Cycle Torque test: 2002 Husqvarna TE570

Is Husqvarna's TE570 only for experts? Our editor jumped aboard the biggest, most powerful enduro bike he's ever ridden...	NORMALLY, you wouldn't catch me testing a bike such as a TE570. Big, fast and immensely powerful, I've always believed they were strictly a pro machine. While I really love riding in the bush, my road-riding background means I'm no expert. That's why I hired Miles Davis, Cycle Torque's chief dirt bike tester, but with him incapacitated due to an altercation with a car, he wouldn't be available for the 2002 TE test. Hans Apelgren, boss of Husky Imports, was keen for me to ride the TE570, because he wants to break the perception that the 570 is only for experts. "The TE's got heaps of grunt," he told me. "It's really easy to ride, you'll have lots of fun:"	Pulling Power Hans wasn't kidding. The TE570 pulls like the proverbial train from down low, has a mid-range owners of two-strokes would happily kill for and a top-end which I needed some really open country to explore. For 2002 the big motor is now fed by a MIKUNI TMR41 carb, and it does a great job. It does an excellent job, in fact, as you'd expect with the technology now available. Other mods include a new electrical system and an updated clutch. The big update which didn't come is electric start. There's no doubt KTM did the smart thing when it went electric a couple of years back on the 520 and 400EXC, a move which helped push the bigger version into Australia's top-seller charts.
The Husky, on the other hand, still has kick only, and it's on the left. I didn't have any trouble starting the TE570 - a firm boot had it firing up first time. Luckily the enormous grunt of the bike means I didn't stall it in any nasty spots; it roll starts easily too. The gearbox and clutch are gems. I never missed a shift, the lever action was precise and felt designed for dirt bike boots while the clutch was light yet offered good feel. For the less experienced - like me - the only thing I found intimidating was the throttle. This bike, being light and powerful with heaps of engine braking, demands good throttle control.
	Nicely Sprung The suspension is carried over from 2001, although there's a bigger front axle for increased stiffness. I was impressed by the suspension and steering. From my trail-riders perspective, the TE570 felt narrow and really easy to grip with the knees. The 'bars (alloy and adjustable for 2002) and footpegs are mounted in just	the right position and the seat didn't feel too bad for an enduro bike (not that I was sitting down too much...). The steering's been improved for 2002 via lower unsprung weight, thanks to changes to the spokes. Excel rims are standard. The TE570 impressed me with its ability to to provide a comfortable ride while still being able to take the bigger hits without upsetting the steering or stability. Unlike plenty of trail bikes I've ridden, I never felt the need to fight the TE - just point it in the direction you want to go, and twist the grip carefully! The brakes are awesome. Updated for 2002 with new pads and a short lever, there's superb control and heaps of power. This year's rear brake has smaller piston diameters than last years, to improve control, and a floating disc. I found it excellent.
Equipment New for 2002 is the seven function digital instruments - the display is a little small, but at least it's unlikely to get trashed in a crash, and it does provide a lot more information than the old analogue unit. The alloy subframe has been extended to eliminate the old `mudguard reinforcements', reducing weight at the back of the bike. Modifications Like most enduro machines, you can't leave a TE570 stock and expect it to perform off road - ADR compliance makes this impossible. For competition use, drill out the holes in the airbox cover with a holesaw (the spots are marked on the inside of the cover), fit the supplied smaller front sprocket and off you go. The stock exhaust, designed for both Australian and European conditions, is fine - changing it could actually reduce grunt.
	Conclusion My impression that the TE570 was for experts hasn't changed - good riders will have heaps of fun on this machine. After all, it just keeps winning titles, including the current A4DE and world championship. It's won the last 15 Aussie titles for it's class, so obviously in the hands of the right people it's very much a winner. However, unlike many competition machines, it doesn't demand an experts skill to be a great bike. The chassis, suspension and bottom-end power are all very forgiving, making even a trail rider like myself feel more confident. This is not a bike for the beginner, but if you think you're ready for some serious grunt and serious fun, the big Husky might just be the one. Miles Davis tested the 2001 TE570 in January 2001 - for a copy of that issue call (02) 9703 2262 Test and photography by Nigel Patterson This article appears in Newspaper, April 2002. Web modification by Glenn Alderton

CYCLE TORQUE QUICKTEST:2002 HUSQVARNA TE570