Introduced to be ridden across the North America terrain, both these completely new models use a unique recipe that implies taking the best of both motocross and off road worlds. As a result, the TXC 450 and TXC 510 come fitted with a TC motocross engine offering better grunt and a better suited powerband, but with the convenience of an E-starter and the benefits of a six-speed transmission.

2008 Husqvarna TXC 450 and TXC 510

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2008 Husqvarna TXC 450 and TXC 510
  • Engine/Motor: Four-stroke, four valves, DOHC, Liquid Cooled Single
  • Transmission: 6 gears
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


By offering the TXC line of cross-country motorcycles, with the 450cc and 510cc models in the lead, Husqvarna addresses to every single motocross and off-road riding addict and even manages to satisfy both of their riding requirements, positioning these two models in a class considered to be their own.

Fun comes from both ways in this case as the manufacturer offers virtually the same motorcycle, but fitted with engines displacing 449cc and 510cc while the engine type (four-stroke, four-valves, DOHC, Liquid Cooled Single) remains the same.

So you will be revving high a motocross engine started with the push of a button or by kick (either way is ok with these models), but when the situation requires, the sixth gear will definitely come in handy. Uniqueness is the key when building motorcycles these days, and Husqvarna surely knows that! The proof is right here.

Competition


But no bike’s name would be on everyone’s lips without mentioning the fierce competition that determined the manufacturer to make this move in the first place.

In this case, the closest bikes to the TXC 450 and TXC 510 are coming from Austria and are known as the KTM 450 XC-F and 505 XC-F. The two KTM models feature completely new engines and trend-setting chassis so that the benchmark will be raised from the start.

Getting a feel of the 449.30cc or 477.52cc single cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC, four-valves engine will radically make you change your opinion on dirt bikes, but Husqvarna’s DOHC engines clearly look like a big step further. Comparing the two manufacturer’s models will get you very interested on either one or the other as you approach the bikes so you will have a hard time choosing one.

Both engines are fed through Keihin FCR carburetors only that KTM offers a 39mm unit while Husqvarna gets things right with a 41mm carburetor. Also very similar are the braking systems that equip the two (actually, let’s make that four as each model competes with the one corresponding to it based on displacement criterions) motorcycles. You will find both front (260mm disc, no matter builder or model) and rear (220mm on KTM models and 240mm on Husqvarna models) Brembo braking systems on all four competing models.

Versatility comes included in every single package as the chassis are key features and were designed ingeniously for top notch performance on any kind of terrain. So what bike should you go for? Is the one better that the other? I couldn’t say so and in fact I don’t even believe it, but I do know that the Husqvarna TXC 450 weighs 229lbs and the KTM 450 XC-F 238.76lbs. Their bigger brothers, the Husqvarna TXC 510 and the KTM 505 XC-F are also a bit reflective as the first weighs 231.5lbs while the second, 238.76lbs.

Exterior


Have it positioned on the motocross track or on your favorite trail and it will look well at home. What Husqvarna intended with the character of this bike also reflects on the way it looks and the reason why I am not using plural is because you will make no difference between the two.

Like on all dirt bikes, only the TXC’s higher half is covered in plastics and gives the bike its aggressive look. The elements which do so are the front fender, the front number plate, side panels and the rear fender.

Also important for distinguishing the bike and for a more appealing look is the color combination chosen. In this case it is all about Red, White and Black.

Underneath the mighty four-stroke engine, the white protective shield gives a clue of what kind of terrain this thing will explore, and we’re not talking about some improvised bumps in the back yard, but serious stuff like rocks, rivers, steep hills.

Husqvarna owners will definitely enjoy showing off and with a stylish looking new motorcycle, they will succeed doing so with great ease.

Price


Husqvarna sells the TXC 450 for and MSRP of $7,198 and the TXC 510 for no more or less than $7,498. Compared with the competition (KTM 450 XC-F is $7,948 and the XC-F 505 $8,248), the Husqvarna is clearly one extremely worth bang.

Conclusion


Having sorted out all the problems that intervene when creating both an impressive track machine and a cross-country bike, Husqvarna manages to gain notoriety in the North America market, exactly as planned.

Successfully reaching their goals, these two models clearly put an end to any form of competition with their suggested retail prices so a final marketing goal was now reached.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission


Displacement: 449cc; 510cc on the TXC 510

Type: four-stroke, four valves, DOHC, Liquid Cooled Single

Bore x Stroke: 97 x 60.76mm; 97 x 67.8mm on the TXC 510

Compression Ratio: 12,9:1

Carburetion: 41mm Keihin FCR

Starting: Electric and kick start (with automatic decompressor)

Lubrication: Dry sump with two oil pump rotor and cartridge filter

Ignition: C.D.I. electronic, with variable advance (digital control)

Clutch / Transmission: Wet / Multiplate / 6-speed

Internal Ratios:

1st: 2,000 (28/14)

2nd: 1,611 (29/18

3rd: 1,333 (24/18)

4th: 1,086 (25/23)

5th: 0,920 (23/25)

6th: 0,814 (22/27)

Chassis and Dimensions


Frame: Steel single tube cradle (round, rectangular and ellipsoidal tubes); rear frame in light alloy.

Front Suspension: 50mm Marzocchi “Upside-Down” telescopic hydraulic fork with advanced axle; compression and rebound stroke adjustment

Rear Suspension: Progressive “Soft Damp” type with single hydraulic shock absorber; spring preload adjustment, compression and rebound adjustment (compression stroke; double adjustment). Sachs shock absorber with 296mm wheel travel.

Front Brake: 260mm “Brembo”, fixed disc type with hydraulic control and floating caliper

Rear Brake: 240mm “Brembo”, floating disc type with hydraulic control and floating caliper

Front Rim Size: 1,60”x21”

Rear Rim Size: 2,15”x18”

Front Tire Size: 90/90-21”

Rear Tire Size: 140/80-18”

Wheelbase: 1495mm (58.86 in)

Overall length: 2195mm (86.42in)

Overall width: 820mm (32.28in)

Overall height: 1285mm (50.59in)

Seat height: 963mm (37.91in)

Ground clearance: 300mm (11.81in)

Trail: 104,2mm (4.10in)

Dry Weight: 229lbs; 231.5lbs on the TXC 510

Fuel Tank Capacity: 7,2 litres (1.9 gallons)