Adventurizing a 08 FE 450.

So here is my reasoning. I’ve been riding for about 8 years. Both small and larger bikes. For me, I like bikes that offer what I find in my Berg. It offers a rear sub frame, high air intake, good ground clearance, low end grunt, simple and easy to get at maintenance, and a kick starter. I know it has a small oil capacity. So do most light weight dirt/ dual sport motorcycles. I can live with this. I need a little help fabricating a rear rack. I’ve done a few in the past. Which is part of the fun. I’m a shady tree mechanic/ fabricator. I’d like to see examples of what others have made!! My Berg is a long term project. I’d also like to come up with a bit more fuel. Front tank holds just under 2 1/2 gal. I’m looking for another 1 gal or more. I’m not afraid to carry a rotopax on the rear rack. Done that on other bikes. I read of others who have an extra fuel cell under the seat? Like to see that!

I hope you all are well. I’ll be posting pics as I go along this transformation



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Taffy said:

Clarke Tanks of the USA did a high capacity fuel tank, they removed the rad shrouds and so if you fall off it is on the tank. Yes there is a 2L underseat tank you can buy, all will be used now and also fit the older 00-03 frames so just a little tweak for the bols is needed (not too bad).

Some had success putting a fuel 'half satchell' under the right side seat pan. I ran the 2L tank and so fuel comes down equally back and front rather like the Works Yamaha M1 does today. in a boomerang shaped V so the weight distribution is always the same.

I even converted the spine of the frame and used a cone air filter. another 2L.

it's all fun!

Taffy

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Thanks for the info Taffy. Really appreciate it!! I’ll look into the Clark tank first.


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Step 1: I dropped my bike off at “Boss” Husaberg/Ktm motorcycle shop for him to go over the bike. Rick does a great job of making you feel at home. Very knowledgeable and quick to get work done! Great guy. I pick it up today !

When I purchase the Berg it came from the original owner. Very nice. The FE 450 is plated in Oregon. I asked Rick to replace the mixed colored rims with a set of Excel silver rims using original hubs. I’m more or a fan of silver rims. They don’t chip like black ones do when changing tires. A set of T63 tires. He is also going to swap out the aluminum rear sprocket with a steel 48 tooth. Looks like both wheels need new bearings, carb needs a rebuilt kit, water pump needs a new seal, and whatever else Rick finds.

Step 2: I plan on replacing the aftermarket head light with a more powerful Baja designs led setup. Seeing where I’m riding is a nice thing!!

Replacing the stock bars with a set of flex bars with Scott’s steering stabilizer. I already have the steering stabilizer. My wrists are getting older and could use a little help while I’m off road

I’m finding a larger fuel tank is not easy to find. A friend is willing to loan me his for a long trip I have planned for this summer. I’m very grateful for this. If anybody reading this knows of one for sale, please let me know.

I hope anyone who might be reading this is well and can get out and ride. Take care!!


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thorgan said:

Better jump on this tank quick. They're rare!
https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/mpo/d/crete-husaberg-oversize-fuel-tank/7111848507.html

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Thanks. Email sent! Have a great day


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Update of my Berg. Just received it back from “Boss” motorcycles Portland Oregon. New excel rims, carb kit, heavy duty tubes, dual rim lock on rear wheel, used T63 tires in good shape, rear 48t sprocket, 15 t front, lithium battery, grips, and hand guards. Waiting on gasket kit for water pump. Bike is running good!

Next up is setting the sag. Purchasing a reckless 40L and tank bag from Mosko moto. (Great company).



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A successful first ride! Was able to adjust clutch and front brake levers to be comfortable while standing. Rear brake peddle was to low. Easiest adjustment I’ve ever used! Just loosen the nut and adjust thread with my fingers. Surprisingly the seat was fairly comfortable. I’m sticking with it. I can’t get over the squirrel noise that comes out of the air box. Too cool....The 450 has great torque! Perfect for off road hill climbing and flowing single track. Very happy thus far



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Anyone know how many gallons this tank is?

The owner was not sure


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steve said:

They were sold as 16 litres IIRC

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Thank you


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fe600racer said:

Extra fuel extra weight causes handling problems....but underseat and no more than 15 litre replacement main tank good for centering weight. Side tank and anything on back including tools can cause problems. Bigger main tank with tools in gap under seat best. If you use a back pack with army rations platoon pack etc for your overnight rides it is even better to put a fuel filled 2l coca cola used plastic bottle in backpack. Petrol doeses not melt coke plastic....hmmmm. you need room for water of course.

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Good advise. I’m setting this bike up for the “Tour of Idaho” over my 50th birthday! Going to need 250 ish mile range. I’ve ridden a DRZ400 with a 4 gal tank and could easily manage. I’m going to need to carry an extra 2 gallons other then the tank. I’m planning on a 2 gal fuel bag. On the back held down by a Mosko moto 40l reckless system. Should do the trick!


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Great times on the east side of Mt. Hood






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News addition to the Berg. 4gal tank. Appreciate Thorgan for help!



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For the trips that are ahead I sprung for a wonderful navigation tool. Trail Tech Voyager pro. Seems to work well. I’m excited to try it out this weekend!



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