Want TR650, but CONCERNED about future support

[glitch_oz]

Just the other way around here.
Bought despite being aware of all the "buts" and "ifs". Been there before with some Aprilia Pegaso's in the late '90s, when the web was skinny and poorly sorted.
Funnily enough, it was the same base-engine (Rotax) then, with a 5-valve Aprilia head and a pair of entirely inaccessible carbs.
What a PITA to work on...and what a joy to ride. No dealer around for spares, the workshop guys didn't even know of the model, nobody had a clue.
Had 6 of them over 7 years and it looks like they've left their mark :-))
Just couldn't pass up having another go.
Thanks to everyone for all the work already done!


Cheers
Pete

 

[johnsweet]

happy, the best $6500. I have ever spent, a few stalls, no other problems, my dealer is 600 miles away so any repair is up to me. Nothing has come up I couldn't deal with. I've purchased the booster plug but it is not install because of cooler temps here, very smooth power, if you can still find one buy it, you will love it.

 

[mag00]

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.

I'll make it one step easier. Get a nice half dollar coin, and flip it, heads you buy it, tails you don't.

When the coin ends up one way or the other, listen to you heart. If you are disappointed in the flip, do the opposite. If you are happy with the flip go with it.

 

[PDL]

I agree, flip the coin, if it lands on heads buy it if it lands on tails buy it. You will be happy! Its a great bike! Honestly, flipping a coin does refine and clarify your thoughts. I bought mine right after the sale and I have no regrets. My dealer is 290 miles away so what ever work is done is done by me. Remember all bikes become obsolete at some point.

 

[eca]

I bought the bike, around March of 2013, really when everything was up in the air with regards to the fate of the bike. I had the same issues in making the decision as you, support, reliability, etc. But really if you look at other bikes, and keep coming back to the TR, then buy the TR. I've had no stalling issues, or over heating issues or major problems. Do I worry about the ECU crapping the bed? yes. Did it stop me from riding around Baja for 2500km, no. The bikes a first run bike, it has kinks and design flaws, things we can fix and make better. Seems to be half the fun on this site anyway. You also have to remember that in the world of the internet you hear about every problem, big or small. Mr. Ed in Mobile and Mr. Frank in Kansas might have broken their frame in the same spot, but thats 2 outta thousands. I picked up the bike, have enjoyed riding it, and will continue to do so, and if something major breaks, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

 

[bluegopher]

I bought the bike, around March of 2013, really when everything was up in the air with regards to the fate of the bike. I had the same issues in making the decision as you, support, reliability, etc. But really if you look at other bikes, and keep coming back to the TR, then buy the TR. I've had no stalling issues, or over heating issues or major problems. Do I worry about the ECU crapping the bed? yes. Did it stop me from riding around Baja for 2500km, no. The bikes a first run bike, it has kinks and design flaws, things we can fix and make better. Seems to be half the fun on this site anyway. You also have to remember that in the world of the internet you hear about every problem, big or small. Mr. Ed in Mobile and Mr. Frank in Kansas might have broken their frame in the same spot, but thats 2 outta thousands. I picked up the bike, have enjoyed riding it, and will continue to do so, and if something major breaks, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

+1

 

[mario33]

I bought the bike in Jan'13.

I owned BMWs previously and I was looking forward to bike of BMW reliability, Italian design and Husky heritage. I made the decision bsed on cold calculations - there was simply no competition to this bike in Europe according to my requirements (and still there isnt).

I put the order in and paid an advance of roughly $2000. Was told to wait 3 weeks for delivery. fine with me... And, a week later, BMW sold Husqvarna. I cursed my luck, was really upset and worried, they surely knew about that, yet still they didnt tell me anything. I contacted the national importer (I was buying directly frome them) trying to cancel my order and was told that my advance payment would be lost. I was even thinking of forgetting my advance. Still, the importer kept telling me that even if this bike is one-year wonder, they re going to support it for years. Well, a bit reluctantly, I paid the rest of the sum. Got a free accessory windshield and $300 coupon for free goodies...

Today, a year later, I'm positive I made a good decision. This bike is what I expected it to be. I had no stalling issues (from my observation, European version is less subject to those problems, as theres no canister ?!?), no overheating or other problems. Service points are scarce around, still there are some. I have a good friend as a serviceman, but he doeasnt have a MOSS tool. Only 2 Terras and 1 Strada were sold in my country. and yet I'm not worried

The only thing that bothers me is resale value. Over here, lots of unsold bikes are there at Varese warehouse. The sell it quite cheaply. The bike is really not popular over here. I believe my resale value is now at ~50% of initial value. Well, I need to keep this bike for longer, which does not worry me as it's really good bike....

 

[Lewis]

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.

The way I looked at my decision was to see what else I could buy new for $6K and that made up my mind. I was aware of BMW selling the brand and the closest dealer was better at sales than service. I was lucky enough to find a good shop for support with service and parts within 80 miles. Every time I ride it reminds me that this bike checked all boxes for me. I honestly would not trade this for any bike the sells for under $12K. I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to buy.