Husky TE449/TE511

[James RookyardMember]

I am thinking of buying a TE449 to replace my CRF450X. Has anyone got any feedback on what they are like? I can get a great price on a 449 but the bigger 511 is temping as well. Are they heaps of crap as I don’t see many about at races or anywhere for that matter.

[Adrian GaleMember]

My local shop at Bathurst has a 449 demo for sale for a sweet price. I have ridden it a few times and it puts the power down really well. Traction city. The back end just does not deflect or jump all over the place. Havent ridden the 511 but i am sure it would be more fun. Spoke to Dean in the shop yesterday and he had not heard of any issues with them yet. Muffler gets damaged if you drop it on that side.
bit like chalk and cheese when I ride it after riding my 2st.

It may not have the snap like your Honda but nice and torquey.

Have a ride of one.

Cheers

[GregMember]

Bike maybe nice to ride by all accounts, what Galey wrote seems to be the general feed back. For me it’s owning a Husky that is the problem, cost of spares, availability of spares, support and back up and then there is selling said bike when finished. Two recent Husky owners spring to mind (old bulls) both selling late model Huskies with spares etc, well maintained good looking bikes nothing wrong with them. Am sure if you asked them both they would say they feel they gave them away in the end.
I always wonder if they are a good thing and all of the above I have written is wrong with the 2year warranty that should be a selling point, why do I see so few on the trails?

All of the above is just my opinion, seen and heard in the end

TB

[alanMember]

i reckon the husky would be a nice bike but agree with TB

[James RookyardMember]

Been doing research on the net. They seem like they have the nicest handling rear suspension about. Heaps of quality parts on them, fuel injection etc. But they are weird looking and that muffler is a bulls eye for damage.
You would hardly say a CRF450X had an awesome resale value really either. Nor are they easy to sell. Seems any new generation 4 stroke is hard to get rid of. But no doubt the husky would be more difficult.
Man they are tempting though. $1000 cheaper than the cheapest CRF450X price I have found.
Appart from the controversial looks and dodgy resale, can someone tell me how they compare to a CRF450X to ride in the tight snotty scrub and in the open going like Yellow mountain?

[Ian MinusMember]

I have an 08 model TE450 and have been very happy with it.
Fuel injection gives no bog off the bottom and motor revs happily.
Spares are always in stock and delivered next day by R&D Husqvarna.
Is a very tall bike and initially I thought the suspension was too hard.
The solution? Just ride faster, and the bike begins to shine.
A mate just bought a superseded model and so far, is equally happy with the purchase.

Best value around at present.

Ian M

[jamieMember]

The 511 is only a 477 i know lots of bikes have rounded figures and marketing likes the sound of certain numbers but that’s pushing things………….

[ChrisMember]

After some research on the TE449 i’ve decided to get one soon as.
The only thing i think that would be a pain in arse is the swinging arm having to come off to replace the front sprocket because off the co axial system,not that that’s to major. :pinch:
Apart from that 1st valve check after 300k’s which will be included in 1st free service then every 1000k’s after that which is pretty standard i think for this type 4 strokes.
Judging from what Galey said and the write up’s the 449 is supposed to be really smooth and fun to ride but the 511 makes it a lot more aggressive, a bit of a hand full according to the write ups.
you can buy after market protection for the exhaust $140 in carbon looks the biz to.
Maybe because Husky is owned by BMW they will hold there money better to,maybe. :unsure:
And at $11450 on road with 2 yr warranty + trooper lu’s garage is going to do me an excellent price on all extra’s i’m going for it. :cheer:
Will keep you posted.

[Adrian GaleMember]

twobanger wrote:

The 511 is only a 477 i know lots of bikes have rounded figures and marketing likes the sound of certain numbers but that’s pushing things………….

Both new bikes are close on price atm.

[James RookyardMember]

Spent lots of time on the net last night researching. Seems to me the point that most focus on is the looks. However I watched a couple of videos and mate that rear end tracks dead smooth over rocks and stuff. That would make it a faster bike than my CRF on its own I reckon. Buy they all say they try to stand up in the corners which worries me a bit.
I think I am going to get one. I will have to wear everyone saying how it looks like the seat is on backwards etc. Still be better than having a bike that looks like a skinned pumpkin though lol.
511 or 449. Hmmmm.

[ChrisMember]

Standing up in corners : ohmy: that would be interesting :side:

According to aus dirt bike you tube footage suspension set up is the difference.

Long seat is good for your health :S

[Ian MinusMember]

This new Husky has more in common with the BMW G450X (engine countershaft etc) and you should look there for history of user reports.
Mine is the old true full Husky model which is completely different.

[Nathan TaylorMember]

Well…, I have been lurking around reading posts on this site for a while, as a visitor, but this one made me actually join up.
I just wanted to share my opinion on this topic.

A couple of months ago I bought a shiney new TE449. Now I`m definately no hard core, passionate, one make only, Husky crunchy nut. I`d more liken myself to a brand slut. I`ll buy what ever I consider to be good value.

This is my first Husky. I think it is brilliant. So easy to ride. I too think is ugly, although it does look good from some angles, but I can definately overlook how a bike looks if it performs well. The drive this thing gets is insane. It climbs the snottiest hills so well that I have had mates say I made it look easy . The motor is very torquey, it encourages lots of midrange use, which for me, means I don`t have to fight the bike, or keep it on the boil and get fatigued so early.
Suspension is great. Obsorbs bumps, doesn`t deflect of them like everything else I`ve owned over the last 29 years. The only thing i have changed is I wound more preload into the rear to have 35mm sag instead of the 50mm the factory says to run (something the CTS apparently requires).
Something I can`t stand with the current gen. 4 bangers is inlet valve wear. When researching the 449 I found the Husky, or BMW more to the point, have done something about it. They use under bucket shimmed titanium exhuast valves, and rocker arm opened stainless steel inlets. The fact they used stainless inlets was a big factor in my decision to buy one.
Yes I`ve only dropped it once, on the right, and put a dent in the muffler, but Trooper lu`s are importing P3 carbon guards. I have one on order.
The mapping is great. They have used a Kiehin system, replacing the Mikuni system since 08. It is so crisp and responsive.

I think it will be an easy bike to live with, sure is easy to ride. Servicing is not an issue, parts are easy to get, yes most stuff is dearer, but I`m hoping I won`t have to replace to much, looking after your bike properly will definetly help there.

I really don`t know why we don`t see more of these things out there. They come will all the good stuff and they are stacks cheaper than a WR450 yammy, which I`ve heard people starting to call ag bikes because they are so date (still a good bike tho). Nor do I know why resale value is so poor. But what I do know is that every time I go riding I`m on a cutting edge bike that is such a nice thing to ride that it breeds confidence in my riding.

If you can get a ride on one of these do so. You will be surprised.

Hooroo

[Geoff ForshawMember]

Some good info there Ernie. Thanks champ!

Cheers,
The Left One

[Nick JacksonMember]

Cheers Ernie , chris t will be very happy to hear your review , he’s in the market for a new bike right now so you may have helped his decision

Nick

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