Buying a Husqvarna TE 450/510 06-08

I'm currently in the market of buying an enduro for green lane use. having a break from bikes for 10 years i originally set my site's on the Suzuki rmx450 but with all the news on reliability along motocross style ride ability i fancy going back to huskies.

So the question is my budget ranges in the realm of te 450 or 510 between the years of 2006 to 2008. So with that in mind does anybody know of the upgrades between these years? also i think i'm favoring the 450 because i've read it rev's more and is better in tight forrest work and the 510 is basically a bored out 450 is this correct? Also are there any gremlins to watch out for? lastly can somebody confirm the weight and bhp of both please models?

all accurate feedback appreciated

06' and 07' have a carburetor. 08's and up are EFI. The 510 has a longer stroke than the 450. The motors are reliable. Fun bikes.

R/

Mike
06' TE250, 09' TE610

Frame and plastics changed to the newer style in '08, and the exhaust switched sides. We had an 06 510 (SMR) and now have a 09 450 (TXC). Not sure if I could tell the power/delivery difference myself...very similar. Our 06 510 had cam chain issues and we ate through chain glides like they were butter, but that may have been because it was a SMR. The 450 has been absolutely bulletproof and has required little more than routine maintenance.

Go for the 08. The FI is not perfect, but it's miles ahead of dealing with stone-age carbs. WRT the 450 vs. 510 I can't say which is better, but the TE510 I have now is hands-down the most fun I've ever had on a motorcycle. The combination of light-weight and power makes it a thrill every time I get on it. It takes all I have to keep the front wheel on the ground. I return from every ride with big SEG on my face.

I believe it is 48hp for the '08 TE 450 and 53hp for the '08 TE 510. Some graphs here: http://www.pbase.com/jdjetting1/husqvarna_te450&page=all

I just got an 07 TE510 with 4,000 on the odometer. I was a little nervous about the mileage, but it runs like a champ and is much better in the woods than my 08 TE610 was. I actually prefer the carbs over the FI, but I guess that's a personal preference. The FI on my old te610 quit when the battery died and I didn't like that. The 510 has gobs of power and revs really fast (short gears) to me. I've got mine geared low (15/52) with the G2 throttle tamer and it's really smooth and has plenty of power to raise the front wheel in 1st or 2nd. It's also easier for me to find the right gear with the close ratios and I don't feel like I'm shifting as much in the tight trails. All-in-all, I'm happy I sold my 610 and got the 510.

I had a 2007 510te. I had over 400hrs with minor typical Husky gremlins (clutch slave o-ring,fork seals, melted overflow bottle, mid-pipe burn). Strong and reliable as an ox, but faster. The carb will not fail on you in the forest nor will a fuse blow. There isn't any temp. sensor that will confuse the efi. The slower turning frame will stand-up when the throttle is applied mid turn, that requires one to ride like an Italian.

I like way the newer 08-09 handles but still nervous riding after replacing one fuel pump at 6000 miles. I do like how I can ride to higher elevations and not have loss of power. Same reliable motor but different mid-pipe burn.

I have a 2007 -450TE with 4,000km on the clock and she runs like a dream --Just bought a BRAND NEW 2007 510TE that was old stock and have now only done 260km on her -- Totally different to the 450 as far as i am concerned --powerful and strong --even seems to push you a little when you go into a corner. As for EFI ?????????? It is the future i take it -- I have a 09 -610TE with 22,000km on and one in a crate as well ---bought it for later as i did not like the 630 My SM 2006 will eat my 610 TE up for breakfast and spit her out --although my 09 610 TE has the Full power -up kit and aftermarket arrow pipe on ---also replaced my fuel pump on my 610 TE after 21,000km --started playing up -would work and then not-- Carbs Rule imho --

I hate to hyjack this thread, but what exactly is "mid-pipe burn"?

oops sorry. 2007 TE would burn my right pant leg from where the mid pipe would meet the silencer and the 2009 would burn the left pant leg near the silencer.

ok....I was overthinking something....not sure what, but it's clear to me now Thanks for the reply. I'm still working out some of the bugs in my 07 510, so I try to see what problems others are having.

Hey, addo, if you are in the Southern California area, my 2006 TE510 is for sale. It's a bulletproof beauty! I'm looking to buy a big adventure bike, otherwise I'd keep it. PM me.

Whatever you buy make sure it was not overheated.

The early models had a tendancy to burst crossover hoses or melt the plastic "Y" pipe.

If you smell coolant find another.

Good points, R_Little. Mine burst the crossover hose and I replaced it with automobile FI hose, which George told me is rope reinforced, and the problem fixed. The hose burst but the bike did not overheat. It still has the plastic "Y" radiator hose coupler, but it has been fine.

+1 exactly.. my 08 TE510 ran perfect from zero miles through 8000 with over 300 hours and never required a valve lash adjustment. It was the most grin inducing dirt bike I've ever owned. Hated to sell it but have been laid up with three knee surgeries over the last 1 1/2 years and my leg strength (thigh is gone from atrophy) is not their for this bike in the dirt at the pace I previously rode. Purchased a TE630 for more sedate riding. Miss the 510 and the huge grin it left me with every time I saddled up.

Right thanks for the replies guys.

Runner unfortunately i live in Wales so it abit far.

so as far as the last of the carb 07 models go the 450 is circa 48bhp and 110kgs and 520 53bhp and same weight? I'm hoping to get one over christmas break to go out with my mates green laning.

mates bikes are;

DR400 with bigger jetted carb and exhaust
Gas Gas ex 300 2 stroke
Gas Gas ex 250 2 stroke
Honda CRF230

how would it fair against the above in reliability and performance?

cheers

Can't speak for the 450, but the 510 will smoke a DR-z 400. The incarnation you get in the UK may differ from the US/California version.

I've had some minor problems with my 510, but it's never stranded me. The only real expense was the fuel pump, and that was unnecessary. The actual problem was a broken wire not the pump itself.

The Suzuki doesn't have the "wow" factor that the Husky does either. I can't go anywhere without somebody commenting about the bike. The most frequent comment, "Nice bike."

I'm might be looking at a te450 08 FI tomorrow with 27hrs on it so i'll let people know what i think if i purchase.

I bought the TE450 Sunday after a 310 mile round trip from Cardiff to London and i'm very pleased with it, 555miles 27hrs and in new condition. when i took it out for a test ride it started well and pulled hard in all gear (loads of engine breaking off the gas to) but a couple of my mates who ride carb bikes said it seemed to hesitate when opening the throttle (bogged down), does this seem right or do you think its running rich due to a dirty air filter & has anybody else experienced this?