First Weekend on the Dirt with an 09 TE610

[Sasha Pave]

Took the new bike out into the desert for a few days for the first time and got to run it through its paces. It's a 2009 TE610, mostly stock. We rode in Saline Valley (near Death Valley) for 3 days.

Most of the riding was high speed desert. Lots of sand, with quite a bit of slow rocky climbing and a bit of snow.

I thought I'd share some observations. It was the first weekend I've spent on the Husky in the dirt. Most of my experience is on small dirt bikes or large ADV rigs.

- The geometry of the TE is exactly what I was looking for. It's more dirt-bike than dual-sport. It's stable at speed and still handles slow crawling well. It did wobble a bit on the really higher speed (50+) sandy trails, but nothing too concerning. And nothing a steering damper couldn't correct.

- The turning radius could be tighter.

- The bike is pretty crash-worthy like a dirt bike should be.

- I was a bit concerned over the open screen intake on the airbox.

- The bar risers were a good addition for comfort standing.

- Footpegs are too narrow and set a bit too far forward (even with the relocation brackets).

- Clutch pull is really stiff even with a new cable routed outside the radiator.

- The FI worked great. I rode from 0-7500 feet and the bike hardly noticed.

- I'm running Dunlop 606 and they worked well. Since we were in the middle of nowhere I ran them at 20psi. Curious what they are like at lower pressure.

- The transmission had a nice wide ratio, could have used just a bit less in 1st gear for crawling.

- Shock seemed to get harsh when heated up (there was lots of washboard). Forks were flawless.

- Noticed some weeping on the head gasket on the right side (rear brake side) of the engine.

- The stock headlight is useless.

- Seems about 20% less power than the KTM 690.

Anyhow, just thought I'd share some observations. Overall I'm pleased with the performance and reliability. My next mods will probably be some pegs. I'd love to find an aftermarket adjustable clutch lever but something tells me that might be difficult.

Take care,
Sasha

 

[Kyle Tarry]

The fork and shock are not bad stock, but they are great with a revalve. Turning radius is something you learn to deal with, try the bike in bar bantight trees, it works you over.

 

[Ike Baker]

Shock seemed to get harsh when heated up (there was lots of washboard). Forks were flawless.

Thanks for the write-up, Sasha - a couple followups on suspension. Did you set sag before the ride? If so, what settings did you use (and what is your riding weight)? Do you think you can dial in the shock to deal with the harshness? Do the '09 forks only have rebound adjustability?

Kyle - you've had some good insight on suspension - feel free to weigh in on proper settings. I just bought an '08, but haven't gotten it out yet due to weather and schedule. Consequently, its just sitting in my basement and I've got way too much time to fiddle with it.



Thanks!

 

[Rockchucker22]

Hey you where riding my back yard! I love my TE for these eastern Sierra dirt roads .

 

[Sasha Pave]

Thanks Kyle: I'm looking forward to getting the suspension revalved. The front could use some stiffer springs as well, but most of the work would go to the rear.

Thanks Ike: I just adjusted the rebound and compression damping to what feels about right to me. It seemed to have a correct amount of sag just "eyeballing" it, but I should take the next steps and set it up properly. I'm 5'10, 170 and typically ride with a full set of enduro gear. The '09 forks don't have compression adjustment, but they're incredible forks and performed beyond my expectations. With some stiffer springs I'd be happy with them as-is and just adjust with oil level & springs.

Thanks ROckchucker22: I LOVE the Eastern Sierras, it's amazing how you can go from the lush forests near Mammoth to the barren deserts of DV in just a few hours.

We found an amazing view of DV after crossing over Lippincott from Saline Valley:

 

[Kyle Tarry]

Are you sure you need stiffer springs? I'm almost exactly the same size as you and my '06 is great with the stock springs. I think that the stock springs are around 0.49, which is certainly not soft.

 

[Kenneth Webb]

Les at LTR reworked my suspension front and rear with new springs, valves, rebound adjusters and my 630 is a Dirt Cadillac now. Gives me the nicest ride I've ever had. Not especially cheap but worth every penny! I will probably use Zip Ty on my new 310 once I get it broken in and have some off-road miles on it, in Death Valley no less. That place will work out your suspension, especially on the washboard going out to Tea Kettle and the Racetrack.

 

[Sasha Pave]

Thanks Kyle: The stock spring rate is good, but I'm accustomed to a stiffer setup from my dirt bikes. Plus I don't mind giving up some of the suppleness as I don't really ride it on the road much. But I'm in love with those Marzocchis! They really are much more plush than my buddys WP's on the 690s (stock and modified).

Kenneth: You're certainly right about the roads to Tea Kettle and the Racetrack. The 610 soaked up the washboard nicely, but man it works out the suspension really hard. I kept taking breaks to let things cool down. Lots of heavier adv bikes have lost many shocks/forks over those roads from overheating!

The view from the racetrack is amazing! I still can't believe those rocks move on their own: