I've got an 08 TE510 that I've been wrestling in the tight, slippery, rooty, rocky, twisty trails similar to what you've seen Motosportz Kelly riding on lately and he's nearly got me convinced with all those videos and ride reports that I'm on the wrong bike (especially for my skill level). That '10 TXC 250 sounds like a hell of a bike this year with EFI and Kayaba front end. Thing is, I've done a lot to my 510 to tailor it to this environment and to my skill level. Rekluse Pro, LTR suspension (best mod of ALL), IMS, BPD rad guards, Zeta blinker/handguards, Motosportz skidplate and mid-pipe guard and a few other things. Valves are rock solid and she's never left me stranded despite me dropping the living sh1t out of it on the trails. Oh yeah, and it's paid off! If I lived in a more open riding environment, I know I'd be able to justify my ownership as it absolutely rips in the wide open stuff. Faster than I feel comfortable going for sure. I've wondered if getting a lighter bike may be a good idea (they sure get heavy and the end of the day). F2G's got his new '09 and is raving about it to me on the phone every time we talk. I'm not interested in a carbed bike, sort of a step backward as I've started later in my years riding this more technical stuff and I've got no "old school" comfort zone with carbs. Sigh.... Thoughts?
Well I'm sure most on here we have slightly different views on which second bike to get. I'm glad you think the new TXC 250 sounds like the way to go. No fuss no mess with the FI and at the end of the day you won't fell so beat up like on your 510. IMO I would want a 2t for a second bike...not necessarily a 125 though I find it a little under powered for my riding style. I think a 300 would be a good choice. Of coarse that's only if you were thinking of a 2T. Are you keeping your 510? Can you take a TXC 250 for a rip first? How close does Kelly live from you?
Not planning on keeping the 510 if I tip over to the 250 side of things, I've got 2 kick-ass Triumphs to sooth my asphalt cravings now I got the 510 originally because I didn't know where I would be located within a year of its purchase and wanted something that could be useful anywhere in the States or Alaska. My future looks pretty stable for the next few years (touch wood). I'm probably going to be able to take F2G's 09 for a spin in the near future, at least I'll get a feel for the difference in engine characteristics. It's funny, he and I are both recovering from damaged joints/extremities and are getting anxious to get dirty again. Good point about the 300, I wonder how long it will take or if a 300 kit will be made for this new motor. Hmmmm. Lots of questions.
That's a pretty decisive thought! I know you've ridden the dog crap out of your 450 and are fast on it. Have you been able to take one of the '10's out?
I had a TE510, sold it to get a TXC250. THe 250 rocks in the woods, period. No comparison when ridden in anger in the technical stuff. I really miss the 510 riding like a total idiot in SM trim, and casual trail riding playing with all of that torque. Wish I could have afforded to keep it so I could have both.
I hope to do another Baja trip in the future, I was impressed how the 250/310's did there. Lairpost's TE250 hung in there with the big bores. George was on his TC300 and was always up/in front. I was bouncing and pronging off every bump out there with the stock suspension. Wonder what it would feel like now that Les has exercised the demons out of the Zokes. On top of that, wonder how the Kayabas would handle that stuff once broken in? I assume the 250's are sprung a little lighter than my 510 was and may only need dialing in with clickers and preload. Sounds like the valving actually works on the new forks too.
Really would love a TE 350 with KYB and a 12 litre tank standard from the factory. The 310 is great but at 250 Lbs a wee bit more grunt would be to goods. I am finding my 450 to be great for 80% of my riding but in the really tight steep stuff it is getting a bit of a hand ful.
Sold my 08 te510 and picked up a Honda 08 250x with fmf system and just love it. I am 53 and the big bike just wore me out. I loved my husky but will want until the new 250's get some updates and maybe a new 350, I still my have my 08 610 and plan on keeping it. Go for the most fun. I have gone back and forth between 250 and 450 for 10 years and love the smaller bike.
Sounds like this 250 is working for the Baja according to SanDusky's write up. That's just about the last swing of the axe on my 510 tree, just got to get a ride on one. Hell, I know I'll like it
I do not have a desire for a 300/350 any more as the 2010 TXC rips as is. No need for more power for where i ride. BTW I find it funny they say the husky has soft bottom and the KTM rips as I rode a 08 KTM250 XCFW back to back with my bike and the TXC has a lot more snap and power off the bottom, about the same mid and top. Suspension was way better on the TXC and the TXC is a lot more comfortable (hated the KTM seat). The KTM is a good bike and the owner rips on it but I could not wait to get off it.
Kelly, any idea what's swappable from my 08 to the 10 txc 250? Air filters, oil filters any of the guards (i know about the skid plate), footpegs, Rekluse Pro and such?
Well, glad the disc guards can be reused. Really have used them and am proud of the scars they have! PivotPegz should work from my 510 then. And I've got like 6 of your Moose filters that I am glad to reuse.
