In 1983, Husqvarna introduced a new 500cc motor for their Open Class bikes, and they promptly won the 1983 Baja 1000 in 14:48:10 with the US team of Dan Smith and Dan Ashcraft. While there were obviously plenty of modifications to the race bike, the production motorcycle was quite formidable in its own right. They’re also not easy to find in good shape, which makes this restored example particularly interesting.
As the “XC” implies, this bike was all about getting across country as fast as possible – the stock gearing allowed a top speed of over 100 miles per hour if you were brave enough. The motor produced 43 horsepower and 33 lb-ft of torque. For more information, check out this period review from Cycle magazine hosted on Ye Olde Cycle Shoppe, which is such a great site to lose a couple of hours checking out old mag issues.
This example (VIN: XC03831) is said to be in mint condition thanks to a “full restoration” that included a powdercoated frame and a very long list of new parts: swingarm bearings, steering head bearings, cables, controls, grips, chain, sprockets, air filter, headlight, brake light, plastics…the list goes on. There’s also rebuilt fork, rebuilt Ohlins shock (set up for a 250 pound rider), titanium motor mounts, and V-Force reeds/cage.
Find this XC for sale in Glen Rose, Texas with a BIN of $7,495 here on eBay.