1990-1991 Husqvarna TE 510: A Forgotten Enduro Legend Revisited

Introduction

When the words "enduro royalty" come up, few motorcycles spark as much curiosity as the short-lived Husqvarna TE 510. Produced for only two model years (1990-1991), this Swedish brute carved out a niche in the golden era of big-bore two-stroke dominance. Designed for riders who demanded both raw power and precision in the dirt, the TE 510 remains a fascinating case study of a four-stroke underdog fighting for attention in an unforgiving segment. Let’s dust off this vintage machine and explore why it still deserves respect – and why it might just make your shortlist for a classic off-road project bike.

Design & First Impressions

Crouching beside the TE 510, its purpose is immediately clear. The aggressive, angular bodywork – a hallmark of late-80s Husqvarna design – looks like it was chiseled from granite. At 131 kg (288.8 lbs) wet, it feels surprisingly svelte for a 500cc+ machine, a credit to its chrome-moly steel frame and minimalist approach. The 21-inch front wheel (90/90 tire) and 18-inch rear (140/90) combo signals its dirt-focused intentions, while the narrow 9-liter (2.38-gallon) fuel tank hints at its racing pedigree.

The cockpit is spartan but functional. High-rise handlebars put you in an attack position, while the thinly padded seat (more of a suggestion than a luxury) keeps weight low. What stands out is the quality of components for its era – the Marzocchi front forks and Sachs rear shock were premium items, and the inclusion of front and rear disc brakes (still a novelty on enduro bikes in 1990) shows Husqvarna was serious about stopping power.

Engine Performance: The Thunder from Sweden

Fire up the liquid-cooled 503cc single, and the world narrows to its baritone growl. With 53 HP @ 8,750 RPM (38.7 kW) from its 4-valve OHC engine, the TE 510 doesn’t so much accelerate as unfold its power. Unlike the explosive hit of contemporary two-strokes, this four-stroke builds momentum like a rolling avalanche. The 91.5 x 76.5 mm (3.6 x 3.0 in) bore and stroke combo prioritizes torque over revs, with a meaty 12:1 compression ratio that begs for premium fuel.

On tight trails, the TE 510 revels in its flexibility. The six-speed gearbox is spaced like a Swiss watchmaker’s dream – short enough first and second gears for technical climbs, with a fifth and sixth that transform it into a fire-breathing desert sled. Claimed top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) feels optimistic until you realize this bike laughs at long dirt straights. What surprises most is the engine’s tractability; it’ll lug down to walking pace in third gear without complaint, then surge forward with a wrist twist.

Handling: Dance Partner or Wrestling Match?

At speed, the TE 510 is a revelation. The chassis balances rigidity and flex like a seasoned trials bike, absorbing square-edged hits while tracking true through whoops. That 131 kg weight disappears once moving, replaced by a nimbleness that shames modern 450s. The Marzocchi forks (with generous 300mm of travel) handle everything from MX track landings to hidden tree roots, while the Sachs rear shock manages squat under hard acceleration with dignity.

But this is no beginner’s bike. The aggressive steering geometry demands active riding – you pilot the TE 510 with your hips as much as your hands. Stand up through rock gardens, and it transforms into a precision tool. Sit down, and the high footpegs (a necessity for ground clearance) remind you who’s in charge. The brakes, while advanced for 1990, require a firm hand at modern speeds. Still, few bikes from this era feel so alive when pushed hard.

Competition: David Among Goliaths

In 1990, the enduro world belonged to two-strokes. The TE 510 faced brutal competition:

• KTM 500 EXC (Two-stroke): 20% lighter with apocalyptic power delivery, but a maintenance nightmare
• Yamaha WR500Z: King of top-end rush, but prone to vicious powerband surprises
• Honda XR600R: Bulletproof but portly at 136 kg (300 lbs), better suited to desert than tight woods

Where the Husqvarna shined was in bridging the gap between two-stroke agility and four-stroke endurance. It out-handled the Honda, out-lasted the KTM, and out-charmed the Yamaha. Modern riders will appreciate its dual personality – tractable enough for trail riding, yet hungry enough for hare scrambles. The Achilles’ heel? Parts support even when new. Those who bought one often became amateur mechanics.

Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Here’s where the TE 510 earns its stripes as a MOTOPARTS.store darling. While robust, its high-strung engine demands vigilance:

• Valve Adjustments: Every 40 engine hours. Shim-under-bucket design requires patience but stays in spec
• Cooling System: Upgrade to a modern high-flow radiator (we stock direct-fit options) to prevent boil-overs
• Carburetion: The original Dell’Orto PHF 40DS works brilliantly...when clean. Consider a ultrasonic cleaning kit
• Chain & Sprockets: O-ring chains were rare in 1990. Our X-ring kits reduce maintenance by 60%
• Brake Upgrades: Swap to sintered pads for better bite with original discs

The liquid-cooled engine’s saving grace is its simplicity – no balance shafts or secondary air systems to fail. Keep up with oil changes (every 15-20 hours), inspect swingarm bearings regularly, and treat it to a modern lithium battery, and this Husky will outlast most riders’ stamina.

Conclusion: The Cult Classic That Could

Riding the TE 510 in 2023 isn’t an exercise in nostalgia – it’s a masterclass in analog intensity. This was a bike born in the twilight of pure mechanical motorcycles, before EFI and traction control smoothed out the edges. What it lacks in polish, it makes up for in raw communication. Every pebble, every throttle blip, every gear change feeds back through the bars and seat.

For restorers, the TE 510 offers a rare opportunity – a homologation special that’s still affordable. For riders, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the "imperfect" bike is the one that teaches you the most. And for us at MOTOPARTS.store? It’s a rolling testament to why we exist: to keep these mechanical legends alive, one upgrade, one repair, and one epic ride at a time.

Ready to make your TE 510 sing again? Explore our curated collection of Husqvarna-specific upgrades and OEM-equivalent replacements – because classics deserve modern reliability.

Specifications sheet