Oddly, the Swedes believed that less engine size meant more speed.

(Yes, I did try to lighten the picture color. Ok?)

Power: The '87 Husky 430 CR engine created tractable, mellow low-end and mid-range power. The bikes mid-range power was wide and tractable. The engine didn't pull in the high RPM's. The power delivery and type made the engine power very user friendly. Unfortunately, the 430 was not as competitive on the MX track as its competition.

Suspension: The White Power forks did not flex, and their performance was relatively good under most riding conditions. Despite the rear suspension receiving linkage design updates, the rear Ohlins shock suspension performance was mediocre at best.

Handling: The 430 XC was not a sharp turning machine. Its high speed stability could not be matched by any other Open Class bike.

Reliability: The Husky's overall reliability was good.

Odds & Ends: The bikes braking power was weak, the engine vibrated just as much as the Husky 500 XC, and the clutch pull effort was ridiculously hard. Despite these unglamorous glitches, the 430 XC was a fair trail/play machine for many average riders. Except for updated graphics, the '88 Husqvarna 430 XC was no different.