By the mid 1980s Husqvarna had already cemented its reputation as a force in off road competition, and the 430 WR was one of the standouts of the era. Building on the success of the earlier 400, the 430 combined a torquey two stroke single with a wide ratio six-speed transmission, (hence its WR name), making it equally at home in enduro competition and on rugged trail rides.
Displacing 430cc, the liquid cooled motor produced strong midrange punch with a broad spread of usable power. Riders of the day praised its caterpillar like ability to tractor up climbs at low rpm, yet it would still rev freely and deliver serious speed when opened up. Cycle World called it “as perfect an enduro engine as you could reasonably imagine,” and dyno runs backed it up with class leading performance. Suspension was another highlight: a revised fork and linkage rear shock made the 430 both plusher at slow speeds and more controlled at race pace, earning it a reputation as one of the best handling enduros of its time.
Details included a front disc brake with dual piston caliper, larger clutch, and updated bodywork with a wider seat for long days in the saddle. While quirks like fragile speedo cables or side stands were noted, the 430 WR’s combination of stability, comfort, and raw performance made it a benchmark in the open class enduro segment. Today it remains one of the iconic Husqvarnas of the pre Cagiva era, a capable and collectible two stroke that helped define enduro riding in the 1980s.
This example is VIN: 842251951HWP25477. The seller has owned the bike for over 25 years. “I bought it when I was 19 and had a great time with it, I used to ride it in the trails with friends, I’d like to see it go to a good home and enjoyed.”
The bike has trip meters in km and miles, but no odometer. It is True Mileage Unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller states: “Changed all fluids at the beginning of the month. Foam air cleaner was also cleaned, and new fuel with fuel stabilizer and ethanol neutralizer. Fresh piston (installed by the original selling dealer) with ~3 hours including break-in. New reeds. Rebuilt magneto/stator. Newer clutch, clutch cable, and throttle cables. Rear wheel re-spoked; wheels straight and true. Runs and rides very well.”
Modifications:
The seller states: “It’s stock, however I do have a performance exhaust muffler that comes with the motorcycle.”
In-line fuel filter.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone tires that have aged out with date codes of 2006 and 2106.
The bike does not have a keyed ignition and so doesn’t require keys, the bike comes with a large amount of spare parts and service documents and receipts. The seller states that the bike has always been kept inside, and all the spare parts have been kept in a climate controlled environment.
“Original brochure and repair manual, original sale papers to the first owner, factory tag signed by the Swedish builder of this bike. Spare motor (bottom and top separate): fitted piston had a light stick but still ran when shut off, kept as a backup. Spare Penton ignition (working, $400 new, receipt included). Stock and performance exhausts. Miscellaneous spares: gaskets, hoses, spark plugs, reeds (still good), water impeller, original cables (for possible rebuild). Spare black re-upholstered seat (to preserve the original)”
Original documents.
Original sales brochure.
Cosmetic Blemishes: The seller states: “It has a crack in the rear plastic fender, a couple small dents in the expansion chamber and the speedometer cable is missing. The original seat has two small tears.” Cosmetic wear is present on frame rails and plastics consistent with use. Please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, this Husqvarna is offered on a clean Illinois title. Do you have any 430 WR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
