Husqvarna TE 310

The new Husqvarna TE 250 R and TE 310 R

For the 2013 model year (2012 race season), Husqvarna Motorcycles subjected both of its competition enduro machines to a thorough overhaul that centred on the liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine. For instance, the design of the cylinder head with its steel valves was carefully refined to up power and torque delivery, while a new electronic fuel injection system from Keihin provides an even better throttle response and rideability.

Weighing a mere 23 kilograms, the powerful single-cylinder four-stroke engine linked to a six-speed transmission continues to be one of the lightest power unit in the competitive field. The power output and torque curves highlight the major advances made in terms of engine performance on both of the new competition enduro models. The additional “R” in the model names is a further indication of the notable power increase.

Compared to their predecessors, there has been a substantial improvement in output and torque over the entire usable rev range on both the TE 250 R and the TE 310 R. Maximum output on the TE 310 R has been boosted by nearly 5 per cent and peak torque by around 8 per cent, while riders of the new TE 250 R will benefit from an increase of around 8 per cent in both figures. Apart from the redesigned cylinder head and the new fuel injection system, this extra power can also be attributed to the manifold’s new layout.

Like all Husqvarna off-road models, the new TE 250 R and TE 310 R also employ a torsionally rigid steel frame consisting of round, oval and rectangular tubing. To improve structural rigidity, the frame is additionally reinforced around the steering head with 25CrMo4 chromoly steel plates. The task of front wheel location is performed by an upside-down fork from Kayaba with 48-millimetre stanchion tubes and adjustable compression and rebound.

And at the rear, a Kayaba central spring strut with linkage system handles wheel suspension and damping. Besides adjustment of the preload, the spring strut also allows compression and rebound to be set for varying speeds so that the set-up can be fine-tuned for specific route and rider requirements.

The new TE 250 R and TE 310 R are supplied as standard with street-homologated engine maps. For competition purposes, two further engine set-ups are available (as accessories) for power delivery that is either gentle and progressive or spontaneous and aggressive. A switch (accessory) on the left handlebar allows for quick and convenient selection of the various maps.


The new fuel injection system has done away with the need for the hot-start device fitted previously, and the new magnetic oil drain plug on the engine housing has been designed to catch metallic debris. A warning lamp for the fuel injection as well as a separate operating hours counter for the engine have been added to the dash. The switch clusters on the handlebars have also been modified with a view to further improving everyday practicality.

The only button to be found on the right handlebar now is the one for operating the electric starter, while the switch cluster on the left has been made smaller and more compact. All switches and connectors are protected against the ingress of water.

The list of new features also includes a handlebar pad for effective protection of the rider in the event of a collision, as well as black handlebar grips that are already bonded to the handlebar to prevent any undesirable twisting. Redesigned rear-view mirrors afford an improved view of what’s going on behind. All new models, furthermore, come with more durable decals on the rear bodywork as well as new in-mould graphics on the sides.

The ignition switch has been completely eliminated on the new models as well. Reinforced, more robust radiators have been fitted to better cope with the demands of riding in tough off-road terrain, while a capacitor enables the engine to operate even if the battery develops a fault.

For the North American market, the new TE 310 R also comes with DOT-approved, street-legal tyres and specially equipped with competition tyres and an activated charcoal filter system that has been repositioned on the side of the engine in accordance with homologation requirements.

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