2013 Husqvarna 650 Terra

[davorallyfan]

It runs warm, well warmer than my DR did and pipes seem a bit hotter than my scrambler when near leg. I heats up a bit in traffic on 35 plus days. I did a 1300 km trip on the weekend all open road I had it spinning up to 145kph for some stretches. It got air. It ran cool.

[ducnut]

Originally Posted by rcd389

Ok, I just ordered the B&B skid plate, hose guard, radiator guard and disc protector. I am thinking about getting them powdercoated Black, depending on what that would cost.

Consider hard-anodizing, too.

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by davorallyfan

It runs warm, well warmer than my DR did and pipes seem a bit hotter than my scrambler when near leg. I heats up a bit in traffic on 35 plus days. I did a 1300 km trip on the weekend all open road I had it spinning up to 145kph for some stretches. It got air. It ran cool.

How would you guys compare the Terra's handling riding two track or single track to the DR650? (Figure 90 kg. rider) How about rough tracks at speed?

Do you guys feel the suspension is OK in standard form or should owners expect to up grade (as is required with the DR650).

Is it possible the new motor will run a bit cooler once fully run in?

Cheers!

[HighFive]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

How would you guys compare the Terra's handling riding two track or single track to the DR650? (Figure 90 kg. rider) How about rough tracks at speed?

Do you guys feel the suspension is OK in standard form or should owners expect to up grade (as is required with the DR650).

Is it possible the new motor will run a bit cooler once fully run in?

Cheers!

I've ridden a DR650 a fair bit. I like it....it's decent. I like the Terra better. It feels more balanced than any 650 DS bike I've ever ridden. Handles the trails with relative ease ( two-track & light duty single track). And is significantly superior to the DR, KLR, XRL, on the open road. You'll think it is too high geared for slow speed trail work, but I've had no problem yet....which really surprised me. The torque is deceptively smooth, and just pulls strongly from the bottom in 1st or 2nd. If I were going to live in the trails, I'd gear it down some more or better yet, buy a Husaberg!

The suspension actually works surprisingly well for 7" ( my 185 lbs weight). Nothing to brag about, mind you, but I've ridden it pretty hard and even jumped it around on my track. The rear damping needed to be increased and there is adjustment for that. Suspension is usually my first upgrade on all my bikes. I'm not sure if I'll have to do that on my Terra....considering where & how I'll be using it. Just a fun Adventure traveler for me. I have a Husaberg for hardcore offroad riding. I think majority of people (under 210lbs) will never need to upgrade suspension.

I keep trying to find where the bike "sucks".....just because. But I haven't located that spot. At least not within the intended purpose of this bike. Don't get ridiculous about matters. I won't be jumping triples or competing in Observed Trials with it! But, it easily cleared my putsy 35 ft table-top jump with no problems. Sorry, no whips.

Thought of something that "sucks": the radiator mounts are plastic (up top). I don't like that. Hhhmmmm......

HF

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by HighFive

I've ridden a DR650 a fair bit. I like it....it's decent. I like the Terra better. It feels more balanced than any 650 DS bike I've ever ridden. Handles the trails with relative ease ( two-track & light duty single track). And is significantly superior to the DR, KLR, XRL, on the open road. You'll think it is too high geared for slow speed trail work, but I've had no problem yet....which really surprised me. The torque is deceptively smooth, and just pulls strongly from the bottom in 1st or 2nd. If I were going to live in the trails, I'd gear it down some more or better yet, buy a Husaberg!

The suspension actually works surprisingly well for 7" ( my 185 lbs weight). Nothing to brag about, mind you, but I've ridden it pretty hard and even jumped it around on my track. The rear damping needed to be increased and there is adjustment for that. Suspension is usually my first upgrade on all my bikes. I'm not sure if I'll have to do that on my Terra....considering where & how I'll be using it. Just a fun Adventure traveler for me. I have a Husaberg for hardcore offroad riding. I think majority of people (under 210lbs) will never need to upgrade suspension.

I keep trying to find where the bike "sucks".....just because. But I haven't located that spot. At least not within the intended purpose of this bike. Don't get ridiculous about matters. I won't be jumping triples or competing in Observed Trials with it! But, it easily cleared my putsy 35 ft table-top jump with no problems. Sorry, no whips.

Thought of something that "sucks": the radiator mounts are plastic (up top). I don't like that. Hhhmmmm......

HF

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' bout!
Excellent real world riders review! Kudos! All the stuff I wanted to hear about you covered ... in good detail. Thanks. Love that you ride a 'Berg ... so we know you're comparing the Terra to one of best.

My DR650 is quite good on the highway ... better than previous KLR or XR-L. But I've taken great pains at set up. I'm thinking this Terra deserves a test ride AT LEAST.

PS(I would think someone will come up with Rad Guards or a better Rad mounts?) Also, would you say a better seat would be in order if doing 400 mile/10 hour riding days?

[HighFive]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' bout!
Excellent real world riders review! Kudos! All the stuff I wanted to hear about you covered ... in good detail. Thanks. Love that you ride a 'Berg ... so we know you're comparing the Terra to one of best.

My DR650 is quite good on the highway ... better than previous KLR or XR-L. But I've taken great pains at set up. I'm thinking this Terra deserves a test ride AT LEAST.

PS(I would think someone will come up with Rad Guards or a better Rad mounts?) Also, would you say a better seat would be in order if doing 400 mile/10 hour riding days?

1) Indeed, take the Test Ride Challenge. Your DR won't feel quite so good on the highway, anymore. Seriously...you're in for a real shocker.

2) I'm not really comparing the Terra to my Berg, of course. But I think I get your drift.

For reference, I've owned F800GS, 950ADV, KLR 650, WR250R, DR350, KLX 250, WR450F, Berg390FE. Ridden many of the "others" I've not owned. Put a lot of miles on every one of them. Still got the Beemer & Berg in the stable.

3) The Terra Seat....its surprisingly comfortable. I don't know how or why. It just is. I've been in the saddle for 8 hours and not gotten any serious butt fatigue. Crazy....I know. If I ever do change it, its because I have a 32" inseam and I prefer a taller more open leg position. My knees can cramp a bit after about 3 - 4 hours in the saddle, if I don't take a little break. I'll probably mount some highway pegs on an engine guard to let me stretch out my legs when slabbing it.

The seat is about 34" off the ground. This is first time ever on a DS bikes that both feet have been flat footed on the ground, when stopped. I'm starting to like that feeling. Hard to explain, but it feels good. I'm a long time Trials Competitor, so I do not have any urges to paddle my feet along the ground when riding. I usually keep my boots clean (on the pegs). But this feature might give many DS riders more comfortable confidence when picking thru the rough versus what they are probably used to on other bikes.

Another reason I might alter the seat, would be to make it all one level (more or less) so I can change position (slide back or forward) as desired. I have a nice Airhawk pad that fits perfectly in the front dish of the seat, though I've not used it on my Terra yet. This may serve to level out the seat surface for me enough that I'll never change the stock seat. We'll see...

4) Forgot to address your question about "engine running cooler after it runs in". I'm assuming you mean after the motor is broke in. Uhhhmmm......I have no idea, though I tend to doubt it. The cooling system is triggered by the thermostat, and it has a big radiator with a strong fan. I imagine the normal operating temperature of the motor will be the same, whether broke in or not.

I'm not really sure why you asked this question in the first place. I've experienced no engine over-heating problems of any sort since brand new till now (approx. 1,500 miles on odometer). I've made it work real hard at slow speed picking my way up a 2 mile long, steep rocky climb. The fan cycled on and off as expected. It was all good.

HF

p.s. I did move my Touratech Adjustable Footpegs from my F800 to the Terra....which moved the footrest position down and forward a fair amount. This opened my leg stance nicely and perfectly fixed the rear brake pedal position issue. It feels "just right" now. Yes, the Terra & F800GS use the exact same stock footpegs, as well as kickstands. How convenient for me...

[RuggedExposure]

Well I should have been picking up my Terra tomorrow, but the dealership in El Paso says it wont be in until March.
I have already put money down on this bike...
Husky keeps setting the delivery date back on this bike and I have the haunting feeling that they are cutting off shipments already.

When I get off shift tomorrow morning I am going to be calling various dealerships in AZ and the one in Albuquerque to see if they have any on the showroom floor.

If any of these dealerships have one in stock, I'll drive the diesel over and pick it up tomorrow.

El Paso can stick it.

[themetus]

Yesterday I bought Terra. In March, when the snow melts i would pick it up.

[wolftrax]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' bout!
. I'm thinking this Terra deserves a test ride AT LEAST.

Don't do it! You'll be opening up your wallet!

[blaisew]

I second that emotion. Once you try one you will be hard pressed to walk away.

For those who don't follow the CH site, here are some pics of my home made racks for Wolfman saddlebags, using Berg parts.




And my HDB guards and Pro Taper KX High bar setup.

[trapperj]

So I got a email from KTM-parts about a sale going on through Monday where you add the prom code and get 10 to 20% off. Just for kicks I hit the buy button for a TR 650 Strada and entered the code ... I didnt expect anything more off as its already $400 off..They have the Strada for $7099 ...well THEY TOOK ANOTHER $500 Off so that's $900 off msrp..

That is a deal for anyone looking or on the fence...nows your chance!

The code is prezday20

[rodm850g]

Guys,
I have had mine for about two weeks, and only had three opportunities to do some miles....However I come over from streeet bikes exclusively, I've wanted a D/S bike for a while...Looked at em all as I used to be in sales in a four line Japanese dealership.....I think I know or knew all of the cahllenges or pros and cons of all od the big four.
XR nice machine but too tall....KLR well dohickeys and big body work out there...well,the DR had my attention more than any of them but knowing going in I'd need brake lines,suspension upgrades from near the get-go...not to mentnion a new seat....
Being new to this style of moto I thought a lot of changes in my riding style would be in order...so far not so...the bike really handles well, even likes curves, the ride is comfy for a big guy like me...Brembo brakes front and rear, Metzelers front and rear...waiting for the accessories Iwant to put on is not easy,but the ones I want are supposed to be on the way.....Need more miles on the bike, I figure an oil change is coming soon and I got a pair of filters for it, same as the BMW they got the motor from....or K&N I must admit I like it,just waiting on Spring.....
Rod

[JTucker]

Originally Posted by trapperj

So I got a email from KTM-parts about a sale going on through Monday where you add the prom code and get 10 to 20% off. Just for kicks I hit the buy button for a TR 650 Strada and entered the code ... I didnt expect anything more off as its already $400 off..They have the Strada for $7099 ...well THEY TOOK ANOTHER $500 Off so that's $900 off msrp..

That is a deal for anyone looking or on the fence...nows your chance!

The code is prezday20

Sorry, you can order one if you'd like but it won't actually go through.
$900 off retail not to mention the credit card merchant fee would result in quite a loss on a bike.
We've had them since Nov sometime and haven't sold a single TR650.
Get in touch if you're really interested though, we have a demo in the showroom as well.

[Chuffa]

Like a mistress she says "Come on, lets get dirty"...



Not yet baby, I say. Only a couple of more days until you get protected with some B&B goodies!!!

It's damn hard to be patient some times. The Terra just seems to want to take you places.

[lstuckey1]

Where is the air box intake located on the Terra? My off road riding includes some moderate water crossings and having no experience with this bike I'm a little concerned.