Advice On Buying 2014 FE 450/501

Hi All,

Just joined and from South Wales in the Uk

I am looking into getting a 2014 FE preferably 450 but maybe 501 (dependant on what comes along first)

I have a few questions that I am hoping you can help on:

1. Firstly as I am only 5'8 I will definitely need to lower the bike 20-30mm, this doesn't look as easy on the PDS suspension as my previous DRZ link swingarm?
2. I fancy the 2014 with the stronger bottom end/new graffics/trip computer etc but have a chance on a very cheap 2013 Fe501 - What would you do? is the 2013 pretty reliable/reasonable to service anyway or is it better to hold out for the 2014?
3. I know the burg is basically a blue Ktm/Husky but I much prefer the looks, I just hope they don't plummet in price.
4. Also I assume parts will not be an issue with the KTM/Husky being basically the same?
5. Any other advice when looking?

Cheers in advance guys,

Steve

4 is true as far as I know, but I don't own one, so I can't imagine that those few parts that are different would cause any trouble EVEN IF they started to be hard to source from KTM! And afaik they are again the same on the Husqvarna-branded bikes that followed I think? So almost impossible that they'd prove difficult to find.

Re. lowering the bike - I'm 5'11" or so (180.6cm ) ... I actually put the TALL seat on my 570 and I like it a lot. IMO the Husabergs don't need lowering as much as the DR-Z as the DR-Z is significantly clumsier and top-heavier so what height is there is easier to control. (I have both and love both 'Berg and Zook!)

And then by the way!, it doesn't work well to lower DR-Z's with lowering links. It's possible to do it, but it at the cost of a significant penalty to suspension behavior: The lowering link changes the whole behavior of the suspension because the longer link creates more leverage on the suspension, so the rear suspension will effectively become softer! (And in the case of the DR-Z the suspension is imo dangerously soft to begin with!) I don't know how the PDS system reacts to lowering, but if a linkage suspension needs to be lowered significantly, then the right way is to do it with spacers inside the forks and shock.

However, it may very well be enough to just squeeze the rear down a little with preload, drop the yokes down on the forks to balance handling, and get used to it

But! Just giving you the options! I don't mean to say that you don't know what you need!

There are iirc some suspension gadgets out there that help you lower a 'Berg / KTM. They were discussed in recent months iirc, but I don't have a clear enough recollection to find the specific thread. Try a Google search for "lowering suspension site:husaberg.org". Might be a good idea also to rummage around on ktm-talk, ADVRider, Thumpertalk etc.


edit: and WELCOME!

My 2014 501 is coming today! :dance: I think I got the last new one in the US as I have been looking for the past 3-4 months and this was the only one. If you plan on keeping the bike for a long time get the 14. You'll feel better about spending the extra $$ to get the improvements.

Some good set up tips I have read......

Back out the idle screw completely and then turn in 15-17 clicks.

Set the TPS to 0.640. It is a bit lean when stock.

I have copied the following from ADVrider and KTMtalk. Some for the Berg, some for it's orange cousin........


Seal gap on rear fender to keep air filter clean.

Rear fender bag mounts: Kriega Rack Loop Dual Sport Tail Pack Mounts

Motorex Cross Power 4T 10W-60

ECU map KM787EU12C0701

HighwayDirtbikes: http://www.highwaydirtbikes.com/HDB_...lay&ref=splash

Rigid : Rigid Industries LED Lighting | LED Lights, Offroad, Marine, Truck

Promotto/fastway: Pro Moto Billet - Dirt Bike Performance & ATV Products

PMP sprockets: Custom Motorcycle Wheels & Rims | Woody's Wheel Works | Denver, CO

RAD: ?? RAD CYCLES ??

XPC seats: XPC Racing Custom Motorcycle Seats

Acerbis: Abbigliamento offroad e dual road, abbigliamento moto enduro - homepage | Acerbis

Golan: Fuel Petcock Valves Manufacturer & Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts in California | Golan Products

Shoria"Sort of": ?? http://www.shoraipower.com/default.aspx ??

SMS racing: Denton, Texas, Gas Gas, KTM, ATV, Motorcycle, Dealer, Used,Parts,Accessories, suspension,Apparel,SX,SXF,XCF,XCFW,EXC,Adventure,Enduro

SRT: Offroad Motorcycle Parts for KTM, Honda, Yamaha and More | SRT Offroad

akro: Akrapovi? full titanium system

highwaydirtbikes: http://www.highwaydirtbikes.com/hdb_...lay&ref=splash too much to list

rigid : http://www.rigidindustries.com/product-p/srseriesspecter6.htm - Sinister Headights

promotto/fastway: Pro Moto Billet - Dirt Bike Performance & ATV Products steering stab and kick stand, new design pegs in rte.

pmp sprockets: PMPsprockets Motorcycle Sprockets Custom motorcycle sprockets these guys are local to me and can make anything sprocket wise and make it what ever color you want too. Great folks!!!

xpc seats: XPC Racing Custom Motorcycle Seats - Yes upgraded but protection

acerbis: http://issuu.com/acerbis/docs/acerbi...ode=doublePage FUEL TANK

golan: Fuel Petcock Valves Manufacturer & Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts in California | Golan Products 10 MICRON FUEL FILETR AND CRANK CASE VENT

shorai": http://www.shoraipower.com/default.aspx YES I TYPO'd But you are correct but does not like below 60 , probably wont do that again ill go with agm. See ride report for details - Whats does Orange & Black and Colorado and have in Common - ADVrider


sms racing: Denton, Texas, Gas Gas, KTM, ATV, Motorcycle, Dealer, Used,Parts,Accessories, suspension,Apparel,SX,SXF,XCF,XCFW,EXC,Adventure,Enduro - new springs and revalve for us big boys over 250 lbs!

srt: http://www.srtoffroad.com/srt-pro-ar...tor-guard-pair killer rad guards!!!!

zipty racing - DUAL SPORT - FOOT PEG EXT - ZipTy Racing Products soon to be removed and replaced with these - http://www.promotobillet.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_202_204&products_id=711


Hyde Racing plate - KTM 400, 450, 500, 505, 525, 530, 540, 550 4 Stroke Dirt Bike Off-Road Motorcycle Accessories :: Hyde Racing
yeah put some double sided foam servo tape between the mount and the frame the first time you tighten it up.
From then on.. mounting is a breeze. IMHO, they should include the tape. As it is... you can get some at any hobby shop.


here some good info for the tps:

http://www.ktmforums.com/forums/offr...flame-out.html


I got off on a tangent from the KTMforums link above and somewhere it was mentioned that Blaise Racing de smog kit recommends setting the idle speed by unscrewing the idle speed knob, CCW, all the way till it stops. Then screw back in 17 CLICKS CW. the person that posted said they found 15 CLICKS in to work better for them.

So i tried it at 16. The bike started instantly and idled much smoother and seemed stronger. I did not need to pull the choke knob out either, the bike would never start and stay running without the knob pulled. TPS ~ 0.640 (stock = lean 0.601)


Fan switch NAPA AUTO PARTS | FIND A PRODUCT



DS wiring: https://gardinerfamilyadventures.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/ktm-350-xcf-w-dual-sport-project-jan-2014/


Valve shims http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...im-Kit?v=11314


changing wheel size in computer
-disconnect plug w/ 3 wires from speedo
-activate computer by pressing mode button once, should see hours/miles
-press & hold mode button until display flashes
-go through different options by pressing mode button until you get to wheel size (ws)
-change ws w/ the ' - button" to ws you desire
-press mode button once to lock
-press & hold mode button until it goes back top normal
-reconnect 3 wire plug and ride

awesome post caffeineo!!

(on batteries - Shorai are not the best, technically! - I'd not buy them - A123 cells are what we want to have inside the battery - I wrote a giant post on the subject, here: http://husaberg.org/electrical/19469-replacement-battery.html#post156474 ... excellent thread, too! but let's not derail into batteries )

Cheers for the very informative replies guys, some very interesting stuff there.

Tourist - Come to think of it the drz suspension was very soft with the lowering links, I will also look up the pds suspension lowering thread you mentioned. For the time being I may just try reducing the pre-load option

Caffeinio - gees thanks for the links, gues you have spent some time online researching before you awesome find and purchase. Think you are right about holding out for a 14, I even like the fact it's the last ever edition along with the better modifications, would love to see a pic of yours

What made you go for the 501 over the 450 as i am torn, I want the 450 off road but the 501 for sumo