Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1541571
December 2025 37 and the 360 Husky demands the best. As difficult as it is to ride, having ridden it, well or poorly, a strange respect for a gallant warrior remains as the most predominant memory of this more than capable compe on motorcycle. The 360 Viking is a fighter, not a lover; it's all business and requires riding concentra on". Back in 1968, the 360 Viking was one of only two motocross models made by Husqvarna. The Vi- king was also regarded by many as one of the best private motocross machines available to the public. The 360 Husky was no play bike for the inexperi- enced novice or part- me weekend trail rider. Given all this, we couldn't resist waking the big Swede up with a carb and filter service, changing the gear lube, and just giving the bike a good go- ing-over. Although it had been years since the bike had been started, with big fat spark and healthy compression, it fired instantaneously, emi ng a ferocious bark. Once up to temp, we gave it a prop- er rip around the compound, tossing a roost that would rival a modern bike. What's riding a '68 360 Viking like, you ask? Well, number one: it's loud and proud with an ear-crack- ling pop. The second sensa on is ge ng accustomed to the right-side shi . Best be on your toes, or you'll be swapping ends in a heartbeat while downshi ing, looking for the rear brake. Third and most notable is that even at 56 years old, the 360 Viking is brutally fast. With no reed valves, just a piston port design, there's not a lot of low-end torque typical of a big bore. What it's got is a massive mid-range hit that keeps building. It's got long legs with a rather tall first gear in the four-speed box, and although the power delivery is brutal when twisted, the original remote float Bing carb runs quite clean down low and idles well without loading up. We're told the 360 Viking put out 37 hp, and we believe it, as a few friends and I spent a fair amount of me on the bike at Zoar Moto Park in September doing pit duty, and all were more than impressed with how strong the 360 Viking ran. As for the suspension, although impressive for the day, it's minimal compared to even Post Vintage bikes with a tad over four inches at the rear and six inches of fork travel. Weighing in at less than 220 pounds, the Husqvarna 360 Viking is s ll an impres- sive beast that demands respect. All these years later, the editors at Cycle World were spot-on with their review of the 1968 Husqvarna 360 Viking!