Husky 310 – would you recommend one? Uncertain!!

[Paul FaheyMember]

I am considering purchasing a new 2010 Husky TE310.

I currently ride an 06 KTM 450EXC. I am around 90 to 95kgs in my riding gear and 189cm tall. Most of my riding is in Cowarra State Forest (Mick’s Birthday Weekend lines). I have about 3 to 4 yrs riding experience. I am not a fast rider. Most of my riding is done with my children but I like the odd adventure with older crews (Stroud to Buladelah). I like the 450EXC as it allows me to be lazy, ie if I get into a bit of trouble on the up hill I just slip the clutch and she will just pull me up (perfect for MUC OFF hill success). I am not sure that a 250 would do the same so I thought that I would go after some middle ground in the TE310. The 450 is also great for pulling me out of that corner when I really should have taken it down a gear. The 450 can really be very easy to ride, but!!

The issue I have with the 450 is that it can and does get a way on me. I thought that I may be better off to go down a few cc’s to the 310. But I am concerned that the lower power may leave me sitting half way up hills, bogging down in corners and having to work the gear box a lot more – ie requiring me to be a better rider and for me it is really about the fun.

With this stated I am hoping that a 310 will be a little more forgiving and allow me to develop more confidence in my riding.

I did consider dropping to a 400EXC but they have no 2010 models available.

Husky have some good deals on at the moment as they are about to release revamped models. I am not sure if I want to wait and be a beta version tester on a new 2011 model (price will increase and no goodies in the basket). The old engine seems to be tried and tested and has stood up well. However I have read comments that say you get 450 weight but only 300cc to pull it. Perhaps I would be better to get another 450 (TE450 or CFR450X are also in mind).

Any input or guidance, would be appreciated (particularly from those on 310’s).

Unit.

[drewMember]

Hi Unit,

my $0.002 worth is the TE and CRF 450’s are much in the same boat as the EXC..

maybe ask some of the KTM guru’s of jetting changes you can make to the EXC to tame it down a little??

would it be possible to gear it up a few teeth so it’s not in the RPM power hit range? if that makes any sense. :dry: sort in the lugging torque RPM range rather than in the power range…

[GregMember]

I reckon the KTM 400 or a Husaberg 390 is the go. The 400 I reckon has it all without the raw edge of a 450. Chris’s hasnt missed a beat. I rode Kram’s 310 around some singles near home and down to Penrith sure I am heavier but the amount of gearbox and clutch work surprised me I thought it would have had more bottom end it felt like Moose’s YZ125 :laugh:

Kram’s your man, or Strucky they have one they will be able to give you the low down on it all including reliability, warranty the whole smash

All just my opinion

TB

[Paul FaheyMember]

Thanks for the quick reply – I look forward to any input from Kram or Strucky.

[Mick DMember]

I am with TB on this, I rode Krams and I felt as though it needed to be ridden like a 2 stroker, if you arent in the right rev range it seemed to bog a little. Although it went well when ridden “on the pipe” . I only rode Krams on the Thumper track at Louee, it was a fun little bike to ride and I would love to spend a day in the bush on it.

[Jeffrey SmithMember]

You could look at the Kawasaki KLX450, they are said said to be smoother in the power delivery than your KTM, CRF or a WR and so easier to manage the power.

[Mick DMember]

Jeffro wrote:

Quote:

You could look at the Kawasaki KLX450, they are said said to be smoother in the power delivery than your KTM, CRF or a WR and so easier to manage the power.

Exactly what we told Unit yesterday at the MX. The KLX450 is certainly an under rated bike. Very capable of doing what Unit wants to do.

[TrentMember]

Knowing the 2011 310/250 husky motor is such an improved design I couldn’t go a 2010 out of principle but that’s your call. The 310 and previous 250 were sleeved down 450s and as such weigh too much whereas the new motors are designed from the ground up so they’re set up much better for that CC range.

If you’re otherwise happy with your bike is it out of the question to consider a smaller bore and piston for your machine to drop it to 400cc? Have you installed a map switch?

[Paul FaheyMember]

Thanks for the replies. I did pay attention to Mick and Moose out at HVMCC watching the kids do their thing yesterday and have been doing a little homework on the Green Machines.

Austblue to be honest I haven’t considered a map switch for the 450, probably due to the fact that I didnt consider the matter a possibility. I will do some home work.

I am considering changing bikes. I have limited experience with other bike except kids 2 stokers, I hate riding them scary little beast all or nothing. The KTM was my first dirt bike and as I am contemplating a change I figured a downsize might be desirable. Hence the topic.

However it seems that the 450 is really a good alround bike. Can be ridden at a plodders place but can be more than you can handle, can get you into trouble real quick and out of it if your lucky. But hey, thats what makes this sport do bloody exciting.

I will research the mapping, thanks Austblue.

Another option is to keep the KTM and spend some money on suspension and get the bike dialled in for me and my riding style and maybe a mapping switch.

Unit.

[DeanMember]

Unit In my opinion the 06 Kato is an awsome bike,I actually prefer it over the 08.One thing you can do to make the bike more rideable is to fit a Rekluse or similar clutch.When they are setup properly they are an amazing bit of engineering.If you get a chance give one a go.

Ollie

[MichaelMember]

Hi Unit

I live out at Cathie you are welcome to come out for a ride and take the 310 for a run. It really is the best way to try somthing out before you spend money, more then welcome mate.

Cheers
Strucky

[Craig HattonMember]

Stick with the kato unit, 06-07 are the last of the bulletproof rfs motor – set the static and rider sag correctly, put just a little free play in the throttle and enjoy. I found it took a little to get used to but now would not swap for anything(maybe a berg) You can be lazy, on it, reserved or tapped – it will do it all

cheers Hatto

[Paul FaheyMember]

Thanks for the replies!

Strucky, it would be great to come for a spin with you and maybe swap bikes if you feel confident letting me have a spin. I will PM.

Hatto and Ollie – thanks for the parental advice – “What the hell you changing for!!!”

Austblue – cant find reference to mapping switch for 06 model, any suggestions? Anything past the basics and I am a little lost.

Unit

[drewMember]

i haven’t found any info specifically for the 06 450, but it seems the info is relevant to all Katos. ?? but not too sure on that yet.

will update/edit if i find anymore info.

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