New to Husky, New to Motorcycles a couple of questions

I hope this is the proper forum for this.

Hello!

I've ridden friends bikes in college (and consider my self to be a novice) but never owned one of my own.

I very much like the narrow feel and upright seating position of "dirt bikes".

My best friend had an Aprilia Tuono (since wrecked). So I knew that brand. I found there SXV 5.5 and fell in love with the look and feel of the bike. The more I read about it though the more apparent it became that that particular bike is a race bike and required hugh sums of maintenance.

So I started looking elsewhere. And found Husky. Specifically the SM610.

I could obviously get a cheap Jap bike, but style does mean alot to me too. (I drive a MINI instead of a civic)

I'm also not terribly mechanically inclinded, I don't mind learning.

My vision for this bike is ONLY commuting to and from work 9 miles each way with a top speed limit of 45. I WILL NOT use this bike on highways. If you've ever been to Phoenix you would understand why.

Having said all of that...

I'd like to get a bike in the supermotard style or dual sport style and maybe convert it.

From what I've read here and at supermotojunkies it seems like the 610 has the legs and service interval to be a great bike for this.

The 450 and 510 SM's need more maintenance like the Aprilia bikes, correct?

How about the 310?

I'm not worried about a lack of power unless collectively you think the amount of gearshifts and things might be too much for a novice rider on the street.

The price difference between the 250 up to the 610 almost makes me want the 610 just from a marginal utility argument.

About the only thing I am sure of is that I want a Husky.

Please some help here!

Chris

The 450 and 510 SM's need more maintenance like the Aprilia bikes, correct?
Yes

Welcome fellow Arizonian! For what you describe, you can't go wrong with any of the bikes. I just bought a TE310 locally, and if I were to ride it as you descibe, I'd be happy with the bike for sure. Anything over 45 I'd be looking at a gearing change though. If you were going to be on it for longer periods of time, I'd say without a doubt go with the bigger, heavier bike, but in your case, smaller bore will be just as much fun! We've got a fantastic dealer in Phoenix as well, but talk to the owner direct for your best deal. Bought 9 bikes from her in the last 10 years. Good luck!

More maintenace? Not exactly sure what would be considered "more" as all bikes need the oil changed, air filters cleaned, and valve adjustments on occasion (assuming your on a 4-stroke here) but I'm finding Husky to be the easiest of all bikes to do all of the above, bar none. Very well thought out.

I have a 510 that I commute on and do various other hooligan activities, and it really doesn't require any more maintenance than my R1. I change the oil, clean the filter, clean the chain, and check the valves. I have had to replace the cam chain and that is it.

Thanks guys.
More maintanence= Aprilia SXV or BMW G450X, oil changes every 10 hours, and engine checks every 70 hours.

I was under the impression that the 450-510SM's were similar.

can anyone speak to the 310?

What is the interval on the 610?

Thanks guys.

Chris

What is the interval on the 610?

Manual states: first/standard service at 600 miles, oil change and valve check every 3000 miles, cam chain every 6000 miles.

I don't have the manual on the TE 310 w/me, but I'm pretty sure it's about hte same as the 610 EWS referenced. It so easy to change the oil though, more is better. Take you about 10 minutes if your handy. Valves won't take you an hour the first time you do them, and gets easier after that. Beauty of the Husky is that they hold their adjustment for a long time. Great bikes.

ktmtom,
Do you ride your bike on road? Why did you choose the 310 and not bigger?

Chris

I'm an offroad guy, but have ridden on roads for connecting trails and such. Yer kind of in a spot where you could go either way and be happy with either. Really, smaller bore or bigger for what your talking about doing, you can't go wrong in my opinion. If you were doing a TON of miles, again, the big bore would be a no brainer for me. Quick commute, and what not around town, smaller and more nible is my idea of a good time! I'm with you. I wouldn't be caught dead on either on the Phoenix freeways either though!

Exactly right on the test rides, and if not mistaken, our "local" dealer here in Phoenix can accomdate that request. If your in the east valley and want to take a spin up/down my street on a TE310, let me know. Sure we can work that out!

KTMTOM,
I just may take you up on that. I want to get my license first though. Never had one in college, figure now might be a good time!

Chris