost.
Cheers,
K

[PEZBerq]

Big K..do you paint the cases before or after installing new bearings in the cases?  The original Husky paint handles a 200 C oven to heat the cases (bearings cooled in the freezer) no worries but other automotive paints seem to blister like crazy at that temp.  Cheers

[bigk]

For race bikes we generally assemble the engine first , then paint the whole thing in one hit. For show bikes and clients who don't want gaskets painted, it becomes a lot more difficult. If you don't want your gaskets painted, fit the bearings before you paint the cases.
Cheers,
K