Bultaco mk10 370, competitive or not?

[firko]

The AW Maico 400 for my pick John. I've owned both 400 and 440 reckon the 400 is a better bike overall in as delivered trim but if the 440's crank was balanced and the balance factor changed,  the 440's legendary and annoying vibration would be minimalized and there wouldn't be an open class pre 78 bike that'd come near it. However, you've been around long enough to know that already haven't you John?                     
                                                                      below: my old AW 400 sold to another forum member but sadly destroyed in a fire a few years ago.
                                                                   

[bigk]

Hey John, I've had all the Huskies & by far the 390 engine is my personal favorite. They run a big heavy external flywheel which makes them super smooth & strong but damn fast as well. Many say Husqvarna's don't turn but they must suit my style as I haven't found that to be the case. I do fit upright bar mounts rather than the standard layback items which give more room & help them turn. There's nothing on them that shouldn't be, my mechanic says they are "agricultural" which is part of the appeal for me. The black/gold 390 colors always turn heads as well. Maico 400 engine is a nice thing too, although I don't find Maico's quite as easy to live with as Huskies.
K

[JohnnyO]

Yes I've been around a while now Firko but I really only ride pre 78 once a year so I haven't spent much time with these era bikes, Evo is my class of choice. I do like the AW Maicos but also have a soft spot for Husky's and something about the Spanish bikes appeals to me..
Bloody nice Husky there Slake, is that one that Horwood rode at Wyaralong nats last year?
I'm hearing you bigk, it's a tough choice..

[firko]

something about the Spanish bikes appeals to me..

Perhaps a Montesa 414 like my dear old chum Ross Nimmo used to spruik would be a good thing. A VB360 might do the job too.

[huskibul]

  Recently rode a 78' 390 cr husky with mossbarger intake and asch pipe (aka pro-circuit-set-up ?) great mid-topend

[Slakewell]

Bloody nice Husky there Slake, is that one that Horwood rode at Wyaralong nats last year

Yes that's the bike, Bike has been setup a little better now but still needs a little bit more love to get it perfect. It's the one in the fleet I have less attachment too so I would sell her. Not many real 77 CR's around in Aus. I know where there is a KTM 400 and that is my preferred pre 78 open mount so the sale would fund that. If I dont sell her I will fix a few small things that bug me and fit the bigger reed block and maybe a bit more flywheel as right now she is more pro power.

[Montynut]

something about the Spanish bikes appeals to me..

Perhaps a Montesa 414 like my dear old chum Ross Nimmo used to spruik would be a good thing. A VB360 might do the job too.

Unfortunately the VE414 is a '79 model and an EVO bike. The '77 or '78 VB360 are both Pre78 legal and are very competitive in the class.

Any of the bikes listed are competitive in the right hands. As far as how they performed in 1977. I would say that the Maico would be top of the tree but they always seemed to have reliability problems back then unless very well set up and they were expensive in Australia. I think the Bully was past their best by then but a beautiful bike that could be made to be competitive. The VB360 was one of the best Montesa Cappra models built when compared to its peers of the day but it was difficult to get shocks that could stand up to the extreme mounting position (this is not a problem now) in 1977. The Husky was also a great bike but 1977 was not a stand out model from memory. The KTM would also be an excellent choice but cannot ever remember seeing one in 1977 but that was more to do with price and actually finding one to buy on the east coast.

The problem with the 1977 Maico, Husky and Montesa is that they are nobbled by the Pre78 rules, all three require >25mm of suspension travel taken out of their suspension travel front and back which was one of their biggest advantages in 1977.

I have a VB360 now and also had one in ‘77 but would love a Maico. I would think that Maico has the best support of parts these days.

[Tony T]

Any of the bikes listed are competitive in the right hands.

That's the key statement in these 'tell me which bike to buy' threads, I reckon.   
Especially with vintage stuff, if you're good enough, you can win on any of those bikes.

[80-85 husky]

johnny wants something different and a bulty is just that. I don't  think he is going for an outright win, just enjoying a different make.
otherwise if you are being competitive, you get the bestest winningist bike at the time then its your riding that's up for questions

[Montynut]

Looking at a Euro bike for pre 78 open, wondering if the 370 Bully is up to scratch or are the choices between 440 Maico, 390 Husky and 400 KTM.
How many here raced that era?

John the question seems to be if the Bully is 'up to scatch' compared to other bikes not was it different. If something different is the criteria then The KTM wins hands down. Rare, exoctic and hardly ever seen in the day with an excellent reputation.

I love the Bully 370 as it just looks great although I think it was behind the other bikes JohnnyO listed and in '77 it was outpaced by most of it's peers. You are absolutely right in that in Classic racing the rider makes all the difference and as he said he is top 5 on an RM370.

[Slakewell]

Well there is always the CCM    Maybe one of Firko's odd frame deals as a few rareish 9 inch travel ones come up now and then and stay green with 76 KX 400 engine and tank?

IMO I be happy to see the later model bullys in pre 78 along with the A4 KX    And no Nathan stay out.
I like to have age classes next Nats for pre 78

[hagon_84]

Can't beat the mean ass look of the cr 390 husky I considered buying one for a pre78 ride but couldn't go past the ultimate pre 78 weapon yz400 d I bought the other day

[Maicojames]

If it helps I rode a friends 77 370 Bul about 06. Know it had a ported reed cylinder, aftermarket ignition, pipe, triple. Clamps, Ohlins, etc. It was fantastic, I was racing my 77 440 aw then with balanced crank and the only difference was the Bul felt lighter and the deceptive speed of the Maico was less deceptive.

[JohnnyO]

Thanks James it's all helpfull info.. Maybe you should be known as maicobuljames?

[Slakewell]

Husky for sale



http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ashmore/motorcycles/husqvana-cr390-1977-model-goes-great/1022450856#