Advise needed

petritl · Jan 28, 2007

I am looking at purchasing a '96 Husaberg 600 locally (sorry but I don't know which model yet), but I know nothing about this make of bike.

As a rule is this a dependable bike?
( I realize a bike will be only as good as the maintenance and care provided during it's life; but my history is with the Honda XR series which could take a beating and still be a decent bike). I am mechanically inclined and can provide the maintenance and repairs myself.

Are there any "weak links" I should be wary of and look for? I have heard of premature engine failures, is this true and what does it mean.

I am not a motocrosser, nor do I wish to be. I am in need of a bike that will be dependable when I ride with my son.

Thank you in advance for sharing your advise and knowledge.

LINEAWEAVER · Jan 28, 2007

Welcome!
Please read the attached as many of your questions will be answered.
Then fire away and someone is certain to assist.
Regards,
Dale

http://www.husaberg.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

petritl · Jan 29, 2007

Thank you for the link,
There is quit a bit of accumulated knowledge in that document. I noticed the pages opened on the 400/450 page; do the multi colored banners for the larger engines at the bottom do something?

The information listed seemed to be listed for 00 and newer bikes, I presume the maintenance items apply to the older bikes, but I am concern with buying a bike with a lurking issue that a person outside the Husaberg circle would know to look for;so I guess I am going to ask the ever repeated question:

I am going to look at a 1996 FC600 to buy, are there specific things on this mid-90s bike I should be aware of ? I was told it was used on trails but not raced. The owner of the machine has had it since 2001 and stated there have been no problems with it, he upgraded to a new KTM last year for himself and his son.

LINEAWEAVER · Jan 29, 2007

petritl said:
Thank you for the link,
There is quit a bit of accumulated knowledge in that document. I noticed the pages opened on the 400/450 page; do the multi colored banners for the larger engines at the bottom do something?

The information listed seemed to be listed for 00 and newer bikes, I presume the maintenance items apply to the older bikes, but I am concern with buying a bike with a lurking issue that a person outside the Husaberg circle would know to look for;so I guess I am going to ask the ever repeated question:

I am going to look at a 1996 FC600 to buy, are there specific things on this mid-90s bike I should be aware of ? I was told it was used on trails but not raced. The owner of the machine has had it since 2001 and stated there have been no problems with it, he upgraded to a new KTM last year for himself and his son.

Several revisions and updates exist for the model / year in question.
Such being said it is likely some have been performed. All in all 1996 is a good year.

Dale

petritl · Jan 29, 2007

Dale,
Thank you!

Would you expect a running '96 FC600 in at least average shape is worth $1,000.00.

petritl · Feb 4, 2007

I bought the '96 FC600 yesterday, other than the decals are peeled up the bike looks to be in great shape. The only draw back is it has been sitting for a year. The engine wouldn't start; but would run for a short time when gas was entered directly in the cylinder. The gas in the tank smells real bad, I have rinsed the tank out and have the carb apart and soaking in cleaner.

I have a question:
The gas tank isn't the same color as the fenders, I am guessing is is due to sun exposure. Do I need to be worried about the tank breaking with age? I am considering painting the tank yellow to provide some UV protection.

Johnf3 · Feb 4, 2007

petritl said:
I bought the '96 FC600 yesterday, other than the decals are peeled up the bike looks to be in great shape. The only draw back is it has been sitting for a year. The engine wouldn't start; but would run for a short time when gas was entered directly in the cylinder. The gas in the tank smells real bad, I have rinsed the tank out and have the carb apart and soaking in cleaner.

I have a question:
The gas tank isn't the same color as the fenders, I am guessing is is due to sun exposure. Do I need to be worried about the tank breaking with age? I am considering painting the tank yellow to provide some UV protection.

There is probably little you can do about the tank. Painting the tank will look ok, but only for a very short while. Gas fumes leach through the plastic and will bubble through the paint in short order.

As long as the tank has no cracks or leaks now, it should be fine to use. It may not be a thing of beauty, but there is not much you can do about that, as far as cosmetics are concerned.

petritl · Feb 10, 2007

Got bike running today, it's a shame the ground is covered in snow and ice. the pitcock was clogged 7/8 ways shut causing big problems trying to start it. the transfer inlet on the left side of the tank is bad, does anyone know where I can get one?

schwim · Feb 10, 2007

Peter at HMS Motorsports is the guy most of the guys here go for the hard to find older gen parts. He's sometimes hard to get hold of, but a lot of his stuff is made of unobtanium, and if you've got an older bike, it's worth it to keep trying.

Another option is the classifieds here when you get stuck needing something, but I'd try Peter first.

Good job on getting the bike running!

thanks,
json

BendBerg · Feb 11, 2007

That is one clean 96, Good score!

wildbill · Feb 11, 2007

Sharp bike. It might be a good idea to download the 99 shop manual. Very useful indeed. With that you can find out a lot about your bike. I see that the 96 FC 600 also has the same kind of tank as the FE. This means that the transfer line/ fuel pump can go bad. The part in question might just need a good cleaning out. The fuel pumps you might find in a Dennis Kirk catalog for snowmobiles--look under fuel pumps and match up. Good luck and enjoy.

Search

Search

Advise needed

petritl

LINEAWEAVER

petritl

LINEAWEAVER

petritl

petritl

Johnf3

petritl

schwim

BendBerg

wildbill

Similar threads

Register CTA

Recent Discussions

Recent Discussions