Calling all 2013 TE449 owners - Would you buy it again?

Hi,

With what you know about your bike now, would you buy it again?

Im an old guy (44) and am considering getting back into riding one last time. I can get a good deal on a 2013 TE449 ($7800 OTD thats including CA tax, set up, reg) and was wondering if you recommend the bike at this price.

If I don't get the TE, I'll be buying a WR250R or DRZ400 , which are about $1400 less, but no where near the bike the Husky is.

A little background: I rode dirt bikes pretty much my entire life until 2000. I raced a few races in District 36. I'm 6' tall and weigh about 240lbs. I'm not sure about how much advanced ridding I have in me so I'm not sure I need a TE449, but the price is right.

Ive had a 511 for nearly 2yrs. I am about to update, but not to another 511. I like the 511, but not really interested in getting a 2013 511 as its the same bike as my 2011 511. I am switching to a Berg 501 as the 310 dosn't do it for me. I don't think we will see any new Huskies this year at all. So a Berg is an in between bike for now.
The 511 is a great bike & will leave your other selections for dead. Mine has been bulletproof for 3000ks except for shifter issues & dead throttle(occasionally) & being carefull with oil changes.

I am 56 and got back into riding after about 35 years. I started with a new Honda 250 L. Nice bike but on the heavy side. After about 9 months I came across a lightly used 2011 TE 449. The Honda is going to be sold soon. I was a little concerned about the tall seat. (I have a 30" inseam). But that has not been much of a problem. This bike is more dirt than the DRZ but the DRZ would,probably handle the hwy better. As for the WR. I like the added HP,of the bigger bike.it eliminates lots,of down shifting. They are all good bikes but if you are going to ride mostly dirt I would go with the Husky. If you want a dual sport that will cruise the pavement some I would go with the DRZ. My Husky will run over 70 but it buzzes the bars so much I back down to 60 for comfort

Jeff, I see you have a KLR. I plan on getting one for my dual sport rides. My Husky is for the rough stuff and the Klr will be for fire roads and some hwy.

I too see your a KlR guy. I have owned a couple. I have a DRZ400 now along with my 2012 TE511.
I really love my 511. It is a very different animal than the KLR's/DRZ's. It is a race bike that has been made
50 state street legal. It has a catylitic converter, smog canister, and very lean fuel mapping that really hurts
Its performance. The maintenance for the TE is more frequent, oil changes, etc. more along dirtbike, not
Dualsport lines. When your doing your second or third valve adjustment on your KLR at 20,000miles, it might
Be rebuild time on the TE, as it would be on most any real dirtbike race bike. I put an FMF pipe, and had the
Fuel mapping redone, (about 350/400$) and the bike runs great. If you are looking for a real performance
Dirtbike you can use to get to places to ride and you like doing maintenance, you will love it. Throttle only
Front wheel lofting power, suspension, brakes etc, quality components, and it has a lot of soul.
No comparison to the DRZ in the dirt, the DRZ is heavier by 60/70 pds. And suspension is playbike by comparison.
Most who own the 511's have had good luck in the reliability department, mine has been perfect.
It's really just picking the right tool for the job. Commuter, playbike, easier maintainence, longer life, less performance
And your riding the DRZ. You want the real dirtbike, with top components, arm stretching performance,(with the mods)
something you can use and grow your offroad skills with, and its super cool, get the 449/511.

Would I buy again, yes of course, the 449 is an amazing motorcycle and with a couple of known mods, is now bullet proof. I would not recommend buying a berg at the moment, but to wait and buy a new Husqvarna FE501. @Jeff - The TE would be a great bike for you and you will be able to customize it to your liking. The KLR is a good bike, but it is very heavy. I'm similar to your age/weight/height and I wouldn't want to lug around anything heavy. I want something light and sporty.

I just got a 2013 te449 after a 6 year break from the dirt. Only have a few rides on bike and I love it! I got FMF power core IV, power up plug for access to map II and ditched CA smog crap. The bike runs great and nice usable power. I would try an;d work them down a bit on price. You can get one easily in the $7000-$7400 range. You gotta find dealer who has the factory discounted units for the lower price otherwise they won' t go that low. I had to ask specifically about those units or they wanted the same range you are stating. Get one as you will have a huge grin every time you ride it.

Hey J.R. check your Private Message/Conversation.

How about tilling your garden? Mixing Margaritas? Would you use it for that?

Since when is 44 old? I am 50 now and am having a blast on my Husky.
I have had my 2011 TE 449 for 1 year 4 months. Never had a problem with it, my smog stuff did fall off though, FMF power core with quiet insert (sounds great). Changed gearing a little so I can lug it and would definitely buy again.
I think you can do better on the price you stated, $7800 seems high.

fantastic bike! Bulletproof all around. So fun to ride and incredible on-demand power in all gears. Did I say Bulletproof?

Jeff..check your PM. Happy buying!

ive had my 2012 TE449 for about a year and a half now. and absolutely love it ill never get rid of it. i did the fmf power core 4 exhaust, jd tuner, power up, and ditched the smog stuff. it runs amazing and its probably the best 450 motor on the market IMHO! would never get rid of it but if i did it would only be to get another!!!

No, I would not buy one again.

I would be happy to give you a full list of reasons why I would not buy again; but on this forum it will not be well received -- PM'd you...