A Noob ask: WR-400 or XC-500 for first restore?

[GoThere_50]

My first post here but I've been lurking for about 2 years. I've tried to resist the urge to tackle my first Husky restoration for quite some time but I'm caving. So, I humbly request your sage advice or even a quick comment. My two favorite models are '74 WR 400 and the '83 - '84 XC 500. Here is the vantage point, I'm an old guy who never quit riding. Most recently all Dual Sport stuff but I have owned open class two strokes in the past. From the standpoint of getting through a restoration (and enjoying it), using the bike for some regional Vintage / Post-Vintage MX (50+ Senior) and play riding, which of the two would you favor? That's subjective to be sure but the "why" would be very helpful to me. I have successfully completed "Project Bikes" before but they were newer four strokes. So, mid 70's WR 400 or Early 80's XC 500? - Thanks for sharing your thoughts...

 

[justintendo]

the eighties bikes in my opinion are easier to ride and have more forgiving suspension...i would say 80s unless you need or want to run something older. the 430 is a bit easier to ride so that may be another option. more common too. the early 80s are a bigger chassis, tho. you may prefer the older ones if you are pretty short. im 6 foot 2 so i dont mind the height

 

[Old Geezer]

The XC500 is a monster (I have an '83; currently - still - not running). But when it was...WHEW!! hang on bro'!!! Sits pretty tall in the saddle, even for my 6'1" frame. If you're into open-class cross country damn the roads kinda of riding at up to 100mph, then go for the XC. 400 and 430's, I've never had the pleasure to ride. My only other experience is my bro's CR500 '85 water cooled, which I like very much even though it can be a bear to start occasionally (as is the XC).
Be mellow, don't forget old bones don't heal too well.

 

[Crashaholic]

If your an old guy who can still hold on to something fast as hell then the XC500 is an awesome bike however if you're like me, an old guy who can no longer hold onto something like the 500 and you're an easy going type rider then the 400WR is the way to go. The 400 has a dependable motor and is moderately fast but lacks in the suspension department compared to the XC500, which doesn't matter if your just cruising. I like fast but can't hold on any longer. I'd end up in a hospital bed on the XC500 but I would have the memory of one great ride.

 

[GoThere_50]

Wow, you Husky guys are tall! 6'2 and 6'1, I'm just shy of 5'11. I manage OK with a saddle height of 37" but I've learned to adapt to riding without being able to flat foot at a stop. When off road I never seem to be on flat ground when I need to dab a foot anyway so it's the old lean & reach to the uphill side or pull the parachute as you fall to the downhill side.

In the build threads several owners of the 500 seem to have issues not only with hard starting but the kick start engagement gear itself. Several seem to also have problems with overflowing carbs flooding the crankcase. Is it just a matter of getting the kick start internals and carb float valve sorted, or are those ongoing problems? What about reliability in general on the air cooled 500's? Lifespan of a top end if you're taking good care of it? Can dents be taken out of the aluminum tanks or is that a lost cause? Parts availability as compared with the 70's era 400's? Does tuning for elevation offer any special challenges on these bikes (6,000 ft.) ?

I know I'm asking allot of basic questions but as you folks already know, it's not like you're just walking into a dealer and walking out with one of these vintage machines. It's quite a commitment. I appreciate the comments.

 

[jo360]

maybe do a theoretical comparison on the two models you want, factor in pricing for a full bottom and top end rebuild and maybe some gearbox parts this should give you an idea of parts you will require and then search the net for the parts and pricing.
i chose to go with a air cooled 430 because the parts were readily available and i think the power will be more thn enough for my lack of skill level.air cooled means less worries about case corrosion and no more radiators and pipe work.
any bike/carb set up correctly should start with a decent kick and you can always fit a decomp valve.
the newer bike will always handle better.

 

[suprize]

a few decomps on the aircooled bikes seem to work well for starting as does a slightly small carb. I would go the 500 if you can get one..they only go as fast as you turn the wick. plenty of power for when you get caught a gear down and the xc suspension is plusho... vip as age takes hold.... my thoughts.

 

[1982 XC 430]

One thing You didn't mention was whether You have either Bike now to start with ? Sometimes You restore what You can get and not what You want. Seat Height is going to be the biggest factor between Your two choices as far as riding. And if that's not an issue then the newer bike is going to be better. The 83 bike for sure and possibly the older to can have the magnesium cases rotted out if its sat for a long time. Like any Husky restoration, Frames Suspension and beat up Wheels are Cheap, Gas Tanks and Engine side covers are not.

 

[GoThere_50]

Actually I have neither, but both were on the market this week along with a dozen or so other examples. Several were from your area. That's one of the reasons I was asking, to target my search as resources will limit me to one. Interesting comment about the magnesium cases. I'd say 90% of the ones I've looked at have been sitting for at least 10 years based on descriptions, photos and comments from the current owners.

 

[suprize]

Some of the cases were swapped out for aluminium by husky so you can find some in good condition still. easy to check, the gearbox is overfull with milkshake oil!

 

[jimspac]

Even aluminum is not immune to the use of the wrong coolant mix long term

 

[suprize]

that is correct.....always the first port of call when looking at water pumpers

 

[jo360]

second the comment about the cases even on air cooled the magnesium pitts and corrodes, with an air cooled if it looks good on the outside its usually good on the inside but with either air or water check the oil.

 

[GoThere_50]

It seems the condition of the cases would be a critical point even with the air cooled twin shockers I was focusing on. Curious thing this classic bike chasing. Your second big decision (after type of machine) seems to be how much risk you are willing to take. Do you invest the $400 to $800 in travel expense to go examine a bike first hand that's 1,500 miles away or do you roll the dice, buy it sight unseen and have it shipped saving that expense? From what I've seen so far doing parts research, if your prize find turns out to be on it's third piston and that piston is loose, you may be out an additional $1,000 in your restoration budget. I guess a first hand inspection is preferable and if not possible, always expect the worse. By the way, great site and I appreciate all the comments!

Out of curiosity I looked for information on this and found nothing. Perhaps someone here knows the answer. What happened to the original tool & casting works from the original Swedish factory? Did it go to the Italians or was it destroyed?