'09 TE 510 power

Just picked up an '09 TE 510. It has 35 total miles on it now, so it's not even close to broken in, much less ready for full throttle passes, but I have a couple of questions/concerns.

This bike feels weak compared to a KTM 525 in the low throttle, low RPM situations. I guess when it breaks in we'll find out if it compares. So far, a little disappointed. I'm also comparing it (most recently) to an XR 650R, which just drools torque.

What can I expect when this thing breaks in?

Prior to getting my 510 I rode (and still ride) a yz450f. My initial impression of the 510 was just like yours, I thought my yzf felt stronger everywhere. After spending more time on the 510 and letting the motor "loosen up" a bit it began to feel stronger. I think the deal with the 510 is makes power in a very smooth linear fashion which translates into a "slow" feeling, but the bike is deceptively fast IMO.

I ride a '05 TE510 and the guy I do a lot of my riding with has '07 KTM 525EXC. We swap bikes every once in a while,and my impression is the 525EXC does have more torque (as does the '07 XR650R a nephew has). I think my 510 pulls harder/quicker and seems to have more HP than the 525 (maybe more than the 650?), but both the 525 and 650 catch me and pass me with their higher top end, if we have room to really open them up ........we're running well over 80mph by then, so hasn't been an issue very often.

Here's part of a post I had on another site, a couple years ago shortly after my first ride on the 525:

The TE engine is shorter stoke, bigger bore, makes more hp, less torque. Along with close(r) ratio/lower gearing, it will hit quicker and run thru gears quicker. Riding easy or hard, gears are almost perfectly spaced for off-road use. When shifting you are typically right where you want to be in the powerband.........

The EXC engine is longer stroke, smaller bore, makes less hp, more torque. It has wider gear ratio and taller gearing (especially tall geared stock), giving a comparatively softer hit and longer spacing between gears......
The '07 models needed seriously geared down, even then there are a few times it is tough to find just the right gear.....you're either revving a bit high or lugging. With the super tall stock street gearing, IMO, the '07 EXC is close to unrideable off-road on any mountain trails...............

Having said that about the 525 gearing, the newer TE510's have also gone taller internal gearing, and IMO can use a sprocket change to get some of what they had back for mtn trail rides.........however, if you want to be reminded of just how much torque it truely does have, hop on a 250 or even a 400 for a while, then back to the 510. There's still a lot.

Sorry but I am not as familiar with the TE. Doesn't the bike come all corked off? Did the dealer uncork it for you? (e.g. intake restrictor, etc.)

Do they require "power up kits" still? or was that only for '08 bikes?

thx,
jeff

p.s. Looking forward to riding it next time we meet up...

I removed the throttle block at 150 miles and see the different.
There are many things that you can tweak for this bike such as p/u kit.

roostafish,

Have you read this "Living with a 2010 Husky TE510" tread yet? http://www.cafehusky.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6723

The huskys are alot slower off the line compared to 530exc( I dont know any 525).
The huskys seem to kick in like a 2 stroke, all the powers after 4k rpm, ktms seem to have a solid consistent power band.

The KTM is much faster off the line and there gearing is setup much better so its hard to compare, the way I see it is we bought the 510 for the torque and tractor affects. I knew it would not be as fast as the 450's.

But def make sure you uncork everything.. throttle stop, cat converter, race mode cap.

The bike is in full power mode. It does seem that time is good as far as break in. With Husky's reputation for extreme long life, this should not surprise me. I have owned Husky's in the past. One of my most cherished bikes was a '96 WXC 125. It had several thousand miles on it before I passed it on to my brother in law, who rode it several thousand more miles, all without ever being taken apart. It is still in our circle of friends. It's been rebuilt now, but it has nearly 20000 miles on it now. Not necessarily related I guess, but I know that these things last, and in the current world of fast food thinking, I guess I was expecting things to run super hard the moment it was delivered. These bikes have been broken in by the book, which I suspect will deliver years of strong performance.

Wow...three bikes at once...WR 250, WR 300 an!d a TE 510

Yeah I noticed that too fitness2go! Well congrats on another Husky. BTW my 09 TXC took a few rides to fully break in. I felt a difference in the suspension and power as it did so. Now she's undefeated in drag races! Enjoy.

"Decisions, decisions...

What bike shall I get....

I'll take all of them!!!"

I talked to mike a few days ago - they are starting a tour company and the bikes will be available to rent. I am think about renting the 510 for a day and ride one of the dual sport events up here in the NW.

jeff