2013 Husky TE310R - How much of a gamble

Floored

Floored

Active member
So, I've discovered a cheap 2013 TE310R for sale, and while it sounds great, would you get a bike that was only built for one year, and then the company changed ownership and direction?
To be fair, the technology of the bike has been produced for 2 years (the "Red Head" was on the 2012 TXC, and the frame and suspension is mostly unchanged apart from a little stregthening), but still.
 
M

mike_123

Member
Ive got the 2013 449
love the bike
maintenance parts are available online or a few of the dealers locally

if it's cheap enough I wouldn't hesitate
 
C

cactusreid

Active member
4 day's and only one sorta thumbs up? With conditions no less? HHUUMMMMM?
Husky has suffered lots of growing/survival pains over the last number of years. I think a lot of folks think the jury is still undecided as to how they will do,going forward.
 
tomcycle

tomcycle

Past President DSBC 2004 -2018
Staff member
I had some 400+ hours on my 310 before one of the shim buckets started seizing. Head is now getting a rebuild. Why did the shim bucket seize? Im no engineer but the first year of the 310 used a shim on bucket design without the rocker arm, which means the cam will swipe across the shim. I understand only the first year used this design and then they moved to the tried and true design and added the rocker arm.

Now I have not babied my bike, its done everything from long distance adventuring to countless hours on single track trail here on the wet coast. The bike always carried my fat carcass (250lbs no gear) up every hill without complaint. Many times using the rev limiter to control the rpm.

The bike now sits at the shop waiting for some parts and I look forward to riding it again soon. for the mean time I am riding my Husky TXC450 before bmw and I am loving it, this engine also has over 400 hours only thing this bike handle like a freight train compared to the 310

Depending on what you call cheap but I would not think twice about buying another 310

maybe you could send me the link?

Tom
 
kenf

kenf

New member
I second Tom's comments. My 2011 TE310 doesn't have quite as many hours on it, but I estimate over 10k and 300hrs (I can only guess because the instruments were sheared off a few years ago when the bike was cartwheeling down some rocks at mcnutt :) and it's stood up just great. Some starter motor issues in the last 6 months, but it kick starts more easily and reliably than any other bike I've owned so I don't really care. I've never had any problems getting parts quickly and at reasonable prices from the US (Hall's Cycle in Illinois appears to stock every part ever made for the TE), only the shipping has been godawfully expensive.

For the right price, I'd buy another one.
 
C

cactusreid

Active member
"The bike sits at the shop,waiting for parts"
some things never seem to change, that is exactly why I off-ed my last and first husky- darny. I see the supply chain for parts is still running just about the same speed,slow. Not an insult, just the facts as I see them. don't get me wrong, I really do love the orphans- I'm on my 3rd ec300 GasGas!
But you have got to be prepared,if your going to have one of these fringe rides in your stable, it never hurts to have another scoot (right Tom),in your stable,that you can ride in a pinch if your waiting for parts for the orphan.
I just don't ever see myself having one of the fringe bikes, as my one and only ride. Riding seson is short enough,as it is without having to deal with parts availablibilty issuse's mid season.
so there, that's my 2 cent's worth, which is now worthless,as it's closer to zero, than it is a nickle!
 
tomcycle

tomcycle

Past President DSBC 2004 -2018
Staff member
Yup, better take two if you are going to do lots of riding, with an orphaned bastard child. Two will bring you twice the smiles as well.
 
Floored

Floored

Active member
Well, there's 8 bikes in the shed, and I'd get rid of one to get the other, so I guess I'll be ok if I have to wait for parts. The 310 would be to round out the stable for the family, and I'd keep it insured instead of the 450exc because of the cheaper insurance. Although, I may put a trials tire on it instead, and use it at the VMC while the 3 trials bikes gets used by the rest of the family. Not sure why, but I'm thinking I'd prefer the 310 on the trials property.
Anyway, if I do it, I'll let you know.
Cheers, and thanks for the input.
 
C

cactusreid

Active member
I also read on the gasser forum, that this was a business ploy, to speed up financial restructuring one way or the other. It does not sound like the end of gasgas according to the people that know about these things. Kinda like these telecom giants buying out a competitor, that has just lost billions of dollars for the last 3 years running? Me, i would just wait around , and pick up the good bits,when all the dust settles.

Gasser makes good bikes, i hope they stay in the mix for years to come.
 
Cultusking

Cultusking

New member
The new Husqvarna bikes do have horrible seat covers. Very plastic. I changed mine to a ribbed gripper cover and the foam was fine. Fortunate the new husqvarna are basically a KTM so just shop ktm and parts are easy and cheap
 
S

Shuswap

Member
Floored said:
Bummer, that really sucks! Guess I should consider upgrading our TXT125 to a Monty sooner, not later.
Too bad, I really like the Gassers, and Dave the distributor.
Click to expand...

It really means little, so many 're-structurings' and other jingo-isms that it wouldn't stop me from buying if I was in the market. The aftermarket usually steps in to help anytime a 'void' appears.
 
Floored

Floored

Active member
Turns out there are 6 of the 310s available. At $5,999 they seem like a good deal, but...........no warranty.
 
S

Shuswap

Member
The best thing about 'no warranty' is that I KNOW who will be doing the fixin.....and I don't have to stress and quarrel with a dealer/manufacturer to get them to do what they should be doing.
 
Floored

Floored

Active member
Shuswap said:
The best thing about 'no warranty' is that I KNOW who will be doing the fixin.....and I don't have to stress and quarrel with a dealer/manufacturer to get them to do what they should be doing.
Click to expand...
Except the primary issues seem to need new ECUs and/or flashing, and trying multiple maps. And considering that even the dealer is having to send out for these......sounds like more work/pain than I want.
 
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