Picked up a '95 FE501 and had a chance to ride it at our sandy grass track yesterday as the temp hit the big five oh.
It's the first time I've ever ridden one of the "older original style Bergs" and I must say I came away rather impressed!
All of my experiences have been on the new frame design '01 and up with the obvious KTM influences.The '95 is rather well worn with a shock that is in desperate need of servicing and forks that are spongy and have one leaking seal plus a front tire that's seen better days but in spite of all this I must say I like the general layout and it's basic manners very much.I definitely look forward to getting things freshened up and see just how much better this thing will ride.
The engine is a winner and has good low end where you can feel the influence of the flywheel allowing it to lug real low without any hints of stalls yet still retaining a nice hardy snappy feel as the revs increase.It also exhibited good starting manners both cold and warm though it does have the awkward old style kick lever position/setup which makes it a tad difficult on us vertically challenged folks. :lol:
I now see why those that have em or have ridden the older models speak so fondly about the fun factor of them when they are running in spite of the higher level of maintainance that they require to the newer crop of Bergs
I plan on tearing it down and building it up the right way in spite of the fact that I'll no doubt be upside down pricewise as I'm not motivated by that in this case anyway as I think it'll be a neat model to have and enjoy from time to time as the mood strikes.Oh and the good news is that it's got a good title and will be street legal for the woods in my area which is a neccessity these days.
If anyone has any good sources for older Berg parts inventory let me know as I'm in the parts collecting mode as the project begins. 8O
It's the first time I've ever ridden one of the "older original style Bergs" and I must say I came away rather impressed!
All of my experiences have been on the new frame design '01 and up with the obvious KTM influences.The '95 is rather well worn with a shock that is in desperate need of servicing and forks that are spongy and have one leaking seal plus a front tire that's seen better days but in spite of all this I must say I like the general layout and it's basic manners very much.I definitely look forward to getting things freshened up and see just how much better this thing will ride.
The engine is a winner and has good low end where you can feel the influence of the flywheel allowing it to lug real low without any hints of stalls yet still retaining a nice hardy snappy feel as the revs increase.It also exhibited good starting manners both cold and warm though it does have the awkward old style kick lever position/setup which makes it a tad difficult on us vertically challenged folks. :lol:
I now see why those that have em or have ridden the older models speak so fondly about the fun factor of them when they are running in spite of the higher level of maintainance that they require to the newer crop of Bergs
I plan on tearing it down and building it up the right way in spite of the fact that I'll no doubt be upside down pricewise as I'm not motivated by that in this case anyway as I think it'll be a neat model to have and enjoy from time to time as the mood strikes.Oh and the good news is that it's got a good title and will be street legal for the woods in my area which is a neccessity these days.
If anyone has any good sources for older Berg parts inventory let me know as I'm in the parts collecting mode as the project begins. 8O
love my old 501 for the pure hooligan factor, and it blows away most of the modern jap stuff out there :lol:
