AMTRA.com.au

Hi everyone,

Well after 20+ years without a bike I'm about to take the plunge and get back in to riding! I used to do a lot of track MX riding when I was younger but gave all that up when I got my car license  ;D

I stumbled across AMTRA thanks to Google and from the gallery section it all seems to be right up my alley, so I thought this would be a great place to ask. I'm looking to get in to riding the high country and other state forests etc so I'm looking for advice on bikes. I've only ever owned motocross bikes in the past but I'm guessing enduro's would be the norm for such riding? To date I'm considering either a KTM 350EXC-F of the Hasqvarna TE511, no particular reason, but after a lot of reading they both seem to have very positive reviews.

Of course reading reviews is one thing, but I'd really like to hear from the guys out using their bikes every week. What would you guys recommend looking at? I was thinking about getting something 12 months old but can stretch to buy new if that is a much better way to go. I'm 6" tall and weigh 78Kgs so pretty standard in that department. Any advice or recommendations would be most welcome.

Thanks!

Both are good bikes. I looked very hard at the Husky a few months back as the price was hard to resist however as far as I know there is no larger tank available and from all reports the fuel range is only around 100 kms. Not enough for the high country so unless you like carrying fuel on your back you may need to look at something else.

Welcome to Amtra, both of the bikes you mention are very good bikes, i have a 2011 TE449 which has been the best bike i have ever owned! The power is very smooth and easy to use. The traction and drive these bikes get is amazing the coaxial traction system on these bike really works and if you ever spend any time on one you will know what i mean, it's like the rear end is glued to the ground. I've done 4000 gentle kilometers on mine, the throttle has never been past half way  ;D and the bike has been absolutely bullet proof! The only problem i've had with it is the battery died, which can happen to any bike.
Like Ian said the pricing of the Huskys is unbeatable and as far as extra fuel range goes, it depends on what type of riding you want to do, i get 120km out of mine and carrying a litre or two doesn't bother me at all, you just dump it in the bike as soon as it will fit or you can buy one of these larger fuel tanks.
http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/te449-511-big-tank-5-5-gal-coming-soon.30280/#post-275380

I think you will find there are a lot of differing opinions on what is best. The AMTRA family regularly has opinion pieces on what bikes are best and these are usually slanted in favour of their current ride. Some swear by the larger capacity bikes i.e 400+ and these certainly do the job with most of the high country riding. Add  to this that most will have "safari tanks" offered by various manufacturers to increase your ride distance capabilities. That said, if you intend to do a mix of single track, technical stuff and some distance then the 300 - 400cc bikes i.e the KTM or Husaberg & Husqvarna bikes should fit the bill. These are generally lighter and easier to ride, with sufficient go in most situations to keep up with the pack. Most also come with additional fuel capacity options. Best bet, go out and try a couple of different options in what you think fits you. If you find a group like AMTRA to ride with, you will probably be able to try multiple options on the same day. Most modern bikes can be customised to fit you and make "your" bike what you need it to be.

Husaberg Fe350 2013
When only the best will do.

No slant here, he asked a question about two bikes and wanted feedback from people that had experience about the bikes in question!
I own and regularly ride one of the bikes he asked about and gave him my honest opinion, i wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 449/511 to anyone that was looking for a big bore bike!
Because the big bore huskys are different to the norm they don't get the recognition they deserve, i usually change over my bikes every 12 months but this 449 that i've had for 2 years isnt going anywhere!

Ride as many as you can before you decide , you will know when you find it .... My last bike was a husky and the current one is a berg  , both great bikes for different reasons can't really say one was better than the other. Everyone says 4T but don't discount the 300 cc 2T smokers they are great bikes , fun to ride and cheep as @$€£ to maintain.

Budget is god but don't spend everything on the bike , their are must have items that you will need to buy if your gunna bush bash , radiator guards , bark busters , bash plate plus a decent toolkit and hydration pack , unlike MX , enduro / trail riding will take you to some remote places got to have a plan B so you can get back , 100k is a long way to walk in bike boots .

The only bike I reckon you my want to sty clear of are the boutique European brands like , Ossa , Beta , Sherco , great bikes but standard and aftermarket bts can be hard to get so your options get a little thin when you wanna modify , fix or update something .



Enjoy looking

Guys thanks very much for all the feedback, I really appreciate it. Any ideas where the best place is to ride a few bikes before making a decision? Are the retail ourlets happy to let you ride a few bikes? Do the manufactures ever hold testing days?

A friend of mine I was chatting to last night was a little worried the 511 or 449 would be too powerful for me and suggested looking at Husky 310. Any thoughts on that? I'm certainly no speed demon, I just want to get out in the bush and have some fun, but also conscious that being under powered could be as much of a problem as being over powered.

Thanks again!

The Daylesford kid L1 day could be an option as most of the bikes you are interested in should be there and you could talk to the owner at the same time
John T
 

I just upgraded my 2008 Yamaha WR450 to a Berg 350. The WR was great but the Berg is sensational after the 1st ride.

"See"  When only the Best will Do !!!

  ahuh ahuh ahuh

The 310 Huskys are a brilliant bike, i have one of them as well. They are very light, have exceptional handling and are definately not under powered!
Most if their power is in the bottom to mid range so they are very torquey motors. The 310 just won ADB magazine's bike of the year amongst some very stiff competition so that should give you some idea of how good the 310 is.
I should be at John T's ride day in Daylesford your welcome to have a ride of mine if you can get me off it! ;D

Again guys, thanks very much for all the help!

So I've done a lot of reading and looking today and I've added another option to the mix, the 2012 Husaberg FE390. There is one for private sale at the moment quite close to me, they are asking $9K and it has 1200Kms on the clock. I know that's quite a few clicks, and I can get a new (2012 plate) 390 for around $11K with full reg, so I'm tossing up whether it's worth saving the $2K for the risk of a second hand bike.

I looked at the Husky TE310 about 30 minutes ago and it looks very nice. For the MY12 it's about the $10K with full reg, so then the questions becomes do you spend the extra $1K and get the Husaberg?

This is all doing my head in, but MAN it's FUN!!!!

Remember to add the extras to the price. Like a previous post, all the extra gear for enduro riding. You gotta love it. Current ride Husky 510 and will never sell it. :)

Great point, thank you. Yep, I've got some separate funds set aside for all the essentials, and a few nice to have's as well. Wife doesn't need to know about that part however, let's just focus on the cost of the bike ;)

If that's the worst of your troubles, you're doing alright!

If you have narrowed it down to a Berg 390 or a Huski 310, you probably won't be disappointed with the outcome.

And when you're keeping funds aside for 'incidentals', don't forget $60 for AMTRA membership (if not already done). Cheap investment for the advise you've received!

Good luck with the decision.

I can't comment on the 390's as I've never ridden one, but people who have them love them, at 9k if its got all the good protective bits on it and its been well maintained then that could be a good option and 1200 k's is nothing, we did 660ks in one desert ride last year.
With the money saved by buying second hand you can have the suspension set up for you and a bit of a tidy up and a new set of tyres for not much over 10k, but there is nothing like a new bike and the Huskys come with a twelve month warranty

I too will be at daylesford ride day and I have a Berg 390 you could sample if you so wish. ;)
Only thing I,m worried about is you may not give it back ,cos its all that and more
Seano
PS.With a husky you will need a suspension job ,with the berg you wont,so make sure you add this to the equasion

I will also be at this ride and have a TE511 TE510 WR125 CR125 all Huskys, just got to get the kids off them if you want a try
John T
( Come on  Nath bring them out for a run ) 

No such thing as underpowered bikes these days. 250's in both 2 and 4 strokes have more power than any sane person needs. My XR200 keeps up with general trail traffic on level 2 rides.

Can't keep up with the power of the PE 2 fiddy!

I Reckon you Buy the Husky, then you will something to upgrade too  " The Berg's "

Tell me how I can connect 4 trailers to my car and I will have available for test rides a 67 cr250,a 71 400 cross, 78 cr250, 81 cr 250, 82 wr250, 82 XC 420 Auto, 2011 TE250, 2012 TE 310 and a 2011 449

I'm easily pleased, just give me the best of everything!

On a more serious note, saving a couple of thousand isn't the end of the world if the Berg is worth the extra, it's just the dilemma of deciding if indeed it is!

To everyone who has offered to let me have a ride on the Daylesford day, a HUGE thank you and I will definitely take you up on the kind offer. That is of course if the money doesn't burn a hole in my pocket and MAKES me buy something in the next couple of weeks :)

They do make tandam car trailer we just need one with bike rails and tie down points and your set Husky's as far as the eye can see it warms an old husky riders heart 

Just buy a truck!

That's interesting to know, thanks. Why will I need the suspension adjusted on the Husky? And what would that set me back?

Any bike will need the suspension set up for its pilot, if you're old fat and slow buy a berg and ride around on it and enjoy picking up 200 kg's when you drop it, or buy a Husky 310 and get a lean mean fighting machine that weighs the same as a 250 two stroke!!!

FALSE NATHEN!!!!  ;D

Husky TE310 108kg dry and tank holds 8.5 liters

KTM 250exc 101.9kg dry and the tank holds 9.5 liters

Also fours strokes naturally feel heavier when "throwing them around in tight bush due to the inertia  of the motor.

In saying all this, have you looked and the fantastic 2stroke enduro range  ;)

In truth I haven't looked at the 2 strokes at all. I don't know why as I always rode 2 strokes back in my MX days, but I was forever tearing it down, replacing this, reboring that, they were a lot more maintenance than the 4 strokes. Has that changed? I also like the idea of pulling up at the pump, filling the bike and riding away rather than worrying about ratios, but I could be convinced to look at 2 strokes if there is a good argument for doing so.

And just for the record:

Husaberg Dry Weight: 114Kgs (Plus 8.5 liters of fuel)
Husky Dry Weight: 108Kgs (Plus 8.5 liters of fuel)


And I'm not that fat ;D

Seano's Quote
PS.With a husky you will need a suspension job ,with the berg you wont,so make sure you add this to the equasion

You may reqiure springs as most bikes are setup for around 70 kg mark rider, then add gear and the like depends on your weight riding speed, and how you like your bike to feel
John T

Thanks John. I'd come in at around 85Kgs with full riding gear so I'll budget on a mod to the suspension setup. Is that likely to cost a few hundred bucks?

Just a quick note on suspension
A suspension job is only required after you have tried all the adjustments setting and still not happy  ( as you pay for them ) and fluids as this is quite easy and cheap to do

And the rear shock is not that bad to do either 

 As I am about replace my kids fork oil with a lighter grade as he is only 13 and his bike has a fork setup for jumping so I am not about to run off to the suspension guy just yet plus you may learn somthing in the process
John T

P.s
It still seems funny how a factory can spend millions on bike building to have some guy in a shed fix their suspension issues
you would think the fork manufacture  would employ these guys

All the advice on here about which bike to buy will drive you nuts as everyone has a different opinion, narrow it down to a couple of bikes YOU like, go and see them at the dearler, sit on them and go right over them and ask plenty of questions, then try and get a ride on them, a lot of dealers have demo bikes that you can take for a bit of a ride.
What you like the look of in the shop might feel uncomfortable for you when your actually riding it.
2 stroke or 4 stroke all modern bikes are very good, there has been a few 2t vs 4t comparisons in magazines lately and there is much difference between the two maintenance wise, but it seems to me that two strokes need to be re built more often than 4 strokes.
All bikes have their niggles and will need money spent on them, whatever you get i'm sure you'll be happy with and get heaps of pleasure riding the great trails victoria has to offer

If you are 85kg with gear and not riding like you stole it
it you should be fine.
 
If you find the suspension on the bike you  decide on too soft you could put a set springs in it
Then see how it feels I think 300.00 would cover it and oil for the forks if you choose 20 or 30 bucks
 

But I like them ALL  ;D


I'll definitely dig up that ADB article today and have a read.

I'll definitely dig up that ADB article today and have a read.
[/quote]







Awsome!
You'll be surprised at who comes out on top ;)

You also stated that you also want to ride the High Country. With this type of riding you will also need to consider the fuel range of the bike and if there is an after market long range tank available. Not many fuel stations in the high country and carrying fuel on your back can be a pain. It is not unusual to do a 200 km + ride in the high country. If you have a bike by then consider doing the HRC, this will give you a good taste of high country riding.     

 :D ;D :D ;D

Husky 2011 TE310 fuel range is 135klms in the dry with a fat bastard on da back.  :o

Is there any way to add a reserve tank to the 310 somewhere without replacing the original tank?

You could investigate a 'bum-tank'.  About 5 liters that sits on the rear fender.  They can be removed easily when not needed.  I used one on a cape York trip, and hardly even knew it was there!

Rest assured, come hell or high water I will have a bike, and I will be on that trip :) Just signed up for full membership last night, the cost is a steal for all the advice I've received, and I don't even have a bike yet!

Nomad Tanks Google it

Or do as i do. Ride with Al and his big tank, his always got spare fuel.

Ive had a 2012 Husky 310 for a few months now, which replaced a very love 2007 WR250. Im 75kg without my gear and found i needed suspension work done to make me feel at home. I am very picky in what i want a bike to do though. I got 150k pre riding for the HCR a couple weeks back by carring an extra litre in the morning, no signs of the fuel light on the way back. I do ride a lot and a lot and a lot of technical trails and still spun out by how quick it turns, power delivery and throttle response compair to a jap bike. Will admit though i still prefer the Wr on high speed trails. (and before anyone says something, yes im slow)
Al

Thanks, those look very well thought through. Can't see one specifically for the 310, would the 449 & 511 models suit?


Thanks for that. Do you prefer the WR on high speed trails as the 310 it too quick?

Seriouly, I'm now torn. I'm on a plane for a few hours tomorrow and will read the ADB 2T vs 4T article which may change things, but for now the choice is between a 12 month old Husaberg 390 with 1200Kms on the clock, or a brand new Husky 310. The 310 is around $1700 more but that's not much to pay for the peace of mind of a brand new bike. Then again there are some things I really like about the 390, and having a little extra power wouldn't hurt, even though I'm sure the 310 would be more than adaquate. This is hard stuff!

Hey Al, thats interesting about your bike. Is yours the US model or the other. Do you know what the difference is ? And if your reading this Seano, what is that web site with the cheap tires and cheap delivery ??

Stop asking and start riding its the only way to unravel the puzzle .... Whatever you buy you will get used to it and ultimately change it to suit you and your style ....  I have had a new husky and a used Berg told ya love them both after I set them up to suit me and my style or lack of ....  Lets face it none of us are pro riders so they are all good enough for what we are going to do with them so sometimes it is as simple as which one do you reckon looks the best RED or BLUE .... The quicker you stop thinking the sooner you can come riding with us .

Geez, I've only been thinking for 2 days, on a $10K plus purchase.

Ok now do research on the net to c if you can find suppliers of parts at reasonable cost as when you buy parts locally you pay thru the nose as compared to buying from the net. Perfect example I purchase Moto 2 stroke oil locally and costs $40 per litre I just imported 9 litres at a cost of less than $25 per litre. Doing this research may help your decision . I like KTMs cause there is an abundant amount of suppliers all round the world and the savings will add up. Huskys are very popular at the moment and the price and warranty seams to be the factor in most peoples decision , if you are worried about buying a second hand bike why not get a pre purchase inspection and report done on it. I hope this helps , good luck with your decision.

GJWS

I prefer the WR for high speed stuff due to the stability of the bike. The Husky moves around a lot more and is flighty in the front end, the pay off for turning quicker? (were i spend most of my time) And the micro motor gives the Husky a BMX feel to ride, just dont need to peddle. As for power the 310 has enough for me, although i never run out on the 250 Wr. Was told many times at the start of my rides, that i needed a bigger bike! But later in the day, i was sitting at the top of the hill and they wern't? Riding them is the best way, i had my heart set on a 390 Berg and was about to by one from a good mate. Only problem was he ran me after id spent a few hours on another mates 310, you can work out the rest. And one odd thing ive found about the Berg 390, 450 and 570 with their slanted engine, is you need to be more agressive when hopping logs to clear the extra space (that think would be good) to the bottom of the bash plate.
Al

Al, maybe the front end nervousness is a bike set up or riding style issue as my 310's front end is very stable at speed. You definately need to ride over the front of the bike on the husky more than the yamaha, also play with your fork height in the triple clamp, because they turn in so quick you could probably run the top of the forks flush with the triple clamp to gain extra stability at speed and not loose to much of the quick turning.

GJWS
Don't pay to much attention to Zebs post, he probably ment it as a joke, it's a big decision and a lot of money to spend and you want to be comfortable your making the right decision, ask as many questions as you want to and i'm sure someone here will be able to help you out, the last thing you want to do is drop 10k on a bike and then regret the decision you made because you rushed into buying a bike

Contact Mick via the Nomad Tank web site, he will soon let you know if they will fit a 310. I know that he has been talking to the husky dealer up here about changes to rear guards on the new models.

Al you wanted to fill my tank to the brim on the last ride to handicap me  ;)

Yep. need all the help i can get Al

Of course i was only joking , it took me 6 months from when i decided to take up riding again to when i dragged the husky home , then i jumped on it the first time and spent another 6 months wondering if i had actually made the right choice ....  why because the dam thing nearly ripped my arms out of my shoulder sockets until i learned what throttle control was , plus it needed to be ridden hard  for everything to work like it was supposed to - One word that comes to mind was " INTIMIDATED "  . after we got used to each other i was in love.

www.torpedo7.com.au/division/motocross/home.do

Lefty. Mines the OZ model as i need to have full reg for a lot of the multi day rides i do.
Al

For good priced tyres and reasonable delivery have a look at rocky mountain atv. They have a lot of other good stuff as well.

Yeh rocky mountains good as, i bought 3 fronts and 3 backs all bridgstones turned out to be $69 a tire to my door. i ordered with a mate. you order enough to get a good deal but not to much to pay excessive freight thats the trick

Around the $700 mark is the best to spend for delivery value

So have you bought a bike yet??

+1 on AL.C's comment...

Come-on "gjws", buy something, anything...
As long as it's got two wheels and an engine you'll be fine.

So I almost certainly plan on ordering a Husaberg 390 on Tuesday, unless something drastic happens over the long weekend and I fall in love with the KTM350. I am taking the KTM350 for a ride on Monday, up in Shepperton, just to help solidify the final decision on the 390.

I've been looking at the 2013 KTM350, and the 2012 Berg 390 in detail. The Berg is a little cheaper, and I was considering the resale element as well, but honestly I think I'll be keeping this bike for many years and given my laid back riding style I believe the 390 will suit me best.

Well that's sounding positive.

Sometimes it can be a relief when a decision is made.

Congratulations.

Well I finally did it! Put down a deposit today on a shiny new FE390, picking her up next week.  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Thanks again to everyone for your advice, it made the decision much easier.

I'm going to take next Thursday or Friday off and clock up a few KMS, now I just need to find someone that can take a day off late next week and come riding with me!

Where do you plan to ride ?

I haven't thought that far ahead :)

I live in Melbourne so anywhere within a couple of hours is fine with me. Open to any suggestions!

Congrats gjws, travel a bit further and hook up with a Wiggy 390 ride.

Wiggy is "Mr laid back" I'm sure you would enjoy.

Next friday is Good Friday ;D so nearly every one has the day off, should be no problem to find someone to ride with.

Good choice I was going to get that Berg 390 but dont have the coin yet

Husaberg " When only the Best will do "

I just bought one about 2 months ago and absolutley love it ,best bike I ever bought ,congrats and we ;D will have to do a spargo ride soon