Husqvarna TE450E
The Ghost Of XR
This Husqvarna is overshadowed by the more race-oriented bikes in this shootout, but there's a lot to be said for Husky's take on the 450. With an emphasis on comfort and stability over precise control and agility, the Husky is a perfect bike for the rider who misses the friendly nature of the now-extinct Honda XR400, wants a fully modern ride with fuel injection and good suspension and always longed for a license plate. Big Red gave up on the fun trailbike, so little red stepped in. If you're chasing smiles more than trophies, this is one exotic you might find very easy to live with.
The Facts
* The Husqvarna gives a long and low sensation, almost a "Euro feel" to the handling but with very standard (Japanese-bike-like) ergonomics. The slower steering and planted ride take a short bit to get used to, but once familiar the bike has a very friendly feel to its handling that will have you looking for corners and zigzagging through trees even when there's a go-straight option.
* The suspension is on the softer side. Lighter and less aggressive riders will get along great here; heavier or faster guys will need some new springs. The action is always plush, especially considering that this is the heaviest bike in our shootout.
* The motor is pleasant, which is high insult in racing circles. This is not a fire-breathing 450. It can't match the response of the other bikes in this test, but it makes that 450cc of ponies relatively easy to corral. Slower to rev, not snappy but happy to grab traction when others are spinning make it easier to control.
* Our Husky came corked up for sound with an air filter cage of solid plastic with a small air channel that forced incoming air through two sharp, right angles. The optional filter cage is a must for stronger power. The optional Arrow muffler added more noise than power; we went back to stock but with the catalyst removed, yet it was still loud. Especially to the sound meter. We did plug the oxygen sensor and, in doing so, activated a "racier" map in the ECU with a jumper wire. With it geared to the moon, you need to add a few teeth to the rear sprocket for anything technical, but then the close-ratio gearbox does not have the legs of the other bikes.
* This bike vibrates. The majority of riders found this annoying.
* If you were riding big bikes in the early '80s, getting back on a Husqvarna presents its own thrill. And if you've been riding that long, maybe you're wise enough to see the charms of this bike.
The Verdict
For the majority of trail riding most guys do, this is a great machine. Why punish yourself with race bike edge when you can likely have more fun, for longer, on this bike? Plus, the Husky has a license plate and the "I can save money on gas riding it to work" justification to get the wife to give the green light to buy. Yes, you read the shootouts, but do you have the final say on what you purchase?
Kawasaki KLX450R
Teddy Bear
A relatively new entrant to the 450cc off-road market, Kawasaki's KLX450R has steadily placed itself as a legitimate contender in its class. Having been raced everywhere from the wide-open deserts of the Hare & Hound series to the technical arena-based EnduroCross courses, the smooth, steady KLX has proven that it belongs. Yet we've always favored it as our trail riding buddy.
The Facts
* If you want smooth, strong power, the KLX450 is where it's at. Plenty of low-to-mid torque and perfect gearing characterize this bike's long-pulling powerplant, and the stock jetting gives the machine a comparatively uncorked feeling in relation to others in its segment. While it doesn't have the best off-idle snap and can be extremely cold-blooded when starting, the KLX450R's motor is still more than capable off-road. The Leo Vince exhaust we ran loses some pounds and helps the power considerably.