planning on changing gears next year

jtemple · 04-02-2010, 08:49 PM

After I get some debts paid off, I think I might make the move to dual sport riding.

I want something semi highway capable, but more dirt bike-ish than street bike-ish.

After much research, my all time favorite bike is the Husqvarna TE610, or the new-this-year TE630.

I will be buying the bike new.

Here's the kicker. The nearest Husky dealer is over 300 miles away. While I don't mind a road trip, or doing my own wrenching when it is maintenance time, what happens if I need warranty work?

Now, there is a local KTM dealer. While I like their 530EXC, I'm not so thrilled that it's about $2000 more than the Husky, and has much higher maintenance intervals. It's basically a race bike with turn signals.

I'm also open to other dual sport suggestions. Here's what I'd like:

I want enough power that highway riding isn't miserable.

I want a bike that is more dirt oriented than street oriented. I'm not into the big bulky adventure bikes like the KLR650, etc. I don't really do long road trips on my bike, but a 300 mile day once in a while isn't out of the question.

I want fuel injection.

I want a 6-speed transmission.

I want water cooling.

The Husky seems to be right up my alley. I'm just concerned about not having a dealership nearby. I do all of my own maintenance. I have yet to let a dealer work on any bike of mine. But, if I end up needing a warranty fix, I don't want to be screwed or have to make a 350+ mile trip to get work done.

Porkchop · 04-02-2010, 09:14 PM

The TE630 is tits.....

Sean · 04-02-2010, 09:28 PM

Love my Husky. They are super easy to work on but you need someone that can get you parts. Another option to consider is the DRZ400S. You could also look at the LC4-based KTMs like the 690. If you get the Husky be sure to baby it on breakin, the engine will last 4x as long guaranteed.

jtemple · 04-02-2010, 10:57 PM

The KTM prices are pretty outrageous, IMO.

I just don't know if the DRZ would be enough bike on the highway. I'm also concerned about the shock of having so little power compared my 10. I mean, I don't expect ridiculous literbike power, but I'd like it to have some extra passing power when needed, etc.

Mr Lefty · 04-03-2010, 04:55 AM

stock the DRZ sucks on the hwy... I image the DR650 would be better... but who knows...

with my 3x3 mod (cutting open the air box to 3x3) jetting, and a full system... it's not bad on the freeway as far as power goes... I can cruse at 80 easy... BUT where it sucks is the drz is light! so at that speed it becomes unstable.... unless i have my bags loaded on it.

but I use it as an excuse to stay off the freeways... I found some pretty interesting back roads on the way back down from Smilies in AR in Feb... just wished I'd gotten the jetting right in the first place then...

jtemple · 04-03-2010, 10:01 AM

I'm starting to think the added cost of a KTM might be worth it, considering the stronger dealership network, and the ability to buy one locally.

The KTM I'd probably go with is the 690 Enduro, rather than the high maintenance 530EXC.

Cutty72 · 04-03-2010, 02:51 PM

Just move closer to the Husky dealership

Gas Man · 04-03-2010, 10:22 PM

Ebbs could you just leave some crap in the bags?

Sean · 04-03-2010, 11:09 PM

ask the peeps at cafehusky.com if they have any ideas.

Mr Lefty · 04-04-2010, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gas Man

Ebbs could you just leave some crap in the bags?

I could... but i don't like always worry'n about my shit... on base and in my apartment complex... no worries... but around town is another story...

04-02-2010, 08:49 PM	#1
jtemple Geek Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Papillion, Nebraska Moto: 2011 Husqvarna TE630 Posts: 1,437	planning on changing gears next year After I get some debts paid off, I think I might make the move to dual sport riding. I want something semi highway capable, but more dirt bike-ish than street bike-ish. After much research, my all time favorite bike is the Husqvarna TE610, or the new-this-year TE630. I will be buying the bike new. Here's the kicker. The nearest Husky dealer is over 300 miles away. While I don't mind a road trip, or doing my own wrenching when it is maintenance time, what happens if I need warranty work? Now, there is a local KTM dealer. While I like their 530EXC, I'm not so thrilled that it's about $2000 more than the Husky, and has much higher maintenance intervals. It's basically a race bike with turn signals. I'm also open to other dual sport suggestions. Here's what I'd like: I want enough power that highway riding isn't miserable. I want a bike that is more dirt oriented than street oriented. I'm not into the big bulky adventure bikes like the KLR650, etc. I don't really do long road trips on my bike, but a 300 mile day once in a while isn't out of the question. I want fuel injection. I want a 6-speed transmission. I want water cooling. The Husky seems to be right up my alley. I'm just concerned about not having a dealership nearby. I do all of my own maintenance. I have yet to let a dealer work on any bike of mine. But, if I end up needing a warranty fix, I don't want to be screwed or have to make a 350+ mile trip to get work done.

04-02-2010, 09:14 PM	#2
Porkchop 125GP Champion Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worthington, OH Moto: Empty Garage Posts: 3,418	The TE630 is tits..... __________________ *Coming soon? 2010 Ducati Monster 696 - Sold 1984 Honda VF500F - Sold 1999 Yamaha R6 - Sold

04-03-2010, 10:22 PM	#8
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	Ebbs could you just leave some crap in the bags? __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

04-02-2010, 09:28 PM	#3
Sean giggity Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: socal Moto: street, sumo & dirty Posts: 1,071	Love my Husky. They are super easy to work on but you need someone that can get you parts. Another option to consider is the DRZ400S. You could also look at the LC4-based KTMs like the 690. If you get the Husky be sure to baby it on breakin, the engine will last 4x as long guaranteed.

04-02-2010, 10:57 PM	#4
jtemple Geek Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Papillion, Nebraska Moto: 2011 Husqvarna TE630 Posts: 1,437	The KTM prices are pretty outrageous, IMO. I just don't know if the DRZ would be enough bike on the highway. I'm also concerned about the shock of having so little power compared my 10. I mean, I don't expect ridiculous literbike power, but I'd like it to have some extra passing power when needed, etc.

04-03-2010, 04:55 AM	#5
Mr Lefty TWFix Legend Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver CO Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar Posts: 15,677	stock the DRZ sucks on the hwy... I image the DR650 would be better... but who knows... with my 3x3 mod (cutting open the air box to 3x3) jetting, and a full system... it's not bad on the freeway as far as power goes... I can cruse at 80 easy... BUT where it sucks is the drz is light! so at that speed it becomes unstable.... unless i have my bags loaded on it. but I use it as an excuse to stay off the freeways... I found some pretty interesting back roads on the way back down from Smilies in AR in Feb... just wished I'd gotten the jetting right in the first place then...

04-03-2010, 10:01 AM	#6
jtemple Geek Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Papillion, Nebraska Moto: 2011 Husqvarna TE630 Posts: 1,437	I'm starting to think the added cost of a KTM might be worth it, considering the stronger dealership network, and the ability to buy one locally. The KTM I'd probably go with is the 690 Enduro, rather than the high maintenance 530EXC.

04-03-2010, 11:09 PM	#9
Sean giggity Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: socal Moto: street, sumo & dirty Posts: 1,071	ask the peeps at cafehusky.com if they have any ideas.