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05 FE550 --Who has one and. . .

H

Hawaii-Rider

Joined Nov 2001
234 Posts | 0+
Woodinville, Washington
FE 550 or ????

If I were looking at a Berg (2d one for me) are there compelling reasons for the 06 over the 05?

Miles you got on it?
Issues?
Jetting, frustrations etc?

Love, or want to sell it?

Im looking, and currently talking with a wonderful Dealer through this web site about em....

Just wanted more info....I am an engineer.......I research the crap out of things before I pull the trigger....but the owner of this web site knows that!
:snipersmile:

Wanting a four stroke, for higher speed, more open terrain, forest service roads, some minor DS use (license plate, lights), GP events etc. I have my favorite tight snotty single track weapon already, so not replacing it...just augmenting it. 6'3", 225 before gear, riding racing for 30 years now...(Im 45)

Thanx!

HR
8)
 
Damn HR....quit beating around the bush and just buy it already. Research......sure....uh huh.... Go ahead and ask us what we think. We are all unbiased here :D
 
I would get the 06 for no other reason than you have the ability to bolt up the optional cooling fan.
 
HR

I have about 15 hrs on an 06 550. Besides the fan capabilities, its a better handling than the 05. The 06 has stiffer springs in the fork, and revised dampening front and rear. It will be sprung soft for your weight, but not dangerously so, as all of the test riders at the Dr 24hr were 200 plus lbs except for BOSS. We all felt the chassis was balanced, even if the boingers were soft.

Run the Fc jetting and carburetion will be a non issue. Although there are various discussions on the topic, it all depends on your riding skills, area etc and your demands from the bike.

I'm 6'2", 235 and all I do is add bar spacers, remove the outer aluminum from chain guide, rejet and soon to be resprung.

Hope this helps.

Fry
 
great feedback
(except berger :lol: guess we should be happy he puts his beer down long enough to type, or should we?...I digress)


better handling....due to suspension or is the geometry changed from 05-06, tripple clamps, axle setback etc?

If its suspension related, I always get my legs redone for me, location and springs etc.

HR
8)
 
Hi Fry,
probably a dumb question,but why do you remove the aluminum cover from the chain guide?
 
For me the difference between a discounted 05 and a full price 06 was a significant difference. The chassis between the two is the same, no frame changes.

If the bike is jetted correctly, the fan is a non-issue except in extreme circumstances. I have had zero overheating issues after fixing the very lean stock jetting.

Stiffer springs in the '06 are nice, if you are 180 pounds or less. You will need new springs front and rear anyway, like fry already said.

All that being said, if money is not an issue, or the savings are not that great, I would get the '06 too. I just wasn't able to justify it. I guess what I am trying to say is that--if you get the '05--believe me, it ain't gonna hold ya back. It still is the best bike I've ever owned.
 
nsman said:
Hi Fry,
probably a dumb question,but why do you remove the aluminum cover from the chain guide?
Click to expand...
when you hit it on something, it can bounce back into place ratehr than remaining bent.
 
I am guessing that if the chain guide aluminum bracket takes a good hit from the likes of a rock or something it could be deformed. To the point that the plastic insert will be held in a position that renders the bike unrideable. As I am sure you know the chain must be split in order to remove the guide. Not something that you would want to do trailside. The possibility of losing the master link clip is great. I lose them in my garage and its pretty clean.

BTW the BOSS newfangled, hi tech plastic guide is two pieces that enable you to remove the guide in an emergency without breaking the chain.
DSC00711.sized.jpg
 
get the 06, the black frame allows the bike to go faster and look cooler then the 05
 
Differences I have seen between the 05 - 06

New Graphics, Seat color, Rad shrouds, Tank for more airflow, option of putting on a thermostat for a fan, new valving, and a full up FCR carb with the throttle position sensor.

Mechanically: 06 tank will fit an 05 if more airflow is a requirement as well the rad shouds, as the frame is the same.
Suspension gets revalved anyhow when I get a bike, as well as new phat butt springs.
FCR Carb....I saw the jetting post, so appears that jetting or finicky stuff going on under a load etc isnt an issue.

Also, the 05 FE 550 the dealer informed me is the euro model, full wiring harness, all switches, horn, mirrors, blinkers etc.
Right at $1000 price difference right at the moment between the 05 and 06.

HR
8)
 
Hey, HR, 1000 bones makes the diff, expecially if you wanted to add blinkers. Either year, the motor is like heroin.......you know the rest 8O 8O

Husabutt - the stk guide is already split on top, so changing one is a snap. I cut the aluminum at the bottom of the inside so I retain the weld nuts, and the aluminum reinforces the plastic. If it takes a hit, it stays bent in, but does not hold the whole guide in.

And who revalves your legs HR?

fry
 
Sometimes the bushings hold the plastic together. I know at least that the replacement parts are split, perhaps there have been changes.

Husabutt, did you make it to Pheonix?
 
No I didn't. Hopefully I'll make it to another Force ride. Moab was pretty cool :)

Hope you are in good heath and doing well.
 
I'm doing fine Husabutt, how about a Canadian Rockies ride in Aug?

Is your son ready for a berg yet? He'll soon be pushing you for some riding tips on the big bikes no doubt. I hope all is well with you as well.


Lee
 

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husabutt said:
I am guessing that if the chain guide aluminum bracket takes a good hit from the likes of a rock or something it could be deformed. To the point that the plastic insert will be held in a position that renders the bike unrideable. As I am sure you know the chain must be split in order to remove the guide. Not something that you would want to do trailside. The possibility of losing the master link clip is great. I lose them in my garage and its pretty clean.

BTW the BOSS newfangled, hi tech plastic guide is two pieces that enable you to remove the guide in an emergency without breaking the chain.
DSC00711.sized.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks Bro !! that chain guide for SM guys will be the ticket, when installing a 5" rear its hard not to scratch the rim :D you could elongate the rear hole to drop the bracket lower for various adjusments
 

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