TODAY 6 FEB Exclusive BMW News

...of the new 449/511 range outstrips that of other off road models and stands out immediately for its looks, exclusive layout and cutting-edge technology. TE 449/TE 511 DESIGN AND LAYOUT The line is completely new: slim, svelte and refined. The single piece side panel runs from where traditionally the fuel tank would be, all the way back to the rear mudguard, allowing the rider free and unhindered movement. There is no chance of snagging boots or jeans on the edges of the panels with this design. Besides the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects, the new design also makes maintenance easier as the air filter, rear shock and throttle body can all be accessed with ease. The long seat, which runs from the rear mudguard to the steering head, offers completely free longitudinal movement.

Aesthetics, technology and serviceability too: the graphics on the side panels are applied using the ‘In Mould Design’ technology for increased resistance to wear and the 2 litre fuel pump housing is transparent so that the remaining fuel level can be easily monitored.

MASSES AND CENTER OF GRAVITY

The idea behind the TE 449/511 range is ‘mass centralisation’ – to keep the weight of the bike concentrated as close as possible to the centre of gravity and to design a chassis which adapts perfectly to the demands of competitive Enduro racing. The crux of this concept is the union of the rear wheel swing arm pivot point and the gearbox output shaft sprocket. This solution, which Husqvarna calls CTS (Coaxial Traction System), eliminates the variation in the length of the chain during rear suspension movement, minimising the effect of the final drive on the bikes handling. This solution allows a longer swing arm whilst still retaining a wheelbase similar to our competitors, ensuing greater traction, which for Enduro means tangible advantages.

The chassis layout allows the modern DOHC engine to be mounted closer to the centre of the bike, whilst tilting the cylinder further forward allows a long and straight air intake path at the same time as keeping the centre of gravity as low as possible. This has also meant that the throttle body and fuel injector nozzle can be mounted in the ideal position. Again, continuing the theme of mass centralisation, the two part fuel tank design provides a total of 8.5 litres capacity in a low mounted 2 litre pump housing and a 6,5 litre under seat main tank. The under seat fuel tank layout permits the airbox to be located in a protected and fluidodynamically favourable position above the engine with the actual air intake being at the height of the steering column, in a raised and sheltered position to minimise the intake of dust or water. The air filter box has an elongated intake manifold and a newly designed air intake to provide greater breathability for the sponge filter, which is easily removed thanks to a hinge system in the airbox.

The battery is located adjacent to the under seat main fuel tank to again centralise the mass.

REFERENCE PERFORMANCES

The TE 449/511 bikes are equipped with a cutting-edge 4 valve dual camshaft engine which has been significantly improved thanks to the experience gained by Husqvarna in its many years of offroad racing.

Fuel delivery is managed by an electronic injection system with a Keihin 46 mm diameter, double flap throttle body which provides progressive and predictable throttle response. All components are top of the range - the bike even comes with two exhaust silencers: the Euro 3 compliant silencer fitted as standard and a steel Akrapovic Racing exhaust, developed in collaboration with the Slovenian company to maximise the potential of the engine, whilst minimising the weight.

The gear ratios for both the Enduro and MX versions have been completely changed: the Enduro now uses a 6 speed transmission and the ratios have been modified on the basis of the experience gained during Salminen and Tarkkala's races. The ignition timing has been optimised with maps specific to the two different capacities and exhaust systems.

The TE 511 version has been achieved by increasing the cylinder bore from 98 mm to 101 mm, with the stroke remaining at 59.6 mm. The effective displacement has therefore been increased to 478cc.

The clutch is controlled hydraulically, offering a smoother and more progressive action with greater consistency also under stress.

The motorcycle has a high energy electronic ignition and, thanks to the powerful battery and fuel injection system, a supplementary kick start is not necessary.

HANDLING AND PERFORMANCE

Naturally, Husqvarna's long experience in Enduro racing has played an important part in the development of these new motorcycles. The challenges posed by the conception of geometry and by the general concept of the motorcycle itself were linked to the tough demands of riding in the most severe and extreme conditions. The result is a surprisingly effortless and smooth ride along with agility and outstanding steering stability.

The perimeter design chassis is made of high strength steel tubing. The geometry of the rear suspension is revolutionary, with a new linkage mounted on top of the alloy swing arm.

This solution offers many advantages: it increases the ground clearance, improves general reliability thanks to the reduced exposure of the components and makes maintenance easier.

But there's more: dynamically, by exploiting the advantages of the double cradle frame made in high strength steel tubing, the roughness of the ground is absorbed more gradually, attenuating the stresses on the rider.

The advantages when jumping are also remarkable with the recoil effect of the rear wheel being significantly reduced and the smoothness of the suspension is particularly perceivable on rougher and more difficult ground.