Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/919511
Vintage Bike of the Month 1973 Husqvarna 450 WR For those unfamiliar, you'd think a big bore 2 stroke Husky would be an explosive handful in the woods. The reality is they're actually a very controllable and capable woods mount. No doubt, compared to what we're used to today, they are more than a bit an quated but you just can't deny good geometry and smooth usable, tractor-like torque. Low seat height and rela vely light weight, they make for a really fun, usable piece. This par cular bike is very special to me personally, hav- ing been bought new by a close friend who passed away from cancer several years back. The year was 1974, my buddy Howie had out- grown his 1970 Yamaha CT-1 and was looking to step up his game. Howie was a big kid at 15 years old. The li le Yamaha proved to get the job done but with skills much improved, a big bore might be just the cket. At the me, Mo- rel's Husqvarna in A leboro, Massachuse s was the place to buy Husqvarna. Joe Morel was quite the character as was Howie and the two hit it off famously. Howie purchased a new, le over 1973 450 WR from Joe and the torquey 450 fi t his needs quite well, in fact inspiring a lifelong love for big bore 2 strokes. This par cular bike didn't get much actual use as working at the family gas sta on consumed much of Howie's me while not in school. Over the years, the big orange Husky would get some fresh fuel and fi red up for a local trail ride but as newer longer travel bikes be- gan to get his a en on, the 450 got pushed to the back of the barn where it spent the good part of the next four decades covered in dust. Over the years, I'd visit my old buddy on occasion and would try to buy it from him. Like many of us old bike hoarders, the answer 36 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com