570 or 650

They are quite different animals

The 650 is like an acid trip. Warps your brain. It is a truly ridiculous fun machine. Intense yes! But it’s also a controllable and linear intensity. As set up stock the handling is quite stable.

The 570 is magical. Instantly laugh-out-loud thrilling but also very subtle which continues to reveal itself a little bit slowly. Effortless hand-of-god power with effortless handling. sometimes it’s like riding the wind. As set up stock they’re quite agile steering (I like mine better raked out a little. more stable.)

Basically you can’t lose with either of these. I’d emphatically recommend them both. You could just grab the first good specimen you find at a good price and you’re set.

If going for a second generation 650 motor ( 01 - 08 ), get a 04-08 model as these had all of the major bugs worked out.

My experience with an ‘05 FE650 vs. the ‘11 FE570s.

650 Pros:
More power and torque
Lighter
More stability in fast terrain
Easier to work on
(Personally, I prefer the older model’s thinner ergos and lower seat)

650 cons:
More vibration
Parts are getting scarce, they never had much aftermarket support

570 Pros:
Feels lighter, quicker and more agile
Quick handling in tighter terrain
Super smooth but quicker revving FI engine
Easier to find parts, better selection of aftermarket goodies

570 cons:
PITA to work on (pulling the tank BLOWS!)
Kinda thick in the middle ergos

The 570 is the most fun bike I’ve ever ridden, followed closely by the FE650 (and a ‘14 TE300)

Alot of people say that about the tank on the 570. I dont find them an issue.

The 570 can be one helluva bullet proof bike. Many parts are KTM including engine.

Alan said:

Alot of people say that about the tank on the 570. I dont find them an issue.

The 570 can be one helluva bullet proof bike. Many parts are KTM including engine.

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After you’ve done it a couple times, it’s not difficult, but takes way longer than a normal dirt bike. You have to unbolt the right radiator if you have a fan. I agree they’re reliable once the fuel pump is sorted. If not, you’ll likely be learning the tank removal procedure.

I’ve seen a few threads and heard from a local mechanic on how hard it is to change the battery on the older models, but I found it extremely easy. The carb on the older bikes is a bit tougher to get to than your typical KTM.

With the risk of being interpreted as a 'Im so ******* good', in which Im not by taking the engine out of the 570 a couple of times I do that from completely assembled to out in 2 hours, like everything else you have to spend some time to learn the tricks, thats all.

As far as riding goes Ive only ridden the 650 on ice but boy did I love that bike!
Very easy to ride and my impression then was it had a superwide power range.
The 500cr fan club stood waiting at the straight to smoke it heh, low power wheelies all the straight and a big slide at the end killed their dreams boom
Very fond memories!

Huskyfatman said:

After you’ve done it a couple times, it’s not difficult, but takes way longer than a normal dirt bike. You have to unbolt the right radiator if you have a fan. I agree they’re reliable once the fuel pump is sorted. If not, you’ll likely be learning the tank removal procedure.

I’ve seen a few threads and heard from a local mechanic on how hard it is to change the battery on the older models, but I found it extremely easy. The carb on the older bikes is a bit tougher to get to than your typical KTM.

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I have the Spal fan but the tank slips past with little restriction. You are right, they take more work to remove but sometimes we have to endure these things. All bikes have their quirks. Just like the fuel pump issues. Yams dont like to start on the button. The YZ250 2T’s have an issue with the kick start that Yam havent addressed even though they have been aware of the problem for over 10 years.

But.....if you have an issue with your EFI, it can be extremely difficult at times to solve. Some issues dont ever get sorted. Its not even financially viable to get a shop to try and diagnose at times. Ive seen a fella spend close to what his bike (Yam WR450) is worth.