2013 Husqvarna TE310R... reviews?

[Mr. Magoo]

Anybody ridden one? I'm looking to buy and can get a great deal on a 2012 but the improvements on the 2013 really have my attention.

[deepcdiver]

My dream bike, to complement my TE630 and 1150gs. Sweet ride!

[kj7687]

I haven't been able to find any reviews other than a couple on YouTube that appear to be for a non-street-legal European 310R, not the US 50 state legal dual sport. I'd really like to see a good video review of that bike and even a comparison between it, the 2013 Beta 400RS, and the 2013 KTM 350 EXC-F.

[Blakebird]

I bought a new 2012 TE 310 when the red head TXC 310 came out, got a great deal. Most of the big changes in power happen up top, and from the little I've read, you give up a bit down low - how much I'm not sure.

IMO if you stand to save some big money, the '12 is a fine bike. The Kayaba suspension on both ends is very good.

I went from a '07 TE 610 to an '11 TE 630 and was looking for a smaller bike.

Good info over at Cafe Husky

[bobnoxious67]

Any truth to the rumor that the gearbox is a wider ratio?

[Blakebird]

Originally Posted by bobnoxious67

any truth to the rumor that the gearbox is a wider ratio?

I doubt you'd notice the difference.

2012 TE 310
1 - 2.14
2 - 1.75
3 - 1.45
4 - 1.23
5 - 1.04
6 - 0.84

2013 TE 310R
1 - 2.14
2 - 1.75
3 - 1.45
4 - 1.23
5 - 1.04
6 - 0.81

[Rutsref]

Gotta riding buddy who has one (pretty sure it's a '12) and LOVES it, he totally rips on it. (Course he could rip on an XR75, was a #1 BMX plate holder I think in the early 80s.) he's 5'10" or so and maybe 200 lbs..seems to have plenty beans for him.
Just My 2c

[reddirtjoe]

What about commuting on this?
Maintenance schedule?
Octane required?
Thanks

[bobnoxious67]

High octane...super narrow gear ratio spread...

[Mr. Magoo]

I'm guessing it's a great play/woods bike ... commuting? No.

[Blakebird]

Originally Posted by Mr. Magoo

I'm guessing it's a great play/woods bike ... commuting? No.

Depends on your commute.

The gearbox is fairly close ratio....stock sprockets are 13/40.
First is a bit tall for real technical stuff, and you're in 6th pretty quickly riding down the street.

I put an Ironman 45 on the rear, put on a new 110 link chain....many go right to a 50t rear, but I wasn't sure I wanted to do a 10 tooth jump.

I have a short 7 mile commute to work, and I rode it before the gearing changes quite a bit and it's fine. It's really like plating a good dirtbike though - it's strengths are offroad and you want to be able to ride it from the motel room to the trail in Moab - that kinda thing.

[BigDogAdventures.com]

Originally Posted by bobnoxious67

High octane...super narrow gear ratio spread...

I agree with bob-------------------super close ratio.

Having put about 40,000 miles on my WR250R-------I test rode the TE310 and was totally flabbergasted at the transmission. I just really couldn't believe it.

I'm thinkin roughly--------6th gear on the TE was about the same as 4th on my WR.

So that being said--------it put the bike off my list for adventure travel-------but would put it on the list for people trail riding and doing short rides.

Super bike------just not the tool for the job I had in mind.

BigDog

[Blakebird]

Originally Posted by BigDogAdventures.com

So that being said--------it put the bike off my list for adventure travel-------but would put it on the list for people trail riding and doing short rides.

Super bike------just not the tool for the job I had in mind.

I think it's well suited to more than just short rides and trail rides. I had it in southern New Mexico for multiple days basing out of TorC. The longest stretch between gas was over 140 miles, and the stock bike with a couple of fuel bottles did great.

I'm going to use it for the same trips I used the big sleds for....Big Bend, week in Baja, Death Valley, and the TAT - which I have to do in sections due to time off work restrictions.

It does not have many options for bigger tanks - stock is 2.25 and the only option is a 2.9 IMS. On the plus side, in all kinds of riding I find the thing entirely capable of getting 62mpg.
I will still carry Primus fuel bottles - but I think the bike is capable of the longer trips if you plan accordingly.
The stock seat is typical dirt bike skinny, I have a Seat Concepts on it now.
I've wired in leads for some accessories - heated gear, GPS, etc.

It won't be as plush as the TE630 with the Safari tank and Dirtbagz....but I do look forward to the much lighter weight.

I agree though - for the epic journey's you've done on various bikes, the combination of light weight, streetable gearing and low maintenance, the WR is a great choice.
I will never ride the little TE310 TO Moab from here

[doxbike]

all the comparison charts I just read say the 310r has 5 gears the 310 has 6. is this not true?

Originally Posted by Blakebird

I doubt you'd notice the difference.

2012 TE 310
1 - 2.14
2 - 1.75
3 - 1.45
4 - 1.23
5 - 1.04
6 - 0.84

2013 TE 310R
1 - 2.14
2 - 1.75
3 - 1.45
4 - 1.23
5 - 1.04
6 - 0.81