TE 310 vs TE 449

[JRW]

I've read so many threads here on these two bikes I feel like I have them in the garage now...

Been looking for a street legal dirt bike and was hoping to cash in on the great deals offered on left over Huskys. At first I was lusting over the 310 but a little put off by the close ratio gearing for connecting the trails and actually quite a bit to put into it so it won't grenade on me. The 449s seem to be pretty good as is or with little work and more reliable.

Any owners had both? How do these two compare for trail riding/connecting trails? Is he 449 pretty easy to do the tighter single track? How does the weight compare. Seems to me the 449 carries it weight lower but it's a little heavier.

I don't need rip your arms off power, low end controllable is better. I was at one time considering a G450X but most of the ones I found were well raced and more than a few years old.

Can somebody chime in and give me a few opinions?

TIA
James

 

[Rizzkid]

I have a TE310 mainly for trail use. When I rode a bit on and off road a 47 tooth rear sprocket was a good compromise for both. If you plan to do more than 30- 40% on road I say go for the TE449. The TE310 is ideal for off road with minimal road use. I do love it offroad, I can ride for 5-6 hrours and not be tired or get arm pump. The suspension and low weight are awsome.

 

[Motosportz]

I own a 2011 TE511 with the usual uncorking updates and such. I ride with a good friend that has a 2012 TE310 with some upgrades. Both very good bikes. Here is my quick pros and cons...

449/511

Pros:
sweet motor especially after uncorked
Very nice CTS rear end
Futuristic design and looks
EZ to use and endearing bike for many
Seems very reliable and has nice features like linkage grease fittings, airfilter that stays clean a long time, CTS makes chain and sprockets last a long time etc.
Good stock suspension, brakes, feel
very good e-start

Cons:
Needs uncorked
is semi heavy like any other 450 plus DS bike
no kicker
handles different to some
Many hate it because of BMW's influence
Dismissed by the US mags (whatever)
semi tight trans but has power so you can gear it up if need be

- It is what it is, a very good DS bike. Can be ridden very fast off road with some mods, not that great for tighter stuff as it starts to feel big, great overall do it all bike.

TE310

Pros:
Feels noticeably lighter than the 449 platform
Feels smaller (but still as tall)
fantastic handling
nice motor feel is you like to wring it out some
nice suspension and brakes

Cons:
Power down to some 250/300 class bikes
EFI is not that great on some especially the older models and not a lot of support getting them right
tight trans
Lots of reported reliability issues with starters, EFI, rods, valves (although seem pretty good), electrical
Frustrating to change oil on
tank elbow breaks when you try to take the tank off
overly complicated EPA hoses in tank and everywhere
rubbing wiring looms / super tight packaging

- Good race bike, one of the best handling bikes ever, not real good for DS, limited use

My opinion only.

 

[Nick McCabe]

I bought a 310 after getting rid of a DRZ400. I know it doesn't compare to a TE449 but it taught me that for me at least, weight is everything. Definitely take it into consideration as the 310 will have a weight advantage. Set up of the bike (uncork, regear and Zipty oil drain kit) seem like alot at first but are cheap and easy in the scheme of things. Personally, I have never ridden a bike I like close to as much as the 310. I haven't once needed more power at any rpm level. I use the bike to connect to a trail 5 miles from my house and have not had a complaint about it, understanding that the tires suck on pavement (a good thing cause they are decent in dirt). I would try to demo them both if I were you, then you will know what feels right.

 

[Tinken]

I own a highly modified TE511 and 5 - TE310's from mild to wild. Each have their purpose. With our mods you can make either one virtually bullet proof. The 449 has far greater utility to it, but requires more skill in the ultra tight technicals unless modified for that purpose. The 310 is easier for the less experienced rider, but it doesn't take much to wield a 449. The 511 brings a little more tractor to the 449, but virtually the same bike.

If purchased, the 449 will need some sort of oil recirculation system, after market exhaust, ignition mapping and possible ignition piggy back module/mods.
The 310R will need remapping, decatting, intake modification, exhaust mods, oil flow back mod and have it's intake valves replaced.
Both bikes suffer from oil starvation to critical engine components, oil viscosity and flow are key to their engine survival. Both are reliable work horses after minor mods are completed.

 

[Laurence]

Tinken, could you elaborate on your oil starvation comment? What modifications to the oil system do you recommend to the TE 511? I've ordered an oil recirculation kit but oil starvation to critical components sounds a little like a design issue.

Thanks.

 

[Mike-AK]

After uncorking my '12 TE310 and installing the TXC ECU/injector, FMF header and silencer, and 50-tooth Ironman rear sprocket, it has turned out to be plenty of bike for me. I'm running 0W40 oil and a stainless mesh filter. Hopefully that will be enough to resolve the oil flow issues. If not, I'll do the ZipTy mods at rebuild time.

 

[Nick McCabe]

First time hearing about the need to replace intake valves. What is wrong with the oem's?

I own a highly modified TE511 and 5 - TE310's from mild to wild. Each have their purpose. With our mods you can make either one virtually bullet proof. The 449 has far greater utility to it, but requires more skill in the ultra tight technicals unless modified for that purpose. The 310 is easier for the less experienced rider, but it doesn't take much to wield a 449. The 511 brings a little more tractor to the 449, but virtually the same bike.

If purchased, the 449 will need some sort of oil recirculation system, after market exhaust, ignition mapping and possible ignition piggy back module/mods.
The 310R will need remapping, decatting, intake modification, exhaust mods, oil flow back mod and have it's intake valves replaced.
Both bikes suffer from oil starvation to critical engine components, oil viscosity and flow are key to their engine survival. Both are reliable work horses after minor mods are completed.

 

[Tinken]

First time hearing about the need to replace intake valves. What is wrong with the oem's?

2013-14 intake valves stretch and eventually fold over.

 

[ghte]

Can't compare really, horsse for courses. I love both bikes but for different reasons. In the tight techo stuff its the 310 hands down on open fire trails the reveres is equally applicable. Line of best fit is go for the bike that mostly reflects your predominant riding preference then consider your age, fitness and ability. In my case I have gone from 510's to 450's to 310's (always Husky of course). I find that the 310 is good for 80% of my needs being mostly single trail tight stuff.

 

[danny318]

For what it is worth I only weigh 130lbs and have no trouble with the TE449 in the slow tight rocky stuff. Its a great bike, and it only weighs a few pounds more than the 310.

 

[Tinken]

Tinken, could you elaborate on your oil starvation comment? What modifications to the oil system do you recommend to the TE 511? I've ordered an oil recirculation kit but oil starvation to critical components sounds a little like a design issue.

Thanks.

These engines operate at low oil pressures and force oil through very small galleries. Using thinner oils such as Mobil 0W40 produce higher flow rates in these engines. A stainless steel oil filter will also improve flow rates.

 

[JRW]

Wow, thanks everyone for the replies. Pretty much what I was thinking. The TE 310 would have to have the motor pulled and sent to ZipTy for the lower end oil mod and valves and springs if I wanted preventive work done. That and a couple hundred in bolt on parts I can do myself puts the cost of the bike up there close to orange category... Could probably come in less out of pocket expense with a TE 449 (that's why I was asking) but may not be the light tight woods bike for me. I already own a Tiger 800 XC and we head out to the mountains hitting the fire and service roads so I was looking for more of a single track bike.

To throw another twist in everything I was just talking to the guy at my local Husky dealer and he has a steal on a TXC 511 he says he can get plated in this state for about 300 in parts and 2 hours labor. Made me think for a minute, but that's too close to the Tiger. If I can find a good deal on the 310 I may go that route.

 

[Motosportz]

The 449/511 is NOTHING like the Tiger at all. Is a good single track bike but just not as good as a 310. I ride mine on tight gnarly single track all the time, does just fine. Its only slightly heavier than the 310. Its a very good do it all bike. It rules where it is slightly more open, make a lot more power than the 310 and is a missile in the 2 track and dez.

 

[Tinken]

It rules where it is slightly more open, make a lot more power than the 310 and is a missile in the 2 track and dez.

No lie there, the thing is a rocket in the desert. But I have seen the 449 setup to do trials like work by increasing the headset angle and reducing the wheelbase.

 

[LandofMotards]

I wouldn't be to worried about all these preventative must have mods. All things to consider but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the season and send it in later. if you decide on the 449/511 I think it will surprise you. I had a WR250X and the 449 feels really light so coming from an xc800...the 310 without a doubt feels lighter but I think it's more work just cruising around the woods because it lacks the torque. If you were racing in tight stuff I'd say the the 310 wins but for everything else, the 449/511. The TXC is the TE with closed chamber forks. Not aware of anything else though. It's supposed to be closer to race ready but from what I've read, tuner and exhaust are the average mods.

Just get whatever you want. Your choice is hard because you have two amazing choices

 

[Mad mostin]

I have both. In the uk. I just love the 449. The power. The grip and handling are great. I've ridden at mx tracks and goes very well. The 310 I'd race as it's lighter and has the attitude. It feels compact and manageable. Either way you won't be disappointed.

 

[JRW]

So Tinken, will a 449/511 need the bottom end work too?

 

[Tinken]

You're okay on the bottom end as long as you stick with thinW40/SS oil filters. Our crank mod is for racing or expert riders mainly

 

[JRW]

You're okay on the bottom end as long as you stick with thinW40/SS oil filters. Our crank mod is for racing or expert riders mainly

Thank you. Found a 310 for an unbelievable price. If they get back to me and it's true (wishful thinking) ZipTy may be getting a motor and ECU shipped to them.