2009–2014 · Enduro · Buyer's Guide
The Tight Woods Weapon
The TE 310 fills the gap between 250 and 450 enduros, and Husqvarna built it with a clear purpose. The 297 cc single shares its basic design with the TE250 but uses a bigger bore. That gives you real low-end torque and a wider spread of usable power, without the bulk and hit of a 450. It makes 33 hp and 21 lb-ft, which looks modest on paper. In tight terrain, that is exactly the point. The chassis is just as serious: a steel single-tube frame, a 2.0 in (50 mm) Marzocchi upside-down fork and a Sachs shock, both fully adjustable, with 11.8 in (300 mm) of travel up front.
The bike balances agility with a planted feel. It turns quickly enough for tight trees and stays calm when the trail opens up, and 13.2 in (335 mm) of ground clearance gets it over most rocks and logs. The core of the bike is tough, it is easy to work on, and the aftermarket is deep. The caveat is the early fuel injection and the starting system. Expect some stumbling at low rpm, an electric start that gives up when the engine is hot, and valve clearances you have to keep checking. It suits an experienced rider who does their own wrenching and wants one enduro for everything, not someone who expects to turn a key and forget about it.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 33 hp (25 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 21 lb-ft (29 Nm) |
| Displacement | 297 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 140/80-18 |
| Wheelbase | 58.9 in (1495 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 13.2 in (335 mm) |
| Front travel | 11.8 in (300 mm) |
| Rear travel | 11.7 in (296 mm) |
| Seat height | 37.5 in (952 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 1.9 gal (7.2 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Over the years I've heard a lot about the TE 310. Riders talk about it in the paddock, over coffee after a ride, at club nights, and in the emails and messages they send me. The same pattern comes up again and again. Owners like the engine and the way the bike holds up over time, and their most common frustration is the starting system.
Long-term owners say the bike rarely lets them down in a big way, as long as the basic maintenance gets done. Bigger riders often mention the confidence they get from the extra grunt over the TE250. Some also like how precisely the clutch bites in stop-and-go sections.
The electric start is by far the most common complaint, and owners name the starter clutch and its wiring as the weak spots. Another gripe that keeps coming up is weight. The TE 310 shares its platform with the 450, so riders say it feels portly next to dedicated 250 four-stroke enduros and wears them out in extreme terrain.
Unreliable electric starter
The electric start often fails to engage or turns over slowly. Many owners report needing to use the kickstarter, especially when the engine is hot. The issue stems from a combination of a weak starter clutch, battery drain, and sensitive valve clearances. A dealer-acknowledged fix exists but is not always applied.
Hard starting due to valve clearances
Tight valve clearances can cause the bike to become very difficult to start, particularly when warm. Regular valve inspections and adjustments are essential for reliable starting.
Early EFI mapping causes rough low‑RPM running
Some owners report occasional stalling, rough idling, or hesitation just off idle, which can be traced to the first-generation fuel injection with limited tuning points. A re-map or aftermarket fuel controller can mitigate the issue.
Where this Husqvarna TE 310 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the TE 310 is actually built for.
For ledges, sand and slow technical climbs, this is a strong fit: low-end torque, 13.2 in of clearance and fully adjustable suspension. Plan fuel carefully, because the stock tank runs dry at around 60 to 70 miles.
Made for Bar M / Kane Creek · Imperial Sand Dunes · Johnson Valley OHV Area
Honestly, it's a stretch. The stock tank covers only 60 to 70 miles, and a 37.5 in seat is tall for loaded days. It can work for light, fast trips with a bigger aftermarket tank and minimal gear.
Made for AZBDR — Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route · California BDR South · COBDR — Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Husqvarna TE 310. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Successor · 2013
Last Italian Enduro, Built Honest
Roughly $1,800 pricier used than this bike at 13 yr
Successor · 2009–2013
Trail Weapon With A Plate
Roughly $1,000 pricier used than this bike at 13 yr
Competitor · 2010
Raw Enduro Muscle, Distilled