2005 Husqvarna TC510

2005 Husqvarna TC510 – Big-Bore Motocross Power with Electric Start

The 2005 Husqvarna TC510 was an evolutionary development rather than an entirely new model. Husqvarna had already established the modern TC510 platform, and the 2005 machine continued the big-bore DOHC four-stroke concept with its 500.8cc engine, five-speed motocross gearbox and steel competition chassis. It sat above the TC450 as Husqvarna's high-capacity motocross option, using extra stroke to produce substantially more torque.

The engine used a 97.0 mm bore and 67.8 mm stroke with a 12.5:1 compression ratio. Fuel was supplied by a 41 mm Keihin FCR-MX flat-slide carburettor, one of the benchmark competition carburettors of the period. Correct jetting, accelerator-pump operation and slide condition remain important on surviving examples, and owners can compare replacement carburettor options when rebuilding the original fuel system.

One unusual feature for a dedicated motocross bike was electric starting, backed up by a kick starter for emergency use. Suspension combined a 45 mm Marzocchi inverted fork with 300 mm of travel and a Sachs linkage shock providing 320 mm at the rear. The factory specified a 90 mm fork oil level, and the MXOwners fork oil reference is useful when servicing the original front end.

The TC510 was still very much a motocross model despite the electric starter and the fact that many surviving examples are now seen with lights or enduro equipment added. Standard TC specification used 21-inch front and 19-inch rear motocross wheels and no enduro lighting system. For today's owner, careful oil servicing, valve-clearance checks, clean air filtration and inspection of chassis bearings are essential. The 2005 TC510 remains a distinctive big-bore Italian motocrosser with enormous torque and far more character than its relatively simple specification suggests.