Berg vs Berg vs Husky

Ok I have asked the question, but could someone help me out here, I am just not familiar with the exotics.

1999 Berg Fe501 vs 2003 Berg Fe501 vs 2000 Husky 610.

Ok what is the difference between the two Bergs.....I know there was a change in 00 on the 501s. All the bikes are a similar price.

I am a pretty big guy 6'4" 245lbs. I ride on fire roads and some hairier stuff, and some on road riding. I have not been able to lay eyes on any of these bikes yet. I am just wanting to know what to look for and if any of these bikes would be a good fit for me.

I just sold my DR 650, not enough suspension and I wanted something new.

Help me out with any info. Thanks.

Darrin

My choice would be the "03 501.

The '99 has the old syle motor which a lot of people like.

The "03 is newer (newer style engine & frame) and you can now get a 4 gal fuel tank for it.

The 610 Husky is a pig.

If your not into doing regular/frequent maintenance, stay away from the Berg's. Being religious with the maintenance on the Berg's will reward you with many hours of trail riding enjoyment.

If you want lower maintenance duties, get the Husky.

I do not know much about the Husky, but the 99 Berg is a very different beast from the 03. Besides the motor difference, the frames are very different, the suspension on the 03 is still being used on the 07s (minor changes over the years). The 03 motor, will need some valve train and counterballancer upgrades if they have not allready been done, and parts are readily available. The 99 engine is considered to be one of the best Husaberg engines made, but the frame and suspension are dated, so there is a trade-off. I would ride all three and judge from there. Hope this helps.

Hi Darrin
I have had an 02 501 for approx 6 mths and a 99 610 Husky for approx 4 years.
For open fire trails and road riding I find the Husky to be an absolute weapon...awsome fun. For me it wins hands down over the Husaberg in those conditions. The Husky has proven to be ultra reliable, no issues at all with it.
As the trails tighten up ths Hussy is head and shoulders above the Husky and a total joy to ride. In my case however I am having considerable costly reliability issues that I am trying to come to terms with and I am hoping this may be an isolated case.
Ultimately you need to try to ride the bikes, as only you will know what will suit you and what you like. You will note I like the Husky whereas Ossaman thinks they are pigs,(I respect that) so it is always a matter of what suits the individual. Of the two, I like riding the Husaberg the most, but Iam finding I choose to go with the Husky more lately as I know it will always get me home and doesnt break the bank to prepare for the next ride.

Mick

Hey Darrin,

Here's my 2 cents. I'm the original owner of a '95 Husky 610, which is awesome as a dual sport bike that needs very little maintence other than frequent oil changes. It's real comfortible on long distance runs and has been stone reliable. Like Ossaman said it is kind of a pig, but compared to your old 650 it's a featherweight.

I've also had a 2000 610 for a while. The engine is wonderful if you like slow reving super torquey power but isn't snappy like a Berg. It's like 15lbs. heavier than a Berg, but feels more like 50. For fire roads, the highway and open trails I like the 610 slightly better than my '05 FE650. But for anything tighter the Berg is far supieror in every catagory and has the button.

Keep in mind I've never owned a 501 but I rode a mid '90s model and it was bitchin. I wouldn't personally consider the '99 if the price of the '03 was similar and they were in equal condition. If you plan on putting a lot of miles on the bike, and are going to do more open stuff, I like the Husky. For more serious off road duty and if more maintence doesn't bother you I'd get the Berg. There clear as mud!

the 03 is a good model, with good valve train and upgrades from factory, I've put considerable time on an 03 501 and its still one of my fav bergs, and ask a ton of the members that have owned a 501, gone but not forgotten

Haven't had time to frequent the site much of late, but enter and find a very interesting post. Unusual in that I own the 3 bikes on yout list. What are the odds.
I'll try to be of help here.

99 FC501 Husaberg is the lightest of the 3. Mine weighs in at around 235. Typical old style Berg. Turns on a dime and at higher speeds is a bit unsettling. Steering damper helps a lot. Vibrates the most of the 3, which is most annoying at higher speeds. Engine has smooth power, decent low end, and good mid/upper pull. Old style seating kind of keeps you planted in one spot, but is the most comfy for longer trips. Lowest seat height. Suspension is surprisingly good for an older bike. A little fork flex can be felt. Least flywheel of the 3. Clutch, brakes, and shifting are fine. Not a bad bike that is nice to ride on the track or in tighter off road situations, although suspension is a bit soft for track use. Very reliable year for Berg. 90+ MPH.

03 FE501 is much more modern in seating arrangement. Less vibration. Little more power throughout compared to the 99. Unsettling at high desert speeds. Mine has a GPR damper. Weighs in at 255. Lights and E Button have a price to pay. E button is nice although some people have had problems getting there bikes to start on the button. Mine always starts fine. Turns great in tighter stuff. Feels lighter than it is. Suspension is nice off road, although forks transfer a spike on square edge bumps. Too soft for moto. Excellent hydraulic clutch, wave rotor brakes are also exellent. Shifts ok. Great all arounder. 90+ MPH.

00 TC610 that has had the TE 6 speed added to it. Now this may not be an accurate comparison to a TE 610. Without the lighting and with a lightweight single exhaust, the TC is much lighter than the TE. Mine weighs in at 255 with a small Acerbis headlight. A stock TE is pushing 270. TC also has a more agressive cam and exhaust. Stock TE has 42HP. TC has close to 50 as do the 2 Bergs. I once owned a TE610 and power was too much at lower engine speeds. TC cam smooths out the low end making it much more manageable. Top end revs are unreal for a 610. Husky is the fastest of the 3 in a drag race and even with the TC cam, has the most low end. Also has the most flywheel. Vibrates very little at low revs and feels light. Rev the engine and the vibration gets annoying and the flywheel mass makes the bike feel heavy. Likes to be short shifted. Suspension is fine for off road although spikes come through the front end on square edged bumps. TE has softer suspension and is in dire need of heavier springs. Clutch and brakes are fine. Shifts buttery smooth. Chassis is super solid. Instills confidence. Seating is more modern. Very little in the way of headshake, yet still turns ok. Magic here or something. Stone reliable. Starts easy. Nice all arounder. A little slower on top end than the Bergs due to stock TC gearing.

Hope this helps.
Dan

There is a 20 liter tank for the '99.