These web pages are all about the Husqvarna 2008 TE610. Some of the information presented will apply to other models also, but that is not intentional. I am not concerned with other models.

I bought my Husqvarna 2008 TE610 in March 2008. Before buying, I did a lot of research on the web, looking at what was available in this size and class of moto. Once I decided on the Husky TE610, I searched for information about maintenance, modifications, hop-ups, rider experiences, etc. Several motorcycle forums had Husky information, but there was very little specific to the TE610. I decided to collect what I could find, add to it where I could, and make a TE610 web page. One thing I want to make clear is that this page is for the '08 TE610, not previous year models. There is very little detailed knowledge about this specific model, and I intend to spend considerable time and effort to get as much information as I can and present it on this page. I don't think this will ever be as extensive as my CRF web pages, but you never know how things may turn out.

I'll begin with the test ride. I arranged a test ride at Northern Colorado BMW/Ducati in Loveland, CO, on a Saturday in early March. Loveland is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Salida, and I was ready to ride by the time I got to the shop. The only problem was the seat was too high for me. I'm about 5'5" and have short legs, so I had to use the curb as a cheater. Once I clicked the TE into gear and rolled off, I was ok. Twisting the throttle briskly and keeping an eye on the tach, I rowed the gears to 6th. Wow, this thing was fast. I looked at the speedo and saw 60! The TE was smooth shifting, and the engine pulled effortlessly through the gears, then loafed along smoothly while I cruised. I was reluctant to take it into the dirt because I would be unable to put a foot down, if necessary, but I finally did a short detour off-road with no problems. Back on the road, I cruised. I rode around for 20 minutes or so and enjoyed the ride.

After the test ride, I drove back to Salida and thought about what I should do. The suspension would have to be lowered, and I could see that some of the standard equipment might have to be modified or replaced, like that huge taillight assembly. Nevertheless, I decided that the TE was what I was looking for: a powerful, not too heavy, dual-sport moto that had some eye appeal. It has a closed-loop fuel injection, six-speed tranny, single overhead cam with screw adjusters for setting valve clearance (no bucket and shims), and, except for the FI, it's not a first year effort.

The TE arrived at the dealers on March 13, and I picked it up on March 15. The saga begins.