Hi folks - I have had some experience of XRL, Dommie and F650 travels (Dommie and XRL joint top, for very different reasons). I have been thinking about a new bike, and recently came across someone selling new Husqvarna TE610 enduro bikes for £3500, with manufacturer warranty and so on.

A few years ago I knew a guy who ran the Husky dealer in London and so I 'test' rode almost every model. I thought the TE series, the 610 in particular, were awesome bikes. I was wondering, despite the shortish service intervals, if they would be a good mid-range desert bike. I'm not talking RTW, more of a skirmish into Alg, Maroc and Tunis.

Issues I can see are the servicing (mostly just oil and filters, although some reports of fragile cam-chains) and the lightweight subframe. No reason the sbframe couldn't be braced or even re-made in cro-moly by a decent fabricator. The suspension is brilliant, pretty stiff and long-travel as standard. Probably no issues with poor fuel and I *thik* you can get a big tank...

So for £3500, can you go wrong? Anyone got any experiences to share?

PS > My travel website's gone offline because the hosting company went bankrupt without telling me. Not sure when I'll get the backup online with some different hosting....

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I don't own a TE610 but I would certainly consider buying one next time I'm in the market for a new travel dirt bike, based on the rave reviews this bike is getting from owners in various forums.

I've been riding the entire length of Baja twice with a few buddies and one was on a TE610 (the rest of us on XR650R and KTM's). The TE610 was the only bike which, apart from an oil change and air filter, didn't require any maintenance/interventions at all! I admit I was very impressed by the performance and reliability of the TE610.

The owner also rode it down into the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua after attending the HU meeting. In addition to the three Mexico trips, the same TE610 has also ridden off-road across a good part of the TAT (Trans America Trail, 3,500 miles from Tennessee to Oregon!)) without any problems (apart from a dead battery). Check out the following ride report:


BigDog & Gaspipe Do The TransAm Trail West
BigDog & Gaspipe Do The TransAm Trail West - ADVrider

Lots of info on the TE610 in the following threads:

Husqvarna TE-610 Owners Sign In Thread
Husqvarna TE-610 Owners Sign In Thread. - ADVrider

'G650XChallenge vs TE610' thread:
G650X Vs TE610 - ADVrider

From the reviews of actual owners, it appears to be a very reliable bike. It will require a bigger tank (now available from IMS) for trips into North Africa, unless you want to carry a cannister.

Hopefully this info is of any help in making up your mind. IMO, the TE610 would make the perfect choice for a romp into Nth. Africa. If you do set off on a TE610, I hope you post a ride report on HU.

Cheers!