I know it's crazy to expect 100k out of one of these, but what would the typical lifespan be? What's the interval typically before major work is required? What would the mileage limit be for you to jump on one? What limit would be the cap for where you'd hesistate but still pull the trigger if it was in good shape and well outfitted. At what mileage would you say... nah... it's got too much mileage on it. Edit: I already own an '03. I'm considering a later model. I'm trying to figure out where 8000 miles sits as far as how much of its life has already been ridden when evaluating potential bikes. That sort of thing.
Compared to some of the "big four" ie. Handa(XRL), Suzuki, etc... they don't go as many miles. You do hear about 610s with 30,000 miles and still running strong. I truly believe you would hear this more if more were sold in the US in the past. It's a high proformance motor that gives big HP and tourqe compared to a DR, KLR, etc... This is a trade off of high miles for having a bad ass bike! A well maintained one should last a long time, will you see 50k or 100k on the same motor, not likely, but I would LOVE to hear someone say they have 50k and still going strong! These are very fun, versatile, powerful bikes and worth a chance IMHO. The 2011 TE 630 is the last year of these great bikes. If you want one and can find one for the right $, then go for it! These won't be available or at least easy to find in 10yrs like the iconic XRR because not that many are around. This is just one guys opinion, so take it as that and please don't think I'm putting down the XRL, DR, KLR, etc... These are good bikes too, just not the same as a Husqvarna.
FYI, you don't need to sell me on one. I own an '03 I bought nearly two years ago. I'm looking for a later model as I can get oversized tanks and other additions that are not available for the '03 era. And fwiw, high performance is not how I would describe it, tractor would be more accurate, although it sounds more like a lawn mower. I'm trying to figure out where 8000 miles sits as far as how much of its life has already been ridden when evaluating potential bikes. That sort of thing. I'd rather have a 610 because I like them. I'm not really interested in a BRP, DR, KLR, etc. I'm a firm advocate of saying that every bike has its purpose and the purpose of those bikes is for someone else.
The 610 has a reputation of being a very rugged engine! A few reports of premature cam chain wear but this is about it. The chains get noisy over time and are relatively easy to replace. Engine will not grenade like some other bikes. No reason the 610 with routine maintenance, will not last as long or even longer than the Japanese competition.
I'm not sure why you ask a question and come back and disagree with someone trying to answer it for you. I had know idea you owned one, but see you edited your 1st post. let's go back to proformance. Is it as strung out as my EXC 530?? No, but it is more than a DR or like. You own an 03 how many mles are on it? Is it still running good? Do you beat the piss out of it? Its the same motor in the bike you own. Question answered?
Like any bike used off the tarmac allot depends on owner maintenance and use.. oil changes, air filter cleaning, valve clearance frequency and how much time the bike spent its life at 75% of the max RPMs. Take a good bike and submerge it during a water crossing and having a dirty air filter rinsed clean into the engine will have huge negative effects.. or run it with milky oil after sucking in water... you get the picture.
I can't add anything based on experience, yet, but I fail to see why a 630 with good maintenance, frequent oil changes with the right stuff, valve checks, etc., won't last as long as you want it to as long as the engine is not abused. Motorcycles are pretty simple machines. I expect to deal with rings and valves eventually, and perhaps wear on the throttle body as happens on my BMW's. Waterpumps, electrics, wheel bearings,etc. are all subject to wear and aging but my expectation is to put at least 50k miles on before any major work. Fingers crossed!
bumping this 4 year old thread up. i'm looking at a (barely) used 2007 TE610 and would love to hear some reports, for or against, in terms of their reliability. This is a carbed Italian Husky. About 2400 miles on it.
A 2007 with only 2400 miles sounds like it has been unused a long time - so you might want to be checking the rubber seals, batteries, tires, all liquids, cleaning the carb, checking for hidden rust, checking the bearing grease, that kind of thing... do you know how it was stored? That aside, I still love my 610 2008... great bikes.
Thanks for the tips! So the gent I'm buying it from has 5 bikes or so, one of them a 690. Says he was hoping to keep the TE610 for his son but it's a bit much for him at 15 years old. He's owned it for 4 years but it hasn't been sitting in his shed, he's done a fair bit to it - Lynx fairing, ironman sprockets, JD jet +2 sizes, cleaned carbs when he bought it, new lipo(?) battery, 5 gallon tank, dirtbagz setup... it's all sounding pretty good. i've been reading a lot of scary threads about 610s, but i guess you can find those for any bike if you look. mostly concerned about the "how low can you go" airbox intake as i do get into some deep water at times... also read a few about cam chains disintegrating. I'm a decent wrench but also a beginner so what i really need is to create a checklist for myself of what to inspect and when. maybe i'll call them service intervals... =D @JonDirt where do you ride? I'm in West Orange - if you're NYC perhaps we can do a DS ride some time.
That sounds great. The 610s are pretty reliable engines - you need to have the cam chain checked every 8-10k, and do the regular things you do with any bike... It is worth looking at the http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/documented-630-part-failures-known-weak-areas.30149/ but the bikes good goers. I'm currently over in Europe - but I do get over to the US on occasion (my quiet confession - I have two TE610 2008's, one in NY that is set up as a long distance adv bike, and the other in London that is pretty stock...). I might be there in fall ... would be great to do a ride. Maybe we could do the 2016 Pine Barrens: http://www.pinebarrens500.org
ya hahah i just did the PB500 a few months ago on my DL650, and went *back* down there on the DL650 last Sunday - I think I'm done, bounced off of trees and dropped it enough times finally! Would love to blast around there on a 610 and hoping to sell the DL unless I keep it as a dedicated commuter. thanks for the link.
Impressed that you can manage all that sand and ruts on the DL. The 610 is really fun down there. But on the highway, the fairing of the DL will make a big difference - on the 610, all that wind hits you in the chest. I've grown used to it - its good for core muscles :-) But it doesn't have the comfort of a bike like the DL. How far is the commute?
JonXX had a 610 go over 50k miles... and he rode it every day rain or shine... hard core he is... http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/high-mileage-610-motors.36868/#post-361584
