What to do with a vintage WR400?

I bought my 1986 WR400 back in spring of 1988 from the original owner, who had actually taken a 1985 WR400 motor and dropped it into a '86 WR250 frame. He liked the '85 motor, but of course wanted the single rear shock/front disc from the '86. Conversion work was done well, and I had the California CHP sign off on the frame/engine number combo on the title, so everything's legal.

This bike was my third Husky - started with my cousin's '72 CR400 (like riding an unbroken bronc at times!), then a 1978 CR390. The '86 WR400 was my third-time-is-a-charm bike. What an upgrade!

Rode mostly trails on USFS motorcycle areas in N. California, and a few enduros in C class. Did all the maintenance myself except engine work, which was done at Moore and Sons in Santa Cruz, CA. They put a new piston and main bearings in the early 1990s and I put a ring in later. I tried to stay on top of all the "little stuff" along the way. Don't have a clue how many hours are on it before I quit riding in 2006 after unsuccessful an ACL replacement. I have started it every once in a while, but not much in the last couple years.

I thought I'd go through it and keep it as a "fun" bike at our cabin in the Sierras, but just don't see it happening. I guess it's time for someone to get some fun out of it, but no clue to the value, especially in a place like San Francisco. No CL ads anywhere close, and ebay is parts only.

Bike is stock except aftermarket exhaust that South City Cycles put on right before I bought it in 1988, Progressive front fork springs, and aftermarket front Master Cylinder. All suspension is stock (Ohlin rear shock was rebuilt in mid '90s, low hours since). Left side crankcase cover was replaced before I bought it because of the known water pump corrosion issue. I did a little minor carb re-jetting at some point. I pulled the original analog speedo since every guard I fabricated for the sending gear failed to protect the wheel hub mechanism well enough, so I put an electronic Enduro computer on (has since died). I also recovered the seat a few years back, but it has a couple small rips. I have all original parts, and a few spares. Known issues are front brake goes flat after sitting for a while, even with the new master, and must be bled. Motor has always fired up after sitting, but has not been started regularly in years. The output shaft (under front sproket) has leaked a little off and on ever since I've owned it, but not in a major way. Front fork needs bushings/seals, again ;-).

I know it has some value, but haven't a clue as to what. Any ideas?

If running but needing engine refurb figure about $1200. If engine and everything else(mechanically) is fresh or low hour along with brakes, wheel bearings, rim condition front & rear, etc you could expect a few hundred more. All depends upon economy and current vintage demand. Some say it is an old modern bike but in my mind, not quite so

one of the best bikes husqvarna ever made..sadly most people think they just make mowers

I bought my 85 wrx 250 for 600 bucks from original owner, it ran but not to good and had been sitting for a while front flat, seat has tire rash, and clutch was slipping a little but other than that a good ole hare scrambler. It is up and running now starts on 2nd kick and runs every week end and I feel its at least worth a 1000 bottom dollar. It don't have to be all new stuff but it should start and be able to ride next saturday with no problems to get top dollar .
I say list it for 1200 and be prepared to take 800 other wise it probably won't turn no husky heads your way.
hope this helps.

84 scrambler has it about right. sadly these bikes are worth more in parts and often they end up that way

Don't part it out, That is a popular bike and very good. If someone wants that model they will pay a bit more and i doubt the value will drop much over time.

The 1985 WRX models hold a bit more value than the newer ones. It was a limited mid season release concurrent with the twin shock WR models. Not many were produced as it's purpose was to test the off road market while phasing out the twin shocks. And it was only made in 1985. The 1986 WR had standard WR suspension while the WRX had the CR/XC suspension front & rear

Huh, I did not know that . Thanks I'll give the suspension a closer look.
Yes, I would list your bike on this site as well.

1985 WRX also had DLS front drum brake. 1986 WR's had the crummy Brembo disk set up. DLS was way better.

87 dual piston brembo smoked both

Luckily I have 2 set of 1987 XC forks so all I need is the dual piston calipers and the rotor to put on my 86 400 if the WRX sells this spring

you have the 87 hub as well? for anyone out there wanting to swap, the 86 rotor is floating and the 87 is solid

I only have the stock front wheel for the 86 400WR. Is the 86 rotor compatible with the 87 caliper?

im almost positive they wont work together.

85 86 solid mounted caliper with floating rotor
87 88 solid mounted rotor and floating caliper

Is the 86 hub the same? Would it work with the 87 caliper and rotor?

86 hub is only set for the buttons which hold the floating rotor.

Good thing I have other options for front ends. I have a KX250 complete disc front end that will bolt on now and also a set of IT490 forks that can go in a set of Husqvarna triple that had been bored to accept 43mm forks.