Looking for information on a TE310R and TE250

I'm looking to buy my first dualsport and have decided on a husky. The one I'm leaning toward is a 14 TE310R and second is a 06 TE250. Here looking for a little insight on each model pro's and con's.
this is the 2014

I owned a 2009 TE250 and currently own a 2013 TE310R.

2009:

pros - Super easy to work on. Valve checks are a breeze. Dash includes a tachometer. I-beat tuning/diagnostic software is relatively inexpensive.
cons - Dead battery means you can't even kick start it. FI could be problematic, but a JD tuner mostly sorted that out. Won't affect you with the 2006, as it is carbureted.

2013:

pros - Will kick start, even with a dead battery. FI is much better, as long as it has been mapped to map 2 or 3 (must be done by dealer with service tool).
cons - PITA to work on. Everything seems to be in the way of what you need to get at. Valve check was very annoying. No affordable service tool/software. No tach (or hour meter, despite what the manual indicates)

Ride wise, I think the '13 feels a bit nimbler. Throttle is more responsive, but hard to really compare. Definitely more power, but that's 310 vs 250, so not really fair.

Anyway, those are my immediate thoughts. Hopefully others, particularly someone that knows the '06 bikes, can chime in.

The price difference isn't that great probably pick up the 310r tomorrow.

I have a 13 and 14 TXC 310. Both bikes run great, but if the TE starter is like the TXC, bank on it going bad. Pathetic starter design on these bikes.

^Good point, Rob. Starters are an issue on the newer bikes.

The word "dual sport" shouldn't be used beside a TE310R in my opinion. It's a dirt bike with a plate. Sustained high rpm ie. highway use, will kill it. I live 20km from a big ride area and I trailer my bike there.

How much on-road and off-road do you want to do?

Not really any highway use maybe short 2 lane roads to get to forestry roads and logging road and off-road use.

A 2009 is a tank compared to the 2014. the 14 will run circles around the 09. The 14 is more of a race bike.

You are looking at an 06 TE250? If so, here are a few more differences ... The former has CARB for openers ... Those are different Marzocchi forks also and that frame looks different ... Should be a noticeable price difference.

Unless this bike has known issues or this bike has been trashed or has lots of hrs on it, it should be a good bike and as stated, should cost much less if that matters ... if price does not matter, purchase the bike that is 8 yrs younger if you are gonna ride lots ... Low riding time and maybe you can live with the 06.

Thanks for the information going to get the 14 tonight.

You will love it! I have a 13, 310 and have had zero issues including no starter issues. I will say this over and over again. It should have the updated starter stuff in it, but use a good iridium battery with some high cold cranking amps CCA. I maintain mine very well. I have friends that have issues on other brands of bikes but they look like 100 years old already.
Plus you get the awesome KYB suspension that just about any shop can dial in for your preferences. Another favorite of mine would be a 13 or 14 TC 250 with a Rekluse.

Those aren't dual sports, they are dirt bikes with plates.

dual SPORT

What battery are you using for your 13 TXC 310? Also, how often do you charge it?

EarthX is the best lithium battery we have found.

Well- you probably already have purchased the red head... and with your quote (above) it'll be adequate for your road purposes (barely- believe or not) and superior in the dirt.

I don't have any direct experience with the 250 of that era; but I rode a friends '07 450 some, and I believe they are the same relative "platforms" engine-wise. A solid bike, and I think the 250 would make a pretty decent dual-sport, but definitely leaning more towards the dirt end of dual-sports. It might even chug like an XR250 with more power- I just don't have any saddle time in one.

The red head is on the extreme edge of the definition of dual sport. It is truly a race bike with a plate- and it feels very high-strung. I'm guessing there is a 10lb weight difference and (maybe more?) a 10 horse power difference.

I love my 310r, but it is NOT the bike I would be taking around the world- hell, the grocery store a mile away is iffy; but the 250... who knows? maybe yes.

I have 2K miles on mine, all dirt 'cept for the mile of asphalt there and back (so, let me think- I'd guess 1800 miles dirt, 200 miles asphalt. shit that's 10% asphalt- never would've guessed). hour-wise, I'd guess 100hrs (maybe more) dirt, and 1 hour street. Still in the honeymoon phase!

I'm surprised there is not a bigger difference in prices of the bikes you're considering; (if they're mechanically sound) it's either a great deal for the '14 or the '06 is showroom miles only.

My experience is opposite of Shovelhead's. I had an 06 TE510, now an 07 TE450. I have ridden a couple same vintage TE250s and ridden long dual sport rides with other guys on the 250s. They are the same platform. The 06 250 would be a solid, reliable bike, and is surprisingly competent and easy to work on (not that it needs much work). I could take it anywhere I would take the 450 or 510 - but at higher RPMs for the climbs, and lower speeds on the long straights. The 250 sips gas. It has lots more range than the bigger bikes.

So Jesse - did you actually get the 2014 as intended? Don't leave us hanging.

Tinken is probably correct. Earth X is good battery.
But that is key to these starters. Make them crank and not drag.
I also pull mine out every so often to clean and been using lil high temp grease up in the spider gears.

And if you want to invest a lil money. Get a Rekluse. No matter what crashes I get in. The bike is always still running.
Also, if you want lil more throttle response overall, start using VP fuels.

I dunno Scud- It kinda sounds like we TOTALLY agree. Unless I went off the rails and got too verbose again.

Anyhooo, what you said is exactly what I meant.