Long Distance FE550e Dual Sport

Motodude · Jun 4, 2008

Although Husabergs are best known for their relatively short term rides as dirt bikes & supermotos, I converted my '05 FE550e into a street legal dual sport and am having very good results. After a 200 mile ride yesterday I used only 3.1 gallons of gas for an average of 65 mpg. I cruise at 70 mph on the pavement and ride semi-agressively on the dirt/gravel. Spent about 50/50 on each. Carburation is spot on with a 160 mj, 42 pj, no ap, and needle set for 5000 ft. elevation. Gearing is stock, but could easily go another tooth on the front.

Rear wheel is stock with no cush drive, but don't seem to need one either. Tires are Pirelli Scorpion A/T's and they work great in the twisties and O.K. off pavement. Engine works very well at constant drone on the highway even though it's not supposed to. Surprisingly great road bike, but limiting factor is time in the saddle. Even with revamped seat, must stop after 100 miles, but have a 250+ mile range with the large Boss tank.

ned37 · Jun 4, 2008

what are you using for gearing? i've set up my 650 with 46-14 and it could definitely go higher based on the low first gear, but i mostly use mine for gravel and worse roads with about 5% hard surface. i could cruise at 70 but its wound a little tighter than i like and the roads i use would soon find me wadded in the ditch. :lol:

Satex · Jun 4, 2008

I'm not sure how long you've used your bike as a DS/road biased machine, but I'm curious about the maintenance intervals you're using or expect to use.

I don't think my 450 is as well suited for DS duty as your bike or the 650's, but I am considering using my bike on a loooong DS ride, like the TransAM trail or the Continental Divide trail. If less stressful riding, such as what I'm considering, will allow much longer service intervals, then it might make sense.

Motodude · Jun 4, 2008

The stock gearing is 48/15 and 67 mph is optimum cruise as it has zero vibration at that speed. A 16 tooth countershaft sprocket is on order which will move the optimum to 71 mph. As far as maintenance intervals, been doing the usual 10 hr. Delo 400 oil change with filter every other time, but sometimes stretching to 15 hrs. Valve clearance check/re-set every 15-20 hrs. Have 45 hrs. and 1500 miles on the bike now. It gets less stress than my other two Husabergs which are used a dirt bike (550) & supermoto (650).

DaleEO · Jun 4, 2008

Motodude said:
Although Husabergs are best known for their relatively short term rides as dirt bikes & supermotos, I converted my '05 FE550e into a street legal dual sport and am having very good results. After a 200 mile ride yesterday I used only 3.1 gallons of gas for an average of 65 mpg. I cruise at 70 mph on the pavement and ride semi-agressively on the dirt/gravel. Spent about 50/50 on each. Carburation is spot on with a 160 mj, 42 pj, no ap, and needle set for 5000 ft. elevation. Gearing is stock, but could easily go another tooth on the front.

Rear wheel is stock with no cush drive, but don't seem to need one either. Tires are Pirelli Scorpion A/T's and they work great in the twisties and O.K. off pavement. Engine works very well at constant drone on the highway even though it's not supposed to. Surprisingly great road bike, but limiting factor is time in the saddle. Even with revamped seat, must stop after 100 miles, but have a 250+ mile range with the large Boss tank.

Which needle are you using for trhe 5000'?

noel · Jun 5, 2008

Is there an aftermarket oil capacity increaser available for the bergs...... To allow the bike the run with more oil?
Don't know why they didn't engineer it to hold more oil. I wouldn't mind the extra weight if it meant less oil chages and the ability to use the bike for longer 3-4 day rides without having to change the oil.

Motodude · Jun 5, 2008

I'm using an OBEKR needle with clip in third notch from bottom. The needle was not stock for the FE550e, but came stock in my FS650c. It has a slightly more aggresive ramp and thinner straight portion. The stock needle made the bike too lean, even with the needle raised one notch. Fuel screw is out one-half turn. Need choke for start-up, but can go off it immediately thereafter.

BundyBear · Jun 5, 2008

I aggree completely that they make a good road bike - espicially for very out-of-the-way roads. I did close to 1000km in two days a while back, but you do end up with a seat-shaped butt..

Long Distance FE550e Dual Sport

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