2009 txc-250

Does anyone on this board have a 2009 TXC-250?

I am looking for a good trail bike/enduro mount and am looking to switch from two stroke to four stroke since my CR-125 I have set up for woods is not as fun to ride in the tight stuff anymore. I have looked at Honda CRF-250X's but would like to stay with Husky.

Any feedback would be welcome.

Mike

This is timely since today was the maiden voyage for our new '09 TXC 250.

First off, you need to see THIS.

The TXC 250 is my son's bike. It's replacing a Husky CR 125 as his primary Motocross bike because he was begging for a 4 stroke racer and there were no '09 TC (MX) 250's imported this year. Since the TXC is basically a TC with E-start and 6 speeds, we thought it would be a good starter 4 stroke for him. I was too scared of the new motor to wait on a 2010 TC 250.

Prior to buying the CR 125, we had a brief, but horrible experience with an '09 CRF 250R that wouldn't start without super-human effort and wouldn't run even if you eventually got it started. We didn't keep it long enough for him to race. I did get to ride the CRF a few times (the few times it actually stayed running) so I have a feel for the differences between the TXC and the CRF.

TXC Pros:

• Proven, bulletproof engine
• MUCH smoother power delivery
• Ease of starting (even W/O Estart)
• 1000% easier to work on than ANY perimeter frame bike
• Valve adjustments are a snap

TXC Cons:

• Heavier than the Honda
• Forks take some break-in and tweaking to get "right" (for MX)
• Doesn't hit as hard off the bottom as the Honda (CRF 250R)

As today was our first real test for our TXC, I can't comment on how it handles compared to the Honda as it takes about 2 or 3 hours for the forks to break in and for us to get the suspension tweaked. If Cody's lap times were any indication, this will be a competitive bike. One comment he made at the track today was surprising to me. He mentioned how much easier the Husky is to ride hard because of the smoother, more predictable power. He remembered the Honda being too "wild" off the bottom and said the Husky was more controllable because it didn't hit as hard, just predictably and smoothly. He also mentioned the Honda's tendency to bring the front wheel off the ground every time you were least expecting, or wanting it to... not so the Husky.

Now for the really fun part. Since it was so DOGGONE hot today (98 degrees) we were one of only two bikes at the practice track. The other bike was an '09 Kawasaki KX 250 F. Although the Kawi seemed to start OK, it ran like $hit! Decel popping as bad as I think I've ever heard. Partial and full throttle gurgling. Bogs galore after moderate to hard jumps. The Husky???... perfection. Not a single decel pop. No gurgles. No bogs. Just steady, predictable power.

I'm not naive enough to think the TXC will be the most potent MX bike on the track. But Cody is still only a solid "C" rider and a mid pack "B" rider. For his skill level, I think the TXC will be perfect to transition him to four strokes.

One thing you will notice going from the CR to the TXC, the TXC is definitely not as flickable as the 125 in tight stuff. The "roll-on" power and low end lugging will help make up for this since you will not have to use the clutch and work the engine nearly as much. The transition will take some getting used to however, so I would urge you to consider if lightweight tossability is more important than a more "old man friendly" power band.

I currently own two husky's a te510 and te610 both 08's. I have owned 45 bikes and only bring this up because it gives me a good idea on what had worked for me and what has not. I will say I am a honda guy at heart but am very happy with the husky's. I am 52 and my declining skills are getting to be an issue. I have owned the following hondas in the crf era: 02 crf 450R, 05 crf450x, 05 crf250x, 06crf250R. I have concluded the 250's are the best choice for me and when the 510 sells I will be also looking for a 250. It will must likely be a husky or honda. The 250x is the one that still haunts me. I picked it up used and had valve trouble. But I still loved the bike and could fly in the woods on this bike and it will pull at my heart stings. But I love my new husky's and will ride a 250 tx/te before I spend the bucks. The husky quality was a bit of a surpise as I grew up on hondas and have high standards. The husky's are a joy to work on compared to any jap bike and the tx/te lineup would adapt to offroad and mild mx (for me). I will most likely build a 280/300 kit bike and I think the husky would be a better choice. It did take time to get used to the handling of the husky 510 but this was due to the power more then the chassis. The honda crf250x is a great bike, I am concerned with the valves as put them in my 02 450 (first year bike) and the 250x (used). All 250's will need motor parts, open bikes get new rear tires. Good luck with your choice.

Very good ride report Krieg I know what Cody means by a smoother power delivery. My 09 TXC 510 feels the same to me way easier to ride hard than my 07 Honda 450R. Mike get yourself a TXC Husky.

Thanks for the info Krieg that was what I was looking for.

I hear you on the two stroke weight advantage and the four stroke motor advantage. I am beginning to think that the extra weight may be worth the engine braking and low end lugging advantage that is until I have to pick it up a few times on the trail. I have thought of making my 125 into a 144 and see if the added bottom end this is suppose to create would make the bike a little more trail friendly. Either way I think I will keep the 125 to play with and, if money allows buy a four stoke to race with.

Once again thanks and I hope everything works out for your son with the new bike. It does not get any better than sharing something with a child that you both enjoy.

Mike