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1993 FE501?

L

Low594

Joined Jul 2009
6 Posts | 0+
I am considering the purchase of this bike, for $1000. I know both of the only owners.
3738957348_b34bde6378.jpg

3738162349_16dae56e13.jpg

My intention with this bike is for dual-sport/adventure tour. It is street reg'd.

Currently the big issue I can see with it, is its lack of fuel capacity (9L/2.4 gallons?). Does or did anyone make tanks for it? I have checked Ebay, but no dice, yet.

What do I need to be aware of? I read somewhere about there being no oil pump and it relying on splash from the cam chain, is this a big worry or no so much?

How are the electrics? Can they handle a few farkles? Like, GPS & aux. lights?

I have come across info that sounds like it may share some parts in common with a Huskvarna and a KTM (620, maybe?). Anyone care to enlighten me as to more details on this?

I really like the potential of this bike. Currently, a few of us are looking at hitting part of the Trans-America Trail, next year. And I am considering a Baja trip this October, if work picks up and I can get it prepped by then.

Thanks!
 
I don't think you know the owners that well. That bike looks like a mismatch. Electric start did not come in until 1996 and in that year they did not have an oil pump as such. Also an internal oil filter tendered to get blocked and starve the top end...later bikes had an oil pump and a filter you could clean easily. Is the motor a 1996 or a later year. The SEM ignition is suspect, but has probably been rewound. The tank and shroud's look like they are off a 1993 or earlier. The 1996 motor would not fit in the 93 frame and the muffler looks like from 1996. The tank holds 8.4 litres and I have an extra aluminuim tank for the 94 and pre models that fits under the seat and I want to get rid off, but those years did not have an electric start and battery so if you have a battery under the seat there is no room for the 3 litre reserve tank. Does the electric start work? If not you could take it off. On the pluse side the 93 and earlier needed the gearbox checked a lot. The best Husaberg for what you want apart from the newer ones is the 1999 model. You can get a resrve 5 litre tank and also replace the standard tank with a 19 liter tank. It also has the variable ignition timing and lots of other good things. I think the 92 and 93 are could collector bikes and they are very light, but the 1999 can be used for long distance and is reliable and easy to work on. Ask the owners some more questions..... good luck.
 
Hmmm. Well, I have only seen the bike once, before I was interested in it, so I don't know alot about it. I don't know if it has elec. start or not. I was told it had an aftermarket (Akrapovic?) exhaust. The current owner picked it up 2 years ago, with the plan to supermoto it and then had to find a new job, so he lost momentum on it and wants it gone. Other than that, I haven't gotten much info.

So, are you suspecting that it is newer than '93 and has '93 plastics on it or what? Help me out here, I'm new to the 'Bergs.

If that aux tank will fit, I'd be interested in it, if I get this bike.

I'm also considering a XR650L, but it is 4 times the price and I like the less-known factor of the 'Berg.
 
The picture has an electric start and electric start did not come out till 96 (maybe some in 95). The pipe looks like a standard 96. I don't know who made them for Berg, but they are a good pipe. If the electric start is still working (and you should only use it for hot restarts) then the batery is under the seat and you cannot fit the 3litre aluminium tank. If you get it cheap and are prepared to go without the electric start and do maintenance it could be alright. I think on second look the plastic could be standard and the rear guard and headlight look like the 96 model. It will be high maintenance. If you want to keep the electric start running and use it a lot it will cost.
 
I did get a hold of the first owner and he recalls it being a '97, not a '93. I still haven't heard from the current owner on the engine/frame numbers, which should tell all. I'm used to kickstarting bikes, so its not a big deal, 'cept when my knees act up, but oh well. What is the issue with the starter? I'm an electrician and my standard protocol with all of my bikes and my friends is to go through and revamp the wiring (replace batt cables with proper guage and clean connections). I still have yet to find a bike that was manufactured with the proper wiring for a starter, BMW is the closest, but that list includes Ducati, HD, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, MV Augusta, Benelli, Aprilia, KTM, etc!
 
If it is a 97 then down near the drain plug there will be a removal mess filter, but I think it is a 96. The electric start is a mechanical problem if you use it the sprag clutch and other bits wear out quickly. If you use it for starting when riding/ stalling it will last for ever. Plan not to use it. If it is a 96 there is inside the cases a little thumb sized strainer than can get blocked and you can't get to it without splitting the cases... it then starves the big end of oil. Looks in good condition, but expect to pay within the year ..... roller rocker bearings will have to be changed twice a year (no big deal) ignition if not already replaced will have to be rewound.... electric start willl give problems if used a lot. You could remove and save weight instead of fixing, but it is nice to have when on a hill or if bike flames out when still moving. On the plus side it is easy to work on. Once you install and external oil strainer like the 97 model and if you don't need the electric start and don't mind spending a bit of money then it could be ok. The 97 models are a yellow green colour and used unlabelled bearings that failed. The 92 and 93 models are breakable but very very light and worth getting for that. The 96 is ok, but the 99 is a huge jump with the 2000 having the last of the old motor and the new frame...... then you can jump the rest and look at 2006 onwards to reduce problems. Just my view though.
 
Well looks like I will be checking it out on Sunday and probably bringing it home. So, I should know alot more about this thing at that point. The price seems worth it for what the bike is, but my plan is changing a bit. I think it will make a good short distance Adventurer, around the local area or a few hundred miles, but not for long distances. But I am keeping an eye open for a KTM 640 Adv, to fit that bill, and I need to sell my Ducati.
 
Looks like a 95 or 96 Electric start model (95 is the 1st year for the e-start).

1996%20elduro.JPG


Large tank options include:

19 Litre OEM tank (came standard on the FR model) (Taffy has the decals for it). Fits 89-99

Taffmeisters - Original FR Rally Decal Set

5.5 Litre auxiliary side number plate tank. Fits 89-99.

The 1st generation e-start models are better for dual sport use as they are counterbalanced and vibrate a lot less than the kick start only motors. All the Gen 1 motors tend to burn a lot of oil so top it off frequently.
 

Attachments

  • 89-99 Extra Capacity Tanks..pdf
    396.9 KB
Regardless...

Looks very clean. It’s worth $1,000 if you are a Husaberg nut.

I agree that it is likely a 96, early electric start.
 
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