2001 FX 470 E

Hello. Long time wonderer of Husaberg and now first time owner. I just moved from Indiana to Virginia. I race the local hare scrambles series and enjoy trail riding the local Jefferson National Forest. My primary ride (race bike) is a 2005 KTM 300 EXC. Have been thinking about upgrading, but I still love the 300. My father-in-law comes in town every couple months from Indiana, but doesn't want to drive the truck bringing his bike due to gas prices. I have purchased a 2001 FX 470 E for $600 solely as a second bike and something for him to ride when he comes to town.

I have a new timing chain, tensioner part (not sure exactly what part, but BOSS felt strongly about me needing to replace it) and gasket kit on the way from BOSS. I asked him for his advice on what else should be replaced and out spewed a laundry list of items. I had a hard time catching it all, but I think I caught some new bearings for an internal shaft (not sure what one) and even new rocker arms. He seemed busy so I left him alone.

So now I leave it to you... bretheren off-roaders... and more importantly... bretheren of all things Husaberg. What advice may you have for a Husaberg Virgin? Oh, and please don't say start by selling my KTM. There is room in my stable for both. Thanks all and have a happy and safe New Year!

OK. Thank you both for the valuable input. Not sure what I'll do. One thing is certain. I am impressed with the results of the newborn 2009 450 and won't pass judgement on Husaberg's ability to produce good bikes on the performance of an 8 year old 470.

I am putting everything back together next week and if the motor feels strong, I'll keep as a secondary bike. If I don't feel good about it, I'll get rid of it. I don't feel good dumping $1,000 into an 8 year old bike because when the expense is over, it's still 8 year old technology.

Here is how I'm wired. In 1997 I was learning to ride on a Honda XR. I went to the 1997 Ironman GNCC and saw the big support (for that time) of Honda and Suzuki. Walking through the pro pits I noticed this little box truck with KTM on the side. Something drew me to find out more about this little company. I have always been a fan of the underdog with heart. Scott Plessinger had very little support that day compared to the big Japanese teams. That was the day I decided to move my loyalty to KTM, the underdog. Now KTM is one of the big dogs and I have been pondering another move to a smaller, less mainstream manufacturer like Husaberg or Husky. I know Husaberg is owned by KTM, yet there is still something pulling me somewhere else. Part of this is due to my spare parts working on the Husaberg. Don't get me wrong, I do not associate KTM with the evil empires of Honda, Suzuki, etc.

Another problem is my loyalty to 2 strokes. Again, this is somehow related to my affinity for the underdog. I don't want 2 strokes to die and they won't if they keep selling. I can appease this mental block if I keep a stroke in my shop.

Who knows what I'll do, but I am thankful I have this delima. Freedom to make choices is a wonderful thing!