Vet seeking opinions on new Huskys

[switchback]

After several years on a WR450f I am looking at buying another bike. I never have felt at home on the Yamaha. I like the power but never have enjoyed the top heavy feeling of the bike and the slower handling of a 450. I am a 40 yr old veteran who started riding at the age of 12 back in 1982. Grew up outside Denver with Rampart Range MRA in my back yard. I now live in UT where the trails are either wide fast desert tracks or very narrow goat tracks in trees or on desert side-hills. The 450 does fine on all of this but is tiresome wrestling the bike. In my memories of past bikes I was happiest on my old IT200. The reality of today is that I am 50 lbs heavier and a bit lazier when it comes to riding.

I was on the verge of buying a Husky (2003) before the WR450 but the dealer owners went their separate ways. I was thinking of downsizing to a 250f and up until yesterday I thought a TE250 might be the bike for me. Liked the handling but the power wasn't what I was looking for. The bike had the restrictions removed but the power was not even close to what I am used to. This is not a criticism to the bike but there is a huge difference between a 250 and 450 in power. The question I have now is where do I go from here? Another 450, back to 2-stroke, perhaps a Husky WR250/300. If there were a 4T 350 I would jump in that direction. Anyway I am looking for suggestions on a relatively light, torque laden bike that will run well in either the desert or the trees and perhaps perform an occasional enduro. Any Ideas?

 

[ioneater]

TE310 maybe? Won't have the 450's grunt, but a little more than the 250. What year of 250 did you test ride?

 

[HuskyDude]

If you are sold on 4T look no further than the 2010 TE 310.



If you like the lighter feel and still need the snap maybe a 2010 WR 300 would be a smart choice.

 

[PALMER84ONE]

Why do you do that to me HuskyDude? Every time I look at the WR 300 I want one. Still nervous about getting back into the 2T thing. Had the RM125 in the 80's and love the snap of the 2T. ARGGGGGGG

 

[ray_ray]

You have alot to pick from :0) from 08 -010 the bikes have made very good steps forward for sure ... The 300WR is the bad-ass 2t if you decide to go that way ...I'm not sure but I think the ratios on this bike are the same as the CR models of earlier years(at least the 250WR models were the same) ....

I have a 08 TXC250 ... great bike for single track stuff and the TXC bikes have the 6-speed trannies that I have liked on Huskies since the 70s.

Here are some links to read ... and this site is full of stuff on the bikes...

08 TC450 -- this bike did not get alot of PUB but these reviews are very good and it is winning in EU
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/135/1854/Motorcycle-Article/2008-Husqvarna-TC-450-Bike-Test.aspx
http://motomagazine.co.uk/race-reports/husqvarna-martin-climb-step-podium.html

2010 TXC250
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/135/5638/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Husqvarna-TXC-250-First-Ride.aspx

Scott Summers TXC450 08( engine is wearing a red cap)
http://www.dirtbikemagazine.com/ME2...0&tier=3&nid=FE11D727959B4C2AA7906490B9DED4BD

2010 TE 310
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/135/5192/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Husqvarna-TE310-Dirt-Bike-Review.aspx


Husky dominating supermoto stuff in EU
http://www.motorcycle.in.th/article.php/Husqvarna_is_Supermoto_World_Champion_08

Value ADJ on 08-09 model bikes: (it don't get any simpler than this)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf0AKO-_tI4&NR=1

Compare it to the kx ADJ and you'll see a little difference of engineering here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEW-P7yGtAk&feature=related

 

[switchback]

What year of 250 did you test ride?

I rode an 09. It was the dealer's son's bike and had the emissions and stop removed. I was expecting something more lively, felt really flat until the upper mid.

I am now hesitant on the 310 because everyone is saying that it is just like the 250 but with a little more. I know Ibeat and PCV can improve things but I was so underwhelmed I am thinking a 2 stroke may be the only way to get the power with a weight advantage.

If you like the lighter feel and still need the snap maybe a 2010 WR 300 would be a smart choice.

I think a 300 may be a bit much. How about some info on the WR250. How luggable? Decent hit without being overwhelming? How long do the bottom ends last with good standard maintenance?

Also, I read Motorsportz review of his mid 90s 250 and sounds like the bike is still competative. What major changes happened from say 95-2010? I know the WR transmission went away in the early 2000s. Reason I am asking is I am 5' 10" and today's bikes are getting tall.



Thanks for the help

 

[switchback]

Y
Value ADJ on 08-09 model bikes: (it don't get any simpler than this)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf0AKO-_tI4&NR=1

Wow that is easy. Have to pull my cams out on the Yamaha and it takes at least 1.5 hours.

 

[wombat]

I rode an 09. It was the dealer's son's bike and had the emissions and stop removed. I was expecting something more lively, felt really flat until the upper mid.

I am now hesitant on the 310 because everyone is saying that it is just like the 250 but with a little more. I know Ibeat and PCV can improve things but I was so underwhelmed I am thinking a 2 stroke may be the only way to get the power with a weight advantage.



I think a 300 may be a bit much. How about some info on the WR250. How luggable? Decent hit without being overwhelming? How long do the bottom ends last with good standard maintenance?

Also, I read Motorsportz review of his mid 90s 250 and sounds like the bike is still competative. What major changes happened from say 95-2010? I know the WR transmission went away in the early 2000s. Reason I am asking is I am 5' 10" and today's bikes are getting tall.

i bought my w-250 in jan. of 08 new no problems at all and i ride pretty hard at times.

 

[ray_ray]

Wow that is easy. Have to pull my cams out on the Yamaha and it takes at least 1.5 hours.

Yep ... I'm a 2t guy really but chose a 4t because of where I'm at now ... I was really afraid of the values stuff as I do not want this 4t type maintenance stuff ... you know, timing, pulling cams, TDC ... I just don't want this with my bike ... But after seeing this video, I decided on the Husky 4t. And this is the type of engineering I expect from Huskies.

Here is another thread on the WR 250s...
http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8103

I have an 02 CR250 also ...it is a beast in the woods and after 6++ years of riding, it has never broke and I have never even changed the piston... The clutch has not been adjusted in the last ~3 years I bet and I use it constantly in the woods in the stuff I ride in ... Again, I expect this from a Husky.

From 95-010 changes? Not sure but after ~99 all the WRs I think will be good bikes ... I'm not 100% sure on all the changes, but I don't think Husky changed much in theses years .... They are probably the same CRs with the heavier FW and toned down ignition and a softer suspension and new plastic. This equals lugging power and a toned down hit for the engine. Guys would buy the CRs models (before they quit importing them in 02) and change out the ignition and FW or add a FWW and ride them in the woods .... After 02, I think the WRs were just the CRs or very close with these changes and better suspension and new plastic. Not sure on the suspension, but this is where I would check for differences on the different year models..

I now live in UT where the trails are either wide fast desert tracks or very narrow goat tracks in trees or on desert side-hills.

Gonna be hard to get one bike to do all this ... The 09-010 Husky 4t are lighter than all previous models, so you might want to consider that ....

Also, the TE models are the least snappy of all ... The TXC models, at least the 08s, were based off the TC models... They had the TC engine and frame with the TE suspension and 6-speed tranny. The 010 TXCs, I think have the FI and much lighter bike ... You might want to test ride a TXC450

 

[gandalf]

From what I have read, if you really want light and 4t, you should try and get a test ride on a 2010 TE250 as it's a whole different bike than the 08-09.

 

[ray_ray]

Are the 2010 TEs street legal? If so, this is plus ...Are the 2010 TXCs still based off the TC racer as the 08 models? If so, this will be the faster, quicker bike ...

 

[gandalf]

Yes to street legal. I don't think the TXC and TE are that different. Someone who knows for sure will likely post, but I think in '10, they very close to the same bike. If you don't need/want street legal, then the TXC is the way to go.

 

[switchback]

Also, the TE models are the least snappy of all ... The TXC models, at least the 08s, were based off the TC models... They had the TC engine and frame with the TE suspension and 6-speed tranny. The 010 TXCs, I think have the FI and much lighter bike ... You might want to test ride a TXC450

Yeah the TXC has crossed my mind but shouldn't a uncorked te be fairly close? Frankly, I think the reason the bike felt so bad is that the FI map was for another planet. You would think that in race mode the manufacturer would provide a map that is at least close to optimal.

try and get a test ride on a 2010 TE250

Dealer will not stock them until the old ones are gone.

 

[switchback]

Quote:
I now live in UT where the trails are either wide fast desert tracks or very narrow goat tracks in trees or on desert side-hills.
Gonna be hard to get one bike to do all this ... The 09-010 Husky 4t are lighter than all previous models, so you might want to consider that ....

Not really, While I do open the bike up in the desert I am experienced enough to know that all the times I have been hospitalized have been from going all out in the open. Most concerned with handling for the single-track but still want some snap to lift the front without dumping the clutch.

 

[ioneater]

I lifted the wheel of my 250 at least 15 times yesterday in wet snot. No clutch dump, just a tug on the bars and some gas. It's still got a nasty little bog on the bottom end, too. Only have about 15 hrs on the motor.

2010 TE250-Plate from the dealer, lights, FI, open chamber KYB forks, trip computer/speedometer

2010 TXC250-Plate-able depending on where you live, same stator as TE, no lights, FI, closed chamber KYB forks, no computer.

Mine's 246lbs with 3/4 tank of fuel.

 

[ray_ray]

yeah the txc has crossed my mind but shouldn't a uncorked te be fairly close? Frankly, i think the reason the bike felt so bad is that the fi map was for another planet. You would think that in race mode the manufacturer would provide a map that is at least close to optimal.

The FI mapping is a big deal here ... the first thing that has to be dealt with on FI machines, is the mapping and if you have the bucks to spend, you can own a device that stores and enables you to have different maps for different conditions ....

But I never heard anyone say the TXC was weak but on occasions, it is said that the TE is lagging a little ...I'm happy with my 08 TXC ...don't want the FI where I am now and the extra weight is OK with me (except when I pick it up ) and I have gotten into some drag races with some 2001 KX 2t 250s and held my own with them...the 220 2t are waxed by my bike unless they are really hopped up and the 4t still beat them but narrowly... I would have never thought this possible, but I was on my bike and made it happen plus my bike is 99% stock.

2010 te250-plate from the dealer, lights, fi, open chamber kyb forks, trip computer/speedometer

2010 txc250-plate-able depending on where you live, same stator as te, no lights, fi, closed chamber kyb forks, no computer.

I bet the FWW & ignition are different between these two (unless they are watering down the TXC ) and this gives the motor a different feel... and the same stator is a good idea

I'm surprised some of the other TXC owners have not given you feed back on their bike ...as we all love these bikes ...

... I'm still going with a TXC450 for you or a TXC250 ... not totally sure about the year though but most will say get the 2010
A 010 TXC250 is what Kerney is riding for HUSQVARNA in the ama National Enduro series

Aboard his Ben Kearney-prepped 2010 Husqvarna TXC250, Glenn waged a battle that improved with each passing mile. Highlights included winning the 5th Special Test with an impressive 36-second margin of victory. It was a learning experience for Glenn, but a good one as he had to learn this whole new format for racing on the fly! "The course was tighter and more technical than expected - lots and lots of trees! But at the end of the day I had fun and this new TXC 250 was fantastic," he adds. "I have only ridden it four times and today it was flawless!"

 

[gandalf]

Yeah the TXC has crossed my mind but shouldn't a uncorked te be fairly close? Frankly, I think the reason the bike felt so bad is that the FI map was for another planet. You would think that in race mode the manufacturer would provide a map that is at least close to optimal.



Dealer will not stock them until the old ones are gone.

If the dealer will not stock the new 250's until the old ones are gone, I'd find another dealer. When talking about the TE250's, 2010 is a completely different story than 2009/8. I know someone that has one and says there's no shortage of power and the wheel comes up easily. I'm pretty certain the engine is exactly the same in the '10 TE/TXC 250. If tight singletrack is your priority, this bike is worth considering. If you don't need street legal, though, maybe this decision is easier?

 

[ajaxauto]

Everyone on here know i love my 125 But i do have a TE 510 and a WR 250 I do like the WR 250 for going out in the desert and playing .This past sat before the National Hare and Hound i rode my Wr 250 all around and am still trying to see if i could make the jump up .I had a small 5 mile test track and after ridding the 250 around it for a while i tryed the 125 .I was much faster and had a much bigger grin on the 125 .The way i see it now is if i want to RACE i ride the 125 if i want to play ride i ride the 250

 

[ARod2000]

You mentioned weight and handling. I think that rules out any Husky 450 as they are a tad heavy and (I think) are better suited at high speed stability than low speed quick turns. I'm 225lbs and I haven't ridden any 250F that I thought had enough power for my liking. But I do want to ride Husky's new 250F motor. It's so much smaller and the lightest in the industry that I'd expect it to have a much different feel than any other 250F I've ridden.

That said, I had a TE450 and I liked it but I'm much faster on my WR250. It's good for single track. I say good and not great because it has stock suspension and if I'm not racing hard and up on the bars it will deflect every once in a while. Not terribly bad, but it could be better. Obviously if it was so bad I would have revalved it by now. But the motor on the wr250 is the crown jewel of all off road 250's. That thing is nearly impossible to stall and because of the low end torque it is a hill climb monster. And it pulls hard all the way to the top. The power of the wr250 is fantastic all through the range.

If you have the convenience of riding some, definitely ride all of the Husky two strokes you can. if not, just get the one in the middle, the wr250

 

[ioneater]

Switchback,

To reiterate, you should try to get a ride on one of the new 2010 250's. They really do carry their weight well. I just rode mine again today for 3 hrs, it's definitely waking up! Gawd it's flickable, too! I feel much braver on this new bike, it doesn't wear me out like the 510 did doing tighter riding conditions. HTH