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2004 FE450 vs FE550

S

Speed Freak

Joined Dec 2017
6 Posts | 1+
New Zealand
Hi all,

Is there much difference between a 2004 fe450 and fe550? I'm wanting a bike to set up for flat track racing and the occasional road racing. There's one of each for sale here, the 450 being in near mint condition.
I've currently got a 2010 FE390, would the earlier 450 be much faster, if at all?
There's glowing reviews for the 550 as being a very fast bike. is it much faster than the 450?
I'm new to Husabergs and the forum, and feel I've really caught this addiction! Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Pete
 
Speed Freak said:
Hi all,

Is there much difference between a 2004 fe450 and fe550? I'm wanting a bike to set up for flat track racing and the occasional road racing. There's one of each for sale here, the 450 being in near mint condition.
I've currently got a 2010 FE390, would the earlier 450 be much faster, if at all?
There's glowing reviews for the 550 as being a very fast bike. is it much faster than the 450?
I'm new to Husabergs and the forum, and feel I've really caught this addiction! Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Pete
Click to expand...

Well Wal has a 550 and we came out turning onto the road and yes he went past my 450 as I was near the end of 4th gear to 5th and he flashed past quite quickly, I am about the same height as him but 20kg heaver I would think. so the 550 is much faster once in 4th gear and over, just as the 650 is.

I have never ridden the 390.

For what you are saying the 650 would be the go, with the forged crank that is the best.
 
Thanks for that. Is Wal's 550 carb or EFI?
As far as Bergs go I only know the 390 and its a funny sort of thing. Very easy to ride and quite forgiving. Its reasonably fast, but I'd imagine a 550 would eat it alive. Anyway, I need horsepower for the track. The handling and setup will take some time, so I don't think it'll make a big difference which model I set up.
Is there much difference in longevity between the 450 and 550? Is one engine built better than the other? Its 2004 we're talking about with the Keihen carb.
 
550 has heavy-est most Flexible crank with relatively high Rpm

In oz they eat skf mains faster than any other model. Need to Run ntn mains from ktm or John prior and set axial play rather large.

But don't get the 450 for the track. Jmho
 
Last edited:
Speed Freak said:
Thanks for that. Is Wal's 550 carb or EFI?
As far as Bergs go I only know the 390 and its a funny sort of thing. Very easy to ride and quite forgiving. Its reasonably fast, but I'd imagine a 550 would eat it alive. Anyway, I need horsepower for the track. The handling and setup will take some time, so I don't think it'll make a big difference which model I set up.
Is there much difference in longevity between the 450 and 550? Is one engine built better than the other? Its 2004 we're talking about with the Keihen carb.
Click to expand...

450 and 550 are not built better than the other, but just as Bushmechanic has said, is the best advice to comprehend.

Get the mains set up just right and all is good, I blew a main bearing and so did Wal and we both sent the engines to Orangeberg as he is on this forum under Orangberg he is in Orange NSW, name is John Prior and we have never had a problem from then on.
That can be the main point of issue with the 450 or 550 engines and earlier engines, bar the forged crank 650 as they have no such issue.
 
Do the main bearings chew out faster when the engine is laboured in too higher a gear? ie people plodding about thinking its ok, its a thumper with lots of torque.
I recall the old Ducati 450 singles chewing out mains for this very reason. The bikes that were revved (or thrashed!) never suffered this problem.
I understand the Husaberg is built for enduro work. but does this main bearing issue exist with higher rpm race engines? Say a motard?
 
All the evidence shows that high rpm are the danger here because crank is flexing then puts super stress on bearing and they goooo. Proper bearings and proper set up will solve this. There are two options for doing this. Ntn c4 bearings with proper play is good and adequate way. Second and best solution is spherical roller bearings, this is bulletproof and best but it requires machine shop and boring cases. All info is here just read a few evenings.
 
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bushmechanic said:
550 has heavy-est most Flexible crank with relatively high Rpm

In oz they eat skf mains faster than any other model. Need to Run ntn mains from ktm or John prior and set axial play rather large.


I imagine this is why the 07 550 came with beefed up crank.
And did it cure the problem?

pollo
Click to expand...
 
The 450 is fun. The 550 is laugh-out-loud-inside-your-helmet fun. It’s a surprisingly big difference.
 
Well the 550 I was looking to buy is now sold to someone else... You snooze, you loose.
Don't think I'll go with the 450 as it doesn't sound like the right fit for a flat tracker and haven't seen an FE650 in NZ as they seem quite rare here.
I still need to find a big bore dirt bike suitable for flat tracking. Has anyone got any experience and/or suggestions for this? My preference is for European. cheers
 
Hiya Speedy.
There are a few 650s kicking about N Zed but its hard to find an owner willing to sell.
i used to flattrack a modified dr750 a few decades ago but the hot gear back then was the 510 huskys.
In reality any large lightweight single will do if you know how to set it up. The lighter the better.... the lower the better (part of setup not purchase) and if your new to the game you will be better off with something predictable rather than peeky.
Next most important thing is the budget..... usually the biggest restriction.
 
Thanks Bergbro, are you in NZ? I'm up the road from Invercargill.

Well I got a 2007 Husqvarna 450 TC (58hrs). It was too cheap not to buy and It also came with an (almost complete) 2007 spares bike (30hrs). The reviews seemed ok and I'm sure it'll fit the bill just fine.

Still got my FE390 to keep me honest.

Thanks everyone for your help.
 
Yeah mate. Im at the other end of our wicked little racetrack..... Northland.

Was down your ways a couple of years ago. Cool place yas got down there. We are heading back next year but armed with adventure bikes instead of roadsters.

The huusky should be small and light enough and with plenty around at the right price should make for cheap fun.

Have fun Speedybro.
 

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