8 hours on bike since new.
Sorted out jetting (9.2 hrs on bike after all jetting attempts).
Stonyford, Northern Cal, 3-6k feet: OBDVR, clip 5, 175 main 42 pilot
Ergos:
(I stand 99%, loose legged trials style rider, no tank squeezing)
Husaberg feels thinner directly above the pegs due to there being no side/airbox covers.
KTM is much thinner as I squat and legs move forward.
Both bikes have great triple clamps, bars in forward-most position.
Love the stock '04 bar bend -magura EX.
Husaberg back brake lever tucked in more than usual, keeps toes pointed in, out of harms way.
Both bikes have great footpegs. Husaberg footpegs canted up at ends. I got used to it,but like KTM angle better.
Both bikes have great ground clearance, and keep feet out of harms way.
Engines:
Husaberg has a long, linear powerband.
525exc has a long linear powerband.
400exc has a long linear powerband.
Husaberg ran perfect, easily ridden a gear high up technical long climbs.
KTM 525exc can be ridden a couple gears high with little complaint.
KTM 400exc can be ridden a gear high, but don't plan on accelerating while steep climbing.
Husaberg has much less engine braking, necessitating using brakes when charging into corners.
KTMs have more engine braking, rolling the throttle off slows the bike considerably more.
Clutch:
KTM clutches are awesome, with a light pull.
Husaberg clutches are awesomer, with an unbelievably light pull.
Husaberg was making screeching sounds when abused.
Suspension:
The Husaberg forks are awesome. absolutely nothing to complain about.
Both my KTM's are 2005. Both have great forks. but don't work as well as the Berg.
Husaberg shock not working well. On whoops, the bike would kick up, tried adjusting clickers, no good. swapped out the spring with an 80-250 straight rate. Much better, and got better as the hours mounted. but, still not as good as my KTM's. The back of the Berg is much lighter than the KTM, I'm guessing this may contribute to the kick up.
Handling:
Husaberg has a higher front weight bias, is less finicky to rider position than KTM's in order to achieve front wheel traction. This suits my riding style.
KTM has better rear wheel traction. KTM is also thinner as your legs move forward, as when you are standing and climbing. This suits my riding style.
All 3 of these bikes work great for single track. The ultra-light Husaberg clutch gives it the edge in 1st gear technical riding.
Maintenance:
Husaberg is the easiest bike I have ever worked on. (crf250x is the hardest)
Gripes:
Needs a narrower tank.
I have nothing else to complain about.
In summary:
When compared to brand new bikes,this is still a great performing offroad bike. And it outlast most, because it's easy to maintain.
I can extend tire life by swapping between KTM and Berg.
Sorted out jetting (9.2 hrs on bike after all jetting attempts).
Stonyford, Northern Cal, 3-6k feet: OBDVR, clip 5, 175 main 42 pilot
Ergos:
(I stand 99%, loose legged trials style rider, no tank squeezing)
Husaberg feels thinner directly above the pegs due to there being no side/airbox covers.
KTM is much thinner as I squat and legs move forward.
Both bikes have great triple clamps, bars in forward-most position.
Love the stock '04 bar bend -magura EX.
Husaberg back brake lever tucked in more than usual, keeps toes pointed in, out of harms way.
Both bikes have great footpegs. Husaberg footpegs canted up at ends. I got used to it,but like KTM angle better.
Both bikes have great ground clearance, and keep feet out of harms way.
Engines:
Husaberg has a long, linear powerband.
525exc has a long linear powerband.
400exc has a long linear powerband.
Husaberg ran perfect, easily ridden a gear high up technical long climbs.
KTM 525exc can be ridden a couple gears high with little complaint.
KTM 400exc can be ridden a gear high, but don't plan on accelerating while steep climbing.
Husaberg has much less engine braking, necessitating using brakes when charging into corners.
KTMs have more engine braking, rolling the throttle off slows the bike considerably more.
Clutch:
KTM clutches are awesome, with a light pull.
Husaberg clutches are awesomer, with an unbelievably light pull.
Husaberg was making screeching sounds when abused.
Suspension:
The Husaberg forks are awesome. absolutely nothing to complain about.
Both my KTM's are 2005. Both have great forks. but don't work as well as the Berg.
Husaberg shock not working well. On whoops, the bike would kick up, tried adjusting clickers, no good. swapped out the spring with an 80-250 straight rate. Much better, and got better as the hours mounted. but, still not as good as my KTM's. The back of the Berg is much lighter than the KTM, I'm guessing this may contribute to the kick up.
Handling:
Husaberg has a higher front weight bias, is less finicky to rider position than KTM's in order to achieve front wheel traction. This suits my riding style.
KTM has better rear wheel traction. KTM is also thinner as your legs move forward, as when you are standing and climbing. This suits my riding style.
All 3 of these bikes work great for single track. The ultra-light Husaberg clutch gives it the edge in 1st gear technical riding.
Maintenance:
Husaberg is the easiest bike I have ever worked on. (crf250x is the hardest)
Gripes:
Needs a narrower tank.
I have nothing else to complain about.
In summary:
When compared to brand new bikes,this is still a great performing offroad bike. And it outlast most, because it's easy to maintain.
I can extend tire life by swapping between KTM and Berg.
