501E Street legal

slide · Nov 27, 2006

I'm looking at a 2000 501E converted to street legal SM status. I am nowhere near a Husaberg dealer so like the KTM before it, I'll be DIY and mail ordering the parts. I'm a decent wrench, but hardly an expert.

Is this a good year on a good engine? Is it an engine reasonable for a street bike or is it competition only? I've heard these are good bikes with the older engine lacking an oil pump (WTF?). Any tips or traps here appreciated especially if it's feasible to DIY one of these bikes mail ordering parts. The KTM LC8 was doable, but only barely. Thanks from a noob.

BundyBear · Nov 27, 2006

The 2000 electric start model should have the early engine with the counterbalancer across the front in the later PDS rear suspension frame. If I had my pick again I'd certainly go for that model. They may be a few kg heavier but the old engine had a reputation for being a bit more reliable.

The electric start engine is definitely the way to go in the pre-2001s on the road - the enduro models didn't have a balancer shaft & shook a bit.

I could be wrong but I don't think OEM motard conversions were available for models that early, but you should be able to make something fit. My earlier '98 600E has been fitted with cast 17" wheels off a road bike. It is excellent on the road.

risky1 · Nov 28, 2006

I ride a 550, and I rode a 2000 501 I was looking at as a spare bike, I instantly fell in love with it and had i had the dinero i would have piked it up. some say that that 2000 modle year is the best of both worlds, a good pre-2003 motor and the newer frame.

slide · Nov 28, 2006

Thanks for the info. The problem really is that it's not a factory street legal. It's registered ok in CT but I'm in NM. Our DMV has really cramped down on conversions. Many folks are finding they put a Baja kit on something and it's a waste of money.

I have a line on a few 650's which are factory street legal. Last thing I need is to spend money on a bike, transport across country & then have something to decorate my garage.

I still may do it. These bikes seem to depreciate fast. There is a decent looking non-street 501 for sale near me for about $1,500.

risky1 · Nov 28, 2006

That is because people don't know the brand. and that 2000 501 is a good bike (well pretty much any year 501 motor) is a highly desired motor for those in the "know"

slide · Nov 28, 2006

OK, do you think a 2000 year 501e a good buy at $3k?

risky1 · Nov 28, 2006

it's worth what they sell it for, right? check your PM's

slide · Nov 28, 2006

Sorry and my apologies to the Husaberg community here, but I just bought an Aprilia 550. The decision maker was that I have a local Aprilia dealer and no Husaberg within hundreds of miles.

I had a struggle keeping my KTM's going due to the nearest dealer being hundreds of miles away and the idea of re-doing that experience discouraged me. Then I got a decent deal on a 550 and, well, I just had to go for it. Thanks for all your great feedback here and courtesy. I hope someday to join you guys.

oyk · Nov 30, 2006

[quote="BundyBear"
I could be wrong but I don't think OEM motard conversions were available for models that early, but you should be able to make something fit. My earlier '98 600E has been fitted with cast 17" wheels off a road bike. It is excellent on the road.[/quote]

in 2000 a husaberg model named ODIN was presented along with the other models.
it was an fc 600 model with 17'' BEHR rims and special factory suspension settings, but it was for race use only..
the 17'' behr rims were available though as a separate kit.
i am not sure if this model was available only in europe

Scott · Nov 30, 2006

slide said:
Sorry and my apologies to the Husaberg community here, but I just bought an Aprilia 550. The decision maker was that I have a local Aprilia dealer and no Husaberg within hundreds of miles.

I had a struggle keeping my KTM's going due to the nearest dealer being hundreds of miles away and the idea of re-doing that experience discouraged me. Then I got a decent deal on a 550 and, well, I just had to go for it. Thanks for all your great feedback here and courtesy. I hope someday to join you guys.

So you were looking at 2000 Berg and bought a new 550 Aprillia instead? Quite the upsell IMO.

slide · Nov 30, 2006

Yes you are right. The big difference was that I don't have a Husaberg dealer within 300 miles of me. The deal was happening with a nice fellow / dealer in ID. I'd be stuck like with the KTM's having to order parts out of state and then doing all my own wrenching.

I was looking for a fairly hot Super Moto & IMO, either the Husaberg or Aprilia would satisfy me. When I found out that a local guy picked up Aprilia, that made my decision. Had a local guy picked up Husaberg, I'd be riding a 650 instead.

I work a 55 hour week at least. Having the possibility of someone else doing the wrenching when I don't have the time / inclination is a strong inducement to buying a brand where I can fall back on someone else.

Scott · Nov 30, 2006

Very cool looking bikes for sure.

Check out the supermoto forums. The SXVs have had less than a stellar reliability record so far. Keep an eye on the oil level.

slide · Nov 30, 2006

Yep. The top ends are mostly grenades in the 06's. I'm counting on the 07's having addressed those issues. If not, well, I'm screwed blued and tattooed.

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