'99 FE600 - What should I be looking for?

BC_North · Nov 18, 2008

I am going to view a '99 FE600 and would like to know of any common faults to watch out for when checking the bike out. The photo I have seen looks good and I have read the posts I can find on this fantastic resource relating to this model.

One possible concern is that it has done 25,000 km's and I am not sure if it has had engine work. The present owner has fitted a carb off a KTM 640 (I think - I have emailed for clarification on the model). Is this a common modification?

I am looking to add a more off-road capable bike to supplement my '08 KLR650. I live in rural British Columbia and have some fantastic forest service roads and mountain trails to explore. The FE600 sounds like a blast to ride. It is also plated which will allow me to ride the short distances to hit the trails and commute 8 km's to work.

I arrived in BC from England just about three years ago. I am having so much fun - life is one big adventure. This forum is great and I am looking forward to becoming a berg owner.

Michael

whosahberg · Nov 18, 2008

that is lots of miles or hours ... best to add a full rebuild to the total cost

fe600racer · Nov 19, 2008

I had one and got lots of km out of it. you need to check the roller rockers. the fact the carbi has been messed with would suggest to leave the bike and look elsewhere. It would not be suitable for what you want unless you enjoy rebuilding and restoring bikes etc. Stay clear, go for something new or a second hand honder or lc-4 ktm

husabutt · Nov 19, 2008

A deal make or break item item would be if it has developed a hair line crack (or larger) near the countershaft sprocket and swingarm pivot bolt. Keep the swingarm bolt well greased, the motor mounts snug and the chain slack to spec.

You should consider a complete engine tear down and inspection as previously posted.

Is this an e-start model?

BC_North · Nov 19, 2008

i have just got off the phone with the owner and it is 2500 kms not 25,000. I feel a whole lot better about moving forward on that basis. We are in a fairly remote part of BC and it is a 6.5 hour drive to view the bike in our nearest "big" city. The distance certainly adds a few challenges.

The bike has an E start and the carb fitted is a square slide KTM (not sure of model) that according to the owner has made a big difference to the way the engine idles and runs without bogging. Apparently it is not an easy bike to kick start.

I will check for hairline cracks as described and follow the servicing wisdom from this forum.

Given that the bike is low KM's and appears in good condition, it may be what I am looking for.

Any other thoughts on what I should look out for with the FE600. Has anyone used this model for trail and limited dual sport riding? From what I have read it is a bike you can ride fast and it will also cope with puttering about on the trails. Is that true?

ned37 · Nov 20, 2008

Has anyone used this model for trail and limited dual sport riding? From what I have read it is a bike you can ride fast and it will also cope with puttering about on the trails. Is that true?

a lot depends on what kind of trails you are on. i used my 98 600 as a dualsport back when it was new, and believe me, it was a handful in tight stuff. you were always chasing the rear end around, the power makes the rear break loose very easily. it didn't suffer "puttering" very well. but in its defense, i think a lot of the problem was in the jetting. i never did much with it because my local berg "expert" dealer would preach that changing the jetting would cause it to backfire at low revs and destroy the starter. perhaps the carb it has is a quicksilver that was a semi common solution for the problem. sorted out jetting would make it bit more fun in the tight stuff.

husabutt · Nov 20, 2008

The e-start models are very heavy feeling and not nimble at all. Don't expect to get more than a foot or two off the ground ever. The riding style is to plow through obstacles not maneuver around them. The steering geometry has a ton of rake which makes for great high speed stability but a slow turner. You won't be taking the inside line anywhere unless you slow way down. Conversely high speed stability is very good. The bike works well in the wide open desert.

My recommendation is to seek a 2004 or newer Berg. It will feel and handle like a feather compared to what you are looking at. Unless you have plentiful wide open spaces I would pass. At its advanced age the bike is more of a novelty than a weapon of choice.
Makes a good second or third bike not a primary one.

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'99 FE600 - What should I be looking for?

BC_North

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BC_North

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husabutt

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