2011 Husqvarna TC449
While the fenders are particularly angular, the radiator shrouds and side panels are one continuous piece on each side, and totally smooth.
Husky fans seeking more motocross riding than enduro will like what's offered in the Husqvarna TC449 for 2011. This bike is based on the Enduro models (TE551 / TE449), but has a specially tuned engine for more track performance, and a 19-inch rear wheel over the standard 18-inch one found on the enduro models.
The electronic injection system still uses a 46mm Keihin throttle body but is fitted with a single flap instead of the Enduro twin flap version to provide a sharper, more aggressive throttle response. Additional features include multiple-adjustable suspension components from Kayaba, a five-speed transmission with specific ratios for MX riding, and a titanium exhaust system developed by Akrapovic.
The advantages of the CTS system compared to the traditional systems are huge. The tension of the chain remains constant regardless of the swing arm position, while the chain and sprockets benefit from reduced wear. The result is better traction during acceleration and surer, more confident gear changes.
However for next year, Husqvarna has put a lot of effort into its TC 449, yesterday launching the model on a sweet little track on private property in Braidwood, New South Wales.
Power
With an engine clearly using technology featured on BMW’s G 450 X enduro model (the German company acquiring Husky in 2007), Husqvarna fans have a lot to be excited about for 2011.
The motocross version stands out not only for the normal motocross chassis changes that we’ll get to in a moment, but above all for the engine which has been specifically tuned for motocross use, delivering significantly more power than the Enduro version – said to be eight percent more.
The electronic injection system still uses a 46mm Keihin throttle body but is fitted with a single flap instead of the enduro’s twin flap version to provide a sharper, more aggressive throttle response.
Additionally, the Husqvarna TC449 is fitted with a dual mode switch on the handlebars, which allows access to two different fuel injection/ignition timing maps to provide a softer power delivery for low traction conditions.
Even on a short track in wet conditions – albeit still quite grippy in some sections – the engine and gear ratio seemed a little short, so I’d be looking at taller gearing if I owned one.
When the motor does reach the higher end of the rpm range, vibrations are particularly fierce, if not anywhere near as noticeable when compared with the previous model.
The engine is a good thing though, and the two engine maps are noticeably different. Husqvarna is known for littering its bikes with first class components and 2011 isn’t any different as it features Kayaba suspension front and rear for the first time, Brembo brakes with waved Braking discs, plus trick black Excel rims.
For the front brake, there is a Brembo system with floating caliper and 260 mm wave rotor, while the rear brake consists of a floating calliper operating on a 240mm rotor.
The clutch lever is also adjustable, which is another positive.
The suspension is entrusted in full to the specialists of Kayaba, with 48mm forks, adjustable for compression and rebound damping and a Kayaba rear shock absorber.
A real refinement in the field of chassis design and exclusive to the TE/TC 449/511 range is the CTS (Coaxial Traction System). The tension of the chain remains constant regardless of the swing arm position, while the chain and sprockets benefit from reduced wear.
The result is better traction during acceleration and surer, more confident gear changes. The ergos are superb, handling character easy to adapt to, and its jumping ability far exceeds last year’s model.