2010 Husky TC450 lobs

The first shipment of 2010 model Husqvarna TC 450 Motocross bikes has arrived in Australia, giving locals a chance to rip it up on the Husky.

At present numbers are "very limited" to use Husqvarna's words, so if you want to be among the first in Australia to get one (rather than wait for the next shipment in September) you'll probably want to stop reading this and head to your dealer.

Pricing for the TC 450 is set at $11,995 (price guide).

With a reduction in weight, improvements in performance and handling, plus tweaks to increase reliability, the 2010 model TC 450 is shaping up to be a very handy piece of kit.

Husqvarna says that it's techno boffins have worked their magic on all 4-stroke Motocross models for 2010, and that the 2010 Enduro range should arrive here in October if the stars align correctly.

Getting back to the 2010 Husqvarna TC 450, and it benefits from some fresh gear including new Kayaba upside down forks with AOS and Kashima coat treatment which is claimed to increase the "effectiveness of the system" and make "the forks operate more smoothly".

New fork triple clamps have been added, not to mention a 15mm shorter swing arm which should make the bike a touch more nimble.

Other tweaks include frame reinforcements, a new rear brake disc, upgraded radiator connectors and coolant hoses and a new high performance water pump that is designed to deliver better thermal dynamics for the engine.

Visually, the TC 450 has a new look with redone plastics that are "more flexible and stronger so as to avoid damage". Or so says Husqvarna. The graphics have also been refreshed and are affixed using the IPD or in-mould plastic decoration technique.

As the new 2010 start arriving, Husqvarna has decided to extend its cleverly worded "09 Model Madness" sale promotion till 31 July 2009 with reductions on the sticker prices of models like TE 250/450/510 and WR 250/300.