husqvarna

[FJamR]

Been checking out the Husky TE 610IE, looks pretty sweet from what I've read and heard about it. Reasonably priced compared to the KTM 950 enduro R, that I was looking at.

I'm only interested in the bigger bore dual purpose bikes, and had a few over the years and the last being a XR650. Motor was great but sub standard suspension and a heavy *** frame. When I think that my XR was a 98' and at that time the suspension was lacking, the very same bike is being produced today. I really don't understand how Japanese manufacturers put none to almost no effort into giving new life to their dual purpose machines. The "new" (they should say 'different' instead) KLR for 08' doesn't have me waiting impatiently. You'd think they would put some of the motocross technology from this decade into them.

I guess a lot of people out there are buying the Super moto bikes instead and buying a extra set of wheels for when they want to play in the dirt, I guess that's what it has come to.

 

[mdisher]

two words: Parts Availability.

 

[Thumperbike]

I owned 2 Husqvarna's in the 70's, a 360 and a 400. They both kicked *** and seemed to me to be well ahead of the other manufacturers at the time. Both were full on dirt though.

 

[Grumpy]

I owned 2 Husqvarna's in the 70's, a 360 and a 400. They both kicked *** and seemed to me to be well ahead of the other manufacturers at the time. Both were full on dirt though.

Me too! I had a 450 wide ratio that would "plow a furrow" in any gear at any speed. Parts wern't a problem...at least not then. Great motorcycle that I had to get rid of before the wife would let me get the FJR.......wish I still had it!

jim

 

[Thumperbike]

Mine put me off bikes for neigh on to 15 years when I blew a jump and footpegged my leg snapping the tibia and fibula (never put your feet down).

 

[dougc]

I'm only interested in the bigger bore dual purpose bikes, and had a few over the years and the last being a XR650. Motor was great but sub standard suspension and a heavy *** frame. When I think that my XR was a 98' and at that time the suspension was lacking, the very same bike is being produced today. I really don't understand how Japanese manufacturers put none to almost no effort into giving new life to their dual purpose machines.

The problem was you had the wrong XR, you should have bought the R model and converted instead of the L. Okay you couldn't do that until 2000 but it is worlds better. You can find already converted XR650R's all over the country and in some states its is relatively easy to dual-sport the R model from scratch.

Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with the Husky's I've been eyeing them myself and they are great machines, at least until you need parts. The aftermarket for Honda XR650Rs is huge as well.

dougc

of course I could be biased... B)

 

[Jaycen]

two words: Parts Availability.

what he said

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

My DRZ400 is more dependable, easier on the dirt, slower, and easier on the butt.

oops, I said slower.

 

[colin]

I don't think parts should be a problem. There's quite a big group of riders of husky's in the states (see thumpertalk . com). Check that out for any questions on parts....