Bought New '08 Husky 610. Having issues already :( Plz help

Greetings Husky world!

I took the leap this week and put the DRZ400 up for sale to go buy a TE610. Found a cool '08 w/ 3100 miles yesterday, loved it, bought it. It seems in my bike purchasing state of euphoria, I seemed to miss a couple of issues about the newest pony in the stable. So here it goes:

1.Bike seems pretty unenthusiastic about starting up when cold. My DRZ is the same way, but she is carbed so shouldn't an injected bike fire up right away with no issues?

2. Clutch lever looks to be replaced with a non matching clutch lever and apparently you can no longer find clutch levers for these anymore? Aftermarket?

3. Clutch is either wildly out of adjustment or PO fried it (but in 3000 miles though?!). Bike refuses to go into neutral when running, and tries to creep forward or die at stop lights. He had it all the way adjusted out, so is it screwed?

4. Checked cam chain tension today, seemed to be fine. But had a tick in the top end. Is this a thing they just do? Would this freak anybody out? Is this a ride it until it goes boom sort of scenario?

#1-3 are livable/fixable but #4 has me a little nervous.

Thanks in advance from the Midwest US!

It's normal for the bike to want to creep a bit, and jump a bit when you kick it into first gear.

Neutral is pretty much always impossible to find unless you do the tap dance while you're slowing down, or blip the throttle and slip it into neutral at the same time.

Don't add too much tension to the clutch cable, make sure it has the proper free play at the perch or you'll ruin the clutch actuator arm.

What is this tick in the top end? Need to describe is more, or get a video/audio clip.

Is it stock? Or does it have an aftermarket pipe on it?

I have a carbed 610, and it can be picky about starting unless you have the patience to slowly open the choke while you're cranking it, and hold it in place while it warms up a bit after it decides to start.

The 610 top end does make some noise.

Bike appears to be completely stock. I have read that these are pretty dead reliable bikes, but this does have me nervous. Am I just being paranoid?

1. On cold start: My TE610 2008 starts cold no problems. What position is your cold start lever when you are trying to start?

2-3. Regarding clutch: The clutch should be ok after 3k - it may be the clutch cable or bushing. My bike pulls a little too when the clutch is in. And I can't find neutral easily on my bike when its stationary, though if its moving just a little it usually clicks into neutral. Changing oil can help a bit. See this thread for more on clutch issues. If you want a replacement clutch lever, try Halls or MotoXotica.

Check the cam chain tensioner...

Remove the center bolt first, don't lose the spring.
Then remove the 2 smaller bolts.

Count how many teeth are showing.

Sounds like the cam chain is eating the oil pressure reed valve cover.

Don't freak out, issues are easily sorted and they tend to be very solid runners.

1. Hard starting is likely a pilot jet. Just replace it, they're cheap. With that few miles it has likely sat, if the fuel wasn't drained out of the carb it's likely been plugged or is plugged. These new fuel formulations dry very quickly and will leave a residue that is impossible to completely remove. Add some fuel detergent, Techron or Amsoil Quickshot. Drain the bowl if you're gonna park it for more than two weeks.
2. I don't wish to turn this into an oil thread, but amsoil won't creep when it's hot. 20/50 for hot temps, 10/40 for cold. Consider changing it out and you'll find neutral too. Purchase under my dealer number if you wish.
3. Check the valve lash. If one is loose it will tick. Not the end of the world but you'll hear it. Too tight is worse - will cause hard starting and left unattended will burn the seat or valve grind face. Could also be a cause of your hard starting.

I'll leave the clutch issue up to the others. In any case they are easy to access and inspect, cheap to replace. If it acts up would be worth a disassembly to check it out. An oil change might be all it needs as well.

I am working thru this right now on my 2005 610. I sure am glad for this group, because I think we are the only 10 owners of these bikes! My bike makes the same noise as the video, I will be checking everything. I just installed the the Jet Kit, but am waiting to check the rest of the bike before I install the carb and try it. I will also be doing the exhaust modification to get rid of the catalytic converter thingy.

I have a JD tuner for sale in the classified section. Special deal for new bike owner ! PM if interested.

Btw, don't know if it helps or not, but I adjusted valves and it really quieted the girl down. How many miles on yours? Also BE DAMN SURE TO CHECK THE ALIGNMENT OF THE OIL PUMP BEFORE PUTTING ON RIGHT CASE IF YOU TAKE IT OFF.

I used the JD kit. Nice kit. Great instructions. And it was a fun install. Can't wait to try it.