Husqvarna

HUSQVARNA

PREVIEW '85

Radical changes for a conservative company

After years of being the last bastion of dual rear shocks, Husqvarna has given in and equipped all three of its CR motocross machines, as well as the 125 and 500cc cross-country XC models, with single-shock rear suspension that utilizes an Ohlins damper. Husky’s four-stroke Singles, WR enduro bikes, 500AE Automatic and 250XC all retain the dualshock setup used last year. But all XC, CR and WR models are liquid-cooled for ’85, while the four-strokes and the Automatic are air-cooled.

Husky’s new motocross bikes also feature steep, 27-degree steering head angles and transmission speeds matched to engine size; the 500 has a four-speed, the 250 a new five-speed and the 125CR has a six-speed. The four-strokes for ’85 get, among other things, larger valves, improved valve guides, a new ignition, a redesigned cam-chain tensioner and a carb that is minus an accelerator pump.

Certainly, these would not be earthshattering changes for a Japanese company; but for Husqvarna, they mark a turning point in the company’s long and illustrious history.