510 or 610...

[Ninja Nate]

That is the question... Looking to get into the motard scene, sportbikes are not fun on the street anymore for me. Looking for a dual duty bike, I have narrowed it down to a Husky TE 510 or 610... Now I realize they are totally different animals, that's why i ask which would be better for my application. I will have a set of Supermoto wheels and tires and swap out as needed. As much as i would like to say it will be a 50/50 split between dirt and pavement, i'm quite sure I will do more commuting on it (as the Superduty only gets 17 mpg). They are both street legal and fuel injected so they are equal there.

Pros for 510: Power, lightweight, hydraulic clutch
Pros for 610: $500 cheaper, larger tank, more comfortable seat

Cons for 510: Uncomfortable seat, small tank
Cons for 610: Heavy (not sure how it will do in single track, though I am 6'2" 240 I should be able to handle it, no?), cable clutch

And I'm curious about the valve checks? Is the 610 as easy to do the valves as the 510? How often are vavle checks required on both? All help is appreciated

[RCStylin']

You didn't mention the oil changes on the 510 for every other time you ride it. The 610 is a street bike. The 510 is a race bike with lights. You'll want the 510 if you're on the track with the 610 and 450's are spanking you. You'll want the 610 if you're riding it on the street because the 510 will lack any street civility. If you're gonna race it, get the 510. If you're not, get the 610.

[Ninja Nate]

I would definitely take it to track days, though I will probably not get into racing.

[BigE]

RC pretty much hit it. The 510 is a race bike made street legal, the 610 is based on old-school thumper logic. This is kind of like an XR650R compared to a CRF450X...even though they're made by the same company they are designed for two different markets, i.e. trail/mellow vs. race bike with lights.

Sweet bikes at any rate!

[Ninja Nate]

I knew the 610 would have better street going ergo's but I didn't realize I would have to change the oil in a 510 every other ride... I guess that really makes the difference. I guess I should go looking for a 610

[krod]

I got a 2006 ktm 580 smr fer sale. I will make you a killer deal.

[Ninja Nate]

I got a 2006 ktm 580 smr fer sale. I will make you a killer deal.

Is it plated and street legal??

[Ninja Nate]

Well, I know its been a while...

But I brought home an 09 Husky TE510 that i am currently searching for a sumo wheel set. I'm totally stoked about this bike and will hopefully get some miles on her soon (want a wheelset by next weekend)

[Bueller]

I'd ride with you but not in the Springs