1985 Husqvarna WRX 400

http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/att...ment.php?attachmentid=3751&stc=1&d=1266361265

Just put a deposit on this last night...It's a pretty interesting find b/c the front end he has on there is from an 86 (not ahrma elgible), and the original front end is the drum brake set up (ahrma elgible!!) that I'll be installing upon it's arrival. Got it for $750.00 from Ken Ruppert in Youngstown. He's got an 86 for sale too.

Looks in great shape john-for only $750!

Frog,

He said he painted the plastic...But I don't care -- it looks decent and it seem like a good solid bike...He went through the bike completely (motor, frame, etc..) and told me a very detailed history about it. He was going to scrap it and said he had some parts lying around and just decided to put it together...Looks clean and everything is tight. You can see some of Ken Rupperts restoration work (74 Husqvarna) on Phillip's Husqvarna-parts.com site. I guess 400's are my thing. These 400's have magic motors and there just stone cold reliable.

Skoalman,
2 at your bro's house equals room for another one at yours - lucky you. Nice scoot!!
Rick

Yeah...I'm so stupid...I had to go and buy 2 more bikes during this recent east coast snow storm...Like I really needed them...Storing bikes at bro's house -- you're right Rick -- that's what little brothers with big houses are for!!

2 out and then 2 back in? I don't want to hear another word about room or lack thereof (dang - I sound like a woman/my wife). Hell, if it were up to me I'd have bikes in the livingroom.
Rick

Check the swing arm for cracks. If you have any questions I will soon have most of the answers. I am working on a 86 400 and have two 85 model arms and one 86 model, all with cracks somewhere. The 86 has bearing bosses so badly cracked they will need to be cut off and new ones welded on. The other two have had the cracks ground out and are at the welder now. Then off to Shot Peen after the welding. The chain adjuster bolts sieze in place too requiring a machine shop to drill out and put in thread inserts. Good luck!

Oh Great 400 Guru,
He Who Owns All 400's North of the Equator,
I bow in your gracious presence and humbly ask a diminutive question:

What's your opinion on 400 vs 430 for power and running quality?

Thanks, Mr. Skoalman.

Fritz,

Thanks for the tip. According to ken the bike was literally in pieces and he went through it bolt by bolt, so hopefully I "lucked" out. Keep your fingers crossed!

Oh Mr. Picklito -- it's funny that you asked that question b/c about a month ago I purchased as pristine used 87 430 head and cylinder in the event that one of these top ends goes "south of the equator." Now, what I've been told and what I've read about the 400 vs 430 is that the 400 has a little less torque but the overall powerband is better, because it's able to rev out more with alot less vibration. The H20 bikes are definitely heavier (266 pounds gassed up and ready to go according to an old test I read) but the motor in my mind deifinitely has all the torque I desire, but you can wick it up like a 250 on steroids...It's a nice combination. And luckily I do happen to have an 86 frame, rear shock -- and I think even a swingarm. I also know a few guys that were rock steady 400/430 vintage riders/racers who actually downgraded last year to 250's b/c they the 400/430 were wearing them out in the east coast woods. I think there is only one time when my bike put a can of whoop doo-doo on me and that's when I ran it in a modern harescramble in south (sandy) jersey...The suspension was just to soft for all that sand and it beat a brotha down...I finished, but I was hurtin' for certain!

A water pumper??? It is mighty clean looking though, nice find! Get rid of that 250. You obviously have too many bikes. )

Oohrah -- Roger that LTC...I will brief ya'll in the next few days about the pending changes... I see you're a few clicks down the road there in Alexandria -- Have you joined PVR yet -- Potomac Vintage Riders...great organization! Skoalman -- out.

I got the bike today...It looks even better in person...This bike is very, very clean...I don't know what he used to paint the tank, but man, it turned out great. Started on second kick. Strong motor and good tranny. Felt good. Did I mention that it was clean!

I'll guess I'll tell y'all now -- I sold the 83 WR 250 today as well. Turns out the guy who bought it doesn't live far from the guy who sold me the 85 WRX...So since he was coming to Maryland to pick up the 250, he agreed to pick up the WRX for me and deliver it to me. It was a good day.

Skoal,
Post up detailed photos when it hits the garage. I love pictures of clean 25 year old bikes.
Rick

Your 250 was a beaut, for sure, but so is that 400... you're lucky he didn't pick up that 400 and decide to keep it for himself!

WRX

http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3794&d=1266769884
http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3793&d=1266769884
http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3792&d=1266769884

pics

Da'Man, pics wouldn't open! Scott

View attachment 3801

View attachment 3802

View attachment 3803

View attachment 3804

So I asked Ken, the seller, what did he use to paint the fenders and tank and he said Krylon fusion for plastic. He said: "this paint will last a long time on the fenders & such but it WILL scratch up on the tank, Once a season wet sand the scatches (dry to rough it up) & repaint" Sounds like a no brainer to me -- at least for this bike.

I've got an old spare 84 WR plastic tank that Frog sold me, I might try it out on that one and put it on the the other twin shocker that I'm resurrecting...

I was doing some web searching and came across this old post. Just thought I'd bump/ask. How has the Krylon Fusion paint held up?

Eric,

Wow, what a blast from the past.

Regarding the krylon fusion paint -- I wish I knew about the tank and could tell you how it held up. Unfortunately, I sold the 1984 WR 400 and 1985 WRX 400 and all of my extra 400 parts (ALOT!!) to Bob Bean, I believe in late 2011. I think I've seen him on here, from time to time. Loved the 400's (owned 3 WR's and 1 WRX) but honestly I just didn't want to deal with vintage watercooled bikes anymore. No problems with them, just wanted something a little less complex. Was always on the hunt for air-cooled 430's and now own a 1982 and 1983 430 WR.