Presently riding a KTM 450 XC. 50 percent Hare Scramble and 50 percent MX. I am thinking about buying a Berg for the next season and I am wondering if you think this would be a good choice. The main issue would be suspension. Other then a re-valve should I have any other concerns?
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KTM / Berg
If the track is more moto like the KTM is faster by a little.
If the track is offroad and you keep her humming the Berg gets the vote to me.
If you are old and out of shape the Berg would produce faster times as stated because it is as easy as it gets to ride. (very smooth power band)
Just my opinion on the two.
And yes I have been on each.
Good Luck
If the track is more moto like the KTM is faster by a little.
If the track is offroad and you keep her humming the Berg gets the vote to me.
If you are old and out of shape the Berg would produce faster times as stated because it is as easy as it gets to ride. (very smooth power band)
Just my opinion on the two.
And yes I have been on each.
Good Luck
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- Ely, England
RE: KTM / Berg
the husaberg front forks from the '07 can be modified to match the '07 forks of a katoom so no problem there.
the rear shock? we'll the last time husey did a MX was '05 but given that you will mix your riding i think it's fair to say that a good shock can be had from the suspension boys.
you may find the fact that there is still a 0LB weight difference between a katoom SX and the husey is harder to address. the first 10LB will be easy but the next 10 will be impossible methinks.
but this is all cutting edge bench racing as you septics call it. if you aren't at 10/10ths then go enjoy! Markfc550 (sorry don't know his real nname) knows his MX so do listen... also look for posts by "2005fc550" (steve mcfarland). he has a website dedicated to mods made to his husey MX machine.
do a search for his stuff via the doc and the suspension section. i left a link there.
regards
Taffy
the husaberg front forks from the '07 can be modified to match the '07 forks of a katoom so no problem there.
the rear shock? we'll the last time husey did a MX was '05 but given that you will mix your riding i think it's fair to say that a good shock can be had from the suspension boys.
you may find the fact that there is still a 0LB weight difference between a katoom SX and the husey is harder to address. the first 10LB will be easy but the next 10 will be impossible methinks.
but this is all cutting edge bench racing as you septics call it. if you aren't at 10/10ths then go enjoy! Markfc550 (sorry don't know his real nname) knows his MX so do listen... also look for posts by "2005fc550" (steve mcfarland). he has a website dedicated to mods made to his husey MX machine.
do a search for his stuff via the doc and the suspension section. i left a link there.
regards
Taffy
I´d go for the 550
power delivery is smoother, doesn´t mind if you miss to change a gear-it´s easier to ride for me
the 450 is asking for more rpm, likes it more to be thrashed
In my opinion the 550 is simply the best offroad-engine of all manufactures
power delivery is smoother, doesn´t mind if you miss to change a gear-it´s easier to ride for me
the 450 is asking for more rpm, likes it more to be thrashed
In my opinion the 550 is simply the best offroad-engine of all manufactures
Hi Motox415,
I am not much of moto x racer myself, but, do enjoy the occasional track day, and Grand Prix. So, take my opinions with grain of salt I suppose in regards to Moto X. I do think I'm a decent off road racer/rider and technical rider.
I believe the Husaberg to be a more stable platform than the KTM when properly sorted. And way more stable than their Japanese counterparts.
As with any bike, the berg comes with suspension settings that are the best compromise for it's intended purpose. I am a firm believer in having your suspension set up for YOU and your ability/ style. I have found a suspension tuner who IMHO knows his stuff (Steve Searcy @ Clean Racing 714-434-9201) and that has produced a suspension package that is the best I've ever had. And with that comes confidence which is priceless. So, depending on your weight, you might need springs as well as a valving set up more specific to your riding. Your signature doesn't indicate where you are from so no idea about what terrain you are riding in, doring the Hare Scrambles. As with the KTM the ride height adjusment is critical, and is different with the berg, a little less sag I believe, right around 90 to 100 mm, with 30 to 35mm of static sag. I run mine right at 33mm, and that's with 5mm of pre load on the spring. FYI I run a PDS 8, and .44KG springs. I am right at 195 to 200# with all my gear on. This set up is for a relatively fast desert racer, and that means it works good in the high speed stuff, as well as the tight technical, and rocks, we have lot's of rocks out here.
The 550 will have slightly more rotating mass than the 450, and thus more gyroscopic effect, which will make it SLIGHTLY less nimble. The two weigh just about the same. In case you didn't know the 450, 550, & 650 all use the same diameter piston, 100mm. So it's just the stroke that's different between the three.
As with the KTM the Berg comes with an EPA rating so it's lean. The owners manual (which you can download for free from the download sections here, or at Husaberg.se) shows the closed course settings which will richen things up a bit and give a bit more power and make for a broader spread of power. There are seveal threads on this web site of alternative jetting idea's in the fuel seciton of the forums. I suggest you go and have a read. They range from running the stock needle, mj, bigger PJ, to running different manufacturers needles and completely different MJ's. I'm sure you have seen many posts over at KTM talk regarding this subject.
I rode 250 two strokes for years while my friends had all switched over to open two strokes. Once I bought my first berg, a 94 501, I realized what I had been missing out on. Keeping in mind that I have not ridden a 450, or a 650, my suggestion would be to go with the 550, or the all arounder as it is sometimes called. It has great usable power down low, and will really rip in the upper mid range and top end. With the exception of the mass starts associated with desert racing, and really the beginning of any race, I usually use mid range power, just short shift and keep it pullilng. But the top end power is great to have on tap for big sand hills, fast sand washes, starts, and passing people.
I do want to emphasize that the 550 is not too much of handful though. It has very usable and controllable power. It's all up to you and how you twist that right side grip!
Whatever bike you chose I'm sure you'll be very happy with a Husaberg!
I am not much of moto x racer myself, but, do enjoy the occasional track day, and Grand Prix. So, take my opinions with grain of salt I suppose in regards to Moto X. I do think I'm a decent off road racer/rider and technical rider.
I believe the Husaberg to be a more stable platform than the KTM when properly sorted. And way more stable than their Japanese counterparts.
As with any bike, the berg comes with suspension settings that are the best compromise for it's intended purpose. I am a firm believer in having your suspension set up for YOU and your ability/ style. I have found a suspension tuner who IMHO knows his stuff (Steve Searcy @ Clean Racing 714-434-9201) and that has produced a suspension package that is the best I've ever had. And with that comes confidence which is priceless. So, depending on your weight, you might need springs as well as a valving set up more specific to your riding. Your signature doesn't indicate where you are from so no idea about what terrain you are riding in, doring the Hare Scrambles. As with the KTM the ride height adjusment is critical, and is different with the berg, a little less sag I believe, right around 90 to 100 mm, with 30 to 35mm of static sag. I run mine right at 33mm, and that's with 5mm of pre load on the spring. FYI I run a PDS 8, and .44KG springs. I am right at 195 to 200# with all my gear on. This set up is for a relatively fast desert racer, and that means it works good in the high speed stuff, as well as the tight technical, and rocks, we have lot's of rocks out here.
The 550 will have slightly more rotating mass than the 450, and thus more gyroscopic effect, which will make it SLIGHTLY less nimble. The two weigh just about the same. In case you didn't know the 450, 550, & 650 all use the same diameter piston, 100mm. So it's just the stroke that's different between the three.
As with the KTM the Berg comes with an EPA rating so it's lean. The owners manual (which you can download for free from the download sections here, or at Husaberg.se) shows the closed course settings which will richen things up a bit and give a bit more power and make for a broader spread of power. There are seveal threads on this web site of alternative jetting idea's in the fuel seciton of the forums. I suggest you go and have a read. They range from running the stock needle, mj, bigger PJ, to running different manufacturers needles and completely different MJ's. I'm sure you have seen many posts over at KTM talk regarding this subject.
I rode 250 two strokes for years while my friends had all switched over to open two strokes. Once I bought my first berg, a 94 501, I realized what I had been missing out on. Keeping in mind that I have not ridden a 450, or a 650, my suggestion would be to go with the 550, or the all arounder as it is sometimes called. It has great usable power down low, and will really rip in the upper mid range and top end. With the exception of the mass starts associated with desert racing, and really the beginning of any race, I usually use mid range power, just short shift and keep it pullilng. But the top end power is great to have on tap for big sand hills, fast sand washes, starts, and passing people.
I do want to emphasize that the 550 is not too much of handful though. It has very usable and controllable power. It's all up to you and how you twist that right side grip!
Whatever bike you chose I'm sure you'll be very happy with a Husaberg!
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2005
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- 687
- Location
- Folsom, CA
rode my TE510 on an MX track, loved it but knew it wasn't really an MX bike, then I rode a 06 CRF450R and realized my Husky Really is NOT an MX machine , just like riding a CRF 450R on woods trails is not what i want to do......so after riding that CRF 450R, I never rode my Fe450e on an MX track I just knew I would not like it there, but I am looking forward now to play riding my Fe550e on that MX track. I kinda feel it will be a good MXer for me.....well good for occasional play MX riding like I do.
I'll report in on that MX day and still looking forward to my first desert day on the 550
one thing for sure, trying hard to improve your lap times on an MX track really boosts your total trail speed in the woods or open. You really learn to get your body position right and braking and back on the throttle of your bike in the turns when after being on an MX track. Good practice.
I'll report in on that MX day and still looking forward to my first desert day on the 550
one thing for sure, trying hard to improve your lap times on an MX track really boosts your total trail speed in the woods or open. You really learn to get your body position right and braking and back on the throttle of your bike in the turns when after being on an MX track. Good practice.
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2005
- Messages
- 159
Go with the 550
The 550 can be used on a jump infested track or an open Moto track with very good results. I have much time and money trying gearing that will work well for multiple tracks and found 15x50 to work great. This gearing still has big top end and low enough gearing for most offroad obstacles. I had my 550 on a track today full of big jumps and it did very well.Corner to corner the 550 is in the hunt,but I doubt the same could be said about the 450? If you go with the 550 you can down size it to the 496cc with a piston and sleeve. When the time comes to rebuild it you can have a new size bike to play with. This size has me thinking I will do this myself when the time comes. I think with a cam that revs a little more it will be very competitive. I hope this helps with your decision. Also I should mention a vet expert in Reno has 180 hrs on his and it is still doing very well. His hours are like 300hrs of an average rider. Good luck.
The 550 can be used on a jump infested track or an open Moto track with very good results. I have much time and money trying gearing that will work well for multiple tracks and found 15x50 to work great. This gearing still has big top end and low enough gearing for most offroad obstacles. I had my 550 on a track today full of big jumps and it did very well.Corner to corner the 550 is in the hunt,but I doubt the same could be said about the 450? If you go with the 550 you can down size it to the 496cc with a piston and sleeve. When the time comes to rebuild it you can have a new size bike to play with. This size has me thinking I will do this myself when the time comes. I think with a cam that revs a little more it will be very competitive. I hope this helps with your decision. Also I should mention a vet expert in Reno has 180 hrs on his and it is still doing very well. His hours are like 300hrs of an average rider. Good luck.
RE: Go with the 550
Hey Moto415
Husaberg/Dirtrider poster by Dan Watt lives in Calgary, works at Walt Healy ( part time ) and he rides a ....well lets say his stable is fairly substantial. Check in there one day, to get his opinion on crossover usage. Are you going to cornergrass next weekend? www.cornergrass.com
Hey Moto415
Husaberg/Dirtrider poster by Dan Watt lives in Calgary, works at Walt Healy ( part time ) and he rides a ....well lets say his stable is fairly substantial. Check in there one day, to get his opinion on crossover usage. Are you going to cornergrass next weekend? www.cornergrass.com
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