What I don't like about the Husqvarna 450 amounts to three points: It is too loud when set up for dirt, it is 10 pounds too heavy and I rode the 510. The Husky is a solid-feeling and performing mount with one of the best seats going. It comes with good equipment, and of course there is that wonderful license plate. The engine has very good power right off idle, and it runs well on top, but it is a little sluggish through the middle. While making that power it also generates a bit more vibration than I'd like, but not enough to give the bike a black eye. I got a short ride on the 510, though, and it gave its little brother two shiners. The 510 engine does vibrate as well, but it has all goodness in terms of power output and delivery. I like the Husky 450, but my money would go for the 510.?
Karel Kramer / 6'1" / 225 lb. / 6'1"/ B rider
For me the Husky is very stable at speed. It sort of reminded me of the stability of the old Swedish Huskys, but without the long awkward feeling they had. It pulls straight in whoops and feels safe in a fast sand wash. It doesn't turn as quick or feel as light steering as the Husaberg or the KTM, but it feels solid and planted in front. The engine is smooth and has good mid and high-rpm pull. I really like how closely spaced the six-speed is. It pulls from gear to gear well. The controls feel natural and not at all foreign like past European bikes. Considering this bike is actually street legal, it is a comfortable and impressive package.
Raymond Waters / 175 lb. / 5' 10" / Former desert expert
I don't like big heavy bikes but I got along really well on this Husky. It feels tall and heavy in the pits, but once going it hid its weight and height well. In fact, it felt long and low, and gave me confidence. I'm one of those off-road riders that doesn't blaze over unfamiliar trails, so when I'm trying to keep up with a group of faster riders I want I bike I feel is controllable and that isn't going to do anything funny. I found that with this bike. And when we formed a trial loop and I could 'moto' the bike, it felt great. My initial twenty minutes on the bike had me feeling the front was 'awkward' and washing out, but then somehow I got used to it and every other bike I jumped on felt awkward. The power on this bike, where I live down low in the rpm, was fine. People were complaining about excess vibration but I didn't find that. On top of all this, the thing is plush and comfortable for long rides. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I made friends with this bike and wouldn't hesitate to grab it for future trail rides, unless it was going to be a slow technical grind where the Husky's 'Husky' weight would become a factor.
Pete Peterson / 5'10" / 160 lb. / C trail rider
Getting to your local riding...
Getting to your local riding spot is a blast with a street-legal dirt bike.
If ease-of-use were the only...
If ease-of-use were the only criteria for testing the Husqvarna TE450 would always score high marks. It's chuggy, mellow power harkens back to an era of thumpers that pre-date the modern MX machines. Add in a comfy seat and spread out ergonomics and you have a versatile package big and tall guys love.
Want to stand out in a crowd...
Want to stand out in a crowd of Aluminum look-alikes?