Husqvarna TE 510 (2007-2010): The Swedish Fire-Breather That Conquered The Dirt

Introduction

When Husqvarna unleashed the TE 510 between 2007 and 2010, it wasn’t just launching another dirt bike—it was dropping a Scandinavian hammer into the enduro world. This 501cc beast straddled the line between raw off-road capability and street legality with a swagger that still turns heads today. Whether you’re carving through single-track trails or navigating rocky outcrops, the TE 510 feels less like a machine and more like a wild animal you’ve temporarily tamed. Let’s dissect why this generation remains a cult favorite among hardcore riders.

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Design & Ergonomics: Nordic Brutality Meets Functional Elegance

The TE 510’s design philosophy screams “function first,” but there’s an undeniable beauty in its purposeful aggression. The steel single-tube cradle frame (reinforced with oval and box-section tubing in later models) gives it a backbone stiffer than a Viking’s resolve, while the minimalist bodywork keeps weight down to a featherlight 112–117 kg (246–258 lbs).

That 970–980 mm (38.2–38.6 in) seat height might intimidate shorter riders, but once aboard, the bike melts into your limbs. Husqvarna nailed the ergonomics here—the bars fall naturally to your grip, the slim fuel tank (holding 9.2L / 2.4 US gal) lets you hug the bike with your knees, and the pegs are positioned for aggressive standing rides. The 2008 refresh brought subtle but crucial tweaks: a 15mm-forward footpeg position improved weight distribution, while the revised subframe reduced chassis flex during hard landings.

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Engine & Performance: Howling Single-Cylinder Fury

At the heart of the TE 510 lies its party piece—the 501cc liquid-cooled DOHC thumper. This isn’t some lazy tractor engine; it’s a precision instrument that delivers 59.8 hp (44 kW) at 8,000 RPM and a ground-shaking 49 Nm (36 lb-ft) of torque at 6,400 RPM. The 2007 model’s Keihin FCR41 carburetor gives way to Mikuni digital fuel injection in 2008—a game-changer for altitude compensation and cold starts.

Twist the throttle, and the TE 510 doesn’t just accelerate—it detonates. The powerband is surprisingly linear for a big-bore single, with a meaty midrange that lets you tractor up hills in third gear. Yet it’ll still scream to the 9,000 RPM limiter when you’re feeling rowdy. The 6-speed gearbox (with a 14/47 sprocket combo) is butter-smooth, though some riders swap to a 13-tooth front for tighter trails.

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On The Trail: Controlled Chaos Personified

Riding the TE 510 is like dancing with a hurricane—exhilarating, slightly terrifying, and utterly addictive. The 48mm Kayaba USD forks (Marzocchi on early models) soak up baby-head rocks at speed while remaining composed during hard braking. Out back, the Sachs shock with 296 mm (11.7 in) of travel keeps the rear wheel glued to the earth, even when you’re hammering through whoops.

Where this Husky truly shines is technical terrain. The 340 mm (13.4 in) ground clearance laughs at log crossings, while the 90/90-21 front and 140/80-18 rear tires (running 1.1/1.0 bar [16/14.5 psi]) offer predictable slide control. Braking is handled by Brembo’s signature single discs—260mm front/220mm rear—that modulate beautifully between delicate trail braking and panic stops.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up Against The Titans

In the 450–510cc enduro arena, the TE 510 faced brutal rivals:

1. KTM 530 EXC (2008–2012):
   The Austrian’s 510cc twin-cam engine matches the Husky’s power but in a slightly narrower chassis. KTM’s PDS rear suspension feels plusher at speed, but the TE 510 counters with better low-speed maneuverability.

2. Yamaha WR450F:
   Yamaha’s reliability champ is smoother and more subdued. The WR’s 5-speed gearbox can’t match the Husky’s highway-friendly 6th gear, and its steel frame feels heavier when the trails get gnarly.

3. Honda CRF450X:
   The Honda’s legendary handling comes at the cost of peak power. While CRF riders were fiddling with airbox mods, TE 510 owners enjoyed stock fuel injection (post-2008) and class-leading torque.

The TE 510’s ace? Street legality straight from the factory—a rare treat in its era that made dual-sport adventures a plug-and-play affair.

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Maintenance: Keeping The Swedish Storm Alive

Here’s where the TE 510 demands your attention—it’s a thoroughbred, not a plow horse. At MOTOPARTS.store, we recommend these key rituals:

• Oil Changes:
  Every 15 engine hours or 500 km (310 mi). Takes 1.7L of full synthetic 10W-60 (we stock Motorex Cross Power 4T). Don’t skip the Husqvarna oil filter—its anti-drain valve protects your bearings.

• Valve Checks:
  Every 30 hours. Intake: 0.10–0.15 mm (0.004–0.006 in), exhaust: 0.15–0.20 mm (0.006–0.008 in). Use feeler gauges and our NGK CR8EB spark plug (gapped to 0.7 mm / 0.028 in).

• Brake Fluid:
  Flush with DOT 4 annually. Upgrade to Galfer braided lines if you’re chasing AMA-level performance.

• Chain & Sprockets:
  The 520 chain loves MOTOPARTS.store’s DID ERV3 kit. Match it with a 14T Renthal front sprocket to preserve the stock’s trail-to-highway versatility.

• Cooling System:
  Replace coolant (1.2L of Engine Ice) every two years. Our silicone hoses reduce boil-over risks during slow crawls.

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Conclusion: A Legend That Ages Like Fine Mead

Fifteen years haven’t softened the TE 510’s edges—and that’s exactly why we love it. This isn’t some sanitized adventure bike; it’s a raw, unapologetic dirt weapon that demands skill and rewards bravery. From the way the fuel-injected motor barks to life with one stab of the button (post-2008 models) to the confidence-inspiring chassis that forgives mid-corner mistakes, the TE 510 remains a benchmark for what hardcore enduro bikes should be.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we keep these Swedish warriors fighting fit. Whether you need a Sachs shock rebuild kit or a set of Michelin Enduro Medium tires, we’ve got the parts to make your TE 510 outrun its younger rivals. Now get out there and let that 501cc symphony echo through the woods—responsibly, of course.

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Specifications sheet

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