• 4 Stroke Husqvarna Motorcycles Made In Italy - About 1989 to 2014
     TE = 4st Enduro & TC = 4st Cross

  • Hi everyone,

    As you all know, Coffee (Dean) passed away a couple of years ago. I am Dean's ex-wife's husband and happen to have spent my career in tech. Over the years, I occasionally helped Dean with various tech issues.

    When he passed, I worked with his kids to gather the necessary credentials to keep this site running. Since then (and for however long they worked with Coffee), Woodschick and Dirtdame have been maintaining the site and covering the costs. Without their hard work and financial support, CafeHusky would have been lost.

    Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been working to migrate the site to a free cloud compute instance so that Woodschick and Dirtdame no longer have to fund it. At the same time, I’ve updated the site to a current version of XenForo (the discussion software it runs on). The previous version was outdated and no longer supported.

    Unfortunately, the new software version doesn’t support importing the old site’s styles, so for now, you’ll see the XenForo default style. This may change over time.

    Coffee didn’t document the work he did on the site, so I’ve been digging through the old setup to understand how everything was running. There may still be things I’ve missed. One known issue is that email functionality is not yet working on the new site, but I hope to resolve this over time.

    Thanks for your patience and support!

Need some help with a potenial new bike.

B

Bandit

Husqvarna
AA Class
My wife has been riding a Honda CRF 230 for the last two years and has made improvements, but for all intents and purposes she doesn't want to do any more than beginner type trail riding. She is 5'8", about 130 lbs and really strong, and just slightly cramped on the 230. With my daughter now graduating to the 230 we have been looking at a slightly larger bike for my wife. She has ridden my 2010 TXC 510 and says she feels more comfortable on it physically so we were thinking a TXC/TE 250/310 might work out pretty good for her. Oh, we are looking at new bikes simply because it would be her first "new" bike.

I have gone back and read a bunch of different threads on these bikes but I am left a little confused. Do they all require modification to run properly? Which of these models would require little to no modification to run without stalling or any othe drama. User friendliness is a huge requirement (I was originally thinking a Honda CRF 250x) as it will make the difference between this being a positive upgrade for her or not.

A secondary consideration is I would be using this bike occasionally for single track riding with friends, but it's not of primary concern. It doesn't matter to me either way if it is a dirt only or a street/dirt model, but it definitely needs to be able to have a "green sticker" for year round use.

Any help or insight is definitely appreciated.
 
Bandit said:
My wife has been riding a Honda CRF 230 for the last two years and has made improvements, but for all intents and purposes she doesn't want to do any more than beginner type trail riding. She is 5'8", about 130 lbs and really strong, and just slightly cramped on the 230. With my daughter now graduating to the 230 we have been looking at a slightly larger bike for my wife. She has ridden my 2010 TXC 510 and says she feels more comfortable on it physically so we were thinking a TXC/TE 250/310 might work out pretty good for her. Oh, we are looking at new bikes simply because it would be her first "new" bike.

I have gone back and read a bunch of different threads on these bikes but I am left a little confused. Do they all require modification to run properly? Which of these models would require little to no modification to run without stalling or any othe drama. User friendliness is a huge requirement (I was originally thinking a Honda CRF 250x) as it will make the difference between this being a positive upgrade for her or not.

A secondary consideration is I would be using this bike occasionally for single track riding with friends, but it's not of primary concern. It doesn't matter to me either way if it is a dirt only or a street/dirt model, but it definitely needs to be able to have a "green sticker" for year round use.

Any help or insight is definitely appreciated.
Click to expand...

Bandit, IMO she is used to riding with the docile torqey power of a Honda CRF230 and she would not like the peaky "rev all the time" power of a CFR250X by comparison.
A 2012 TE310 for her would be far better bike and modifications are usually only required if you are racing, or heavy, or just like tinkering on a bike like me.
In all honesty the current TE310 is getting good reviews here in Australia with very little negatives to pick on.
The 2012 model I believe has had some good upgrades and is an awesome bike. If I was light I would probably have one.

SAM511
 
It will run fine after some breakin miles and the simple power up. Depending on model you may want an exhaust and different sprockets. It will need iBeat sooner or later to get FI working right.
 
I just got a 2012 TE250 a couple of weeks ago. I'm a 5'9 125 lb. woman, so about the same size as your wife. The height of the bike is PERFECT. I am going to need a new spring and some work on the suspension since it is really stiff for my weight even at the softest settings. It comes with a 40 tooth sprocket which is good for roads and two track type riding. I have a 51 tooth sprocket coming since most of my trails are twisted between trees, I can make the 40 work with lots of clutch, but the lower gearing from the new sprocket will be better. I also plan on powering it up as soon as it is broke in. I had some stalling issues the 1st two rides, but it gets better each time I ride it. This past weekend was great, no more stalling, absolutely no complaints about this bike. I have only been riding motorcycles for 2 years (but lots of horse and 4x4 experience) my old bike was a Yamaha XT225, a perfect beginner bike, but I like the Husky SO much better.
 
It sounds like the TE 250/310 might be the bike to get. Do these models require any derestricting or should they be fine right out of the box? Same question for the TXC 250/310; do they run fine out of the box or do they need work? I may swing the TE route though because it seems the TXC's don't get the green sticker for California.
 
i havent ridden a new one but the te/txc 250 or 310 would probably fit the bill. from what ive been reading on here the 310 is the do all bike as long as theres not a massive amout of highspeed pavement involed.
 
Bandit said:
It sounds like the TE 250/310 might be the bike to get. Do these models require any derestricting or should they be fine right out of the box? Same question for the TXC 250/310; do they run fine out of the box or do they need work? I may swing the TE route though because it seems the TXC's don't get the green sticker for California.
Click to expand...

There are some standard 'power up' things that any competent dealer can tell you about (or do for you). Remove airbox maze, cat slips right out, powerup jumper to replace the oxygen sensor... is the core of it. I run my TE250 that way at high elevation and have no complaints about power (and Im on the Xtra large side)
 
Every bike that is being imported and sold in the US has emission issues. If you buy a WR CRF any of them your gonna need to do some minor work to get them to run right. The Husky is no different except that my 2011 came with everyhing to do the power up my WR required that you buy everything separate. +1 for Husky.
 
Thanks for the input. We are going to look at a 2011 TXC 250 and a TE310. The 2011 TXC 250 has a much lower buy in cost which is very appealing. I have searched every post I could find about this bike and it appears there is a stumble/hesitation/bog on this bike off of idle but most seem to think it can be cured with the jd tuner and power up kit. The dealer confirmed that there is a noticeable difference with these changes as well. I hope so if we go this route because it would suck to get a bike that my wife doesn't enjoy riding. She's put in a few miles on a YZF 250 and a CRF 250x and really liked them, which translates in to me hoping she hops on the TXC 250 and finds it worlds better. If it stumbles, bogs or dies it's going to be a rough road for me if you know what I mean.
 
The TXC is a much better deal unless you want to ride it on the highways. Of course i plated my TXC here in Texas. I ended up saving thousands after it was all said and done vs. buying the TE model
 
SAM511 said:
Bandit, IMO she is used to riding with the docile torqey power of a Honda CRF230 and she would not like the peaky "rev all the time" power of a CFR250X by comparison.
A 2012 TE310 for her would be far better bike and modifications are usually only required if you are racing, or heavy, or just like tinkering on a bike like me.
In all honesty the current TE310 is getting good reviews here in Australia with very little negatives to pick on.
The 2012 model I believe has had some good upgrades and is an awesome bike. If I was light I would probably have one.

SAM511
Click to expand...
This is completely false. The CRF250X is tammer than a TE250 and has more low end grunt. I would love to sell you on a Husky but if she only rides a biginner trails a CRF250X is a better bike. The TE is more "racier" in performance, handling and suspension but lighter than the Honda. Either bike will work so choose the bike that fits her the best and that you can get the better deal on. Also the TE is EFI and you will need a dealer to adjust the settings or buy I-beat software and do it at home. Not a big deal but added cost and a cost that WILL need to be done if you want the bike to run great.
 
Thanks Weantright. I'm taking her this weekend to go sit on the Husky's, then back to the CRF 250x Honda. As much as i would like to see her on a Husky, I know if we go Honda she will be happy. I'll ultimately let her decide (and have her read all the posts on the Husky before making her decision). My wife is absolutely amazing and it's important to me on many levels that this upgrade in mortorcycles is a good one on all levels for her.
 
Just to be fair, the CRF250x will need to have jetting changes in the amount of $75-100.

Also the TXC250/310 is better out of the box vs. a TE model. Same bike, better performance and a bit less out of pocket cost.
 
From what I have read I figured the TXC 250 would be perfect. Lighter feeling than the 250x Honda, and possibly even the 230 Honda she rides now, plus it sounds like the power isn't super responsive on the bottom end which can actually be a plus since there wouldn't be much drama if she got a little careless with the throttle. Obviously she would have to get batter at keeping the bike in the power zone when needed, but the only downside I can see would be if the TXC bogged or hesitated going up a hill. That might scare her enough to where riding wasn't fun. I'm not against doing the power up kit or having it tuned if it eliminates that problem. Plus, I think she will dig being able to ride a Husky instead of the see it everywhere (my brothers family has 3 of them) CRF 250x.
 
don't forget the pain in the rear to check valves or do any maintenance on a 250x or even the Yamaha... don't get a bike with the aluminum frame !
 
Boging issue is fixable but at a cost. TXC250/310 will have a suspension fit for 160-180 agressive rider, not pro but a "B" rider. TXC250 has about 30hp box stock and can be made to about 34 w/PU. This power is friendly, easy to control but there when needed. Question is will she need the higher end power or the low end torque of the CRF250x? CRF250X has 28hp, revs slower and can be made into 33 hp. The suspension on the CRF will be more plush compared to the TXC/TE. TXC250/310 is about 250-260lbs while the CRF250x is 270-280lbs. The feel of the Husky is very flickable, light in the front compared to the more planted CRF.

Valve maintanence is about the same on both bikes. Older Husky were very easy but not these X-lite. Husky's will need less adjustments than the Honda, more time spent riding. There is more room around the Husky's motor for fingers. I do perfer the steel frame but to say don't get aluminum, why??
 
I'm not sure I understand the aluminum frame thing, they have been around forever with a very low failure rate, even when including streetbikes (not sure if that covers your point though). I wasn't too concerned with the suspension because if figured we would have it rebuilt to suit her once she got a little time under her belt and could tell me what she liked and what she didn't.
 
I have a TE310 powered up, Got it from the dealer that way so not sure how they ride detuned. Bike likes to accelerate does not like to put around. Depends what kind of rider she is, she may suprise you! I've been told the 310 is easier to ride because the powerband is wider. But understand this is a very different bike than the 230.
 
Didn't think the bog issue was there with the txc for 2012. TE issues are there because of the plate (smog/emissions) in the US. Would get the TXC if plate is not an issue, Not sure where these bike stand on the Cali. sticker thing. I'm sure dealer can tell you. Rode enduro this weekend never had bog/hesitation issue just keep twisting the thing on the right for hills and modulate with clutch! If you want to make it real easy for her get a rekluse, only then if it kills for some reason you roll down the hill backwards (scary fun!)..
 
Rolling down the hills backwards would not make for a fun trip home. lol's Although, I will admit that the Rekluse option has been on my mind simply because it would open her up to riding trails that are a little more difficult.
 
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