1969 Husqvarna 400 Cross

The British domination of America’s vast playground of off-road adventure was marred when the Japanese got involved with Yamaha, but perhaps more than any other models, it was the agile, lightweight two-strokes from Husqvarna that took over the market in scrambles and desert racing. In the late 1960s and ’70s the Swedish company would win 14 world motocross championships, countless medals in ISDT and enduro competition, and 11 Baja 1000 victories, three of those ridden by Malcolm Smith. Unheard of on this side of the Atlantic when the Sixties began, Husqvarna’s series of two-stroke machines – first a 250, then a 360 that grew to 400cc – featured breathtakingly lusty single-cylinder engines suspended in lightweight steel frames. Painted steel gas tanks with the brand’s signature chromed panels, intended to prevent a rider’s knees from damaging the paint – was the signature “look”.

The motorbike offered

The 1969 Husqvarna 400 Cross on offer here comes to us from a former collector, dealer and all ‘round enthusiast.

The bike is offered in good overall condition with evidence of an older restoration. From aftermarket plastics and a race number, we suspect the bike has seen some action, though little is known of its history. It has good compression, so should only need re-commissioning before returning to rewarding duties in desert or dirt.