Hello,

I have the option of buying a new 2008 instead of a 2009 510 SMR for about $900 savings. What are the main differences between the two ? Is that worth $900 in your mind ?

I know about resale and depreciation, but i am not too worried about that, since I don't buy bikes to sell them.

I appreciate your input!

2008 was the first year for FI and some run well, some don't. The stock single exhaust is heavy and most people buy the "power up" kit which has O2 sensor disabling parts and an aluminum exhaust can. So factor in that cost ($350 usd) if the '08 doesn't have it already.

2009 has updated FI with new ECU, simpler dash, new headlight and front fender shape, minor engine, gearing, suspension, brake updates, and dual exhaust. Comes with all power up parts needed. Some people want dual exhaust and this is a bargain. Some people want aftermarket exhaust and having dual exhaust is kind of a trap since the stock dual exhaust is on the heavy side and there are no cheap options for replacements.

So I'd say if you want less fiddling with FI and like the stock dual exhaust, get the '09. If you're not keen on the '09 changes, save some money and get the '08 (with PU kit). A well-running '08 is just as good as an '09.

good input on not needing to spend $$ on the PU kit on the 2009, I was not aware of that. That brings down the price difference to about $500 or so.

jlk_250 said:

jalal said:

I currently own a 2008 SMR510 with the P/U kit fitted, and it goes very well. I personally love the twin exhaust setup though, so I have resorted to ordering a twin Ti/Carbon full exhaust system from Leo Vince from the States (cheaper even with postage than here in the U.K). thus solving the problem :thumbsup:
The only issue is the cost I guess ,and the little fabrication work that will be needed in order to attach the new system to the rear subframe. I personally think it will be worth it though, and someone in the UK will get a nearly new P/U kit and carbon exhaust guard on E Bay:thumbsup:

Dave

Tough question! Especially since the 2010s are now rolling out. :thinking:

HuskyRips said:

anything exciting about the 2010 models ?
They will most likely be full price for the time being, which I would like to avoid if I can...

I finally got the chance to look at them in person on Saturday. I went to Bill Plus' and he had (at least) one of each. I am starting to lean towards the 2009 model. The dual exhaust looks pretty cool, the small dashboard is nice, the permanent headlight looks nicer then the older ones that use rubber straps. Most people report that the FI is better on the 2009, and on top of that, husky claims that they have some improved lubrication and water pump which should improve it longevity.

The pipes are probably heavy, but they look sweet. I didn't get the chance to hear them in person, but I bet they will flow better then a single pipe.

At the end of the day, it is another $600, and I am stating to think that is the way to go.

jlk_250 said:

Reviving a very old thread here but thought the question was relevant.

I have a 2008 SM510 with the P/U kit and Arrow exhaust. Prior owner did all that work. Love the bike and it runs perfectly.

My best friend has asked me to go buy him a SM bike now so I am trying to decide between a new 2010 at a very nice discount to MSRP or a used 2008. I have decided against the 2011 SM511 for cost reasons and also because I kind of like the idea of us having nearly identical bikes for maintenance and riding reasons.

Question for you guys who are running the 2010 SM510s...do you not need to do a P/U kit anymore on that model? The prior owner of my 2008 said it ran like crap before the P/U kit and exhaust but I understand maybe the dual exhaust setup on the 2009/10 solves that issue and it has full power from the factory? Is this true? Thanks, Dan

Another revival.

I am looking at two used SMR 510s, 2008 and 2009. It seems the differences are minor between model years (exhaust, headlight, fender, minor engine changes). Now that these bikes have been out for a bit, is there anything in particular I should be looking out for on either year?

On the two for sale, mileage is similar (~2000 miles) on both. The 2008 actually about 400 less miles. Both have the power up kit with a single Arrow slip on. Other than that, the 08 is essentially stock. The 09 has a few small accessories as well as a Power Commander and Auto Tune. The 09 is also asking $1000 more.

Any issues with 08 FI? I hear the mapping might be better on the 09. I have also located an 09 450, but I am leaning towards a 510.

Also, I am not concerned with doing routine maintenance on my own. Should I be concerned that my nearest dealer is ~6 hours away?

Anyone? Bueller?

Any suggestions?

Guess I will just get a KTM.

<sup>Maintenece is super easy on either. I don't think you can find a bike with easier valve shimming. I couldn't tell you the difference- 09 supposedly has better fuel injection, but I wouldn't know for sure.
If you're going to tune it later anyways it probably won't make any difference. 09 came with dual exhaust which is heavier- 08 came with a single left side pipe. The previous owner upgraded mine with a single pipe 08 style- it does shave off a few pounds.

-Dave</sup>

saki...thanks for the help.

As it turns out, the 2009 has been sold. That leaves the 2008, but I have located some new leftover 2010s for only ~$1k + shipping more than the asking price of the 2008. I am very tempted to just buy the new 2010, but I have been reading less than stellar reviews about the dealer. I would really like a Husky, but my nearest "local" dealer is ~6 hours away. Since I am not familiar with Huskys, the lack of dealer support makes me a little nervous. The collective wisdom of folks here as well as good options on the internet does help a bit though.

Regardless, I have been told that the 2010 can be shipped and would be fully set up by the dealer. I was hoping to find some answers to my questions.

Is there any special setup I should do besides normal break-in? In my research for Huskys, I have read about the fuel pump fix, throttle lock, fuses, and a couple other minor fixes that slip my mind right now.

What does the power up kit for 2010 consist of?

Should the power up kit be included with the bike or purchased seperately? I seem to have read about both cases.

Thanks.

Some stealerships are keeping the PU kit to sell them later. An 09+ should come with the PU plug as OEM equipment. BTW, you can make your own PU "jumper/plug" and buy an O2 bung plug very easily. A PU jumper is just a 2K resistor across the O2 sensor heater circuit. You can find alot of info about that on Cafehusky. It cost me a total of ~$10.

I have an '08 SMR and it needs ibeat EFI reflash/tuning. The '08 runs VERY lean and will stall on occasion. From my research, they all run MUCH better with an aftermarket ECU module. As for breaking in, it's the same as any other bike. Just make sure your check all the engine case bolt torque settings. Most '08s are leaking oil from the case due to improper torque (the manual has the torque settings). Also, the stock exhaust is heavy as hell. If you are lucky enough, you can find a used '08 TXC exhaust and use it. The TXC exhaust is a an Arrow without the catalytic converter. Otherwise, you will have to find a slip on. Plus, I don't think a '09 single will fit an '08 (somebody correct me on that if I'm wrong). I shelled out $375 for an Arrow.

One piece of advice, if you are planning to do any dirt/trail riding, can I suggest you get a TE so you can go SM much easier than you can go the other way around. A TE is essentially the same bike with a kick start, dirt wheels, and a 240mm? front rotor. That way you have two bikes in one for the price of a 17" front wheel and a caliper relocator from someone like Warp9. Just wished I had followed that advice.

Let me know if you have some other questions. It's just too bad you aren't near the DFW, TX area, since I am selling my '08. The bike is great, but I want to do some trail/dirt riding and want a true enduro. Hope that helps.

jyrider, thanks for the update. I was doing a lot of my research for bikes while I was out of country for a few months and unable to purchase. Now that I am back, the 2008 I was looking at has been sold. It was also located up in the DFW area. So I am not against purchasing a bike out of the local area, but it does make it difficult to check them out prior. If you want to pass on info about your bike, I will definitely check it out. Otherwise, the 2010 dealer leftovers are still an option. The search continues. I am just having a tough time deciding what I want...DRZ, KTM, Husky??

BTW, I already have a dirt bike so this will be a primarily street SM.