Husky's new breed: TE449/511 and TC449

Husqvarna has swooped, unveiling three completely new dirt bikes which it hopes will give it a massive shot in the arm for the 2011 model year.

The new range constitutes a two 449cc bikes - the TE enduro and TC motocrosser - as well as the big-bore TE511 enduro, with all three powered by fuel injected four-valve DOHC engines. The trio also feature one-piece side panels, a BMW-like coaxial drive system (but a more advanced design), underseat fuel tanks, Brembo brakes and Kayaba suspension.

The range will be available in Australia closer to the end of the year, with pricing still to be announced.

The single-piece side panel runs from where traditionally the fuel tank would be, all the way back to the rear mudguard, allowing unrestricted movement. The new design also allows easy access to the air filter, rear shock and throttle body.

Mass centralisation - keeping the weight of the bike concentrated as close as possible to the centre of gravity - is a standard design refrain these days, and the BMW-owned Husqvarna is continuing the theme, with its Coaxial Traction System (CST) at the heart of the concept.

According to Husky, this latest CTS represents an evolution compared to the one adopted on the BMW G 450 X. That bike uses a single swingarm pivot spindle, while the new Husqvarnas now have two independent semi spindles which are claimed to reduce the stress on the swingarm.

CTS eliminates the variation in the length of the chain during rear suspension movement, minimising the effect of the final drive on the bike's handling. This has allowed Husqvarna to produce a longer swingarm, while maintaining a similar wheelbase to its competitors.

The engine has now been tilted forward in the new chassis layout, similar to the 450 X, allowing for a straight intake path, and the airbox is located above the engine at the same height as the steering column.

The two-part fuel storage design provides a total of 8.5lt: 6.5 in the main under seat tank and 2lt in a low-mounted pump housing.

The TE 449/511 bikes come with two exhaust silencers: the Euro 3 compliant silencer fitted as standard, and a steel Akrapovic Racing exhaust.

The enduro bikes have a six-speed transmission, and the TC449 has five ratios. There are hydraulic clutches all-round, as well as perimeter steel chassis.

The rear Kayaba suspension features a new linkage mounted on top of the alloy swingarm, which Husqvarna says offers many advantages: It increases the ground clearance, improves general reliability thanks to the reduced exposure of the components, and makes maintenance easier.

The TC449 stands out not only for the normal MX chassis changes (no lights, 19-inch rear wheel, etc) but the engine, which has been specifically tuned for motocross use.

The timing and camshaft profiles are completely different, as is the compression ratio which has increased to 13:1 instead of 12:1 in the enduro version. The electronic injection system still uses a 46mm Keihin throttle body, but is fitted with a single flap instead of the enduro twin flap version to provide a sharper, more aggressive throttle response.

Additionally, the TC449 is fitted with a dual mode switch on the handlebars, which allows access to two different fuel injection / ignition timing maps to provide a softer power delivery for low traction conditions.