Husqvarna '93: Get 'em While They're Hot

HUSQVARNA '93: GET 'EM WHILE THEY'RE HOT

Ron Griewe

LAST YEAR WAS A WONDERful year for Husqvarna. So good, in fact, that ’92 Husky dirtbikes were snapped up by eager buyers soon after they arrived on these shores, leaving Husky dealers with empty showrooms and lots of potential buyers wanting.

With such a demand for the ’92s left unfilled is it any wonder that Cagiva, parent company of Husqvarna, choose to go the graphics-and-minor-update route for 1993? Big-bore Huskys were especially popular, so in order to supply more of the in-demand models, Husqvarna has eliminated the 125 from the U.S. lineup. That leaves a buyer with a choice of four cross-county WXC models-250 and 360cc two-strokes and 350 and 610cc four-strokeswhich become WXE enduro models with the addition of an optional, extra-cost kit.

Common changes to the ’93s include thicker, denser seat foam and new seat covers with Kevlar inserts at highwear points.

Wider (front to rear) footpegs make for more comfortable standing, while the Showa suspension front and rear is revalved to reduce lowspeed jolts from rocks and squareedged terrain.

Specific model changes include new valves and valve retainers for the 350 four-stroke, though the 610 four-stroke engine is unchanged. On the two-stroke models, graphite-coated pistons ride in cylinders with new transfer and exhaust ports, the kickstart levers are stronger, the ignitions are new and the exhaust pipes are double-walled to reduce noise. Additionally, the 360 gets a new piston shape, a two-piece exhaust-control valve and a head-stay.

Chassis changes to the twostrokes include stronger, lighter, shorter swing-arms, new shock-lever arms, ½-degree-steeper steering-head angles, stronger front fenders, new chain guides and KTM-style kickstands that rest behind the side numberplates when retracted.

We had a chance to ride these new Italian chargers during a 75-mile trail ride in California’s San Bernardino Mountains, and we came away very impressed. The suspension changes provide a plush, controlled ride and the taller seats are comfortable. The shorter swingarms and steeper rake angles on the 250 and 360 two-strokes result in quicker-handling machines with no loss of high-speed stability. The wider footpegs grip boots well, and the two-strokes’ quieter exhaust is welcome, although Husky has a way to go before the 250 and 360 are as quiet as the 350/610 four-strokes.

Overall, we are very impressed with the complete ’93 line of Huskys. It looks like another banner year for Husqvarna fans. Get in line early.