So I've been pestering Walt for almost 2 years now about the possibilities of stretching the boundaries a little more on the legendary 165 that we all love. He's taken the time to answer every crazy question/idea I've had in the search for more. About two months ago the stars finally aligned (or he got tired of me asking him about it) and Walt found the time to build a 177 using 4mm stroker crank on his already proven 165. He was building the motor for me but he liked it so much he ended up keeping it!!! Can't say I blame him after the ride I took on mine this evening..........
So here is my setup: Bike: 2012 CR177 set for 100 octane, 13/50 gearing, Husky badged PC pipe with PC296 silencer, Kiehin 36mm as2. Rider: A-Vet enduro/ hare scramble, 240 pounds 6'6" (big), Northern California but I love the tightest/technical stuff around.
So the motor RIPS********************************************************************************! I'd love to see what the HP readings are on a dyno with this bitch but I can tell you that it's more than any 250f and probably most 250 2-strokes from the 90's. On the trail I had a bit of difficulty, this thing is violent. I think the PC pipe is the culprit and I'm looking forward to trying my FMF200 pipe for the next ride. Out in the desert or on a Moto track it would be fine but out in the single track it's just to explosive to ride, and I kind of like explosive!
177 vs 165: I can ride the 165 wide open (with the PC pipe) in a ton of places, not the case with the 177. It's really a almost identical power band just has more everywhere. I feel like the gearing needs to be taller but at my size I need a low first for the slow, steep stuff. A normal size rider could easily get away with one up on the counter sprocket. The free revving nature of the 165 is even better on the 177. Similar motor vibration. It wanted a fatter Main jet and leaner pilot.
This review is based on a short jetting session and then about 1 hour out on the trail. I know there is more to be had out of this motor. My pipe choice sucked, I've got FMF200, stock, Scalvini and PC to chose from and I went with the most top-end oriented option I had. So I made a mistake on the pipe and I was not a fan of the FMF200 on the 165 because it was too flat on top for me but I expect it to be better suited to the 177 so I will try it next. Walt has a DEP pipe that I would like to check out...........
Choices: If your fast, get the 177. If your big, get the 177. If your under 200 pounds the decision gets tougher and would be largely dependent on ability, the 165 probably has enough to make you as fast or faster than you would be on anything else and the 177 might be just a bit too much. If your motor needs the bottom end rebuilt anyways you might want to consider the extra stroke. If your a top A rider or PRO, you probably should look at a different platform.
So there you go boys! Short assessment but gives you an idea. I'll keep you updated with my performance and durability testing. Thanks Walt for what you have done to make this bike everything Husky could have.
Ride hard,
Nate Tucker
So here is my setup: Bike: 2012 CR177 set for 100 octane, 13/50 gearing, Husky badged PC pipe with PC296 silencer, Kiehin 36mm as2. Rider: A-Vet enduro/ hare scramble, 240 pounds 6'6" (big), Northern California but I love the tightest/technical stuff around.
So the motor RIPS********************************************************************************! I'd love to see what the HP readings are on a dyno with this bitch but I can tell you that it's more than any 250f and probably most 250 2-strokes from the 90's. On the trail I had a bit of difficulty, this thing is violent. I think the PC pipe is the culprit and I'm looking forward to trying my FMF200 pipe for the next ride. Out in the desert or on a Moto track it would be fine but out in the single track it's just to explosive to ride, and I kind of like explosive!
177 vs 165: I can ride the 165 wide open (with the PC pipe) in a ton of places, not the case with the 177. It's really a almost identical power band just has more everywhere. I feel like the gearing needs to be taller but at my size I need a low first for the slow, steep stuff. A normal size rider could easily get away with one up on the counter sprocket. The free revving nature of the 165 is even better on the 177. Similar motor vibration. It wanted a fatter Main jet and leaner pilot.
This review is based on a short jetting session and then about 1 hour out on the trail. I know there is more to be had out of this motor. My pipe choice sucked, I've got FMF200, stock, Scalvini and PC to chose from and I went with the most top-end oriented option I had. So I made a mistake on the pipe and I was not a fan of the FMF200 on the 165 because it was too flat on top for me but I expect it to be better suited to the 177 so I will try it next. Walt has a DEP pipe that I would like to check out...........
Choices: If your fast, get the 177. If your big, get the 177. If your under 200 pounds the decision gets tougher and would be largely dependent on ability, the 165 probably has enough to make you as fast or faster than you would be on anything else and the 177 might be just a bit too much. If your motor needs the bottom end rebuilt anyways you might want to consider the extra stroke. If your a top A rider or PRO, you probably should look at a different platform.
So there you go boys! Short assessment but gives you an idea. I'll keep you updated with my performance and durability testing. Thanks Walt for what you have done to make this bike everything Husky could have.
Ride hard,
Nate Tucker