Mutant bike

[my_urban_chaos]

In one way or another the xlite motors have given us problems and the frustration can run a bit high. For me the 2012 TE310 is the most fun I've ever had on a dirt bike. Just as an exercise I was wondering how hard swapping a japanese motor into the Husky from would be. What size motor would be best for the frame and what mods would be needed? And would it be carburated? FI? Electric start? Would it be just as much fun? All while keeping the license plate. Any thoughts?

 

[K5PL5]

Go crazy like the guys did with that older SM450R. Throw a CR500 motor in there!

 

[Motosportz]

View attachment 29699
Go crazy like the guys did with that older SM450R. Throw a CR500 motor in there!

Yes please.

 

[LandofMotards]

I'd say a 449 motor. Yeah I know, not very creative lol

 

[DG Harv Serv]

Maybe throw a KTM motor in it, change the Suspension to WP , add PDS , fit white and blue plastics .

Then try to convince people its a Husky !

But then again I cant see anyone would fall for that ???

 

[my_urban_chaos]

A CR500 motor in a bike with lights, blinkers and a plate. Not to mention 17's on the front and back. Now that is a proper hooligan bike****************************************!

 

[duggoey]

In one way or another the xlite motors have given us problems and the frustration can run a bit high. For me the 2012 TE310 is the most fun I've ever had on a dirt bike. Just as an exercise I was wondering how hard swapping a japanese motor into the Husky from would be. What size motor would be best for the frame and what mods would be needed? And would it be carburated? FI? Electric start? Would it be just as much fun? All while keeping the license plate. Any thoughts?

Unless you can do it yourself or have too much money I'd suggest just buying a Japanese bike or a Ktm 350

 

[Kawagumby]

The OP was talking about "just as an exercise"...

So, he got me to thinking... if I ever blow the 310 engine up, I'd probably opt for a carbed Yamaha WR426 or WR450 engine to replace it. Wide ratio tranny, great torque and good overall off-road power. And you can get older models, chassis and all, pretty cheap from time to time. Local law enforcement would never know the difference between a Yammy engine and a Husky, but they'd sure look twice at a smoker! The TE looks like it has a lot of room between the engine and tank, even with the IMS tank on my bike. The main bugaboo that a lot of folks get into when swapping engines is the swingarm width vs engine width issue - so that'd need to be checked out.

The overall wet weight of the open-class WR's is similar to the 09 Husky 310 I own, about #275 or so... I bet the engines (especially the 01-02 426's w/o electric start - pretty bullet proof too) aren't much heavier than the 310. So the Husky chassis would probably work w/o a lot of spring/valving changes. Upgraded output electrics are available, so you could just swap out the entire wiring harness plus a Baja Kit (if need be).

Dang! Anyone got a 310 rolling chassis they want to sell?

 

[my_urban_chaos]

good idea on the WR, but if I remember right those motors were a bear to start when hot. Also the exhaust come out on the right side. Would that interfear with the shock or how would you mount the tabs for the exhaust?

 

[Kawagumby]

I dunno if it would work out...but it'd be fun to try. Usually things like the exhaust can be worked out with a little ingenuity. As far as the hard start when hot goes...I owned an 02 WR426 (manual decompress, kick-only), and it could be a bear sometimes - but that was cured with an auto-decompressor cam upgrade. Once I did that, the bike was a sweetheart on the trail.