On The Pegs July 2019 - Volume 4 - Issue 7 | Page 158

On The Pegs
158
develop a new 8-speed gearbox together with the technical engineers lead by
Ruben Helmin. The 4-speed was OK for mx, but lacked speed range, revving too
high in offroad competition. The complex solution was a high-ratio and a low-
ratio gearbox where riders had to stop to shift from one to the other. The concept
was a two-speed primary drive, controlled by a lever on the handlebars. Also, the
installation of this kit was complicated and costly. The whole power plant had to
be disassembled, which was time-consuming. With time, the pro’s learned how to
shift between high and low-range at speed, but Husqvarna never acknowledged
shifting in motion. However, the result was positive and using the 8-speed Husky
was more flexible than ever. When Hans raced in the “Novemberkasan” of the
same year he took an outright victory with the new concept engine. In time for
the new season, Husqvarna could finally introduce their first all-enduro machine
for sale in 1970.
In the US these machines were marketed as the Commando for the 250cc while
the 360 C was simply called Enduro. The market reaction did not meet expecta-
tions and desert riders preferred the standard 4-speed version, changing sprock-
ets whenever needed. But Husqvarna had a grand brand image at this stage and
the U.S. customers stood in line to purchase a Viking product. The American racer
John Penton was a true Husqvarna fan, racing the Swedish product to its first
national enduro championship in 1969. He tried persuading the Swedes to make