Husqvarna TE 300i
It's been less than two years since Graham Jarvis switched from a carbureted to a fuel-injected Husqvarna TE300i. The chassis, suspension and many other elements remained unchanged, but we were damn curious what had changed for Graham. So we sat down with Jarvis's right-hand man, Damian Butler, to talk about how he carefully and meticulously customizes fuel-injected bikes to suit the King of Hard Enduro's needs and desires.
Damian talks about the period of transition when fuel-injected two-strokes were a new and little-explored element, and the developments that were required to prepare them for extreme enduro. In the end, their Husqvarna TE300i was just right, but they had a lot to learn and learn during the development process.
The art of injection
Damian Butler: Compared to the carbureted model, we found that the fuel-injected version was better suited for fast track use than for slow obstacle course riding, for which the carb version is better suited. But this is compensated by the fact that when we compared them side-by-side on a hillside, the fuel-injected version showed excellent grip. The big advantage of the injection version is that the engine always runs smoothly and cleanly. On slow and difficult sections it is not overloaded and you do not have to spin it to rest before moving over an obstacle. And this is actually very important, although it seems like a small thing. We also found out that the gas rush on a fast section is performed with a delay, but very small. In general, there is more or less parity between the two versions, but every modification and every new test makes the injection version better.
The consumption has changed completely unrealistically. The bike uses significantly less fuel than the carb model , and even on the same tank as the '17 model, we didn't have to refuel during the entire three-hour race. In terms of exhaust, we have a standard pipe with an FMF 2.1 Hardcore titanium muffler. The second version is slightly longer than the previous model (by the way, Jarvis and teammate Billy Bolt helped FMF Racing develop a muffler for fuel-injected bikes).
Enduro Husqvarna TE 300i by Graham Jarvis
The largest race Erzbergrodeo
The leading hard enduro rider has a unique history with the Erzbergrodeo (Erzberg Rodeo), a large-scale competition held annually in May-June in Austria since 1995, where the best motorcycle riders compete against each other on the ore). Despite being one of the frontrunners for the title, this was the only major hard enduro victory he achieved.
For three years in a row, from 2010 to 2012, Graham Jarvis was disqualified for missing checkpoints in the deciding four-hour final of the Red Bull Hare Scramble.
It's quite easy to miss the gate in the misty forests around Iron Mountain, but it was especially gut-wrenching when he only learned of his disqualification after reaching the finish line first in 2011 and 2012.
Pendants: The best of both worlds
Graham rides a 48 WP Cone Valve fork and a Traxx rear shock. The shock absorber is equipped with a soft spring, softer than anyone else's. But the unusual spring is compensated for by a number of internal changes in the shock absorber. Overall, Graham's bike is softer than anyone else's, but his suspension allows for fast riding.
At first it looks like a trial one in the first third of the suspension travel, but as the speed increases, the resistance also increases, and the suspensions can even cope with quite considerable loads. We took it to a local cross-country track and it successfully managed several very high jumps without breaking the harness or hitting the ground. This is a collaboration between Graham and Paul from WP. Many riders then tested the version developed by Graham, and they really liked it.
The triple clamps installed on the Husqvarna TE 300i are from Xtric Rocs, and we install the fork in them at the third of the four rails.
Letty gets the better of Romanian leader - JARVIS OUT WITH KNEE INJURY
Changes at the top: Lettenbichler leads and Jarvis leaves Red Bull Romaniacs
Sibiu, Romania - July 29, 2021 - Day 2 Offroad was a busy day for round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Red Bull Romaniacs. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) took the lead. Graham Jarvis's (Husqvarna) hopes of winning race seven ended when he was unable to finish due to a knee injury.
The world's toughest enduro hard rally began on the second off-road day, once again putting its competitors through the rigors. The harsh climbs and hot weather were completed in true rally style, with the riders now having to spend the night in a tent without any outside help or support.
Race leader from the first off-road day, Graham Jarvis, led the Gold class riders away before dawn at 1:06. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider was followed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Manuel Lettenbichler. Hot on Graham's heels, Money quickly seized the Briton's lead, catching him just after the first major climb of the day.
In a game of cat and mouse, neither could get rid of the other, so they rode together most of the day. However, the event took a turn for Graham when he left the final service station. Crossing a ditch at high speed caused him to twist his knee and due to severe pain he was forced to abandon the race, allowing Manuel to race away for the win.
The victory proved decisive, with the German finishing ahead of Sherco Factory Racing's Wade Young by 23 minutes. While Young is in second place overall, his teammate Mario Roman finished Day 2 Offroad in second place. The Spaniard's consistent and confident play paid off and he moved into third place overall.
Finding his Red Bull Romaniacs rhythm, Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) also had a memorable day. Following the "less is more" philosophy, the Abestone Hard Enduro winner limited his mistakes compared to previous days, moving up to third place. He has now moved up to fourth place overall two days before the tournament.
Back in fifth place, Vision Track Beta's Johnny Walker had a mixed day, combining several checkpoints with errors. In fifth place overall, he is just 54 seconds behind Bolt.
One of the performances of the day was from Canada's Trystan Hart (KTM). The newcomer quickly made his way on the steep trails of the Carpathian Mountains, finishing his day in sixth place and finishing seventh overall.
Due to the overnight bivouac awaiting riders at the end of Off-Road Day 2, competitors will not see their assistance teams until the service point, halfway through Off-Road Day 3.
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM): “It was a tough day. I caught up with Graham just after the first climb and we rode together for most of the day. He was amazing to ride with, so it sucks to see him go out today. I feel like I played it safe and won. It's time to check the bike, make sure everything is in order, and then set up the tent for the night! »
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna): “Today was a pretty good day, not perfect, but much better than before. I just wanted to reduce the number of crashes and mistakes I was making and I think it paid off. Just by rolling it back and keeping the momentum going I got third place. I feel like I'm going in the right direction now and I'll try to stick with it for the rest of the week."
Teddy Blazusiak (GAZGAZ): “My riding, speed and navigation were good this week, but I was a little disappointed with the small mistakes I made. They're nothing serious, but they add up, so I need to try to reduce them in the second half of the week.
Red Bull Romaniacs: Offroad Day 2
Gold class
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 5:05:42 2. Mario Roman (Sherko) 5:18:41 3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 5:19:53 4. Wade Young (Sherko) 5:24:21 5. Johnny Walker (Beta) 5:28:39 6. Tristan Hart (KTM) 5:37:02 7. Teddy Blazusiak (GAZGAZ) 5:37:33 8. Cody Webb (Sherko) 5:54:24 9. Michael Walkner (GAZGAZ) 5:59:05 10. Theodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 6:10:09
General classification (after 2nd off-road day)
Gold class
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 10:38:47 2. Wade Young (Sherko) 11:02:20 3. Mario Roman (Sherko) 11:05:11 4. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 11:13:50 5. Johnny Walker (beta) 11:14:44 6. Teddy Blazusiak (GAZGAZ) 11:30:01 7. Tristan Hart (KTM) 11:34:11 8. Michael Walkner (GAZGAZ) 11:53:51 9. Theodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 11:56:48 10. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 12:21:58
Clutch
Graham is adamant about the automatic clutch. We get asked this question at every race. It has a Rekluse Manual basket made of billet aluminum and a Rekluse release plate with standard clutch discs. We also installed a clutch cover from Rekluse just for extra protection because it is much stronger than stock.
Our radiators and fan are also standard. We used Samco silicone hoses because they are stronger and have less expansion. Essentially, this means that the coolant level does not change as its temperature changes. The transmission is a standard six-speed with 13/50 sprockets from Supersprox. For the first time this year we supplied the RK chain.
Sea to Sky Lesson
After Graham's accident on Sea to Sky, when his clutch lever broke, we switched to Teflon-lined levers from Power Parts. These levers are clear and reliable in operating mode, and in the event of an impact, Teflon allows them to move without damage.
The handlebars are a standard Husqvarna Pro Taper , mounted flush with the fork like most riders. This is a fairly low and wide handlebar. Grips are 50/50 diagonal knurled from Pro Taper.
Graham likes the Enduro Engineering rear brake pedal with safety harness. This pedal is softer than the standard pedal, so it will bend rather than lock the wheel upon impact. Our running boards are from Raptor. These are beefy titanium footpegs mounted 10mm further and 10mm lower than standard.
Other highlights include a Supersprox 50T steel rear sprocket and (currently) an SXS crankcase guard with lever guard, TM Engineering chain guide, Zip Tye brake rotor guard, grippy seat cover and tow straps.
