TE449 Press release

[fitness2go]

 

[Coffee]

.....

Monday, July 26, 2010
PRESS RELEASE:

HUSQVARNA UNVEILS ALL-NEW 2011 TE449 & TE511!

Husqvarna has always strived to innovate and bring new ideas to the world of off-road motorcycles. Now, as always, the motorcycle brand with the longest tradition in the world in the off-road sector is fully committed to the ongoing research and development of the perfect off road bike: easy to use, ready to race and easy to maintain. The design of the new 449/511 range outstrips that of other off road models and stands out immediately for its looks, exclusive lay-out and cutting-edge technology.

DESIGN & LAYOUT: The line is completely new: slim and refined. The single piece side panel runs from where traditionally the fuel tank would be, all the way back to the rear mudguard, allowing the rider free and unhindered movement. There is no chance of snagging boots or pants on the edges of the panels with this design. Besides the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects, the new design also makes maintenance easier as the air filter, rear shock and throttle body can all be accessed with ease. The long seat, which runs from the rear mudguard to the steering head, offers completely free longitudinal movement. Aesthetics, technology and serviceability too: the graphics on the side panels are applied using the 'In Mould Design' technology for increased resistance to wear and the two-litre fuel pump housing is transparent so that the remaining fuel level can be easily monitored.

MASSES & CENTRE OF GRAVITY: The idea behind the TE 449/511 range is 'mass centralisation' - to keep the weight of the bike concentrated as close as possible to the centre of gravity and to design a chassis which adapts perfectly to the demands of competitive Enduro racing. The crux of this concept is the union of the rear wheel swing arm pivot point and the gearbox output shaft sprocket. This solution, which Husqvarna calls CTS (Coaxial Traction System), eliminates the variation in the length of the chain during rear suspension movement, minimising the effect of the final drive on the bikes handling. This solution allows a longer swing arm whilst still retaining a wheelbase similar to our competitors, ensuing greater traction, which for Enduro means tangible advantages. The chassis layout allows the modern DOHC engine to be mounted closer to the centre of the bike, whilst tilting the cylinder
further forward allows a long and straight air intake path at the same time as keeping the centre of gravity as low as possible. This has also meant that the throttle body and fuel injector nozzle can be mounted in the ideal position. Again, continuing the theme of mass centralisation, the two part fuel tank design provides a total of 8.5 litres capacity in a low mounted two litre pump housing and a 6.5 litre under seat main tank. The under seat fuel tank layout permits the airbox to be located in a protected and fluidodynamically favourable position above the engine with the actual air intake being at the height of the steering column, in a raised and sheltered position to minimise the intake of dust or water. The air filter box has an elongated intake manifold and a newly designed air intake to provide greater breathability for the sponge filter, which is easily removed thanks to a hinge system in the airbox. The battery is located adjacent to the under seat main fuel tank to again centralise the mass.

REFERENCE PERFORMANCES: The TE 449/511 bikes are equipped with a cutting-edge 4 valve dual camshaft engine which has been significantly improved thanks to the experience gained by Husqvarna in its many years of off-road racing. Fuel delivery is managed by an electronic injection system with a Keihin 46mm diameter, double flap throttle body which provides progressive and predictable throttle response. All components are top of the range - the bike even comes with two exhaust silencers: the Euro 3 compliant silencer fitted as standard and a steel Akrapovic Racing exhaust, developed in collaboration with the Slovenian company to maximise the potential of the engine, whilst minimising the weight. The gear ratios for both the Enduro and MX versions have been completely changed: the Enduro now uses a six-speed transmission and the ratios have been modified on the basis of the experience gained
during Salminen and Tarkkala's races. The ignition timing has been optimised with maps specific to the two different capacities and exhaust systems. The clutch is controlled hydraulically, offering a smoother and more progressive action with greater consistency also under stress. The motorcycle has a high energy electronic ignition and, thanks to the powerful battery and fuel injection system, a supplementary kick start is not necessary.

HANDLING & PERFORMANCE: Naturally, Husqvarna's long experience in Enduro racing has played an important part in the development of these new motorcycles. The challenges posed by the conception of geometry and by the general concept of the motorcycle itself were linked to the tough demands of riding in the most severe and extreme conditions. The result is a surprisingly effortless and smooth ride along with agility and outstanding steering stability. The perimeter design chassis is made of high strength steel tubing. The geometry of the rear suspension is revolutionary, with a new linkage mounted on top of the alloy swing arm. This solution offers many advantages: it increases the ground clearance, improves general reliability thanks to the reduced exposure of the components and makes maintenance easier. But there's more: dynamically, by exploiting the advantages of the double cradle frame made in high strength steel tubing, the roughness of the ground is absorbed more gradually, attenuating the stresses on the rider. The advantages when jumping are also remarkable with the recoil effect of the rear wheel being significantly reduced and the smoothness of the suspension is particularly perceivable on rougher and more difficult ground.

COAXIAL TRACTION SYSTEM: A real refinement in the field of chassis design and exclusive to the TE/TC 449/511 range is the CTS, the Coaxial Traction System. This system represents an evolution compared to the one adopted on the BMW G 450 X. The solution, which originally used a single swing arm pivot spindle, now has two independent semi spindles which reduce the stress on the swing arm and facilitate the replacement of the gearbox sprocket. The advantages of the CTS system compared to the traditional systems are huge. During the suspension movement along the whole stroke, the chain is not subject to any change in length. The tension of the chain remains constant regardless of the swing arm position, while the chain and sprockets benefit from reduced wear. An important positive effect on the riding characteristics is the marked reduction of the impact of alternating the load on the transmission. This aspect has been studied by a spin-off company of the University of Padova called Dynamotion which has proved that the CTS improves traction in the various stages of acceleration and consequently during also the vertical movements of the suspension on rough terrain. The result is better traction during acceleration and surer, more confident gear changes. More in general, the values obtained by adopting the CTS have a much more uniform trend in all conditions, leading to improved ridability and stability of the motorcycle.

TOP OF THE RANGE COMPONENTS: The new TEs are equipped with the most advanced components in the off-road sector. For the front brake, there is a Brembo system with floating caliper and 260mm wave rotor, while the rear brake consists of a floating calliper operating on a 240mm rotor. The suspension is entrusted in full to the specialists of Kayaba, with 48mm forks, adjustable for compression and rebound damping and a Kayaba rear shock absorber designed specifically for Enduro use with settings optimised in collaboration with the racing team. The tapered diameter handlebars, original equipment hand protectors, compact and efficient instrumentation, shockproof plastic engine/chassis guards, rear mudguard with incorporated racing number plate holder and led rear light complete the fittings. TE 449/511 are also the sole standard enduro bike on the market equipped with full Akrapovic exhaust system. A range of Husqvarna Special Parts will be available, developed by Husqvarna to provide the best combination of lightness, durability and performance to allow Husqvarna fans to personalise their bikes and offer them the ingredients for racing success.
Posted by Trailzone at 3:16 AM

 

[fitness2go]

If you look at the detail of the bike, the fit and finish looks very top notch and I even like the styling! It definitely has an aggro look that is very unique...time to ride it!

 

[Coffee]

We are already on post #70+ in this thread and now they have just made a press release about one of the bikes. There will be more announcements.

Maybe start up a new thread for each press release/bike? Part of me wants to copy the announcement to a new thread then lock this one so there are not 2 (or more) conversations going on.... but I am trying to make this forum as friendly as possible, so I'm not sure what the best way to handle it is... especially since people may want to comment on the 'courage not included' concept

EDIT: I just move these first 5 posts from another thread called 'courage not included'

 

[jaro51]

Well then, the wait is over! Can't wait to see how it rides. And they managed to sneak the 6sp in there too! Oh the tough decisions, the fancy new 450 or the not so new but still fancy 2011 TC250...

 

[Motosportz]

Sold my Superhawk this weekend and the 2010 TXC250 might have a new owner come Wednesday. Already have my order in for the TE511. Exciting. Not wild over the graphics but that big slab side leaves a lot of opportunity.

 

[robertaccio]

wow almost here. dont want to ride one.......too friggan nice. Kelly keep us informed.

 

[Joe Chod]

First person caught drooling over this and saying they are pawning their kids to get one and then complains it does not have a large enough gas tank(s) gets a beating.......so help me!

 

[rajobigguy]

I wonder if it would wrong to tell the kid that she has to do the first two years at community college rather than doing the full term at Yale?

 

[Brian]

I am not really liking the block of red. But some graphics would fix that.
Can't wait to read ride reports and see some video of it in action.

 

[Blazes]

Think i need to sell my 450te and my xr for a 511 --Yummy

 

[ARod2000]

what is that rubber stopper looking thing below and behind the footpeg? It has the Husky logo on it.

 

[Colo moto]

what is that rubber stopper looking thing below and behind the footpeg? It has the Husky logo on it.

It's a plastic "plug" that goes in the open end of the frame tubing.

 

[sEvOn]

What I'm wondering:
Will they rework the SM series bikes for 2011 as well? Anyone have the inside scoop?

 

[Motosportz]

what is that rubber stopper looking thing below and behind the footpeg? It has the Husky logo on it.

plug for the mount the linkage mounts to. See here...

 

[Motosportz]

What I'm wondering:
Will they rework the SM series bikes for 2011 as well? Anyone have the inside scoop?

I have not seen pix or a mention of any SM but it would make a lot of sense that they would offer on as it is already street legal TE.

 

[john01]

It looks very modern and ready for business. I like it.

 

[jlk_250]

I have not seen pix or a mention of any SM but it would make a lot of sense that they would offer on as it is already street legal TE.

I have no insider info but as I recall there was a post by husky relic where he said there would be a supermoto version of this bike for 2011. Also, he has said that the SM models have been good sellers for them. Since they are active in SM racing in Europe and they are good sellers, I think it's 100% for sure they will have a SM version of this bike coming out soon.

Husqvarna had no choice other than to develop a new, more competitive engine and chassis and they certainly didn't take the safe road n this one. Very glad they ended up with a 6 speed for the off-road version. Magazine reviews are going to be critical on this new bike. Good reviews and Husqvarna sales will be way up. Bad or mixed reviews and it'll be more of the same.

 

[ghte]

Well a 6 speed box and hydraulic clutch, I am over my fears. Happy with the one piece plastics, much slipprier and easy for maintenance. Ground clearance looks great. I hope the side stand has been attended to this year. Can't wait to get my butt onto one of these for a blat. Feeling a bit relieved now that I have seen her in Husky colours. The linkage is a good idea in helping with clearance and I bet they will not get as exposed as the previous models-less maintenance. Bring it on

 

[Motosportz]

Well a 6 speed box and hydraulic clutch, I am over my fears. Happy with the one piece plastics, much slipprier and easy for maintenance. Ground clearance looks great. I hope the side stand has been attended to this year. Can't wait to get my butt onto one of these for a blat. Feeling a bit relieved now that I have seen her in Husky colours. The linkage is a good idea in helping with clearance and I bet they will not get as exposed as the previous models-less maintenance. Bring it on

and a zerk