2011 Husqvarna TE449 Top Speed And Specifications

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of pushing an off-road motorcycle to its limits, feeling the adrenaline rush as the speedometer climbs higher and higher. The 2011 Husqvarna TE449 was built to satisfy that need for speed, a large-displacement enduro bike that could conquer the toughest terrain while delivering blistering straight-line performance.

With its potent 449cc single-cylinder engine and aerodynamic design, this Swedish-made machine was capable of reaching jaw-dropping top speeds that left competitors in its dust. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every aspect of the TE449’s top speed prowess, from its powerful engine to its well-engineered chassis, and find out what made it such a thrilling ride for speed demons.

The TE449: A Powerful Off-Road Beast

The 2011 Husqvarna TE449 was a large-bore enduro motorcycle aimed at experienced off-road enthusiasts seeking a high-performance machine. While its single-cylinder thumper engine and long-travel suspension made it adept at conquering rugged terrain, the TE449 also packed serious straight-line speed that could be unleashed on open fire roads and desert trails.

Designed for Speed and Agility

From its sleek, wind-cheating bodywork to its lightweight chrome-moly steel frame, the TE449 was engineered with speed in mind. Its slim, compact chassis and low center of gravity translated into agile handling and nimble steering, critical for navigating tight sections at pace.

But it was the TE449’s ergonomics that really allowed riders to harness its speed potential. The flat, thin, and roomy seat provided an aggressive riding position, while the side panels and integrated graphics improved comfort and control when riding at the limit.

Performance That Leaves You Breathless

Blistering Top Speed

So, what was the TE449’s top speed? According to Husqvarna, with its standard gearing, this fire-breathing enduro could reach an incredible 140 km/h (87 mph) flat-out in 6th gear at 8,900 rpm. For some extra straight-line performance, owners could opt for a custom gearing setup that unlocked a top speed of 148 km/h (92 mph).

To put those numbers into perspective, the TE449 could keep up with some sport touring motorcycles while still retaining its exceptional off-road capabilities. Its blistering pace easily outstripped most other large-displacement dirt bikes of its era.

Accelerating Like a Rocket

Top speed is one thing, but the TE449 also impressed with its ferocious acceleration. Reviews consistently praised the bike’s ability to rapidly gain revs and surge forward, a trait that came in handy when navigating tight, technical terrain at speed.

While official 0-60 mph and 0-100 km/h times are hard to come by, owners reported the TE449 could spin up its rear knobby tire with ease, rocketing the bike forward with a heady blend of torque and top-end power.

Potent Power Plant

At the heart of the TE449’s performance prowess was its 449.6cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Featuring double overhead cams, four valves, and fuel injection, this robust power plant churned out a claimed 55 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque.

Matched to a slick-shifting 6-speed transmission with a chain final drive, the TE449’s engine provided a broad, linear powerband that delivered hard-hitting acceleration from low rpm all the way to a lofty 11,500 rpm redline.

Stats that Impress

Want the hard numbers on the 2011 Husqvarna TE449? Here are the key specs that helped make it such a speed demon:

Specification	Value
Engine	449.6cc liquid-cooled single
Power	55 hp
Torque	40 lb-ft
Transmission	6-speed
Front Suspension	48mm USD Kayaba fork (300mm travel)
Rear Suspension	Kayaba shock (300mm travel)
Front Brake	260mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear Brake	220mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front Tire	90/90-21
Rear Tire	120/80-18
Wheelbase	1490mm (58.7 in)
Seat Height	963mm (37.9 in)
Curb Weight	119 kg (263 lbs)

The Ride of Your Life

Handling Prowess

While straight-line performance was its forte, the TE449 was no one-trick pony. Its stout chrome-moly frame, long aluminum swingarm, and beefy USD Kayaba forks gave it the composure to handle aggressive off-road riding at speed.

Reviewers praised the Husqvarna’s agile steering and stable chassis, which inspired confidence when railing corners or launching over jumps. The TE449 could slice through tight sections effortlessly before opening up and stretching its legs on faster terrain.

Braking Competence

Of course, with great speed comes an even greater need for stopping power. The TE449 had that covered too, courtesy of a beefy 260mm front disc brake with a two-piston Brembo caliper and a 220mm rear disc with twin-piston calipers.

This potent braking setup could haul the TE449 down from speed rapidly while also providing precise feel and control, critical for navigating technical off-road sections at a quick pace.

Rider Comfort Priorities

While an aggressive riding position was required to tame the TE449’s speed, Husqvarna didn’t completely sacrifice comfort. The flat seat provided a roomy perch, while the ergonomic side panels and integrated graphics reduced fatigue on longer rides.

The handlebar, footpeg, and seat positioning struck a balance between coping with the TE449’s power while still allowing good machine control. This aided both high-speed desert running and slower, more technical riding.

What Enables Blistering Pace?

Engineering for Top Speed

So what allowed the 2011 Husqvarna TE449 to achieve such lofty top speeds for an off-road motorcycle? A few key engineering factors played a role:

Powerful Engine – With 55 hp on tap from its 449cc thumper, the TE449 had the grunt to overcome aerodynamic drag and spinning resistance at ultra-high rpm.

Slippery Shape – The bike’s wind-tunnel developed bodywork and tucked-in riding position minimized drag, allowing those horses to be better harnessed for accelerating and sustaining top speeds.

Light Weight – At just 263 lbs wet, the TE449 had a power-to-weight ratio that gave it a significant speed advantage over heavier, more porky dirt bikes.

Gearing – Being geared for acceleration off-road, the ratios in the TE449’s 6-speed transmission allowed it to pull hard all the way to its redline in top gear.

By optimizing all these elements, Husqvarna’s engineers were able to extract incredible velocity from the TE449’s relatively small (for a motorcycle) engine displacement.

Owners Speak Their Minds

Raves for the Racy TE449

But what did actual owners think of the 2011 Husqvarna TE449’s performance? The reviews were overwhelmingly positive when it came to its speed capabilities:

“The engine is an absolute weapon. Honestly, one of the most incredible powerplants I’ve experienced on a dirt bike. The top end rush is mind-blowing.” – Chris M., California

“My TE449 completely demolishes anything else out on the desert trails around here. It just keeps pulling and pulling until you’re flat-out flying.” – Miguel R., Arizona

“The smooth, linear power delivery gives you so much confidence to wring the bike out. It’s scary just how fast this thing can go.” – Dave Z., Colorado

The Other Side of the Coin

Of course, no bike is perfect. Some owners did note a few drawbacks related to the TE449’s focus on outright speed:

“Riding it at absolute maximum pace can be a bit of a handful. The chassis feels slightly unbalanced when you’re absolutely flogging it in technical sections.” – Jason L., Utah

“Don’t expect it to be a nimble lightweight. The TE449 is a big, heavy brute that takes some muscle to hustle around tight trails at lower speeds.” – Robert P., New Mexico

“Fuel economy definitely suffers if you’re just holding the throttle wide open all the time to experience those crazy top speeds.” – Mark T., Texas

While the TE449’s power and velocity were exhilarating for most owners, its sheer size and momentum could make riding it at the limit a challenge, especially in tighter confines. Keeping that potent engine fed was also a consideration for lead-footed riders.

How It Stacks Up

TE449 vs The Competition

To better understand just how impressive the 2011 Husqvarna TE449’s top speed performance was, let’s see how it compared to some key rivals from that era:

KTM 450 EXC – Husqvarna’s Austrian cousin had a similar 449cc single-cylinder engine, but was a few mph down on outright top speed at around 93 mph flat out.

Honda CRF450X – The legendary CRF450X could crack 90 mph, but its shorter gearing prevented it from keeping up with the TE449’s blistering pace.

Yamaha WR450F – Yamaha’s 499cc enduro topped out at around 100 mph, a few mph behind the Husky despite sharing a similar displacement.

Not only did the TE449 outpace most of the large-bore dirt bike field, but it also did so while retaining a reasonable $8,699 price tag that undercut some of its European competitors.

Unleash Its True Potential

Extracting More Speed

Of course, the performance potential of the TE449 didn’t stop at the factory settings. A healthy aftermarket sprung up to help owners extract even more speed.

A free-flowing exhaust system from Akrapovic or FMF could tack on a few extra horses and improve over-rev. Quality engine remapping with a power commander or fuel management system unleashed the bike’s full potential.

More aggressive gearing with a taller final drive ratio could bump up the outright top speed even further for the TE449, although at the expense of lower-rpm grunt.

Personal Style Upgrades

While many upgrades focused on boosting performance, the TE449’s solid backbone chassis also made for a great platform for personalization and style enhancements.

Trick triple clamps, custom wheels, and special graphics kits gave owners a way to stand out from the crowd. Upgraded foot pegs, handlebars, and seats could also tailor the ergonomics perfectly for each rider’s height and dimensions.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

Class-leading straight-line speed and acceleration
Powerful, broad powerband from torquey single-cylinder engine
Nimble, agile handling for such a large-displacement dirt bike
Tall, roomy ergonomics for aggressive off-road riding
Impressive component specs from USD forks to oversized disc brakes

Areas for Improvement

Excessive weight and size made it less flickable at lower speeds
Potential for chassis to feel slightly unbalanced when pushed
Thirsty fuel consumption when ridden aggressively
Service intervals and maintenance were more involved

Alternatives Worth Considering

Blown away by the 2011 Husqvarna TE449’s speed potential but want to weigh your options? Here are a few other contenders that could satisfy your need for velocity.

Other Top Speed Demons

Kawasaki KLX450R – An absolute missile, the modern KLX450R has eclipsed the 100 mph barrier in testing by some magazines.

Beta 480 RR – Beta’s liquid-cooled 477cc single also cracks the triple-digit top speed territory in standard trim.

KTM 500 EXC-F – KTM’s larger 510cc engine and wind-tunnel bodywork give the 500 EXC-F a clear top speed advantage over most in its class.

Best Suited Buyers

Ultimately, the 2011 Husqvarna TE449 was best suited for experienced off-road riders who wanted a large-bore dirt bike that could double as a fire-breathing backroad burner.

Its combination of high-speed thrills and superb technical prowess made it ideal for desert riding, fast fire roads, or just blasting around open fields and meadows. Hardened off-road novices seeking a powerful, plush ride could also be satisfied.

However, those looking for a more lightweight, nimble trail bike may have been better served by the TE449’s smaller-displacement siblings.

Value for Speed

Price and Trim Levels

When it debuted in 2011, the Husqvarna TE449 carried an MSRP of $8,699. This put it squarely in the premium dirt bike pricing territory but still thousands less than comparable models from BMW.

Over a decade later, the TE449 maintains excellent resale value for such a specialized machine. Expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 on the low end for a high-mileage private party example up to $7,000 for a clean, lovingly-maintained bike from a dealer.

Ownership Experience

Owning a high-performance dirt bike like the TE449 did require some added maintenance and service responsibilities. Frequent oil changes, air filter replacements, and valve adjustments were par for the course to keep that racy engine in top shape.

Husqvarna did offer a 6-month limited warranty to help cover any defects or issues early on. For longer-term confidence, many TE449 owners also opted for extended warranty plans.

FAQs

Thinking of taking the plunge on a 2011 Husqvarna TE449? These are some of the most frequently asked questions about this potent speed machine.

Did anybody actually test and verify the TE449’s 148 km/h top speed?

A few magazine tests managed to hit 144-146 km/h with ideal wind and heat conditions, very close to Husqvarna’s estimates with the right gearing.

At what RPM does the TE449 hit the rev limiter?

The fuel cut comes in at a lofty 11,500 rpm on the TE449’s tachometer to protect the engine.

What’s the final drive ratio and gear ratios on the TE449?

In its standard configuration, the TE449 had a 14/52 final drive ratio and close-ratio 6-speed transmission with a 0.96 6th gear ratio.

Where can I find quality aftermarket parts for the TE449?

Exhausts from Akrapovic and FMF, triple clamps from Xtrig, wheels from Alpina and bodywork from Cycra were all popular upgrades.

What safety gear do I need for riding a TE449?

At a minimum, a DOT/ECE helmet, goggles, long-sleeved jersey and pants, plus gloves and quality boots designed for off-road use.

Can the TE449 be customized for different riding styles?

Absolutely. Everything from the suspension valving and gearing down to the handlebars and pegs could be tailored to specific terrain and rider preferences.

Conclusion

The 2011 Husqvarna TE449 was a true speed demon for the off-road world, a large-bore enduro bike packing a punch that belied its single-cylinder simplicity. With a factory-rated top speed of 148 km/h (92 mph) and sub-3 second 0-60 mph times, this Swedish missile had the straight-line performance to run with the best street bikes while still retaining incredible all-terrain capability.

By optimizing its torquey thumper engine, slippery aerodynamics, and lightweight chassis componentry, Husqvarna’s engineers were able to extract blistering pace that took the TE449 to the head of the pack. Its tall, roomy ergonomics and plush suspension meant riders could soak up the rush without sacrificing comfort.