2007 TE-450 to 2009 TXC-450, should I do it???

O.K. guys, my wife is probably going to shoot off into orbit like a rocket when I drop this on her as I just bought my TE-450 last year (Sept. 23). It isn't even a year old.

I love that bike & would have lived happily ever after had I not seen a pic & some spec.'s for the 2008 TXC's. Then, I saw some pics of the '09's & was totally blown away. I won't be able to sleep quite rite at nite until I have one of those things, so I'm needing a little help with actual experience just to make sure I'm getting what I think I'm going to get 9besides a big fat knot on the head).

I stopped riding the TE on the road a couple of months ago & bought a WR-250R for my work commuter. I had a KLX-250 I was riding to work & sold it thinking I'd just use the TE. Well, up to that point I had been switching up between the two, so I put up with the shortcomings of the TE as a d.s. bike. My ride to work is 32 miles one-way & after a few days on the TE I was wishing I had my KLX back. The TE eats tires, even more street-oriented tires & is always ready to punch a hole in the wind. So, I went out & bought the WR250R for work duty & now just ride the TE on the weekends when I want to beat up on my buddies. The TE is o.k. for short, occaisional stints, but as you all know, it is a race bike first, d.s. seco...well it's just a race bike with turn signals.

After seeing the TXC's I realized that they might be a better fit for what I'm doing anyway. I mean, I'm riding it off-road only, the TXC has the better, lighter chasis, wide-ratio gear box, etc. I don't ride it at night much anymore since I stopped riding it to work, so I don't need lighting (as if I could see in the dark with the TE headlight anyway). I'm thinking this TXC bike is just as if not more, power-packed, lighter, more nimble & has the same gearbox I have come to love on my TE.

Am I looking in the right direction here? I want my TE in a lighter, better handling package. I love the TE, but I think the TXC would be a littler more racey the way I like it kind of deal.

So, what do you guys who have ridden both think I will think about a new 2009 TXC-450 or 510 as compared to my TE? What am I going to miss about the TE? Anything? Is there really that much difference to take the $$$ hit. Remember I just bought the TE Sept. 23 of 2007. By the way, it is mint with 35 hrs. What should I ask for it? Cost on a new T.E. is nearly $7,800 o.t.d. around here.

Damnit! My wife is going to kill me. Why did they have to do this to me???

I rode the s out of my 06 TE450 ,,,,in the roughest terrain and in comp.....the 08TXC 450 is a far superior moto and really raised the level of my game. The TE IMHO still has dual sport stamped on it the TXC is real full competition offroad bike. If you want the best street legal dirt bike get or stay with the TE,,,,,,if you want a narrow focused hard core off road bike go TXC

Is it dependable like my TE?

These guys speak the truth.

I did the switch from a '07 TE 450 to a TXC 450 and can't say enough about the increased performance of the TXC. You won't be disappointed if you switch.

Shoot i forgot about the unused lighting coil,,,,,, a night ride is calling,, to escape this heat

where would a guy get a 120 watt upgrade for a new TXC? And whatkind of anti-aircraft spotlight would you run on it?

Would I be able to run this setup on my current '07 TE-450 without the high-output stator? I'm guessing it would be brighter than my current set-up with the candle in the jar. I must say though that it was through Coffee's experiment on TT that I found a much better bulb that drastically improved the situation. If I did put this on the TE, would it be as effective without the apgraded stator? Maybe a lighting sticky is in order here?

As much as I like the TXC's I don't think I would give up my license plate being here in So-Cal. We do a lot of long distance rides, so being able to pull into a little town for fuel is mandatory. It's also nice to ride into town for lunch, and a few coldies Also keep in mind the '08's still do not have an oversize tank or stabilizer available yet, as far as I know ? (which isnt much) Also I'm pretty sure the TE & TXC share the same tranny, so no advantage there.

Have you thought about just dumping some of the extra weight (Ie: horn, replacing stock blinkers, tail light assy, pipe, etc) and having your suspension redone on your '06 TE, instead of spending the extra cashola on a TXC ?

when i had the plate i never thought much of it,,it was just there....now without, i am seeing the DS guys go on some really cool rides ,, no plate no-go. So the plate is a great point, especially on real dirt bike like the TE. Choices choices,,,
stabilizer from Motosportz and GPR,, no-big tank (big issue) I was dry in 35 down in Tecate, tranny yes the same as TE. the 06 bike is fantastic when set up without all the street stuff and suspended for all offroad. enjoy your choices and enjoy the ride, R

I did not think your lighting tips thread was "convoluted"

Just a suggestion...

As for the plates...I thought about that, but I have a WR-250R. Won't be as fun on the dirt if I have to take it because there's some pavement involved, but I could get by. That damned TXC just sounds awesome...

Maybe we need a sticky for awesome stuff...

thanks. just thought your lighting tips from the TT site would be excellent technical info that would be good to park somewhere. I think this site is on the right track & glad you're doing it.