Linkages were on bikes up to and including 1998 models, 1999 and later got PDS which was developed by Husaberg with Ohlins, but the IP was transferred to KTM and WP with the ownership transfer.
With both a 1998 FE501 and a 2007 FE650, the linked 501 gives a bit better traction, although that could also be attributed to a less capable engine. Both setups have been sprung and revalved a few times for best results for me FWIW.
Thanks Steve, from what I have seen it looks as their is two different types of old Husaberg linked swingarm one has a strengthing bar just a inch after the main pivot of the arm to the frame and then the pivoting mechanism starts behind it and the other does not have this strengthing bar.
I was thinking that the MX may of been different to a endureo, as the reason for going for a link setup is to control the rate, as this helps smooth out smaller bumps for endureo work or is then use a different setup for MX work with big jumps more in mind where the smaller bumps are not as important.
The way a linkage is designed can make it more lineal or progressive rate.
One would think that the type of swingarm on my 2008 is rubbish because it does not have a linkage setup but I have to say that it's the best rear end I have ever come across for endureo work, I can't fault it how it works at all.
But you can not just toss on a shock and spring as such as the 08 berg and hope it to work as well, as I believe it's to do with how the inherent valving setup is in this type of shock we have and this is a actual key to making it work so well.
I think it's in the long needle valve L=169 PN 50180490 how it works well in this setup.
I remember coming up to a bugger of a speed bump in a old VW Combi van and this bugger just dismissed it, I was getting ready to be tossed out of my seat, but she just floated over it like a magic carpet at 60km/h I could not believe it and the driver said you must use the proper VW shocks and never any of the other brands as they do not cut it like the VW shocks does the job, sure it's just crap shocks tec too a WP but there is more to shocks than just adjustment of all the settings or tunning the valve stacks.
They did not use that long needle for nothing, I think a short one is more for MX work.
I maybe wrong but what do others think.:unsure:
