A good friend is coming off of a Yamaha WR250F (dirt only) and Suzuki DR650 (dual sport), looking to go out this week buy and try a new Husky TE450, to "see how it goes". He's a beginner in the woods / single track space. For now, he'll be keeping the DR650 for mild dual sporting, and the new TE450 will be replacing his former WR250F which is close to the same seat height but much less power and torque. Its been about six months since I've ridden a newer TE450, and I don't recall all the major differences he is going to experience first hand. I also own a different brand 450, so I'm not of much detailed help at this point. Obviously a tall seat height, six speed, more power and great suspension are the main things I recall. He's thinking if it goes well, he might even part with the DR650 later on if the Husky works out as an all-in-one dirt/street dual sport bike. The bike won't be ridden far or too much on the local street, but primarily trailered to riding OHV parks and areas, mostly using roads to interconnect trail systems from time to time. I will forward your replies here. I'm sure I have missed alot and don't remember, but what else can you pass along to help him to decide if this is right bike for him or not?.
Ooops, perhaps I posted in the wrong forum. Got some views, but no replies. I guess I was looking for someone to say something like "ask him this..." or "look out for that..." or "did you know...this or that". Will check back later to if the coffee is ready.
I've only ridden a 2009 TE450, does the TE310 have a more controllable hit or less upper middrange torque band?
the 310 has more bottom and mid than the wr250f, it probably signs off a little earlier though. It is a great trail bike. I must point out that the WR bit in the Yamaha name means wide ratio. The wr is probably a slightly better on road bike because of this. However, the 310 is all over it in the bush. The 450 is a lot more grunty than his 250. it is also slightly more demanding in the bush, especially in tight single trail stuff. I am happy with my 450 for overall riding but the 250 is sweet in the really demanding tight stuff. I agree with the above comment and recommend you include a look at the 310 as well as the 450. You could also buy a big bore kit for the Yammy-they also produce a great outcome.
