97' vs 98' fe501e

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keithy351

Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Messages
14
g'day everyone, just wondering if there are any difference between the 97 and 98 FE501E, which one is better/more reliable and what kind of bike can they be compared to power wise and displacement (450 or xr600????) ???? and are they easy to start with the electric start, and also,what do u look at when buying a 2nd hand FE501E

cheers and thanks
 
The 97-99 models were quite similar and in 2000 a new style frame was introduced. In 01 a new motor was released in the new style frame.

The 97 model is considered by some the most reliable of the first generation motors.

96 to 97 saw a lot of changes:

New: valve guides, camshafts, rockerarms, autodecompression system, frewheel, counterbalancers, crankshaft, crankcases, clucth springs, pressure plate, shiftdrum, shift mechanism, new exhaust, new carbs on 501 & 600, bodywork, colors, graphics but most importantly the 97 model received the first oil pump equiped motor along with a new oil filtration system.


1049.jpg


Here is a question for you. Is your bike a true 97 or is it a 96? Some 96 models have the vin number stamped as a 97 but are actually a 96. The tell tale signs are:

a 97 has a blue tank and frame whereas a 96 has both in yellow

a 97 has 3 slots in the radiator shrould, a 96 has 2

a 97 has a red anodized oil filter cover and oil drain screw

the color went from a redish yellow to a greenish yellow in 97, similar to a tennis ball

The bke pictured above is a true 1997 model with an optional H-line seat. It sold for $8911.00 USD back in 97. The seat cover was extra.

I just noticed that your bike is a 98. Oh well enjoy the history lesson anyway.
 
Very little difference between 97 and 98. Kind of a Bold New Graphics year in 98. They were probably exhausted after all the changes from 96 to 97. They finally did feel up to making some changes for 99. 99 has new style SEM ignition and linkless rear suspension, but not much else major. Are you contemplating purchasing a 97 versus a 98?
dan
 
husabutt said:
1049.jpg



The bke pictured above is a true 1997 model with an optional H-line seat. It sold for $8911.00 USD back in 97. The seat cover was extra.
Click to expand...

Not to be picky husabutt, but the bike in your picture is actually a '98 with the factory seat. Below is a view of the 97' taken from a '97 brochure of mine. (sorry for the low quality scan). There are subtle differences in both graphics and plastics. Is it possible your fx600 in your sig. is actually a 98'?

97berg.jpg





Here's a recent picture of my friend's 98'FE501.
IMG_1017.jpg
 
Thanks for the correction. Mine is a definately a 97. I think that the 97 and 98 models were some of the best looking bikes Husaberg ever produced except for perhaps the 04 model.
 
And don't forget that many 98s were manufactured in 97, just like you can buy an 08 model now, but its not yet 2008! The plate on the bike says when it was made. And log, thats a nice 98, reminds me of what mine used to look like.

Steve
 
As far as I have found, the only real difference from '97 to '98 was the plastics & graphics. They went from the "Suzuki" yellow to the "pain-in-the-butt but looks nice" fluoro yellow with different graphics. The side plates changed shape to be more swept-back rather than square and the seat hold-down bolt access holes through them are larger on the '98.

While there seems to still be a few '97 plastics still around, I am having a bit of trouble finding new '98 ones for mine. I suspect they don't last too well - the fluoro plastic doesn't handle much sun very well and seems to fade, craze & get brittle quickly.

The pre-2001 Elduro bikes had a much larger starter fitted across the front of the engine and bigger battery than the later ones and from what I have heard here are usually easier to e-start if the decompressor is working correctly.
 
cheers everyone i will post a pick of the one i was looking at getting,the guy kept it in good cond, with only 4000 ks on it, but i would love you guys opinion, am planning to pick it up new years day, thanks
 
husabutt said:
The 97-99 models were quite similar and in 2000 a new style frame was introduced. In 01 a new motor was released in the new style frame.

The 97 model is considered by some the most reliable of the first generation motors.

96 to 97 saw a lot of changes:

New: valve guides, camshafts, rockerarms, autodecompression system, frewheel, counterbalancers, crankshaft, crankcases, clucth springs, pressure plate, shiftdrum, shift mechanism, new exhaust, new carbs on 501 & 600, bodywork, colors, graphics but most importantly the 97 model received the first oil pump equiped motor along with a new oil filtration system.
Click to expand...

Note that my '06 FE600e was counterbalanced and came equipped with the newly introduced oil pump and post factory installed updated rocker arms.
 
When you go check it out, be certain that the E Starter functions properly. Sometimes they kick out into a freewheel situation after turning the motor only briefly. Sprague clutch would be suspect and it is built onto the counterbalancer that sits in front of the crankshaft. Husaberg will sell you an entire balancer with sprague setup. Have to split the cases to install it and the cost of the unit is over $1000. Or do like many and kick it from that point on.
dan
 

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