Husqvarna 2006 TE 610 Dualsporty

Hi, I'm new here, been following this thread. The TE/SM610 comes equipped with a radiator fan, thermostat, and coolant tank. As for headlight, it is adequate. Out of the crate, it needs to be adjusted for beam height. I have a SM610 and I'm very pleased with it.

I see turn signals . . . is the 450 also street legal?

Yep!

and you ought to be pleased with it! Swee machine. How many times have you been to jail because of it?

Ok, now I have to find another excuse, for not buying one!

Haven't had to visit the pokey yet. I used to have a Duke 2, VOR Supermoto, and now the 610 and 450 huskies. These bikes make you want to do very bad things on the road. I have however, learned to restrain myself in most situations where I might draw too much attention from the law. I pick my spots to be stupid.

huskysm - how do you compare the feel of the 610 engine to the Duke 2 ?

z

The 610 is a little smoother than the LC4 and has a 6 speed gearbox with tighter ratios than the LC4. The 610 is at least 20 lbs lighter than the Duke. My Duke had an FCR and Akra exhaust and ran very well. The power of the 610 is at least equal to the Duke. Not that much difference in power as far as I can tell.

Any word on gas milage. I have become very interested in this bike and have spent some time on thumper talk looking for word of a bigger tank. There do seem to be some options available in 4-4.5 gallon tanks from IMS, and Clarke is also reportedly working on a new tank. Most of the guys on thumper talk on 510's are talking about 100 miles to a tank with the new 4 gallon tank. That sucks! I hope the 610 is in a different league otherwise no adventure touring on this bike. Anybody know?

My '03 with Dellorto carb gets 40-50 mpg, with the lower figure hard trail riding. My tank is only 2.4 gal. and '06 tank is 3.1 gal. I'd guess '06 with Keihin would be about the same mpg wise. Frame is totally different than TE250/450/510, so IMS and Clarke tanks won't fit, maybe at some point a large tank will be availible.

thanks norman. Great to hear about the gas mileage. Not so great to hear about the lack of tank support. I Love what I have read about this bike. I Just need to find a larger tank to justify replacing or adding to the KLR. Are there any custom tank builders or european/Australian distributers?

Finally got to see one of the 2006 TE610's today

My heart said yes my brain said no

Likes (in no specific order)
It's beautiful in an understated way (unlike orange bikes).
the pipe
dash layout
its narrow
light weight
power
indicators and tank cap (lots of nice touches)
suspension
It sounds horn!
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Dislikes (a lot of these relate to the fact that I like dirt touring and are not necessarily a criticism of the bike)
The seat.
The tank capasity.
Lack of pannier attachment points.
The rear subframe looks weak (see points above and below).
When running the rear end platics vibrate like hell - I can see the rear plastics destroying themselves.
Short and minimal sidestand.
Some crappy bits overcomplicated computer instuments (some might see this as good)
the light, helmet lock and other stuff.
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To bring it up to spec for the sort of riding I do would mean at least another AUD $2,000 which brings it around the cost of a KTM 640 adventure.

Shame... I'd like to own one but gotta be a bit choosey how I spend my money.

Q - Does it have a cush rear wheel?

They dropped the cush rear wheel for '06, I would guess part of the paring weight process? It does have a cush in the clutch basket, so maybe they thought the cush wheel was redundant. Maybe rear has some loose fasteners, my '03 doesn't vibrate like that. I hope Husky builds an adventure version as it will kick a LC4 adventure's butt.

I decided to go for the TE450 instead of the 610. A plated bike is very helpful in CA, but 90% plus of my riding is offroad. Husky really hit a home run with these bikes. I am sure that they'll sell easily, and hopefully, improve the brand's reputation if they prove to be reliable. I'll be picking up the new ride later this week and hope to post a ride report soon...........................
R

I got to ride '06 TE450.... Awesome bike, actually a little too much power for tight eastern woods. You'll enjoy it!

I have the '04 TE 450... A little to much power is right... bloody hell... !! I am going to a 250 next time, that 450 is going to get me into trouble. I lent it to a mate who has a DRZ 400 and used to race enduro etc. He gave it back saying he wanted to swap back before he killed himself.

I can't even imagine riding the 510 !

Im looking at replacing my 2000 TE 610 in the new year for some longer leg rides, at the moment Im tossing up between a KTM 625 LC4 with the 17L tank and the new TE610.
I belive the new 610 eng has a counter balance shaft, does it work? if anyone has ridden both bikes which would have the smoother eng?
Has anyone tested the fuel range yet of the 610, with the 12L tank what sort of range should you achive.
Thanks

Ive heard the engine is a lot smoother and enjoys premium petrol much more than regular.

Scott,

Go and ride both, don't fork around, go down to Feeney's on the coast and ride the Husky, go to Dalby and ride the KTM. I doubt Wattsie would have one for a demo ride.

Buy the one you like, the one that feels right for you. Don't forget that great Husky resale value

If it's not Orange, it's a Lemon.