2003 vs Anything Since

canaberg · Apr 2, 2006

Hey Troops!

Can you fill in guy not hands-on familiar with the Bergs (yet)?

I am specifically curious about significant differences in suspension & handling between the 2003 model year and anything since then.

Specifically, the FE650e model. Is there anything so dramatically improved (in suspension and handling) since 2003 that it would make a guy immediately step past it for something newer? Or, if there are some comparative deficiencies, are they easily enough resolved to make the '03 work like newer bikes without having to reinvent the whole bike?

As a sidenote to that question, I have heard that the "SEM" ignitions that came on the bikes in 2003 can be less than fantastic. Is this a concern easily resolved by upgrades or is a guy stuck with living with whatever shortcomings those electrics have....and what are those shortcomings anyway?

These questions may seem obvious to the already Berg mounted, but I am only slowly becoming literate in the language of Berg as I educate myself toward my first Husaberg purchase this year. As such, I am unaware of the milestones of Husaberg functional evolution over the recent years.

Help? Thanks!

risky1 · Apr 2, 2006

personally can not help you with specifics on the 03 bikes compared to newer models, I can say that the sem ignitions are what they are, and there is no easy fix for them. there are many posts on how to care for your sem ignition to get the most life out of it. Another issue that some are having, if they are not carb guys, is the dellorto carb. I would suggest making sure that all else is right ( i.e. timing, valve adjustment, spark, etc) and if the beast still won't start or run right, send it (the carb) off to Dale lineweaver for one of his super-secret voodoo spells, contact him for the price, but it will be the best under $200 mod you can make, or so i have heard.

other than those two items I have not heard anyone else have any issues with the 03's . they already have the upgraded topend parts and "the doc" will let you know what else you need to do.

If the bike is a steal, grab it. if not and you are in the states, I know where you might be able to pick up an "new" 04 fe550, or fe650 . I believe that D&H cycles in modesto, CA still has a few sitting on his floor. he may be getting VERY anxious to sell them. although a while back he was not coming down on the price much...

I am sure that some others more knowledgable than I, will be along to assist.

Jared

berger · Apr 2, 2006

The 04's have the kokusan ignitions and the FCR carburetors. They also have a 2 piece clutch cover. The suspension has several internal mods that seem to be significantly better from a seat of the pants perspective. There was also a little tweaking done to the frame geometry, for better or worse. They also included a larger starter and battery.
All and all the 04-05 is a much more refined machine.

canaberg · Apr 3, 2006

Thanks Guys!

Exactly the kind of odd bits that I need to hear.

I have started to peruse the "doc" as well and will continue until I have the pertinent parts memorized.

Based on everything I have discovered so far (mostly from this site) and also this feedback, I think I have pretty much focused my Berg purchase intentions on something '04 or newer.....and, in my particular instance, now that I have studied and taken time to consider my gut-level intentions for the bike, my focus has also narrowed to the mighty FE650E.

I will continue to educate and entertain myself on this site as I increment toward owning my first Berg later this year.

Thanks!

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