Should I Buy A 2010 TE450?

[CJBROWN]

Enjoyed the forum from my bike shopping days back at the end of '08, was looking at a TE250, got a '07 KTM 250XCFW. It's been a great bike but I'm now really wanting that license plate for CA.

I just need a push over the fence to get the TE450. Been reviewing the threads, let me know any pros and cons, anything else I should consider. Of course I considered the similar katoom, but with FI and the hop-up with the TE, for less $$, kind of a no-brainer.

Oh, old time dirtbiker (53), 175lbs, the KTM 250 works perfectly, but will be doing some more open work/dual sporting, etc. I'm getting too old and tired to do the really gnarly single track stuff but still do from time to time. Got a teen boy that loves it now.

Another consideration was the new 630 and do more road riding and fireroads. I still think it's too big for me, and I have a Kawasaki Versys that I do road and fireroads with, camping, etc.

Also someone threw out a buy price of under seven grand, I'm now curious what street selling prices really are, or what I should be shooting for.

Tami, you out there???? I'm baaaaaack...

 

[T Stretch]

I purchased the TE630 two months ago primarily for riding from Sacramento up to the mountains and riding on the back roads. The TE630 does very good on the road and good on 90% of the off road. Better riders might question me, but I think when you really get into the hard technical riding and steep rocky hills, the bike is too heavy. One reason I went to the TE630 was I was told it would be less maintenence and longer life that a lighter more competitive TE450. I don't know if that is true. Not many bikes are going to do great at both. This bike does very good at both.

 

[CJBROWN]

Others on my shortlist:

Husaberg FE570
Ktm 690r enduro
F800GS

If I went with the bimmer it would replace my Versys. I would keep my 250. I want something with a plate for offroad.

 

[T Stretch]

I ride with my brother in-law, he has a KTM530 EXC, he love's it. He purchased the plated bike so he could go on the road from one OHV trail to another trail. They are posting more and more NO OHV beyond this point signs. It is way lighter and handles trails so much easier than my bike. The 10% that my bike doesn't do good on, this bike breezes through. I would definetly check out the Husaberg FE570 as it is EFI. The KTM 690 is much more expensive and again heavy.

 

[ghte]

KTM 690 is heavy with lousy steering lock and 2K more in Australia than the 630.
The Versys is a tricky little devil, it is almost a DS bike-put better forks and shaocks on her and better tyre and you have a kind of Terro Mostro.
I would keep the Versys and get the TE 450. That way you have 2 distinct but versatile machines.

 

[CJBROWN]

Maybe my question was too vague...

Was hoping TE450/510 owners would comment on how much they like their bikes, or what they don't like about them.

 

[columbia510]

Yes you should****************************************

1. My 09 is RELIABLE.
2. My 450 is a singletrack master
3. My TE is sexy
4. My friends hate me with the extra money I saved over a pumpkin.
5. The suspension is plush yet progressive in the rocks...and big rocks too.
6. Its plated for god sake!!!

the bad
1. After 2600 miles the clutch slave gave out. Less than $40 from Motosportz
2.Needs an efi tweak for the real power
3. The frame gets pounded near the footpegs into mercy even with the skidplate on.
4. Your riding buddies will hate you even more when you ride to your favorite spot while they are unloading their red sticker bikes while the Gustapo gives them a ticket for having fun during the "off season".

 

[nocontrol]

Why not check out the 2011 TE? Should be available soon.

Low rpm throttle response is poor on my 09 (same as 10) in my opinion, I also felt it needed to be tuned to run properly, $500 later and it runs much better. (Dynojet PCV and autotune). Other then that, no issues with 1500 miles so far. Valve checks are easy, oil changes take longer, there are two screens plus an oil filter.

I would definitely check out the 2011s.

 

[CJBROWN]

Why not check out the 2011 TE? Should be available soon.

Low rpm throttle response is poor on my 09 (same as 10) in my opinion, I also felt it needed to be tuned to run properly, $500 later and it runs much better. (Dynojet PCV and autotune). Other then that, no issues with 1500 miles so far. Valve checks are easy, oil changes take longer, there are two screens plus an oil filter.

I would definitely check out the 2011s.

Wow. Fullerton is just up the street from me.

I've been reading dynobarts thread on TT. A LOT of fidding with a dynojet and autotune. These are programs and ecu or?? And you need them to make the bike run right? Not just just an ecu reset by the dealer?

 

[nocontrol]

Wow. Fullerton is just up the street from me.

I've been reading dynobarts thread on TT. A LOT of fidding with a dynojet and autotune. These are programs and ecu or?? And you need them to make the bike run right? Not just just an ecu reset by the dealer?

It's a separate tuning unit made by Dynojet which enables you to change fuel levels at all rpm and throttle positions. Autotune is a dynojet module that is an add-on with a wideband o2 sensor, and it will automatically tune the bike for you.

In stock form, with the power up kit installed, I thought my 09 felt horrible. The powercommander/autotune really smoothed it out. Off idle throttle response is still poor even after messing with a lot of settings.

This late in the year I would really check out the 2011s unless you are going to buy used.

 

[CJBROWN]

It's a separate tuning unit made by Dynojet which enables you to change fuel levels at all rpm and throttle positions. Autotune is a dynojet module that is an add-on with a wideband o2 sensor, and it will automatically tune the bike for you.

In stock form, with the power up kit installed, I thought my 09 felt horrible. The powercommander/autotune really smoothed it out. Off idle throttle response is still poor even after messing with a lot of settings.

This late in the year I would really check out the 2011s unless you are going to buy used.

Why do you need both if the autotune 'automatically tunes the bike for you'?

What is going to be different on the 2011's?

 

[nocontrol]

Why do you need both if the autotune 'automatically tunes the bike for you'?

What is going to be different on the 2011's?

The PCV (powercommander) enables you to change values on the bike, but you would have to get it tuned on a dyno by a shop. The autotune is an addon unit that essentially tunes it in real time.

The 2011s are all new bikes, theres some info here: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles...sqvarna-te-449-te-511-and-tc-449-ar94718.html

im sure you can find a lot more info on this site

 

[CJBROWN]

The 2011s are all new bikes, theres some info here: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles...sqvarna-te-449-te-511-and-tc-449-ar94718.html

im sure you can find a lot more info on this site

Oh my, nice bikes. Uh yeah, if not a 630, wait for the next models.
WOW!

 

[HUSKYnXJnWI]

I have an 09TE450. Everyone is different and concidering the varied demands and trails in different regions its hard to prescribe "the perfect fit". My bike is perfect for me and if you could be as happy you wouldn't have to look further.
EFI- I have read many negative sounding posts in reguards to EFI. I started out not 100% happy- due to low rpm response and some flameouts. However, this is a tuning issue that I was able to completely resolve myself once I got Ibeat (which is the factory tuner). It programs the efi and does not add any additional equipment. It took me 5 minutes to get my bike running exactly as I expected- which I believe is at a higher expectation than average. I have never been stranded. Fueling is perfect.

Weight- there's more weight than other simular bikes. However, weight is not always a bad thing- this is not a common thought these days. But the bike uses its weight to an advantage in true stability. If the motor and suspension are doing their jobs and apparently they are... the bike will flog rough open sections like no other and maintain a line through and over alot of debris that would otherwise defect you off trail.

Suspension- great! I have set the preload, and dialed in the clickers and this bike feels like it was designed for me. It soakes up things that others are definately feeling and getting thrown by. I love watching riders and bikes getting tossed around and then when I get to that section wonder what that was all about.
Maintenence; after two seasons this thing has been very reliable- The valves have not needed adjustment. I have changed the oil. The rest, consumables: rear sprocket, tires, lightbulb.....? yea that's pretty much it other than that: my particular set up and upgrades. This bike is very easy to work on and maintain.

Gear ratio: this is a 6 speed close ratio transmition. This suits me well. I am in this range more than I would be outside of it. Sure I could use a Ktm overdrive 6th now and then but more than anything its not needed.

I now own 1 bike: 09TE450. I just sold my KTM last weekend mainly because I don't need it. It was my woods bike, I loved that bike. I became faster and more controlled in tight woods with my Husky- I became used to its particular advantages to the point that I missed them on the Ktm. My ktm was very much set up for me and was light- it felt like a trials bike. I could balence at zero mph very very well. BUT at speed- with the husky is much more predictable and controllable.

So I'd guess I have about 3500-4000 miles on my husky and closing in on 2 seasons. I don't commute and avoid pavement if possible. This bike has been put through some rough challenges but I kindly cared for it as well. Forums in general go into great detail about a problem that exists serious or minimal- So I figured I'd go into detail on my positive experiences. I plan to continue riding this bike for a long time.

To the OP, All bikes listed above would be perfect in their element- define that and choose which one best suits you. Husqvarna Motorcycles has one I am sure.