So ive been searching around for reviews on the TE449 but most reviews are of when the bikes are relatively new and hardly ridden.
Just to start I have had the pleasure of owning my 2011 TE449 for about 10 months now and coming from a racing background I can assure you this bike has been put through hell. I have made many modfications and upgrades and ridden just about every terrain I can think of, so thought I would share my opinion of this bike.
Modifications and upgrades:
The 3 piece 2011 rear guard is just plain s#!t. Its flimsy and over time is ugly as hell. Ive put the new 2012 single piece slimmer guard with 2012 inner guard which mounts ALOT stronger. Both these guards bolt straight on with no modifications.
The magura bars, great bend but relatively weak. Replaced with pro taper contours, pillow top grips.
The gear lever tip wears very fast so replaced with hammerhead offset tip for size 11 boot. I modified my gear lever for it to fit as i didnt want to use the old spring.
Its an ugly bike without graphics and annoying to keep clean. Full race graphics kit from Ringmaster Images here in Australia. RHK gold anodized bar ends, Brake and clutch master cover and fork bleeders.
I've rewired most power/earth wires as they run too close to moving parts for my piece of mind.
Stomp pad on brake lever is flimsy replaced with bolt on Thumpstar billet end.
These are a few things that i found should have been standard in the first place.
I have ridden this bike on very rocky, hard pack dirt, very muddy, gravel, sand (stockton beach). Its been ridden on supercross tracks, enduro X and motorcross tracks.
Pros:
The back end of this bike once dialed right with preload compresion and rebound, is incredible. I have never ridden a bike that drives so straight and puts so much power to the ground.
The smooth power delivery from the engine helps alot in steeper rocky terrains and tight single track. It could be snappier for rock hops and log hops but i heard this can be fixed with a JD tuner and the accelerator pump function(iridium spark plug rids of dreadful flameouts too).
The ergos can be a little tedious to set up as this bike is very different in how its balanced but once set up right its a very sharp plush ride, I found relatively nimble for the weight.
Cons:
WAY too many electrics. A few days of water crossings and muddy terrain sees this bike for a full strip down and clean of every plug and check of every wire. I have had relays go faulty (most electrical problems ive found go back to either a faulty relay or wire earthed).
Akro dents easily due to no cover. Its an expensive slip on to replace so who wants it dented up?
I own BMWs as cars and I KNOW its their doing, putting bolts and screws in the most annoying places possible. Eg the gear lever is ridiculous to get off and on as the frame nearly completely covers the bolt. ALOT of time and patience when working on this bike.
Gearing is hopeless from standard unless going to ride on the road. A 14T or 13T front sprocket does the world of difference.
Flimsy chain stay near rear sprocket. Who really makes a plastic chain guide? replaced with 2010 TC450 alloy one.
Bolts come loose, when i bought the bike i heard of this so went over and locktite every bolt known for wiggling loose and yeah still happend so CHECK your bike after every ride.
Regena chain is S#!T replaced with Renthal R3 chain.
All in all this bike is incredible and would not hesitate to buy over any other bike of the market again! This is a confidence inspiring bike as its very plush and predictable. Its a heavy bike to throw around a supercross track but thats not what its built for so did very well i thought.
Bikes ive ridden and raced: 2012 6 days KTM 300 exc, RMZ450, KTM500exc, RM250, 2011 WRF450, 2011 CRF450x
I would choose the TE449 over any of these bikes. As an enduro bike of course.
