Would like to discuss Husky TE310 & TE450, years 2007-2013

If you know Husqvarna's, I would love to chat with you.

I've not had a bike on while. I excited to get back to it. Husky TE310 or TE450 seems to be the place for me. I want primarily a desert/mountain trail/offroad bike, but I want it plated.

There is a 2009 TE 450 I am considering. Price is $4500.00. I'm fine with this price. I've scoured Craigslist for weeks. I feel I'm up to speed on the market values for the So Cal area.

I want help with the technical specifics of the bikes.

Back to the 2009 TE450 I'm considering: The only negative I've heard in regard to year 2009, is that this was an early year for the fuel injection. I've been told that the FI is okay, but can be problematic, because there are not enough "tune points" in the fuel injection profile map. A small local expert/dealer told me this. But he has later bikes for sale, so I don't know if I can trust what he's telling me. (I actually like this dealer, so I'm speaking more of my skeptic/double checks ways, than his honesty.)

I can pass on this one, and buy something newer if that's the smart thing to do. What's your opinion about year 2009?

Is the Exlite preferred?

What years are the Exlite engine in the TE450's & TE310's?

I'm also considering the TE310, but the 450 and the 310 bikes are the same weight, so I'm figuring why not get the more powerful bike? I'm 6' 4" 220 lbs., and when I rode when younger, I rode bike bore 2-stroke Husqvarna's, but I'm 54 now, and I don't want to go as fast.

Is there something you like about the TE310 over the TE450, or vise-verse?

Another question. For the years 2008 to 2014, for the TE450's is there a year, or years, that I should avoid?

Same question for the TE310?

I really appreciate your help. Thank you.

I had a 450 SMR that was carbed. Loved the bike had no issues, that said unless you are class racing or something of the sort with your weight; it is well worth it to get a 510. If you can. The extra torque is significant and they roll out considerably better. Especially on road.

Sorry I have no exp. with the injected bikes, but the 2005-11 huskies are awesome beasts. Easiest bike to work on I have ever seen. You can replace everything but the crank/gearbox with it damn near in the frame. Made to be worked on.

There are a few 2013 TE449's out there to be had new for CHEAP. You could probably still get one for $6500 or less out the door NEW.

I've got the '13 te310 and it's a nice bike, especially for the tighter, more technical trails. But if you're doing more open-type riding and desert, I would probably say the 449 is a better choice. The 310 has really tight spacing in the gearbox and you can't seem to gear it for both slow, technical and cruising/high speed stuff.

Mine was 7k otd included 400$ shipping and tax. So 6500 otd would be doable if you have a fat wad of cash ready to roll.

Thanks for the chat! Yeah it's funny how one of post says, "Consider the 510/511," and another says, "The 310 is plenty strong." But I get it. This not exact science. The input so far is valuable to me. I really appreciate the chat.

I'm gathering so far that the 2009 TE450 I'm considering is a good piece. Nothing posted so far that the fuel injection on the 2009 is problematic.

I looked up the new inventory at a local dealer. He has 2013 TE511's listed at $6500.00. Figure I can negotiate down to $6000.00, but the dealers around here all tag on a set-up fee. I'd estimate this at $800.00. So price to me, less tax and license, would be $6800.00. Estimated.

So I'm at $4500 for a 2009 TE450, or $6800 for a new TE511. Not that big of a difference, and some guys don't hesitate spending a little more.

But I also like to think downward. Perhaps I can find a little older model, say 2005, for $3500.00. Now the questions swing to, what features am I giving up as I go older? What about parts availability? When do you start running into part's availability issues?

I don't mean to bombard the community here with questions. Answer as much or as little as you want. It's all good! We are talking about fun stuff here - dirt bikes!

For 2300$ more you are getting a brand new bike that is SAID to be far more reliable (crank bearings/connecting rod). I am not sure about you but that is worth it to me. (Hence why I just bought one!) Plus if you wanted a NEW 450cc KTM you would spend 9k+ probably close to 11,000$ out the door. The husky will be neck and neck at 40% less cost. (Deal of a lifetime to me).

BillF, I'm gathering you are a dealer. Thank you very much for taking some time with me, a So California guy. So allow me to perhaps put you on the spot. You can respond with a hardy hahaha! - if you want to.

Hanging out here at CH, you might have become acquainted with some of So Cal Husky shops. In my looking around recently, I've learned of ZipTy. Any comments? Do they seem like a competent and experienced Husky repair and upgrade shop to you?

We have "Berts Mega Mall," which is an amazing store, but I have no idea how they are for service and mods. I would imagine they are like going to the Chevy dealer.

Then there's Malcolm Smith, Mountain Motor Sports, Uptight, and Three Brothers Racing. Have you heard of any of these? Any comments? Any other small craftsmen shops you'd recommend?

Get the 2009 450, very tough bike, this 2010 has 17000 miles on it and still runs great.

I don't think its fair of you to ask a dealer their opinion of other dealers, it's a small market and small community, bad comments amongst them would be harmful. From where I am, Zip Ty & Uptite have great reputations, you could search the shop names and see what comes up.

On the original bottom end?

Original bottom end, original top end, and at 7000 miles, the bike was run for an hour at 65MPH with no coolant.

I haven't found many "big block" failure posts on the internet...so they must be pretty durable. Actually, that's why I bought one.

The 450/510 motor is rock solid stone reliable.

Stay with a carb from 06-07 bike if you want true reliability. If you like to trouble shoot electrical gremlins in the forest alone then get a efi model. The fuel injector fails, there are chafing issues if you have an oversized tank, there are fuses you need to bring on every ride...just in case...again.
In the handling department the 2008-2010 chasis is worlds better than the 2005-2007 years.
Now if I could get the carbed 510 into a 2009 frame without all those shitty efi wires and plugs, I would not have purchased a Beta.

I like my 310, but If I had known when I bought it what I know now, I would have bought a 511. If you like to keep it wound up tight and blast through the woods tree to tree, the 310 is great, but if you want to slow down and lug it and enjoy the scenery its kind of gutless on the bottom.