Post Sale Update: A month later, this AMX went up with No Reserve on Bring a Trailer and sold for $2,800.
Post Listing Update: This AMX did not get any interest at the BIN of $6,850 on eBay in New Braunfels, Texas.
In the early 1970s, the Swedish military hired Husqvarna to build easy-to-ride motorcycles for servicemen who may not have grown up riding bikes. Husky responded with the creation of an automatic transmission with a centrifugal clutch for leaving from a stop and dog clutches for the other gears. As military tech often does, this automatic tranny soon made its way to civilian products. Husky’s first implementation was in 1976 with the 360 Auto, but it wasn’t until 1978 with the AMX 390 that Husqvarna had a machine that could seriously compete (and even beat) other Open class machines.
Part of that was due to the improved motor, a 384cc mill that produced 41 horsepower at 8,000rpm. In addition, the 390 got a new frame design and longer travel shocks. The tech worked well enough that Husky kept using it through 1988 until they stopped seeling a water-cooled 430 automatic. For more on the AMX, check out this profile on PulpMX.
This example (VIN: ML23189) is claimed to have originally been purchased in upstate New York “with the intention of racing in scrambles and enduro events”, though “it only saw three races before being stored for more than 39 years.” During the third race, the engine case was cracked in a crash. After the original owner passed away, his son sent this Husky to Texas Two Strokes for restoration. The goal of the work was to “preserve the integrity of the machine and to replace only the wearables.” Highlights include a new seat cover, Mikuni carb upgrade, new chain, new front sprocket, and DC plastics.
Per the seller, “the late racers wife now lives in Oklahoma. I had the pleasure of taking the bike up there for them to see it and recall the great memories they had of racing on the weekends and enjoying time away from the oil and gas industry. After some tears and big hugs, they are ready for it to have a new home, wherever that may be.”
A good example sold at Mecum Las Vegas 2018 for $6,325, which means this bike seems right in line with a BIN of $6,850. Find this AMX for sale in New Braunfels, Texas