Trail Rider Magazine

was always no. Having bought it new from Joe Morel (the two became great friends) and being his fi rst big bore, this one wouldn't be for sale. Sadly, the reality of these old machines is the fact that we are just caretakers of the iron. With proper care, they will last forever. We mere mortals don't enjoy the same fate. Our days are numbered and sadly, my buddy Howie was taken was too soon at 54 years old (get your colon screening). Last fall while visi ng his family, I got to take a peek at the 450 WR once again. Even though it had been years since it was enjoyed, being familiar with them, I knew it wouldn't take too much eff ort to wake it up from the decade's long nap in the back of the barn. With a promise to never sell it and wake it up in his honor, his family let me take it back to the shop for some much needed love and a en on. What's so cool about vintage Husky's is the fact that parts are never a problem. John at Vintage Husky (vintagehusky.com) is only a phone call away. Having woken up literally dozens of these things over the years, John has always exceeded expecta ons with quality and delivery. Fortunately, the bike had been in a ght, dry barn. Corrosion was nonexistent. Howie was a huge fan of WD40 and would slather his old toys a few mes a year. This re- ally helped preserve. Another bonus was the tank had been emp ed and the carb properly drained. We started with a thorough carb dis- assembly and cleaning in the ultrasonic tank. A new air fi lter was installed and all cables properly lubed. The gear box got a fresh drink of gear lube. Most old 2 strokes require new crank seals but there's a few European bikes that always seem to wake up without issue. This 450 WR was no diff erent. With fuel tap on, the Bing ckler held down for more than a few seconds (funny how these things like ridiculous amounts of fuel to start) the big orange beast fi red up immediately. There's something so rewarding about waking up a machine that's been dormant for literally decades. Having it fi re up to breathe life once again is a special feeling. With the motor in fi ne running order, it was me to concentrate on the chassis. Wheels were pulled, brake shoes were cleaned and all pivots greased. A set of NOS Metzelers were mounted along with new Kenda Tuff Tubes. With the chassis squared away, a test ride was in order. Most vintage bikes that sit for any real length of me have stuck clutch plates. Not the end of the world for sure but just another step in the process. Fortunately, Husky's don't seem to have that problem either. With fresh mix of 100 octane AvGas and Maxima 927, the old 450 WR fi red right up and soon se led into a nice low idle. It's a deep rather loud sound but certainly not obnoxious. Bum Bum Bum Bum, the big Husky purred. Snicking it into gear and le ng the clutch out was a treat. The torque is so strong, it would be tough to stall this one. In fact, the re could be up against a tree and the rear wheel would con nue to churn. John Deere-like pulling power. The 450 WR (Wide Ra o) is geared tall. First gear is good for 25 mph or be er, who knows what the top end is. Geared to the moon! Our local test loop here at Trail Rider Central is approximately 12 miles of rather rugged, New England terrain. The big 450, although minus more than a half a foot of travel than what we typically ride, held its own quite well. It goes where it's pointed, doesn't defl ect, feels much lighter than my 300 Katoom. The low seat height is appreciated when the going gets slow. This vintage Husky is one enjoyable ride that's sure to see a fair amount of NETRA Vintage Scramble ac on. Look for the big Ger- man aboard the Swedish bike next season. I'll be wearing Howie's Belstaff and spor ng his old race number of 23 in his honor! Miss ya buddy, Kurt. January 2018 37

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