considering a 2000 400FE

TC,

The bikes up until 2002 had more issues than the newer bikes but that is not to say they are crap. I have an '02 FC550 that hasn't missed a beat in three years of ownership except a broken kickstart shaft which was easily rectified without much drama. The parts are suprisingly affordable now and comparable to the jap bikes. In some cases cheaper. This hobby can be expensive wether your on a Honda or a Husaberg and I will say that most any part is now readily available and shouldn't gouge your pocket book any more than fixing a comparable part on a Yamaha or Honda or KTM.
With that being said, The problematic issues with the year you are considering were more towards the 650 and 550cc bikes. A few things worth mentioning and you may want to ask about are:

*Was the cam rockers upgraded to the new roller style?
*Was the cam chain replaced recently and also the upgrade to the steel cam sprocket in place of the aluminum one?

*Have they upgraded to the double row counter balancer bearings? (this is more of an issue in the 650 and 550 bikes)
Editing this entry as it does not pertain to the 2000 bikes w/o a counter balancer

*Check the swing arm pivot at the frame and engine casings for cracks.
*When was the last time any of the seals, bearings, and Top end had been replaced and/or serviced?
*Is the SEM stator the original one that came on the bike or has it been replaced. (The SEM units are a known consumable and rarely last more than three years. This is most often a problem in moist climates like you have in WA)

These are most of the questions that I would ask the seller if they have the knowledge that will give you a good idea wether the bike is sound and was taken care of. Im sure others will add or clarify things as this post gets read more but these are good starting points. Hope this helps.

Regards,

The 2000 engine does not have an axial balance assembly, is not unit construction and is a very sound motorcycle overall.

Post 2001 through 2003 (ie new generation engine) are indeed problem prone. However and as Keith mentioned, most often the larger displacements.

Dale

TC,

Almost forgot to mention "The Doc". If you haven't already had a chance to view it, there is a link on the left side of the page and it will take you to a wealth of info, most of which was directly inspired by Taffy and his very own Husaberg 400. The Doc is a work in progress still today but is a culmination of Taffy and other members of this sites tireless efforts to centralize info for people who ask questions just like yours. Take a look and pay particular attention to the "wear items amber alert" and "wear items red alert". These will answer almost every question you can think of. Good to see you back on a bike after the prolonged absence, take care and good luck with your future purchase.

Regards,

Dale,

I had a brain fart and posted about the rotating counter balancer didn't I? Their not on the 2000 bikes

Can you clarify what you meant by "not unit construction"? I will edit my post so as not to confuse anyone with mis information...

Thanks for the edit.

Regards,

Hi keith,
The cylinder is not one with the crankcase.

2000 was a very sound year for Husaberg.
Truth be told said year engines are near identical to that of the latest and greatest from KTM. As a matter of fact pre 2000 camshafts directly interchange with that of the KTM. :shock:

Hope this clears things up a bit.

Best Regards,
Dale

Dale,

Once again, thanks for your information and clarification on said topic.

Regards,