A couple of years ago I started thinking that I'd like to find an
example of my last race bike, a 1981 250 XC. I had a lot of good
memories and successes with that bike and had regretted selling it. I
found one on eBay in April of 2007, began the restoration in June of
2007, and finished it just a few nights ago.

I've added some images of my original 81 250 XC, and before/after
shots of the project bike in the Photos section under Peter's Images.

The bike was pretty bad and turned out to be much worse after opening
the engine and forks. It must have set out in the weather for years
judging by the internal rust, corrosion, and nice little rat's nest
in the airbox.

What I finally started with was the frame, T-clamps, handlebars and
clamps, hubs and backing plates, pipe, airbox, rear brake pedal and
rod, and misc. brackets and fasteners.

I was able to source everything else from eBay and a number of
suppliers. I was fortunate to find another 81 250 XC engine that was
rebuildable. It is very close to the same spec as my original bike
and is in as-new condition.

Tuesday night the freshly painted tank arrived and after installing
it, I fired the Husky off for the first time.

What a great sound! It was the first time in 25-years I'd heard an
air-cooled Husky running. After letting it warm for a few minutes, I
snicked it into gear and took it up the street for a couple of
blocks. It was like greeting an old friend.

This restoration would not have been possible without support from
the following:

John LeFevre at Vintage Husky for most of the plastic and the nice
job on the tank. Phillip at Husqvarna-parts.com for some NOS, and new
and hard to find parts, and the rear fender. Hall's Cycles and
Fernando at Husqvarna Parts Australia for NOS parts. Forest Stahl for
advice and parts. Dan Giovinazzo for some very good used parts.
Storme Winter for bead blasting, machining, and TIG welding services.
Steve Marples at Ohlins USA for advice and parts so I could restore
my shocks. Motion-Pro for building a nice set of cables to my specs.
Hodaka Only for the replica Preston Petty headlight/# plate.
Buchanan's for the Sun rims and stainless spokes. DC Plastics for
taking my used rear inner fender and replicating it. Brian at
BDesigns in Canada for taking my drawing and replicating the "250 XC"
clutch cover sticker.

The list could go on, but you get the idea. Without enthusiasts and
businesses like those above and others, bikes like this wouldn't have
a chance. Thanks to them, another Husky rejoins the living. I'll be
hanging onto this one.

Peter