Figured I'd give some feedback at the 7 month mark with my '11 TXC449. First off this is from a 52y/o B rider whose better days are behind me. I'd say I'm closer to C speed then B speed these days. Also I'm 5'6" 160lbs.
Right off the start I had to respring the shock as it was too stiff for me. I also installed a set of forks off my '10 TC250 before I got rid of it. Motor wise I've rode it stock until just recently when I installed the JD tuner. I have P3 pipe guards and skid and it's had the Akro silencer on it from day one. Other then that it's stock from the tires,grips to chain and sprockets.
Engine: This is one of my favorite engines of all time. It's lively yet buttery smooth. No burps no hiccups etc even without the JD tuner. It is like it's connected to your brain and what you feed in throttle wise is what you get. The shifting has been flawless and the clutch action is good though it has been difficult to find neutral when stopped. I've done oil changes as necessary and it comes out looking nice with no excessive metal shavings at all. Overall just imo a superb engine for a C/B level rider.
Suspension: This is where you'll be spending most of your efforts to get the most out of the platform. Again for me it was too stiff and I've been playing and massaging the clickers to get a setting that fits my comfort level and at this point with the stock valving I've got it pretty good. Outside of that it tracks straight and doesn't do anything funky but this and the weight are imo the two areas that hold this platform back from being a truly great bike.
Handling: It is very stable and even with that I'm pleasantly surprised at the turning prowess of the bike. When set up to my liking it carves and holds a line very nicely and I'd say turning is actually one of the strong points for me in spite of what I've read in reviews. Defintely a very neutral feeling bike and never does anything funny and while in motion it carries it's weight well but when it comes to jumps that is where the weight rears it's ugly head. As an offroad bike the weight is not an issue for me but at the MX track the weight is something I have to pay attention to on the jumps. While it handles the jumps fine it just can be a handful should you come off awkwardly or miss your landing point. Offroad where jumps are basically non-existent the bike works well with the nice balance and electric motor.
Misc: It's held up well as I'm still on the original chain and sprockets and they have worn nicely and have not taken a lot of adjustment. I've had no issues other then neutral being finicky when stopped due to the clutch having drag and the chain guide rubbing the rear sprocket from new as it needs to be shimmed as the plastic wear guide lays against there. The JD tuner is a nice addition and it livens the engine up and gives you tons of fueling adjustibility. Nothing has really came loose other then the typical loosening spokes upon break in and I keep an eye on the sprocket bolts and have never had them come loose as some folks seem to have issues with Husky rear sprocket bolts. Engine always fires up be it cold or hot and thus far the starting system has been flawless.
Overall: I've used the bike for trail riding, Dual sports, MX practice as well as Vet MX racing and it's been good at all disciplines. For a do everything bike I'd say it's a great platform for a C/B level weekend warrior. I have several other bikes to ride and the past 7 months the 449 has gotten the most usage in spite of the fact that for MX for instance that my '11 TC250 is a better option the 449 has gotten more usage as I just enjoy the smooth nature of the engine and mellower suspension feel then the racey hard edge chassis that the TC envelopes.
Right off the start I had to respring the shock as it was too stiff for me. I also installed a set of forks off my '10 TC250 before I got rid of it. Motor wise I've rode it stock until just recently when I installed the JD tuner. I have P3 pipe guards and skid and it's had the Akro silencer on it from day one. Other then that it's stock from the tires,grips to chain and sprockets.
Engine: This is one of my favorite engines of all time. It's lively yet buttery smooth. No burps no hiccups etc even without the JD tuner. It is like it's connected to your brain and what you feed in throttle wise is what you get. The shifting has been flawless and the clutch action is good though it has been difficult to find neutral when stopped. I've done oil changes as necessary and it comes out looking nice with no excessive metal shavings at all. Overall just imo a superb engine for a C/B level rider.
Suspension: This is where you'll be spending most of your efforts to get the most out of the platform. Again for me it was too stiff and I've been playing and massaging the clickers to get a setting that fits my comfort level and at this point with the stock valving I've got it pretty good. Outside of that it tracks straight and doesn't do anything funky but this and the weight are imo the two areas that hold this platform back from being a truly great bike.
Handling: It is very stable and even with that I'm pleasantly surprised at the turning prowess of the bike. When set up to my liking it carves and holds a line very nicely and I'd say turning is actually one of the strong points for me in spite of what I've read in reviews. Defintely a very neutral feeling bike and never does anything funny and while in motion it carries it's weight well but when it comes to jumps that is where the weight rears it's ugly head. As an offroad bike the weight is not an issue for me but at the MX track the weight is something I have to pay attention to on the jumps. While it handles the jumps fine it just can be a handful should you come off awkwardly or miss your landing point. Offroad where jumps are basically non-existent the bike works well with the nice balance and electric motor.
Misc: It's held up well as I'm still on the original chain and sprockets and they have worn nicely and have not taken a lot of adjustment. I've had no issues other then neutral being finicky when stopped due to the clutch having drag and the chain guide rubbing the rear sprocket from new as it needs to be shimmed as the plastic wear guide lays against there. The JD tuner is a nice addition and it livens the engine up and gives you tons of fueling adjustibility. Nothing has really came loose other then the typical loosening spokes upon break in and I keep an eye on the sprocket bolts and have never had them come loose as some folks seem to have issues with Husky rear sprocket bolts. Engine always fires up be it cold or hot and thus far the starting system has been flawless.
Overall: I've used the bike for trail riding, Dual sports, MX practice as well as Vet MX racing and it's been good at all disciplines. For a do everything bike I'd say it's a great platform for a C/B level weekend warrior. I have several other bikes to ride and the past 7 months the 449 has gotten the most usage in spite of the fact that for MX for instance that my '11 TC250 is a better option the 449 has gotten more usage as I just enjoy the smooth nature of the engine and mellower suspension feel then the racey hard edge chassis that the TC envelopes.
