Want TR650, but CONCERNED about future support

[Tank0211]

So first off I'm new here. I've been wanting a bike again for a while now & am finally in a position to get one. So I started researching dual sports, came across the Terra, KTM 690 & the KLR. The Terra really hit home w/ it's style & price so I dug into that one & came across a long thread on Texas Two Wheelers. I read & read & liked the bike more & more. And before finishing the thread pretty much decided that it was the one for me & then...I find out Husqvarna has been sold & although the bike is still available, it's been discontinued. HUGE bummer!

So my question is, because I still REALLY want this bike, what can we expect as far as support for this bike in the way of parts/ accessories here in the U.S.? I've read about the 10 years guaranteed support, but I'm still a bit concerned w/ dealers being so rare. What have you owners experienced so far when problems have arisen & parts have been needed. Are you all finding enough accesories to satisfy your needs? Any help would be much appreciated especially in finding a dealer near to the Northwest Indiana area.

 

[Neil San Diego]

Take a look at the "TR650 MOSS Tool Locator\Owner Map" pinned just a few posts above this (be sure to turn on the MOSS layer). So far, there is a dealer shown in Springfield Ill, but this map has only been up a short time.

In my experience, my dealer has been pretty helpful. They were able to get parts as needed usually within a week (two radiators, and a head gasket). As far as TR650 specific accessories, there are definitely plenty out there (how thick is your wallet? )

 

[jtemple]

Springfield is probably Hall's Cycles. Outstanding parts source. I'd guess if they can't get it, it can't be gotten.

 

[Tank0211]

Take a look at the "TR650 MOSS Tool Locator\Owner Map" pinned just a few posts above this (be sure to turn on the MOSS layer). So far, there is a dealer shown in Springfield Ill, but this map has only been up a short time.

In my experience, my dealer has been pretty helpful. They were able to get parts as needed usually within a week (two radiators, and a head gasket). As far as TR650 specific accessories, there are definitely plenty out there (how thick is your wallet? )

Thanks, I'll check that out. Hope there is somewhere that is closer. So far I've found one in Evansville, IN but that is round 6 hrs!

Two radiators?
Already?

 

[Next]

I have not had to wait more than 2 weeks for parts either, just picked up some bolts from Asheville today. If you don't have a good local dealer Eurosport, Hall's, or Bill's can order and ship them to you quite easily.

Even when the factory in Italy was shut down and the new factory hadn't opened I was able to get parts fairly quickly. It's a quality bike and as you can see on the forums (here and elsewhere) there are very few issues being reported. Other than the rear fender cracking (which can be avoided by removing the heavy reflector immediately) mostly you just hear about 1-2 people out of the whole community who have had major issues. Those are pretty good odds when you stack this bike up against pretty much anything else. For most of us the biggest issues are related to farkeling decisions.

Get some crash bars and your first radiator will be fine. The radiator is susceptible to bangs and bruises (like most bikes) if you have a get-off in the dirt. I too replaced a radiator, crash bars are cheap insurance.

 

[Tank0211]

I have not had to wait more than 2 weeks for parts either, just picked up some bolts from Asheville today. If you don't have a good local dealer Eurosport, Hall's, or Bill's can order and ship them to you quite easily.

Even when the factory in Italy was shut down and the new factory hadn't opened I was able to get parts fairly quickly. It's a quality bike and as you can see on the forums (here and elsewhere) there are very few issues being reported. Other than the rear fender cracking (which can be avoided by removing the heavy reflector immediately) mostly you just hear about 1-2 people out of the whole community who have had major issues. Those are pretty good odds when you stack this bike up against pretty much anything else. For most of us the biggest issues are related to farkeling decisions.

Get some crash bars and your first radiator will be fine. The radiator is susceptible to bangs and bruises (like most bikes) if you have a get-off in the dirt. I too replaced a radiator, crash bars are cheap insurance.

Well, while I am mechanically inclined & a do-it-yourselfer (carpenter/ welder by trade) I am not a mechanic or a super-experienced motorcycle guy. I've never been a gear-head as they discontinued the automotive class in high school my junior year when I was finally eligible. Still not sure why you had to wait that long, but alas it didn't matter. So, what I am saying is that IF there are problems, & a dealer is too far, I am not equipped to fix things so I am very leary about this bike atm. I've read about people having stalling issues & have to have it mossed many times & w/ how few of these tools are out there it seems a bit risky to me. Especially since I've read that even the dealers who have them don't know how long they will be supported. TBH at this point, though I REALLY love this bike, I'm starting to lean towards looking in another direction. My luck is such that I'll end up w/ one that has issues & I simply don't have the time or patience to have to go above & beyond for a bike I've got a loan out on. Maybe if I was better equipped knowledge-wise & experience wise things would be different. Still looking for opinions, but that's pretty much where I stand atm.

 

[AUS_TR650]

TBH at this point, though I REALLY love this bike, I'm starting to lean towards looking in another direction.

Reading between the lines, I think this was your intention from the outset. Any reassurance from CH members was not going to sway your decision. I hope your ride gives you lots of enjoyable riding like a TR650.

 

[Ryguy]

its not for you, get an xr,drz,klr. or serato if you have money. if it was for you it would already be at your house

 

[Hansi]

Well, while I am mechanically inclined & a do-it-yourselfer (carpenter/ welder by trade) I am not a mechanic or a super-experienced motorcycle guy. I've never been a gear-head as they discontinued the automotive class in high school my junior year when I was finally eligible. Still not sure why you had to wait that long, but alas it didn't matter. So, what I am saying is that IF there are problems, & a dealer is too far, I am not equipped to fix things so I am very leary about this bike atm. I've read about people having stalling issues & have to have it mossed many times & w/ how few of these tools are out there it seems a bit risky to me. Especially since I've read that even the dealers who have them don't know how long they will be supported. TBH at this point, though I REALLY love this bike, I'm starting to lean towards looking in another direction. My luck is such that I'll end up w/ one that has issues & I simply don't have the time or patience to have to go above & beyond for a bike I've got a loan out on. Maybe if I was better equipped knowledge-wise & experience wise things would be different. Still looking for opinions, but that's pretty much where I stand atm.

Make up your mind, get over it. If you don't feel good about the TR650 ---- don't buy one. I got 11 000 miles on mine with zero issues and loving it.

 

[drzcharlie]

If this thread hasn't convinced you to bail out on the TR let me add to it. You don't seem like an "all in" kind of guy. Given that, buy something you know is supported the way you believe a manufacturer should support their product. Is the TR a crap shoot? In my opinion, the only thing about it that is a crap shoot is that parts will be easy to get but a long time getting to you. That's it.

Jump in, or stay away from it. Just my 2 cents. Oh, and about maintenance expertise. We all started with none. Learn it or don't, keep your costs down, or don't. Your choice.

 

[Neil San Diego]

Two radiators?
Already?

And a head gasket. I'm one of the "1 or 2" that Next alluded to. I bought the bike in October and have been fighting serious overheating problems since. The bike only has 350 miles on it, and has been at the dealer more than my garage. Fortunately, the dealer has been very good at going to bat for me with the Husky reps. They were about to throw a third radiator at the problem (which we both knew wasn't going to fix a thing), but the dealer was able to talk the Husky rep into allowing them to tear into the engine. They say that they found the problem in the head gasket, and frankly it sounds pretty believable to me. I'm picking it tomorrow and hoping to finally have this critter vetted.

Anyway, they were able to get the parts in a week or less. What seemed to take the longest was getting the Husky reps to approve the final fix.

Frankly, I saw this bike as a big gamble (it was!), but decided to roll the dice any. And if this fix works like I think it will, it will have been worth it.

 

[run-it]

And a head gasket. I'm one of the "1 or 2" that Next alluded to. I bought the bike in October and have been fighting serious overheating problems since. The bike only has 350 miles on it, and has been at the dealer more than my garage. Fortunately, the dealer has been very good at going to bat for me with the Husky reps. They were about to throw a third radiator at the problem (which we both knew wasn't going to fix a thing), but the dealer was able to talk the Husky rep into allowing them to tear into the engine. They say that they found the problem in the head gasket, and frankly it sounds pretty believable to me. I'm picking it tomorrow and hoping to finally have this critter vetted.

Anyway, they were able to get the parts in a week or less. What seemed to take the longest was getting the Husky reps to approve the final fix.

Frankly, I saw this bike as a big gamble (it was!), but decided to roll the dice any. And if this fix works like I think it will, it will have been worth it.

Congrats on sticking it out, what a pita! I've never heard my fan come on, not once! No dirt yet & lane splitting helps keep it off I'm sure, but am not a slow poke either. Sounds believable to me too, something was making it do that, cause mine sure doesn't.

 

[Tank0211]

Make no mistake I appreciate the constructive responses, but LOL, it's almost like some of you are offended that a guy dares to be cautious when spending thousands of dollars on something. I always get a kick out of the hardliners on the interwebs.

@ AUS_TR650: No my mind was not made up before I came here or started this thread. In fact I found allot more info on it here, that I hadn't elsewhere, that began the 'real' sway.

@Ryguy: Thanks, I've been checking out those bikes as well man.

@Hansi: Just LOL

@drzcharlie: It depends what you mean buy 'all in'. If it's all in in the weight room & life in general then yup I'm there. If it's all in w/ money risked then nope, I'd rather be cautious bud. Keeps you sane & out of the poor house. P.S. Love the sarcasm man, keep it up!

@Neil San Diego: Thanks for following up & explaining the whole situation & how it turned out w/ your bike man. I appreciate it. Hope they get things back in order & get you back out on the road/dirt!

 

[run-it]

Make no mistake I appreciate the constructive responses, but LOL, it's almost like some of you are offended that a guy dares to be cautious when spending thousands of dollars on something. I always get a kick out of the hardliners on the interwebs.

@ AUS_TR650: No my mind was not made up before I came here or started this thread. In fact I found allot more info on it here, that I hadn't elsewhere, that began the 'real' sway.

@Ryguy: Thanks, I've been checking out those bikes as well man.

@Hansi: Just LOL

@drzcharlie: It depends what you mean buy 'all in'. If it's all in in the weight room & life in general then yup I'm there. If it's all in w/ money risked then nope, I'd rather be cautious bud. Keeps you sane & out of the poor house. P.S. Love the sarcasm man, keep it up!

@Neil San Diego: Thanks for following up & explaining the whole situation & how it turned out w/ your bike man. I appreciate it. Hope they get things back in order & get you back out on the road/dirt!

You might try making a list of pros & cons & weighting each with a number representing the degree of importance to you. Here's an example.

 

[nev..]

Toss a coin. It's the best way to find out whether your concerns are enough to stop you from purchasing.

 

[BILLF]

We are going to take care of peoples 650s until they are worn out ,if you have a good dealer it should be no worries as HMNA keeps telling us they have to support these bikes for a reasonable time. Im not worried I just ordered 10 more Stradas from another dealer as only 1 left to sell here. I bought a CB1100 Honda retro but will will be surprised if they come out for 2014 again.Just look at what bikes are out and its the best value by far and been pretty much a trouble free bike for Husky and BMW for years ,way less troubles than KLRs have had ,im keeping my TERRA and Strada until the new Husqvarna makes something better.If they don't I guess I will have them a long time.

 

[Gibster]

I started reading the forums after I bought mine. Made me wonder if I made a bad decision. Glad I bought it. Quit reading the forums.

 

[chronocommando]

It is a good bike no question. I was surprised that it will be discontinued a few weeks after I have bought it but I am still happy with my decision. Am I concerned about the future of part supply? No there is always a way. Maybe it takes more time or more money or even both. The less bikes available the better to have one of these beauties. I estimate a real good reselling price once you dont get a new one anymore. And if not --> I am not selling it anyway.

 

[Hansi]

Make no mistake I appreciate the constructive responses, but LOL, it's almost like some of you are offended that a guy dares to be cautious when spending thousands of dollars on something. I always get a kick out of the hardliners on the interwebs.

@ AUS_TR650: No my mind was not made up before I came here or started this thread. In fact I found allot more info on it here, that I hadn't elsewhere, that began the 'real' sway.

@Ryguy: Thanks, I've been checking out those bikes as well man.

@Hansi: Just LOL

@drzcharlie: It depends what you mean buy 'all in'. If it's all in in the weight room & life in general then yup I'm there. If it's all in w/ money risked then nope, I'd rather be cautious bud. Keeps you sane & out of the poor house. P.S. Love the sarcasm man, keep it up!

@Neil San Diego: Thanks for following up & explaining the whole situation & how it turned out w/ your bike man. I appreciate it. Hope they get things back in order & get you back out on the road/dirt!

Are you just another guy trolling the forums for response or are you actually listening to what people have to say here ?
Very few owners have problems with the TR650, and I would venture to say that for a brand new bike it has really very few issues? We have great dealers that offer long term support and parts will be available for quite a while. It is a great bike and is a hoot to drive on or off the road and for the price point you can't go wrong. Have you ridden a TR650?

 

[run-it]

Bought the bike knowing its production fate. I'm sort-of a unwilling gearhead I solve enough problems at work I'd rather not in my free time. The bike's been reliable so far for me. But I know support is spotty for others. If you get one you'll...