2007 FE 650, So Far

The jetting isn't rich as is, and I should add its at 800 m. Also works at sea level and up to 1800 m in the high country. No one who has ridden it can fault it. Perfectly linear, controllable and predictable. Just don't bang it open unless you've got it pointed somewhere in a taller gear

The fuel injection on my roadbike, fitted with a Power Commander, K&N and Staintune, and after 2 dyno sessions to set it up, is still not as responsive, linear and predictable as the Berg. But it is faster once rolling 8O

Its interesting that my 98 was the last year of the dual valve springs fitted stock, and they are still in it. I recall the spin when the 99 was released with conicals and it sounded good. It is also still on its original cam chain and alloy cam sprocket and they were (are?) fine last time I looked.

This was the first time I've pulled the clutch cover on the 650, as although it had been removed previously as per previous posts, it was done by others fixing it under warranty. I also found that the head gasket had presumably been recycled as it had some 3 Bond white around the cooling passage ports and excess was partially blocking some of them. Disappointing.

I'm ultimately much happier doing this stuff myself, then I know what is done, and who is responsible!

FYI attached is the dyno plot for my GTR. Ever seen a torque curve as flat?

Steve[attachment=0:j6svyezb]1400GTRDynoPlot (Medium).jpg[/attachment:j6svyezb]

And I nearly forgot, using the sleeve of heat shrink tube supplied by OrangeBerg with his wp kit means that there is no problem with damaging the seal when replacing the cover, but the chamfering option noted Bushie.

Steve

40 mm of rain on Friday meant riding conditions were perfect on Saturday, yesterday. Did 3.5 hrs and 110 km and all good.

And it probably is quieter, but Taffy has conditioned me to expect that, so without a db meter I'm not really sure, but its definitately not noisier.

Steve

Seems this got linked to by Bushy in another thread, so maybe its update time. Not been getting too much use, more old body syndrome and knee surgeries and some other bikes in the shed that need riding.

280 hrs and all good. Routine servicing, Delo 400 @5-7 hrs, and another wp seal a while back. Got a pile of stuff off SafariBerg, so its now got a standard bearing/seal in for the time being, and a minor weep.

One thing did break though, the rubber band off the sidestand. A temp fix with a tension coil spring, and a replacement from Suttos and all good.

And a few more tyres

Still sets a standard for me with suspension and carburation that I am attempting to get my other fleet members to. May have exceeded with the suspension with my DR650 with its CC USD forks and Ohlins up back, but its close.

Done about 10 hrs over this last week or so on the FE650 and it still lights my dial

They're keepers :happy:

steve said:

40 mm of rain on Friday meant riding conditions were perfect on Saturday, yesterday. Did 3.5 hrs and 110 km and all good.


Steve

Click to expand...

Good stuff !

With dicky knees the FE650 hasn't been getting the use I'd prefer. Its also been partly because those that I used to ride with have moved on and I'm not so keen doing the harder stuff solo, even though it happens occasionally.

Nevertheless I've been out a few times this year and now ticked over 305 hrs. Next week I'm off to the Flinders for the Classic; Flinders Ranges Classic VIII - 2015 - ADVrider

I've been a couple of times to the Flinders, and the Classic on the DR, but a bit short of time this year to ride out, so decided it'd be a perfect trip for the Berg. Its about a 3,000 km round trip, 2 days driving each way is the plan with a few days great riding and socialising there. The Flinders is a magical place:
Flinders Ranges - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=...M8VZS5FIWN8QX2vIGIDw&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ&dpr=1

Some preride preparation was needed though.







I cut up a top bar clamp originally intended to take an MSC steering damper left over from a DR project. My Garmin Montana fits securely and far enough out of the way, I hope.





Up back a new chain and sprockets, wheel bearings, brake pads and a disc. The original disc was a bit thin, just a bit under spec, so it was time. I got one of these for $50; Rear Brake Disc Rotor KTM EXC GS LC4 MX MXC SX XC GAS GAS EC MC Husaberg CC | eBay which turned up in a week. Only one minor issue is the mounting holes aren't countersunk, so the mounting bolts sat a bit high, just touching the caliper carrier. Fixed with the sander.





Similarly the front disc was at or just below min thickness, so one of these arrived in a week too; Oversize Floating Front Brake Disc Rotor*set FOR Husaberg FE 550*E YR 04 05 08 | eBay 10 mm ovrsize full floater with billet carrier for $150 was too good a deal to pass up. Fits and works good too.

I also picked up a fuel bladder for the ride from a new local business; http://www.adventuremotorcycle.com.au/desert-fox-5l-fuel-cell.html







Some fresh Delo 400 and good to go.

looking good Steve, thanks for taking the time,

I love the flinders! not much further and you'd be able to see my driveway

I just came in from changing a rear disc like the one you've pictured there

was a good price, didn't seem to last as long as the one i still have on the 700 which is also heavier but must be better steel as its not showing much signs of wear and its been on there for 5 years

KTM525EXC 530 EXC Rear Brake Disc 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 | eBay

Just back from SA, great place for sure. The similar Chinese rear disc I have on my DR has now lasted about 3 times longer than the Suzi stocker and still fine FWIW.

I've had to recalibrate front brake use. 10 mm extra diam only equals 5 mm more leverage, but its noticably more sensitive and progressive up front. I haven't used the Ferodo SG pads on the Berg before so that may well be part of the improvement. No big hills in the Flinders, so fade resistamce to be determined. The Ferodo SGs are the best I've used on the DR to date however.

Well the time has come. I've agreed to the sale of my beloved FE650. Its hardly being used these days, and my bones and joints suffer when I do get on it for a bit. Old age has some good points, but old bodies aren't a great part of the package.

Its going to a good home, a Husaberg enthusiast, to add to his collection not too far from here. Maybe he'll even let me ride it in the future on the odd occasion.

I'm keeping my 1998 FE501 for playing on around here, I've still got 9 kms of cloverleafing single around the house block, in and out of the gully and up and down the hillside.



I've still got my DR for the longer easier rides, now with close to 150k kms and a few upgrades, like a 790 piston, big valve head, and a one off protoype Nova wide ratio gearbox I got involved with the development of, beefed up frame, KTM suspension etc etc. So still plenty of riding for me in the future, just not on an FE650.

G'day Steve - ahh yes, saw your Berg 650 on Gumtree awhile ago. Sorry to hear she has moved on, sometimes selling them is a necessary evil. I note your just around the corner from me, good to hear Keep the 501, got to have some Berg goodness in the shed I don't think I could ever part with my 650s, they are just too mental! Love em.. Cheers