1992 600 Husaberg... now what?

Not sure if it was a good thing, but I just bought a 1992 600 Husaberg. I would like to put lights on it and make it street legal. I'd assume it might need a larger stator. Recommendations on electrical parts sources and lights?

I looked at the fairing/double headlight conversion being done on a Kawasaki. That seems interesting.

I'm also looking for general information on the bike. Seems most of the info I have been able to find is for newer models.

The previous owner was a racer in the senior class. He quit racing about 12 years ago and parked the bike. Supposed to have less than 80 hours on the engine.

He did mention starting problems. Any suggestions on how to help with that? What about the carb? Are there conversions to better ones that may help with the starting problems?

Finally, I'm an ex-motorcycle mechanic that is basically lazy. What do I need to pay attention to on this bike to keep it going? I used to own a 400 square bore Maico so I am familiar with bikes that require attention.
Any particular problem spots with this old Husaberg?

The only immediate issues are it won't start (bad gas) and one of the plastic chain guards on the swing arm broke. Where can I find a replacement or substitute part? Even suggestions on material to make a replacement part would help.

Thanks for any guidance you can provide.

Jack

ned37 said:

first of all, welcome to the site. you should be able to find all the info you need here.

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Thanks. That is what I was hoping.

ned37 said:

as to street legal, a lot of that depends on where you live.

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Texas. If I can just get lights and a horn I should be able to get it to pass.

ned37 said:

as to getting it running, which model is it?

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I will have to check. It came with an owner's manual. It was/is a pure motocross bike.

ned37 said:

did it come w/ lites? electric start?

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Neither.

ned37 said:

to properly sort it out, you should assess what you have by pulling it apart, disassemble, inspect and inventory the carb and jets, etc. change and inspect the oil, filters. perhaps using the info in the hard start guide available on this site, measure your electrics such as the stator. check / adjust the valves. download the appropriate manuals from the husaberg usa site http://www.husaberg.se/
once you have more specific info and questions, post them in the appropriate section to get answers.

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Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, all of the above is not likely to happen. Did you miss the part about me being lazy? :wink:

I am draining the gas. Plan to put fresh in and see if it will start. It has been stored for 12 years. He said he started it up every few years but it wouldn't start this time. Once I get it started I might change the oil to synthetic. Not sure what's in there now.

ned37 said:

if nothing works out for you, i'll give you $50 for it to get it out of your way :wink:

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I'll let you know. But I better warn you, the crating and shipping on that thing will be unbelievable!! :wink:

Jack

Well, I got the berg started and running today. Gas was bad, idle jet in carb was clogged. Smokes a LOT. 8^(

Couldn't see a spark but don't have my multimeter here so I figured I'd pull start it behind the Ford Escape. It worked!

The manual that came with the bike is for a MC501 but the cylinder is clearly stamped 600cc. Any clue what's up with that?

Rode the bike for about half an hour in a small lot down the block.
It did start back up with the kick starter after that. It initially wouldn't
idle so I set the idle speed high. After the bike warmed up I lowered the idle speed. It then started popping back through the exhaust on occasion.

Now, what do I need to do to get the bike ready to ride? It's a '92 and it seems that all of the info I have found is 2000 and up. Are there mechanical upgrades that this bike needs?

The bike is supposed to have 80 hours on it. Right now I just want to
get the thing so that I can ride it. I am concerned about the cam chain. Should I be? How do I adjust it? How often is that required? What are the valve clearance specs?

I need to replace the air filter and I would like a spare. Also the plastic pieces that are supposed to protect the swing arm from the chain are missing. Where do I get parts?

Finally, is there some 'trick' to starting this thing? So far I have been getting off the bike, standing on a stand and kicking with my right foot. I push to just before TDC, pull the compression release, push it just past the compression and kick as hard as I can. Even so, I can't seem to get but about one revolution out of the thing. Makes it very difficult to start. I also now have a huge gash on my shin as a result of my efforts. Is it supposed to be this difficult? Is there an easy way to lower the bike a few inches? I'm on the verge of thinking I should have waited to get a bike with an electric start.

The manual mentions an automatic compression release but this bike either has none or it doesn't work. Where can I get information on that? Is it possible to add one and would it help to make this thing easier to start?

I noticed a little coolant weeping from a hole at the back of the water pump. Is that normal?

But the power this thing has is unbelievable! I can't wait to get it on some trails. The lot down the street was just too small to have any fun.

It was suggested that I download manuals from the Husaberg site but I found none that go back that far.

Sorry for all of the questions and thanks for any help you can provide.

Jack