Any local TE610 riders here? (PNW)

[K7MDL]

I know some of you PNW locals have had one for some time now. Pretty sure at least one person had a KLR650 previously. Now that you have had some quality seat time, what do you think of it now? I am asking here and not in the TE610 thread because I know some of you, and you know what riding in the PNW weather and terrain is like, have tried that same terrain/weather on a KLR650 or other 650 the same as I have been doing. Apples and apples on the environement description.

I have a '08 KLR650 for commute and dual sport, '84 XL250R for dual sport trail focus, and a Touring bike for 2-up Long distance street riding and some commuting.

I do not need to do serious trails to keep my interest (hence the XL250R can leave the stable) and I am thinking the TE610 should be able to do most easy and intermediate rated trails around the PNW. I think it should be able to do all but the hardest stuff in Moab or Baja considering my KLR could do those (with some effort) with relative grace. Because I could (and did) take my KLR into some of these places does not mean it, or I, belonged there!

With my truck, camper, and trailer combo I am moving away from long MC street rides to offroad destinations and not excited about motorcycle camping except the occasional overnighter (once or twice per year at most to complete a loop trip). Trailer/truck out to base camp when over 2 hours from home would be my preferred plan. That also means I will part with the hardbags requirement except a removable trunk for wet weather commuting and some parking lot security.

I want a bike that does it all, just like I want a boat that does it all Yeah right. I think I can trim down the stable to 2 bikes, one street and one dual sport. Since hard trails are not my focus, the 610 seems interesting to me. It should be good enough on the average trail and good enough on <2 hour highway run at 70mph over Stevens Pass without enduring excess discomfort. Then of course the debate over '08 or newer - is it worth the extra money for the newer one?. How does the '07 and '08 run at higher elevations (0K-8K and 0K-14K feet) stock?

Been reading the relatively few TE threads but they seem to focus on poser shots and engine or frame repair details and quality rants, not unlike what the KLR endures.

Other equivalents I spotted might be TE510, Beta 525. KTM 690E seems too heavy and like anther KLR (with a vocal crowd unhappy with the quality of that particular model). Really do not want a paint shaker, but something more refined. I said I wanted it all didn't I?

So with all that out of the way, what do you think of your TE around here?

- Mike

[lucky3]

I have a TE610 and have ridden some of the competition. I find the 610 is hands down the best DS bike going. It splits the off road / street equation as good as anything on the market for a full sized mount. It is a competent dirt bike and street bike. Seems like everything else is very one side or the other. The DRZ400 is also a great do it all bike.

This bike will take you anywhere.

[guns_equal_freedom]

MasterChief, please answer the white courtesy phone....

[zoomdude57]

Picked up an 09 TE610 this year. Not many miles yet due to work but it is a great dual sport. Love the motor and its tractor-like power delivery. Bike is nimble for its size and impressive off road. Pretty damn practical too-get 53+ MPG without trying.

I have a Motosportz steering damper that I am going to install and then hit a bit more serious dirt.

[MasterChief]

I've had my 2008 since January. I can't compare it too much to others since it is the first large dual sport thumper I've owned. I got it because it is the lightest of the 600/650 class dual sports and my wife loves me.

Like all bikes you will have to do stuff to it to make it work for you. Two weekends ago I rode it loaded with camping gear to Wetfest, down along the Columbia. On the way home we took the secnic route up the coast. A 300+ mile day. It was not as comfortable as it would have been on my old Wee strom, but it was not bad. I do have a Renazco seat. On that trip I averaged over 60 mpg.

From Whidbey Island to the foot hills of the Cascades is at least 50 miles. I wanted a bike I could ride there and then not be confined to the Forest Service roads. It fills that role very well. It will handle trails that are not too tight. Quad track and jeep trails are fine. See if Taskeys has one you can test out. The TE510 is not as versitile. It will not handle the road part you want to do and will require more frequent oil changes etc. It is a dirt machine with a plate. The TE610 is a true dual sport.

[K7MDL]

Tasky's is listing a used 2007 with a IMS gas tank and Rich's seat, but it looks like it was a lowered seat. I will try to get up there and see about a test ride on one. There is another used '07 in California. Not too many around in the used market right now that I have seen. Might need to shop in the spring.

As I am 6'1" and 180lb with a 34 inseam, I want to be able to stand up comfortably and not too low a seat height and would hope to not have to redo the suspension. My XL250 frame is too small for me (but the price was right).

How many gallons until you hit reserve typically? Assuming stock tank. I really appreciate the 6 gallon KLR capacity. I hit reserve at 220 miles like clockwork, on or offroad with the 685 kit.

[larry manton]

The 610 at Tasky's is a great buy. Has all the goodies and about 2700 miles I think. I looked at it hard myself but have a well set upt KLX 400 and a KLR with suspention mods. I looked at it twice but........... I'm not as impulsive as I used to be and talked myself out of it. I thought about posting it in here because it is a good buy. Jeff by the way is a great guy and I buy a lot of items from him........straight forward and honest, don't think you could go wrong.

[Hammer]

Where's Watercat?
I rode his TE610 for a day last spring in the Griptwister Baja tour.
I thought it was a great DS ride. It lacks some fuel capacity as is, but if there's an IMS tank for it (I didn't know that!) it would solve that problem. Other than that it was a capable performer.
Course I like my 525 better (and at 270 lbs wins the light weight contest) but it is NOT a roadworthy paintshaker. Hooligan bike, sure.

FWIW, the next Griptwister Baja tour is April 12-17, 2010. I'll be there- you?

[K7MDL]

I was looking hard at the Baja tour. Right now I am committed to a Feb 12-Mar 2 Death Valley ride. Staying at Furnace Creek as home base. Rest of year undecided. TE610 is sounding more tempting. I like my KLR, but I want to tweak the stable some.

[Roonie]

I have been looking at this bike too. What are the oil change intervals? It seems to be one of the few bikes that fills that category of highway riding and trail riding. The only other ones on the list are the Yamaha WR250 but I rode one of these and they are lacking power. Also a KTM 525 EXC seems to fit the bill but you have to add on an oil cooler to up the oil change intervals and add more oil capacity. Keep the input coming as I am very interested as well.

[kwisn]

525 isn't a dual sport, it's a dirt bike with a plate, just like Hammer said. KTM wants DS peeps on the 640, not the 525. The 525 doesn't have the oil capacity and oil cooling capacity. There's lots of FF's here that own them, Hammer, Sirloynz, turnsleft, et al, great dirt bike you can plate.

[Hammer]

Originally Posted by K7MDL

I was looking hard at the Baja tour. Right now I am committed to a Freb 12-Mar 2 Death Valley ride. Staying at furnace Creek as home base. REst of year undecided. TE610 is sounding more tempting. I like my KLR, but I want to tweak the stable some.

You'll enjoy DV. It is very scenic, but remote. I did a trip solo in December '04. Never stayed in a developed site, unless you can call Saline Hot Springs developed. 2 weeks + is plenty of time to explore DV. Leaves time to go to some of the surrounding sites, too.

Like the pic shows, it can get pretty cold there. It makes the hot springs feel really good!

[lucky3]

Originally Posted by larry manton

The 610 at Tasky's is a great buy. Jeff by the way is a great guy and I buy a lot of items from him........straight forward and honest, don't think you could go wrong.

I have bought my last 6 bikes from Taskys, love those guys.

IMS makes a 5 gallon tank or the 610

[Watercat]

Watercat here, sir !

Didn't chime in right away since I didn't have the comparo experience on the other bikes.

The TE610 has worked out well for DSing the PNWet, mine is the 2006 version, so carbuerated fuel mileage is quite a bit less than FI version.

Originally Posted by Hammer

Where's Watercat?
I rode his TE610 for a day last spring in the Griptwister Baja tour.
I thought it was a great DS ride. It lacks some fuel capacity as is, but if there's an IMS tank for it (I didn't know that!) it would solve that problem. Other than that it was a capable performer.
Course I like my 525 better (and at 270 lbs wins the light weight contest) but it is NOT a roadworthy paintshaker. Hooligan bike, sure.

FWIW, the next Griptwister Baja tour is April 12-17, 2010. I'll be there- you?

You betcha, I'd be back for another Baja ride, but no wayto join the Griptwister tour in 2010 due to teachers schedule(doesn't align with Spring Break) . . . . . .

The IMS tank design for the carbuerated TE610 is wanky, has leaked on me on two separate attempts of mounting, has almost lit up inmate Hoder on-fire out in the woods . . . . . . Uh, maybe the third attemp will be the charm ?

Until then, I've settled for this:

[Watercat]

Here's the pic:



Rotopax 2 Gallon tank (red)., storage box on top.

This extends the range for sure !

The reason TE610 may not be considered a "paint-shaker" is comes equipped with a counter-balancer which reduces vibes . . . . . .