TE 450/510 Question

Ok let me start by saying I am not 100% sure where to put this post but I am trying here.

I am in the market for a carb TE 450/510. I am leaning toward the 510.

What I would like to ask is what is the best year for a carbed version. I have heard that pre 05 has some issue with the valves???

What I would like the opinions to be based on are reliability, aftermarket support (I know with Husky in general it is not like KTM or the Big 4), and durability.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am trying to narrow my search.

Thanks.
Darrin

I believe 06 & 07 are identical except for the body work color, 08 started with injection.

Also, internal gear ratio's changed in 06 & it was the first year all the TE bikes became 50 state legal.

Yep 06/07 pretty much the same with upgrades over the 05's such as 50 mm forks c/w 45's, stronger kick starter, stronger clutch basket etc.
The real issue you need answered is which bike the 450 or 510. All I can do is strongly suggest you ride both, but note they are quite different beasts. The 450 is noticably sharper in handling the tight ST stuff whereas the 510 would be the pick for desert imho.
I had an 05, 510 bought new in 06 and kept it for a year and bought an 06 450 in 07 and have been happy with the swap. For me the 450 has heaps of grunt, turns/changes direction more readily and is the best compromise across all types of terrain (for me).
I also point out that the 50cc difference in displacement is substantial and really noticable so dont assume that it won't make much difference, it does.

The 05 bikes had a balancer fitted, for 06 the balancer was removed and a larger valve head fitted so the 06 is a more agressive, vibey motor than 05.

A lot of people here seemed to prefer the 510 05 as a trail / dualsport bike for the softer power and smoother ride.


Dave