95 Fe501e info

Hi Sandy,

As far as the suspension goes....... I can direct you to someone who does a great job. And in my opinion the bike's suspension is tunable enough to make it work great where ever you ride.

When tuned properly the bikes start super easy. I don't know about retro fitting an e start on that year. I think the e start models used different center cases as the starter is in the front.

Getting parts shouldn't be too much of a problem, the new importer for North America seems to be doing a bang up job. You'll have to go with OEM plastic I think. UFO used to make plastic for the older models, don't know if they still do or not.

A word of caution. What I have seen in the past is that some used Husaberg's have been rode hard and put away wet. As I can tell from your post, you know that they require proper care and feeding. If done right, these bikes are great. If you feel the bike you're thinking of buying has been properly maintained then go ahead. I learned the hard way with the purchase of my first Husaberg, a 94 & 1/2 501. They guy sold me a clapped out P.O.S.! I mean this thing was hammered, even the slide in the carb was worn out. Once I got it sorted it was as awesome bike! And I never had a problem with it, and then I sold to a friend of mine who also raced and rode it till he sold it.

Hope this helps.

Hi Sandy,
"Somewhere out in the desert" is an excellent place to be.

DaleEo got it right. I picked up a '98 Fe501 and refined it to the point that I just didn't need to buy a new bike. It starts every time with the E start and is now flawless, though I probably could have purchased several Asian bikes with the $$ I spent to get it that way.

The E start will definately NOT retrofit. totally different cases and to find an E start set of cases and associated parts is cost prohibitive. Learn to kick on the left side.

For the odd part and replacement stuff try Dan at MotoXotica. Parts are presently not a serious issue except to your bank account.

Sandy.....I just noticed that you list your ride as an "FE501e". That model should already be fitted with an electric starter. ? If it does not have an electric starter already installed, but has the opening and bosses to mount one you may have a serious problem. Some of the early electric starter clutches (spragues) failed and the owners just removed the electric starter from the engine rather than split the cases and replace the clutch. The spragues are not cheap and ride in a gear that is not cheap either. Also there is some risk of leaving a damaged part inside the engine to potentially cause havoc at a later date with rollers and odd pieces circulating in the bottom end. Check this out carefully .

Dez

FE501-to buy or not to buy

I have a 95 FE501 that I have owned since 1998.
The bike had some work done just before I bought it, six years ago. I have never taken the head off or any other major work. However for a couple of those years I rarely rode it. ( I have other bikes).
The reason I have had it so long is because it is very versatile. I don't know how you intend to use your bike but I have used the FE for: motocross, grand prix(mx with long laps including asphalt), street, trail riding, dual sport, and most recently super-moto. It will do these all these things but not necessarily that well. For the street the clutch drags andthe bike tends to creep forward even with the clutch pulled in.
The biggest problem I have had with the bike is hot restart, this has been a problem ever since I bought it. I thought it was an inate problem with the bike. It is worse when really hot (like when racing) the high mounted left side kickstart makes the problem worse. This isn't such a problem if trail riding.
Changing the oil is critical, (the capacity is only just over a quart) even if I've been a slob with other areas of the bikes maintainance - I always change the oil; after each race, practice or significant ride. Make sure the previous owner has been diligent about changing the oil.
These bikes do not turn quickly - when compared to japanese mx'ers. They seem long. People tell me you turn best by sliding the rear end.
Ebay seems to have a constant flow of spare parts with people breaking bikes and selling the individual parts.
I don't recall the electric (re)- start being an option in 95, I thought that came later- 98 or so, but I may be wrong - wouldn't be the first time.
I hope this has been some help.