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Am I nuts to Dualsport a FE450 or FE550?

F

floored

Joined Mar 2007
11 Posts | 0+
Salt Spring Island, BC
So am I just asking for headaches & maintenance?

I'm presently on a DRZ400E, but it's heavy, needs more power and the 5spd leaves me wanting (another spd so I can gear it for the dirt, and still do H-way speeds).
But it is low maintenance, and durable.

The Husabergs on the other hand are light, they've got got the power (maybe too much), and there is a wide ratio 6spd. The fact that they are also much more comfortable than the KTMs doesn't hurt.
Maintenance? Durable?

Essentially I use my bikes to get to the dirt, but often that is 60km down the Highway. I'd also like to go to a few DS events this year, and they are hundreds of Kms away.
I'd also like to start using it around town, as gas here is getting expensive.
 
I DS my 400 a couple days during the week and for typically 3 or 4 hours of strictly road riding on Sundays.
 
I have mine dualsported and have had no problems associated with riding on the street for extended periods.
I change my oil after every hard ride but I can go for 4-500 kms of street use before I change it.
Last summer I did a 700km loop of the Cabot Trail with no issues.

I used to own a DRZs so I know you will be happy with the Husaberg. I almost wish I went with the 550 though...
 
I have my FE550 legal for street use. The only problem I have is behaving myself and trying to avoid losing my driver's license or going to jail!

I tend to wear out rear tires on the street while oddly my front tires seem great except for the flat spots from chirping off the pavement when dropping the front wheel :D
 
As well, I have my 06' FE550 registered and insured for street use. I put 2000 km on over Xmas in Baja riding some dualtrack and slab at highway speeds with no issues. The bike has a little over 3000 km on it and it feels good. I love the singletrack but the laws here in Ab require insurance and registration to ride on crown land so I went the extra step and now my riding choices are wide open. Go for it and keep your fluids fresh, as Kelsow says, and let us know how it works out
 
Well it's nice to hear that so far, everyone is pretty happy with their bikes DSed.
In terms of keeping the fluids fresh, are we just talking engine oil? Or do you change all of the fluids lots? How much oil do they hold? Is there any way to fit an Oil Cooler?

I've requested quotes from the dealer for both the 450 & 550, and I've asked that it include Bash Plate, Bark Busters, Fan and DS stuff (What DOT tires do you like?). Is there anything specific to Husaberg I should inquire about?

I guess I'll also poste up about 450 vs 550.
 
Yep, just engine oil. There are LOTS of topics on here about that. Do a search.
They hold about 900ml and their is an external oil cooled available (again, search)
I believe their is a 1 year warranty available which is a very good idea. Try to get that on a Wr, crf etc.
 
Whoops! I didn't realize that I didn't have my location posted. I'll fix that.

Salt Spring Island, BC
(Just off Vancouver Island, Between Nanaimo & Victoria)
 
I cant remember the last Husaberg that I sold that did not get dual sported.After messing with a selection of kits and parts i have realized that the best way( ie. most reliable and cost effective) is to use the OEM parts.
I know these are race bikes but the people are buying them because they are 109 kg,look the part and perform well.There not looking for a better Wr450 they are looking for a better DRZ400.
Most have realized that the engines may have to come apart a bit more often but also that Berg engines are not complicated or expensive to maintain.The trade off is worth it.Dixie has and is doing a good job keeping the parts available.As a dealer that has dealt with the Japanese for 25 years I really like this concept of one part fits like 6 models for 7 years idea.
There are lots of things in ones life that you have to make compromises for, maybe a gnarly mother in law, maybe government beaurocrisy but when it comes to how you spend your quality recreation time you should do it right..
 
Dualsport FE450

I had a DRZ400E . Changed last spring to a 05 Fe 450. 1600 miles of dualsporting it with no trouble. The difference between the two bike's is night and day. Way more power with alot less weight.
 
FX650e DS

I just bought an FX650e that is dual sported, so far so good. Power not an issue. Your comments about the DRZ400 are the reason I did not buy one.
 
RE: FX650e DS

Well my '07 is also dual-sported and I have ridden it on the roads with no Issues. I would also suggest grip heaters, my hands have never been happier
 
RE: FX650e DS

I'm riding an '05 FE450e, with factory dual-sport kit. I haven't had any major problems either, but by no means is it your DRZ. You really need to find someone with one of these bikes to try it if you haven't already done that. They simply are not in the same class. The 'Berg shows great gains in power and performance all around, but will feel VERY rough around the edges compared to your DRZ. Maintenance may also be an issue for you. You need to compare schedules before you commit. Having said that, I still prefer my bike to any other I have tried. (Including a buddy's '07 DRZ400 this afternoon!) The "bergs aren't smooth road bikes, but can't be touched in the dirt.
 
RE: FX650e DS

I have had more fun then legal with my 450 on the asphalt, that said it is rough but still will rail sweepers quite nicely..
 
I am well over 10,000 MILES on two bergs dual sported and for a dirt bike I would have no other. I also have a BMW 650 dakar and while some say it is usable on the dirt I have found its only true for dirt roads

Just make sure you know that the Berg is a great bike for off road and works on the road for short stretches to connect dirt sections. It is seriously lacking comfort on the road and is not made for that.

That being said I have done a 700 mile weekend from Jean to Beaty Nv and all around Deathvalley park with out an oil change. had to add almost 1/2 qt over the weekend and the tires were gone but sure had fun. :twisted:

Now with the big tank I will be doing more big loopos just think how far you can go with 4 gal in the tank and 2 more on your back 8O

Any body got some luggage for a 550??????????? :lol:
 
Bobzilla said:
just think how far you can go with 4 gal in the tank and 2 more on your back 8O
Click to expand...

Alaska and back? 8O

Just rode my 400 on Sunday for about 40 road miles. Can't get to the trails yet but there's plenty of side roads paved/unpaved. BZ's correct, not the most cush ride on the road but some riding is better then no riding! :D
 

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