Husqvarna TE 300 TPI [2018-2019]: The Ultimate Enduro Weapon Revisited
Introduction
The Husqvarna TE 300 TPI (Transfer Port Injection) represents a pivotal moment in off-road motorcycling history. Released for the 2018-2019 model years, this bike merged the raw, adrenaline-pumping character of a two-stroke engine with cutting-edge fuel injection technology. Designed for extreme Enduro riders who demand relentless performance in brutal terrain, the TE 300 TPI isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a survival tool for the wilderness. After spending days thrashing this machine through rocky riverbeds, root-infested forests, and steep mountain trails, it’s clear why this generation remains legendary among hardcore off-road enthusiasts.
Engine & Performance: Two-Stroke Revolution
The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the TE 300 TPI lies a 293.2cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine. What sets this apart from traditional two-strokes is the TPI system, which eliminates carburetion in favor of direct fuel injection into the transfer ports. The result? A cleaner burn, reduced spooge, and consistent fueling whether you’re crawling at idle or screaming at wide-open throttle.
The power delivery is nothing short of magical. With 54 hp on tap (claimed), the engine builds torque linearly from basement-low RPMs. There’s no sudden hit – just a tidal wave of tractable power that lets you loft the front wheel over logs with a subtle blip of the throttle. Riders used to carbureted two-strokes will appreciate the lack of jetting headaches; the TPI system auto-adjusts for altitude and temperature changes flawlessly.
Key Features:
- Dell’Orto EFI with 39mm throttle body
- Adjustable exhaust valve (TVC system) for tuning power characteristics
- Electric + kick starter combo (no more panic moments)
- Estimated top speed: 110-120 km/h (68-75 mph) in stock gearing
Metric riders will revel in the 102.4 kg (225.8 lbs) dry weight – roughly 15-20 kg lighter than most four-stroke competitors. This featherweight mass transforms technical climbs into playground exercises.
Chassis & Handling: Precision Meets Brutality
Frame Geometry
The chrome-molybdenum steel frame strikes a perfect balance between rigidity and flex. With a 26.5° rake and 1482 mm (58.3") wheelbase, the TE 300 carves through switchbacks like a trials bike yet remains stable at speed. The redesigned CNC-machined triple clamps (2018 update) improve front-end feedback, letting you sense every pebble under the Michelin Enduro Competition tires.
Suspension Setup
- Front: WP 4CS 48mm USD fork | 300 mm (11.8") travel
- Rear: WP DCC shock with linkage | 330 mm (13") travel
The WP 4CS fork received criticism early on for being overly stiff, but Husqvarna’s 2018 valving revisions transformed it into a plush yet supportive partner. In slow-speed rock gardens, the fork absorbs square-edged hits without deflecting, while the rear linkage maintains traction on exits. For faster riders, cranking up the compression damping via the tool-less adjusters firms up the ride noticeably.
Brakes & Wheels: Controlled Aggression
Brembo’s signature touch is everywhere:
- Front: 260mm wave disc + twin-piston caliper
- Rear: 220mm wave disc + single-piston caliper
The brakes are über-sensitive – a trait that’s terrifying on pavement but heavenly in technical descents. One-finger modulation lets you drag the rear brake through boulder fields without overheating. The DID rims (21” front/18” rear) shrug off impacts that’d bend lesser wheels, though upgrading to a heavy-duty spoke kit from MOTOPARTS.store is wise for riders tackling extreme rock sections.
Ergonomics & Comfort
Rider Triangle
- Seat height: 960 mm (37.8") – manageable for 5’10”+ riders
- Footpegs: Positioned for aggressive standing riding
- Handlebars: CNC-mounted Magura adjustable bend
The seat is a thinly padded torture device after three hours – a blessing in disguise, as it forces you to stand and attack. The narrower fuel tank (compared to earlier models) improves knee grip, while the grippy seat cover prevents sliding during hill climbs.
Fuel & Range
The 10L (2.6-gallon) tank provides ~100 km (62 miles) of hard riding. For endurance events, auxiliary tanks from brands like Acerbis (available at MOTOPARTS.store) are popular upgrades.
Competition: How It Stacks Up
1. KTM 300 XC-W TPI
The TE 300’s orange cousin shares the same engine and TPI tech but differs in chassis tuning. KTM’s steel frame feels slightly more rigid at speed, while Husqvarna’s polyamide subframe adds compliance in rock gardens. Husky also edges ahead with standard CNC triples and a DDS clutch.
2. Beta 300 RR
Beta’s counterbalanced two-stroke is butter-smooth but heavier (109 kg dry). The TE 300 dominates in suspension performance – WP’s 4CS fork outclasses Beta’s Sachs units in adjustability.
3. Sherco 300 SEF
Sherco’s four-stroke alternative appeals to torque lovers but can’t match the TE 300’s power-to-weight ratio. The Husky’s 21kg weight advantage is decisive in endurocross sections.
Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive
Critical Service Points
- Air Filter
- Clean every 10-15 hours using biodegradable solvents
-
Upgrade to Twin Air’s dual-stage foam filter (available at MOTOPARTS.store) for dusty conditions
-
Suspension Rebuild
- Replace WP fork seals every 80-100 hours
-
Use Motorex 2.5W fork oil for plushness
-
Brake Care
- Flush Brembo fluid annually with DOT 4
-
Swap to Galfer braided lines for improved lever feel
-
TPI System
- Inspect injectors every 50 hours
-
Use Motul 710 Two-Stroke Oil at 1:100 premix ratio
-
Exhaust Valve
- Clean TVC mechanism every 30 hours to prevent carbon buildup
MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations
- FMF Gnarly Pipe: Enhances low-end torque for hill climbs
- Tusk Impact Rear Sprocket: Durable 520-chain compatible design
- Acerbis X-Grip Handguards: Survives crashes that obliterate stock units
Final Verdict
The 2018-2019 Husqvarna TE 300 TPI is a time capsule of two-stroke perfection. It’s a bike that laughs at impossible climbs, dances through singletrack, and begs to be ridden harder. While newer models have emerged, this generation remains a benchmark for riders who value mechanical simplicity paired with space-age fuel injection. Whether you’re a hard enduro warrior or a weekend trail explorer, the TE 300 TPI doesn’t just meet expectations – it obliterates them.
Ready to personalize your TE 300? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of upgrades – because even legends can become greater.
Specifications sheet
Engine | |
---|---|
Stroke: | Two-stroke |
Ignition: | Kokusan EMS with dual ignition curves |
Max power: | 40 kW | 54.0 hp |
Fuel system: | Dell’Orto EFI with 39mm throttle body (TPI) |
Lubrication: | Mixture oil lubrication |
Displacement: | 293 ccm |
Configuration: | Single |
Cooling System: | Liquid cooled |
Compression ratio: | N/A (2-stroke) |
Number of cylinders: | 1 |
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Rake: | 26.5° |
Trail: | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
Wheelbase: | 1482 mm (58.3 in) |
Dry weight: | 102 |
Seat height: | 960 mm (37.8 in) |
Overall length: | 2260 mm (89.0 in) |
Ground clearance: | 355 mm (14.0 in) |
Fuel tank capacity: | 10 L (2.6 US gal) |
Drivetrain | |
---|---|
Clutch: | Wet DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics |
Chain type: | 520 X-Ring |
Final drive: | chain |
Transmission: | 6-speed |
Rear sprocket: | 50 |
Front sprocket: | 14 |
Maintenance | |
---|---|
Coolant: | Water-based ethylene glycol |
Rear tire: | 140/90-18 |
Front tire: | 90/90-21 |
Spark plug: | NGK BR8ES (or manufacturer-recommended equivalent) |
Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
Transmission oil: | SAE 10W-40 |
Power valve adjustment: | Spring preload adjustable |
Transmission oil capacity: | 0.7 |
Exhaust valve service interval: | Every 50 hours |
Additional Features | |
---|---|
Wheels: | Black DID rims |
Bodywork: | Reinforced polyamide subframe |
Lighting: | Updated front mask with LED headlight (MY2019) |
Handguards: | Two-component impact-resistant |
Starting system: | Electric & kick |
Chassis and Suspension | |
---|---|
Frame: | Chrome molybdenum steel central-tube frame |
Rear brakes: | 220 mm disc, Brembo single-piston caliper |
Front brakes: | 260 mm disc, Brembo twin-piston caliper |
Triple clamps: | CNC-machined black anodized |
Rear suspension: | WP Monoshock with linkage, adjustable rebound and high/low-speed compression |
Front suspension: | WP 48mm USD 4CS fork, adjustable rebound and compression damping |
Rear wheel travel: | 330 mm (13.0 in) |
Front wheel travel: | 300 mm (11.8 in) |