I've noticed HMS is advertising left-over 2003 models in the classified section.I would like a little feedback on these from people who have actually ownwed,ridden them thanks.
I have a 2002 fe501e that has been great, under 90hrs and no problems. This has been a great and fun bike to ride. It's also for sale. Would like to keep but the WARDEN say's "only one bike for you mister"
Kraig
Kraig
What can I say.
03 FE501e my first Husaberg.
About 75hrs and 2000km
What can I say, the only money I have spent (post purchase) is on some basic accessories. Bashplate, Handguards, Taillight and tyres.
The fun Factor is awesome and apart from a few wallies thinking that it is a Husqvarna I do not regret this purchase.
I genuinely look forward to my next Husaberg, but despite the ground made with the 04 model, I will wait a little longer.
I had the opportunity to do 200km on an 04 FE450e recently and must say as good as it was I was overjoyed being back on my 501 (Personal preference). Have not had an opportunity to ride the 550.
We are fortunate here in OZ to get a 12mth parts and labour warranty provided by our importer (not sure how things work else where) which goes a long way to providing peace of mind. I am not aware of any hard luck warranty stories, infact it is quite the reverse.
03 FE501e my first Husaberg.
About 75hrs and 2000km
What can I say, the only money I have spent (post purchase) is on some basic accessories. Bashplate, Handguards, Taillight and tyres.
The fun Factor is awesome and apart from a few wallies thinking that it is a Husqvarna I do not regret this purchase.
I genuinely look forward to my next Husaberg, but despite the ground made with the 04 model, I will wait a little longer.
I had the opportunity to do 200km on an 04 FE450e recently and must say as good as it was I was overjoyed being back on my 501 (Personal preference). Have not had an opportunity to ride the 550.
We are fortunate here in OZ to get a 12mth parts and labour warranty provided by our importer (not sure how things work else where) which goes a long way to providing peace of mind. I am not aware of any hard luck warranty stories, infact it is quite the reverse.
Joined Dec 2003
587 Posts | 2+
Where ever we park the motorhome, USA
I bought a 2003 Fe501e in Dec 2003. I think it is a great bike. I have one small problem with the rectifier, but a new part is on order. The bike was fast out of the box, but when it was broken in, it became faster. I had ****'s Racing redo the suspension. It is awesome. I won't buy another jap bike, now that I foung the real McCoy.
i also have a 2003 FE501E.
i have done about 6000kms/115hrs, in about 8 months.
bike is half trail ridden and half flogged around a practice track.
i had a rocker bearing go at about 70hrs, and have just replaced cam bearings and timing chain at 110 hrs.
the high wear on these bearings was most likely due to my ignorance and lack of valve adjustments in first 50hrs that i owned the bike.
i have also had a stator fail. once again, this was due to inexperience with 'bergs. simply put, the stator seals on these bikes do not work, and if you don't keep on eye on them the stator will fail after water seeps in after washing the bike and creek crossings etc.
these are definitely high maintenance bikes. i still love it, and each time something goes wrong, it does seem to be preventable and i am sure it won't happen again after you know to keep an eye on it.
at times i have become frustrated and wanted to go back to a jap bike, but after riding friends bikes before making the big move, you realise how lucky you are to be riding a 'berg.
the real downfall is resale price. i bought mine cheap, and if you see them advertised cheap, bargain a bit more and take it!!
HAVE FUN!!!
i have done about 6000kms/115hrs, in about 8 months.
bike is half trail ridden and half flogged around a practice track.
i had a rocker bearing go at about 70hrs, and have just replaced cam bearings and timing chain at 110 hrs.
the high wear on these bearings was most likely due to my ignorance and lack of valve adjustments in first 50hrs that i owned the bike.
i have also had a stator fail. once again, this was due to inexperience with 'bergs. simply put, the stator seals on these bikes do not work, and if you don't keep on eye on them the stator will fail after water seeps in after washing the bike and creek crossings etc.
these are definitely high maintenance bikes. i still love it, and each time something goes wrong, it does seem to be preventable and i am sure it won't happen again after you know to keep an eye on it.
at times i have become frustrated and wanted to go back to a jap bike, but after riding friends bikes before making the big move, you realise how lucky you are to be riding a 'berg.
the real downfall is resale price. i bought mine cheap, and if you see them advertised cheap, bargain a bit more and take it!!
HAVE FUN!!!
As you can read above: Don't hesitate; buy!
Have mine (501E 2003) for 10 month's now, no problems exept for the usual cambearings after 50 hr's. Good maintenance is the solution!
Have fun.
Have mine (501E 2003) for 10 month's now, no problems exept for the usual cambearings after 50 hr's. Good maintenance is the solution!
Have fun.
Joined Jul 2004
15 Posts | 1+
Netherlands
The only thing that was wrong on some 2003 models was the kickstartershaft(is that correct english?). The first shipment had a wrong heat-treatment, Husaberg replaced them for warranty.
grtz Sieb Duenk
grtz Sieb Duenk
Joined Jul 2004
15 Posts | 1+
Netherlands
I have one of the first 03 FE501, next month I will have had it for 2 years. The main problems I have had.
1) Oil leak through a crack in the casting on the head. The crack was there from new so it was just a bad casting. Replaced under warranty.
2) Stator replaced under warranty. The stator hadn't failed but a crack was noticed in the plastic casing so the dealer replaced it.
3) The decomp stop bolt came loose and dropped into the cam chain causing a fair bit of damage. Repaired under warranty.
I have about 9000 Km on the bike and although I had a few problems, the service from my dealer was great. The shop I purchased from was the No1 dealer in Australia for the 03 model and while I don't know exactly how many bikes they sold, they said they only had two bikes that had a lot of problems, mine was one of them.
Other than the decomp bolt coming loose (a loose bolt can happen on any bike) it has never let me down. Providing you have a good dealer I wouldn't be too concerned regarding the reliability.
Go for it.
1) Oil leak through a crack in the casting on the head. The crack was there from new so it was just a bad casting. Replaced under warranty.
2) Stator replaced under warranty. The stator hadn't failed but a crack was noticed in the plastic casing so the dealer replaced it.
3) The decomp stop bolt came loose and dropped into the cam chain causing a fair bit of damage. Repaired under warranty.
I have about 9000 Km on the bike and although I had a few problems, the service from my dealer was great. The shop I purchased from was the No1 dealer in Australia for the 03 model and while I don't know exactly how many bikes they sold, they said they only had two bikes that had a lot of problems, mine was one of them.
Other than the decomp bolt coming loose (a loose bolt can happen on any bike) it has never let me down. Providing you have a good dealer I wouldn't be too concerned regarding the reliability.
Go for it.
I've had my 03 for 4 mow and love it as much as my 01 and my 02.
Do not hesitate, good times will be had
fryguy
Do not hesitate, good times will be had
fryguy
Warranty? All I got was a handshake and a see ya later.
They won't even take one back in on trade.
They won't even take one back in on trade.
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