450TXC versus 450TE-opinions ?

Sorry if this seems redundant, but not alot of new posts on here lately so I figured I'd post my question!!- I have read other’s which bike posts, but I have been studying this wonderful dilemma over and over. TE 450 versus TXC 450. Least I narrowed it down to 450cc. Questions and comments please!

Plate needed- TE costs $8299. TXC costs$7699. minus 1000 if before march 31.
For about $600 I could convert a TXC with lights of “my choice” and a stator upgrade and go through inspection and get it plated (some more $) for registration of course... 95% certain I can do that- but obviously the TE would be easier, more certain and, quicker to register.

Fuel delivery: It seems the FI is getting sorted out lately and the 09s are even more consistent with settings. I have been concerned about getting a FI due to never having an issue with the Keihin FCR and a good working knowledge of that carb. Obviously- FI either works or it doesn't- but sounds like more people are having less issues and it is working as it should. Also, FI needs a battery Right?- just mean if in the deep woods 50 miles from the truck and the battery dies and can’t be fixed it can’t be kickstarted right? I am hesitant in FI just because the carbs have shown to be easy to tune and reliable… I know that might seem ignorant.


Suspension: I understand that the TXC has a different steering angle (better in tight stuff- less rake) and has the double cartridge forks. Are those forks “just better” once valved and sprung for the rider, style, and terrain? I have hear that they are stiffer- but if set up right they will be better in every circumstance than a single cartridge (again if set up right)? Obviously also more difficult to maintenance than single cartridges…

TXC 450 claimed weight 237.6 lbs versus TE 450 246.4 lbs- obviously if I add lights and such a TXC will get closer to the TE’s weight. But I will be buying less crap that I will put in a box on the shelf. Most people buy there own lights and put them on TE’s anyway- or strip them down…

ME: Ok, what do you suggest- am 5’06” 205lbs (short and fat- [probably get it lowered an inch and shave the seat}), ride dual sport- and burn in new trail with the DS club, I also ride a lot of off-road, trail and private land, I do as many enduros as I can get to- and want to do more, (more so to ride and exposure to new trail- not to win)- C-class. I do not plan to use as a commuter- only connect trail, re dualsport aspect. So I want to wick it up in open stuff (2 track, forest service roads) but ride a lot of tight single track (sometimes freshy cut-)- Current bikes: drz400, 2002 EXC 250rfs with HTracing 351 big bore kit (plated)- hope to replace both with a husky

I am sure the TE is more than enough bike for me- just trying to get the best bike for myself since this will be my first NEW bike. And the differences are significant between the two. The TXC just seems to be prescribed if a plate is not needed- and it seems I should be able to plate one after converting it and getting it inspected-

sorry for probably too much information
Thanks in advance!

If you can plate the TXC get it, you need a street legal dirt bike and the TXC is the better dirt bike.

The TE...no question! Unless you are a top skilled rider or racer, you'll never tell the difference in terms of performance. The TE is more plush stock. The TE 450 has plenty of power and grunt to get you up and over anything the TXC can handle. Plus it comes 50 state street legal straight from the factory and you never know when and if your plate could be taken from a TXC. Honestly, I love my '08 TE 450...I can ride it slow and lazy and can pick it up to keep some of the fast guys in sight...not many, but more and more all the time...thanks to the TE.

David

Not really the answers you are looking for but

You might want to ensure with the WI DMV that you can
plate that TXC because everything that I've read and heard
it can not be done in WI if the MSO has "offroad only" on it.

Second, check with Heinens motorsports in Minneapolis since
I think they have a new (or had one) 08 TE450 substantially reduced in price
plus another $1k Husky hero bucks off (less than $6000).

TE450 is going to be the safer bet, with the TXC it could be a gamble on the plate/insurance/title deal and sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. That being said I went with the TXC myself and it's cost's more to get it soft for tight single track then to have just played with the traditional tuning tricks on a single cartridge set-up. TE is also going to have better re-sale if that's a concern. I wouldn't let the FI intimidate you, there's much less tinkering needed = more time getting to know the bike and much better consistancy in performance regardless of weather/altitude (like there's much altitude change in WI, but nonetheless)

thanks for the coments-

plusses and minusses both ways really- So this is what I should believe in making my decision...?? correct me if I am wrong-

so FI- is sorted out, I can ride in 90' degree weather in the woods and 10' weather on ice and not touch an ibeat or power commander and it will run like my carbed bikes if I changed jets.... given I might have to go back to the dealer 1 or 2 times for corect set up. map updates...

Steering angles and dual chamber forks won't necesarily be noticed by me at my level and be more dificult to maintain- IE I have maintenced single chamber WP USD forks in the past-

Weight differences- is minute once you strip the TE or add lights etc to the TXC.

Cam differences/ exhaust- power delivery is smoother on TE- less explosive- which is a plus in low traction technical stuff, TXC might actually require more throttle control than I am used to... and not be a plus at my level and type of riding.

then the te450 should be the bike for me, sound right?

next I am going to ask the benifits of 09 versus 08- updates: pipe, ecu, valving, internals, rims, airbox, kickstand

thanks for that- I called them

In terms of '09 vs '08, price would be the huge difference. In other words, if you could get the '08 out the door for $1200+ less than an '09, do it. Anything less than a $1200 and I would get the '09 because it looks better, has a stronger yet skinnier/lighter frame (confirmed in person), stainless steel valves, upgraded battery box, different/improved EFI mapping, black rims, better kickstand, better odo......did I mention that it is sexier?

David

This I did not know. Interesting.

Heinens said they should be getting bikes in- again at some point soon- I like their prices

my local shop Keytime Motorsports (1.5 hours away- good smaller dealer) just got some 09s in- I just found out. But not a TE450- they got some SMs, a TE310, TXC 450, and a TE510... He said he could get me a TE450 but wasn't sure when- he thought I should get the 510 since I am not a serious racer- he said the differences are small in terms of handling in tight stuff and the power will be nice in open sections-grass track!!--Who doesn't like power wheelies at will- truth is I am going to keep my woods bike anyway- unless this husky works for everything... and my "woods bike" just sits there- jealously!
Jeese- this just gets harder and harder- should I get a G2 throttle cam and get the stroker or hold out for the 450~? I will talk to them more and see how long it will take/ prices- just seems like they get what they get when they get it- no matter what dealer it is...

get the 510
It is a big torquey motor but it doesn't rev as fast as the 450 so it is in a sense "tame"
Remember, the throttle is connected to the brain. Keep your head on straight and you'll be fine

I don't think you will have any trouble with power wheelies with the 450.

I just put a good amount of time on my buddies 510 and I loved it! It's snappy down low and has bit more everywhere compared to my 08 TE 450. He loved my 450 also! I don't think you can go wrong.

David

I put money doun on a 2009 TE450 at Heinens- over the phone. AND tHANKS fAST1- FOR THE HEINENS REFERRAL- They are ordering it for me. My local dealer just could not afford to come close to Heinens price. I feel a little guilty about it but I shouldn't for the savings I am getting. (even if it is going to be a 500 mile round trip to pick it up). My brother already offered to call it a road trip- in his van to avoid any road salt spray on the new husk.

I am psyched! I do think the 510 or the 450 would have made me very happy but the 450 will probably fit my style a little better. Thanks for all the suggestions- and helping me decide- all good info!

Heinens will treat you right. Both John the service manager and Paul the owner are top notch guys plus both have a ton of racing experience. I was eyeing a SM610 there the other day to stable with my TE510. When you pick it up, tell them Mike sent you.

WI has allot of fun terrain to ride and I've been treated with many 250 to 300 mile day rides on the TE510. You are going to have one hell of a summer!

You're going to like it. I found F2G's 450 easier and faster for me to ride than my 510. He's got a rekluse on it and can really snap through the woods wet or dry without messing with the clutch in the 3D stuff. Jealous I am. He was surprised how much more grunt my 510 had; I never use that much throttle to notice, LOTS of low end. Anyhoo, bask in the moment and take pics. It'll never look like that again if you ride it!

Greg...let's go to Reiter and I'll let you ride my bike for a good 30 minutes. You'll be begging Kelly for the Rekluse! Truth be told, your bike's suspension is probably better for my weight and my mine is probably better for your weight. Maybe we should just trade bikes...just kidding! I think Greg was feeling more comfortable and faster on my bike because of the Rekluse, Motoz tires and softer suspension.

Wow, that 510 has some grunt...whoooaaapppp! The power is just fair bit more everywhere...fun! Of course I say that having never ridden it in the tight chit.

David

will do, yea I checked out your ADVrider stuff- you play in some familiar areas- If you ever come to the Bigwoods 200 or the Ride 4 Research ask for Brad- http://www.widualsportriders.org/