TC 250 update

Wadman and I went riding yesterday (well, he rode while I picked his mud out of my teeth ) Anyway, the TC ran flawlessly and is becoming noticeably stronger as it breaks in. Of many starts hot and semi-cold, the bike only had one cranky spell (4 kicks) on a hot start. I pulled the red knob after two kicks and she fired on the fouth. I may try to retrofit a remote hot lever like KTM since it's a PITA to bend over to get at the button. Also, when it does fire after using the knob, you need to be quick getting it back in because it doesn't seem to like running long with the knob pulled. I learned that lesson in PA.

The tall 1st gear is becoming less of an issue as I become more comfortable with the bike. It's still noticeable and I know it's not my imagination, but I've adjusted my take-off technique and things are dandy!

I softened up the forks and the shock before riding and it made a huge difference. During my riding in PA last week I purposely left the suspension stock. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the bike felt like a pogo stick at times. Two clicks out on forks C and R. One click out on shock fast damp, 2 clicks on both the slow damp and rebound and things are feeling pretty plush. I may put one click back in the slow and rebound on the shock depending on my next ride.

The one thing that was most noticeable however, was the engine strength. Out of the box, the TC was noticeably stronger than my TXC. Yesterday, I put about 2 - 2.5 more hours on it and it seemed to get stronger as the day went by. I don't think it was related to anything other than break-in since the weather was pretty constant from start to finish.

I had a KTM 250 SXF that reacted similarly... noticeable power increase as the bike broke in.

Anyone else ever notice this phenomenon from one ride to the next, or am I hallucinating?

I even noticed it on my 09 TXC510. Hey back to your TC, how would you compare it to your "old" CR125 you had in a MX enviroment? I am either getiing my son a 2010 TC250 or a CR125/Wr125 and having the EG144 kit installed. Thanks, John

Cody did some track time with it yesterday and mentioned (of course) how light it was. He said it's stronger than the CR 125 but thought his 150 would hold it's own or may even be a bit stronger. Remember, Cody is a 2 stroke kinda guy. He was raised on them and his entire skill set is based on 2-stroke experience.

However, his final comments kinda tells the real tale. He asked me if it could be his second race bike so he could be in two classes. To me, that comment could be translated as: "I really like this thing".

Oh yeah, he also mentioned that he thought the '09 CRF 250R's motor was stronger on the low end but the Husky was the same or better mid thru top. I'd have to agree with that based on my memories of the Honda... on the few days that it started and ran properly :smirk:.

Your not hallucinating Huskys take a longer break-in. Have been preaching this for decades. I say 600 miles on the TE's can break this down to somewhere between 20-25 hours. At that point jetting becomes easy and it takes much less effort to get things adjusted for the results were looking for.
When bikes come from Euro yes I said Euro they are of better quality in materials that are used in them therefore are set up with tighter tollerences. Because more of these parts are forged and then machined they have more stresses built into them, than cast parts. Piston and ring seating,valve seating,phenomenom of teaching bearings to roll not skid, can call this stress releaving if you like. This takes both heat and motion to accomplish. Some argue new modern coatings (cylinder coatings,metal treatments)take care of this not nesseraly so there are stresses in the materials under the coatings. Just takes some time . Later George

Thanks for the explanation George I knew something for sure was going on wasn't sure exactly what. Hey Krieg thanks for the compairson that makes things tougher. It sounds like a CR144 may be better than I thought. I would think the TC is less work on a MX track but is it?

Just curious why did your son go to the SX150 from the '09 CR125?
Never rode one myself but everyone who has uses the word "fun" when describing it.
I'm not looking to replace my '09 CR125 but I have been thinking of adding either a 250F or a SX150 to my stable that's why I ask.
Sounds like your '10 TC250 is a winner and it's definitely one of the 250Fs that I would look at if I go that route.

The 144's won't stay with my 07 TE 250 in a flat out drag race, so I doubt that it'll give the '10 250's much threat....They just feel faster because of the way the power is delivered.

Are all Euro bikes slow and progressive to run in or is this mainly a Husky trait? It is amazing the difference in engine and suspension after about 1000K's. Especially in the tight, they just lug better when they are matured and stall less (equals easier/lazier rider input), Cheers,

Mainly Husky, the others somewhat also. Just one of the things have learned about them over the last 40+ years. Later George

The short version of the story is that his biological father is a KTM fan and bought it for him. Cody was very competitive on the CR 125. The bike screamed and I'm having second thoughts about letting it go. Nonetheless, as much as I hate to admit it, the 150 SX is a screamer too. More bottom end and with a DEP exhaust system, it pulls forever at the top end.

John, it depends on what your son is used to. If he's more comfortable on a 2 stroke, then I'd say 144 all the way. If he's developed 4 stroke skills and is used to the way a 4 stroke makes power... I'd stay away from the 144 and recommend the TC 250. The TC requires much less work to ride fast.

did your TC250 MSO come through "clean" or off road use only?

Ok thanks.Those 150s sure sound like fun as I love small bores and that little extra oomph in a 125 light package sure is tempting.
I've had a lot of 250Fs and I love them as well and they are no doubt easier to go fast on and less tiring.
It's just hard to beat the simplicity and buzz of a small bore 2 stroke though.
Being I'm just riding for fun these days it leaves all options open instead of having to go with the crowd and run a 450F for Vet motoing.
I'm looking at a leftover '09 SX150 or '10 TC250 or KX250F.Not a bad decision to be stuck with I guess.
Whatever I do the '09 CR125 is staying put as it's fun to ride and can't be beat looks wise imo.

Krieg,

Thanks for the ride report on the TC. Hate I missed it since the weather was so nice in the Carolina's this past weekend. Current issue of MXA really chews up the TC specially in the "hard to crank area". Maybe you need to give them a lesson or two!

WR Bob

Off road only.

Man Krieg it's a tough call Cr144 or TC250 I still can't decide. The problem is he likes both and I want it to be a surprise so I can't ask him. I know you say Cody is a 2-stroke guy but do you think a rider that likes both and has more recent seat time on a big 450/505 4-stroke would be faster on the 144 or Tc250? I think my son is faster on my Cr125 on the tracks we ride because they both have lots of turns and some sharp one's at that. Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

Coming off a any 4 stroke, I'd be inclined to stay with the 4 stroke. Any small bore 2 stroke, 144 included, is going to be more work to ride fast. With the light weight of the TC 250, it's the best of both worlds in my opinion. Almost as light as the 125 with the roll-on power characteristics of the 4 stroke.

I have heard the semi-formal word from Husky is that the bike will get noticeably stronger at the 5-6 hour mark.

BTW Krieg, how loud would you say the TC is compared to a TXC?

NC

Compared to my '09 TXC, it is a lot louder. Reminds me of our '09 CRF 250R, maybe even a tad louder.

So anyway what should someone expect for an OTD price on an '10 TC250 if I may ask?