Well, I have had the bike a week now. I love the power, it is awesome. Not much else I like. The seat is hard. The suspension is great for motorcross but stiff for trails (which is what I bought it for). The throttle is so touchy. You hit a bump and its either gassed or working like a engine brake. Real jerky. The gearing is narrow, which I can deal with but in 1st it is not great at real slow speeds. My old 84 xl350r honda rides better, handles better and is not jerky when at slow speeds. What fixes can I do to make this a more enjoyable bike for trails? where can I get a good seat? Can I make the shocks work better for bumps instead of jumps? Can I take the engine brake (almost throws me over the handle bars) affect when wanting to puut trails? thx
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Hi everyone,
As you all know, Coffee (Dean) passed away a couple of years ago. I am Dean's ex-wife's husband and happen to have spent my career in tech. Over the years, I occasionally helped Dean with various tech issues.
When he passed, I worked with his kids to gather the necessary credentials to keep this site running. Since then (and for however long they worked with Coffee), Woodschick and Dirtdame have been maintaining the site and covering the costs. Without their hard work and financial support, CafeHusky would have been lost.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been working to migrate the site to a free cloud compute instance so that Woodschick and Dirtdame no longer have to fund it. At the same time, I’ve updated the site to a current version of XenForo (the discussion software it runs on). The previous version was outdated and no longer supported.
Unfortunately, the new software version doesn’t support importing the old site’s styles, so for now, you’ll see the XenForo default style. This may change over time.
Coffee didn’t document the work he did on the site, so I’ve been digging through the old setup to understand how everything was running. There may still be things I’ve missed. One known issue is that email functionality is not yet working on the new site, but I hope to resolve this over time.
Thanks for your patience and support!
unhappy with 04 husky 450te
- Thread starter ScottNM
- Start date
ARod2000
Husqvarna
AA Class
ScottNM;100983 said:
If you're not in the target weight for stock suspension springs then the first step is to get the correct springs for your weight - it could be as simple as riding too low in the stroke. I'd think the target weight is 160 or 170ish. Also, check your owners manual for the factory settings for compression damping on your forks. Start there and adjust.
For the engine braking you can turn up the idle, that will also make the bike turn a little easier. You can get a good seat from many places, Renezaco is probably the most popular. But I think any aftermarket seat for that bike will have to be a custom job.
Check with these people for some foam in three different densities and std and tall height.http://www.gutsracing.com/pages/husqvarnamain.html
7point62
Husqvarna
AA Class
Hi Scott,
I've had an '04 TE450 for about a year now and I guess I felt the same way as you after the initial buzz had subsided and reality set in.
TBH I never noticed the hardness of the seat but the close ratio gears made roadwork a pain and there was too much snap off the throttle (bear in mind that my previous dirt bike was an XR600 with a stage 1 cam, squashy suspension and wide ratios). I was set on buying a G2 throttle, but after a few weeks acclimatisation I decided I didn't need one - they are worth checking out though. Re. gearing - don't be afraid to swap sprockets depending on the prevailing ride conditions of the day - I go anywhere between 14/48 for tight stuff to 15/45 if there's a lot of tarmac involved, though I generally have a 14 or 15 tooth front with a 45 rear and shut my eyes on the tight stuff!
My biggest beef was the harshness of the front forks - a lot of the trails are tight here too and deflecting off rocks rather than travelling smoothly over 'em is not nice. I went from 7.5 wt fork oil to 5wt (which didn't make a lot of difference) and increased the air gap from 100mm to 110mm (which did). I've finally sent my suspension away for revalving and springing and it should be back later this week. Be sure I'll post about the results.
If it's any consolation the 2005 and up bikes are apparently sprung even harder.
I guess that the truth is the TE's a competition bike and as such real-world riders (and slowcoaches like me) have to accept some of the compromises, adapt the bike where possible and make the most of it's strengths. I love mine now, but if I had the money I'd buy another bike with less power, softer suspension and wider gearing for trail riding and keep the Husky for fun on the quick stuff.
Hope it works out for you.
I've had an '04 TE450 for about a year now and I guess I felt the same way as you after the initial buzz had subsided and reality set in.
TBH I never noticed the hardness of the seat but the close ratio gears made roadwork a pain and there was too much snap off the throttle (bear in mind that my previous dirt bike was an XR600 with a stage 1 cam, squashy suspension and wide ratios). I was set on buying a G2 throttle, but after a few weeks acclimatisation I decided I didn't need one - they are worth checking out though. Re. gearing - don't be afraid to swap sprockets depending on the prevailing ride conditions of the day - I go anywhere between 14/48 for tight stuff to 15/45 if there's a lot of tarmac involved, though I generally have a 14 or 15 tooth front with a 45 rear and shut my eyes on the tight stuff!
My biggest beef was the harshness of the front forks - a lot of the trails are tight here too and deflecting off rocks rather than travelling smoothly over 'em is not nice. I went from 7.5 wt fork oil to 5wt (which didn't make a lot of difference) and increased the air gap from 100mm to 110mm (which did). I've finally sent my suspension away for revalving and springing and it should be back later this week. Be sure I'll post about the results.
If it's any consolation the 2005 and up bikes are apparently sprung even harder.
I guess that the truth is the TE's a competition bike and as such real-world riders (and slowcoaches like me) have to accept some of the compromises, adapt the bike where possible and make the most of it's strengths. I love mine now, but if I had the money I'd buy another bike with less power, softer suspension and wider gearing for trail riding and keep the Husky for fun on the quick stuff.
Hope it works out for you.
Norcalslowpoke
Husqvarna
AA Class
G2 Throttle works great for limiting the abruptness, I used the 400 cam.
Guts tall soft foam seat made a big difference for me.
a bit taller gearing also helped the abruptness.
The trans ratios, as you know, are too narrow. Just use a couple different front sprockets.
Depending on the type of riding you are going to do that day, use the appropriate one. Dual sport riding, fire trails, go up a tooth in front...and so on. No getting around it, though, I wish 6th gear was taller.
You will have to send out your forks to get resprung-revalved for your riding style weight, just like any bike.
Just some ideas.
Hope it helps
Guts tall soft foam seat made a big difference for me.
a bit taller gearing also helped the abruptness.
The trans ratios, as you know, are too narrow. Just use a couple different front sprockets.
Depending on the type of riding you are going to do that day, use the appropriate one. Dual sport riding, fire trails, go up a tooth in front...and so on. No getting around it, though, I wish 6th gear was taller.
You will have to send out your forks to get resprung-revalved for your riding style weight, just like any bike.
Just some ideas.
Hope it helps
ken510
Husqvarna
A Class
Give it some time and work the kinks out. My '04 TE 510 was the same way when I bought it five years ago. I went from a WXC 360, to the 510 and pretty much hated it for the first two seasons for much the same reasons you mention. My biggest problem was trying to ride the thing like a two stroke. It was like my bike and I were in the octagon and I got stomped every time. Over time, I have learned how to ride the 510 and have done the following: G-2 throttle tube, a 50T rear sprocket, handlebar risers and sent the forks out to be re-valved. This has made the bike much easier to manage. I'm able to move that thing pretty well through the tight single track up here. The newer bikes, '05 and up, have a much smoother power delivery, but unless you want to sink come cash into a different carb, try the simple mods first. As far as the seat, you can get some new foam along with a seat cover. An upholstery shop can fix it up for not too much. The seats on '05's and up are wider, but you'll need a different tank to make it work. The '05-'07 tank/seat and plastic will fit your bike if you want to go that route. Give it some time and mileage and hopefully you'll tame that beast.
Good luck!
Good luck!
ray_ray
Mini-Sponsor
I'm not familiar with that bike but the sag has to be set right on any bike or the suspension will not perform ... Then go the other items items like oil weight, oil amount, and clickers to dial it in for you ...
If the throttle cable is adjusted too tight, it can sometimes make the response a little too touchy for me ... U might wanna check that ... Just add to little more slack to it and see what it feels like after the change.
If the throttle cable is adjusted too tight, it can sometimes make the response a little too touchy for me ... U might wanna check that ... Just add to little more slack to it and see what it feels like after the change.
Les at LTR is the man to call about those forks. Has worked wonders for many, many husky riders.
http://lt-racing.com/
Daniel508s
Husqvarna
AA Class
But an 1984 XR350R?? Thats below the belt......
Just joking. Bikes are not the same with everyone. I'm sure there might even be some Cannondale lovers out there.....
Just joking. Bikes are not the same with everyone. I'm sure there might even be some Cannondale lovers out there.....
ARod2000
Husqvarna
AA Class
ScottNM;101374 said:
Springs for your weight are the first thing, both front and rear. And they should run $200 - $250. Set the sag properly and then you should try adjusting the clickers to your liking. If you don't find it suitable then I'd send it out for a suspension revalve. But only after trying the correct springs for your weight. If you're substantially more than 160something then the suspension is sitting too low in the stroke and harshness is what you're going to get.
It is afterall an offroad bike and should be given a chance to work before redoing shim stacks. That said, I will admit the Husky's tend to have stiffer suspension. But, I like stiffer suspension and I've been racing my '06 to many wins with stock suspension. If your plans are to trail ride only then I could see revalving for a softer ride.
Me experience is similiar to the OP, except I came off a KTM 250exc (2T).
The on/off of the throttle and the engine braking that you are experiencing is one of the things that I am not a fan of also. My 06 is either on or off. Screams for a fly wheel weight and there do not seem to be any available.
Last weekend, I did 35ish miles of single track. It was the 1st big day that I had with my new to me 06 450.
For me, it helped to ride in a gear higher than normal and lug it. If I needed a bunch more power, stab the clutch or down a gear and away I went. Once I started riding a gear higher, it seemed to smooth things out quite a bit.
Also, use the engine braking to your advantage. Once I started using the engine brake, I noticed that I was smoother in turns than I was with the KTM.
The guy I bought my bike from had 2 sets of sprockets. After riding around the yard (I have a slow 'trials' course) and stalling constantly and needing to clutch constantly, I put the 'trail sprockets' on. (I would have to go out to look at the tooth counts.....) That made it much easier to ride in my 'trials' course, but I really think it was too low for single track. I never used 1st, even starting out, I used 2nd. I am going back to the 'road' set of sprockets and go on the same ride and see if that makes a difference.
The stock suspension does not work well in the slow going.
Where it did work well was higher speed sections and anywhere where I could be really aggressive. I hit a couple of whoops sections in transfers and it performed perfectly. Mine has stock springs and I weigh 200+ lbs with gear. I see new springs for the shock and fork, probably wait till this winter, but it is begging to be resprung.
The seat is every bit as crappy as a stock KTM seat. I see Guts tall foam in my future.
Like any other off-road bike, time spent in set up and thoughtful aftermarket accessories will pay off in easier riding. I think once mine is dialed in better with springs, sprockets, seat and suspension settings, I will be pretty happy with mine.
Tom B
The on/off of the throttle and the engine braking that you are experiencing is one of the things that I am not a fan of also. My 06 is either on or off. Screams for a fly wheel weight and there do not seem to be any available.
Last weekend, I did 35ish miles of single track. It was the 1st big day that I had with my new to me 06 450.
For me, it helped to ride in a gear higher than normal and lug it. If I needed a bunch more power, stab the clutch or down a gear and away I went. Once I started riding a gear higher, it seemed to smooth things out quite a bit.
Also, use the engine braking to your advantage. Once I started using the engine brake, I noticed that I was smoother in turns than I was with the KTM.
The guy I bought my bike from had 2 sets of sprockets. After riding around the yard (I have a slow 'trials' course) and stalling constantly and needing to clutch constantly, I put the 'trail sprockets' on. (I would have to go out to look at the tooth counts.....) That made it much easier to ride in my 'trials' course, but I really think it was too low for single track. I never used 1st, even starting out, I used 2nd. I am going back to the 'road' set of sprockets and go on the same ride and see if that makes a difference.
The stock suspension does not work well in the slow going.
Where it did work well was higher speed sections and anywhere where I could be really aggressive. I hit a couple of whoops sections in transfers and it performed perfectly. Mine has stock springs and I weigh 200+ lbs with gear. I see new springs for the shock and fork, probably wait till this winter, but it is begging to be resprung.
The seat is every bit as crappy as a stock KTM seat. I see Guts tall foam in my future.
Like any other off-road bike, time spent in set up and thoughtful aftermarket accessories will pay off in easier riding. I think once mine is dialed in better with springs, sprockets, seat and suspension settings, I will be pretty happy with mine.
Tom B