Is it time to buy a Berg?

Long time reader on this site, but new to posting...

I’m on ThumperTalk, but figured this was the place to ask this question since there’s a plethora of Berg owners\experts here.

Moving on, I got trigger happy and went and bought a new 2006 Husky TC450 the other month, but haven’t ridden it, let alone started it.

I’ve been going back and forth theoretically speaking as to whether I’d be happy with this bike out in the open desert of CA where it will be ridden 90% of the time. Many Husky owners on tt.com said I can be happy….and I know the bike is awesome and extremely capable, but I want real easy starting, and higher speed capabilities.

I’m a 6 speed tranny type of guy, and the close ratio 5 speed on the TC might not do it for me.

The TC450 has been put up for sale today, and if it sells, I’ll be looking for a replacement bike, which can meet most, if not all of my expectations.

I have a few options here.

Once the TC450 sells, I’ll have up to $3500 cash available to either purchase used or make a down payment on a new one.

I’m considering the 05/06 FE550e and also a 2000 FC501 my friend is willing to sell me below market. Or a 2007 FE550e if I wait until next year when once prices come down further. (I don’t believe in paying MSRP)

The 2000 is in great shape, and maybe only needs an update or two. I can obviously pay cash for this and have 1.5k+ left over in the bank.

Or, I can pay half now, finance the rest, for a new 06 FE550e.

The older FC starts easy, but I hear the 06/07’s start amazing. The Bergs, they have a lower seat height than my TC right?

There will likely be more running costs associated with the older 2000, but can I justify the high price of buying new?

What do you guys think? Should I stick with an older Husky, like a 2002 TE570 or TE610? I'm not going with a pre 2000 Berg or 01-03...and would prefer not to get a 04 Berg either.

Just need more guidance/advice here….

It's all very simple.
Buy an 06 or 07 FE550 and live happily ever after.

For the type of riding you describe, the 550 gets the nod! while the 501 motor is a nice motor the level of refinement on the 05-06 bikes make the choice easy.

650

Try a fe650, Fast and great in the desert........

Is it worth waiting for the 07's to come down on $, or can true happiness be found on the 06's?

I'm also after a great deal of realibility (same or close to a Husky), even if that means maintaining it religiously.

I think the 650 will rev a little too slow for me.... plus having a 550, it will still allow me to trail ride up in the moutains...without feeling like there is too much bike below me...

However, if it was a 100% desert, the 650 would tempt me...

I would think trail riding would be easier with the 650 since you will never have to rev it to get it to GO. In the desert, 650 hands-down. The 650 does not rev anything like an XRR, a Husky 610 or KTM LC4. It revs more like a KTM 525/560. Not AS quickly as a short stroke motor, but a lot more like one than one of the big bikes I mentioned. Either the 550 or 650 is worth every penny you pay over an older Berg, IMHO. They really are very good.

The 650 has power off idle to red line, Rev's quicker than you would think, I trail ride mine with no problems, and nothing can touch it in the open desert. Try one .......

Not to bash older bikes, but Husaberg is making some amazingly good bikes nowdays. Some folks complain that Hbg has not made enough changes and is growing long in the tooth, but they've had 6 +/- years to refine the bikes. The weak points on the older bikes is known and as long as they have been fixed, an older model is not a big problem.

Just for the record, I love my 2000 fc501, but given the chance I'd go with the newer bike. From what I've heard, the suspension is way better and the reliability is up. That's my $0.02 If the engine updates haven't been done on the 501 then you can count on dropping some cash to update her. Not a huge obstacle though, just depends on what it is you are looking for.

550/650

Each of these bikes will do over 100mph and the 550 will get to 60mph a little faster.
You cant go wrong on these bikes as each have strong points. The 550 is more friendly in the rough and tight stuff. The 650 shines in deep sand and will not bog down as much as the 550. The 550 has a much more agressive power band to me.
Hope this helps,

RE: 550/650

Interesting feedback on the 650... however I think the 550 is an awesome balance between the 450 and 650 world.. (duh! Do the math!), but regardless.... I think the 550 can be what I need it to be.

The older FC would need a little coin, but not much to keep her or get her to be perfect....but that's anything these days.

My friend did mention he was going to try and keep it for a spare bike since he didn't think it was worth letting go, so that's good for me in the sense I still get to ride it, even though it's not mine and I don't have to pay for it. But, in the event he does sell it one day, I'll try and scoop up the cash for it...

I'll keep hunting on this site for more info... but the 550 Berg really does sound like a great bike, especially the newer ones.

Appreciate the encouragement in finding the right bike....

As a side note, someone on this site, and I won't name names, but they mentioned they had a 2005 FC550 they were considering letting go. Any feedback on this model? These are non E button right? Closer ratio 6 speed like my bud's 00FC501?

I was going to buy the 450 instead of the 650 but I wanted to ride mine to on the street . All of them are great, why have one buy all three..........

EZ.... Easy! If my pockets ran that deep I wouldn't even post the question, they'd already be in the garage...

I found a new leftover 05 FE550e..... and there is also a leftover 06 for a little over a grand more than the 05. I'm investigating all my options right now and looking for the best overall package.

Tell me, so I don't have to spend hours and hours tonight reading, is there any noteworthy difference, mechanically speaking, that would justify having the 06 over the 05?

I need realibility! Bike will not be abused, only ridden 10-20 hours a year, almost all desert riding.

I've read the 07's, the 550's that is, have an updated case, but otherwise didn't see anything else that stood out motor wise.

Any good info guys?

I don't think there is much, some minor mechanical changes possibly, but i can't remember. but for 1k less i would buy the 05 and have no worries at all.

ryboj,

I did just about the same thing that you are talking about but in my case it was a leftover 04 when the 05s were out. Not much has changed since and I don't plan on getting a new one unless they make some big changes. Or until I beat her to death but, with regular maintenance that is not likely to happen. Get the 05 and save some cash.

Thanks risky and Lubbz.....just needed some confirmation.... The 05 is roughly $6000 + shipping...

The 06 is like $7350 all said and done.... pick up incl...

I'll have to spend just a little out of pocket since I can only get 6k or so for my TC, but it should be worth it.

Just have to wait and see if the TC sells, if not, pipe dream is over for now...