Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126933
Replacing the 500cc Motocross model is the new 430cc Motocross: Both the 250 and' 430cc Husky MXers have White Power upside down forks. The latest 250cc Enduro features new fork damper rods, a longer stroke . motor, a stronger speedometer cable and a new 3.2 gallon gas tank.. New motorcycles Whafs Up Husky's sleeves for 1987 By Kit Palmer Husqvarna's latest lineup of off-road motorcycles features all-new looks and across-theboard changes for 1987. The company still offers three hasic categories of Huskys -. the Enduro, Motocross and Cross Country - but some models ..... . h . w.IUIln l ese categon~s are now hIstory. No longer WIll there be any 125cc Husqvarna motorcycles, nor will there be 500cc Enduro or Motocross models in 1987. Husky's Motocross series has been narrowed to three bikes: the 250 and 430cc two-strokes, and the 51 Occ fourstroke. Although Husky still builds a 500cc two-stroke motor, which is used in the Cross Country model, Husky decided to use theeasier-to-ride, lighter 430cc motor in the Motocross frame. This makes the 430cc Motocross the only new model from Husqvarna in 1987. Both the 250 and 430cc motocrossers ha:vewat~-cO?led,two-srrokemotors, usmg Mlkum carburetors. The 250cc Motocross has major refinements, including a new solenoid-activated power-valve, a single ring piston, a longer stroke motor, a new exhaust pipe, different porting specs, and a new microprocessor ignition. The 250cc Motocross is the only Husky model with the exhaust power-valve. The Motocross four-srroke, as well as the Enduro and Cross Country models (see Cycle News issue 32, August 20, ror riding impression of the 1987 510cc four-srroke Husky Cross Country) were released earlier this year, maintaining the "old style" cosmetics. 'The 500cc Cross Country is the only 500cc two-stroke Husqvama to be offered in 1987. There will also be a 430cc Cross Country model. On the Motocross models only (except the four-stroke), White Power 4054 upside down forks are used, while the rest of the Husky models use all-new Husqvarna-made forks. Rear suspensions on both Motocross models are similar to last year's design, using single-shock Ohlins but with new valving and spring rates. Other modifications include stronger footpegs, a two-piston (instead of one).front di-se brake caliper; a new front number plate and a dualmount silencer. The most obvious change on all the Husqvarna models is the sano new gas rank/seat/side panel/radiator shroud desigri. The one-piece radiator shroud completely covers each side of the black-plastic gas tank, so the rider's knee never actually touches the gas tank itself; the shroud can be easily removed (after taking off the seat). Si nce the shroud is a separate piece from the gas rank, the Husky emblems and decals won't bubble up anymore and are less likely to peel off. With the new design, the gas tank is m'uch easier to remove and remount than before. Husqvarna is offering four different Enduro models. The largest of the bunch is the 510cc four-srroke Enduro. The three two-srroke Enduro models with 1987 styling are the 250, 430 and the 430cc Automatic. These machines feature the same changes as the Motocross models and a few more. The new gas tanks on aU' Enduro Huskys hold 3.2 gallons, and they all have new speedometers with stronger cables. They also share lighter hubs, aluminum sidecovers to eliminate corrosion (all models), more progressive rear suspension linkage ratios, O-ring chains and new forks. The 250 Enduro has a new, longer srroke 249cc, liquid-cooled motor, designed to produce better torque and a broader powerband over last year's model. The 430 Enduro also claims to have a torquier and broader powerband, and comes with a lighter connecting rod to help reduce vibration. Both the Enduro and Cross Counrry Husky's have six-speed cransmissions, while the Motocross models have five-speeds. The only significant change to the 430cc Auto is (lJesides styling) a redesigned firstgear assembly. In the Cros's Counrry category, Husqvarna is offering four models. There will be three two-stroke models, including the 250, 430 and 500cc H uskys, and the 510cc four-stroke. The two-srroke Cross Country models share all the same new features as the .Enduro, except the Cross Counrry does not have lights or a speedo, and the 250 Enduro uses a Motoplat ignition compared to the Cross Counrry's micro-processor ignition. The first batch of 1987 Huskys should reach showroom floors in December. •