Considering a 2003 fe650, and would appreciate input.

Well, the bike was about 90 mins from my home, and half way there I get a call that he just sold it for more than he was asking. My guess is that he told the buyer that he was holding the bike for me to look at, and the buyer offered him more.

The owner and I had extensive phone contact, but he was on a business trip. I told him I would like to take his first possible available date/time on his return. Not a bad guy, and I heard some discomfort in his voice, knowing I was on my way. I understand his side, not knowing if I would buy the bike, I just wish he would have given me a shot at matching the offer.

Pretty bummed right now, there just aren't many out there; so, the search goes on.

Thanks to all that helped.

Steve

Well that's a bummer!
There's always the XR650L, they're fun & you can mod the crap out of them.
The XR650R's fun if you can find one with a plate, but their kick start only.
Good luck with your search,
Dan

Yeah, thanks Dan. Considering one in Sacto, but it has hours on it.

Pretty much decided that I want an FE650, but I just hope I can be patient enough.

If you hear of anyone kinda local, please steer them my way.

Steve

Hi Steve. Glad you've decided to stay with the FE650.

There's nothing like the 650. I've only briefly ridden one - it's like stepping into a ******* cartoon. All complexity falls away, no thoughts remain, there is only the terrain that you realize is being laid flat all at once by its brutal capacity for going forward over just about anything - with or without you. And still you control it all. Such balance. It's an incredibly strong and unique rush. It's like the bike is alive and you are being possessed by it and get to briefly visit its simple, dramatic, rough world. Riding the knife edge of human expertise. Sitting in the hand of God. Much more than only a mechanical experience.

(Yep, I really was that smitten. The 550 is something else too. Still very very wild but a totally different kind of it.)

Here is the brother to mine for sale. I bought my 650 from him. This guy bought both FE650's from brothers in Nevada. He said he thinks they bought them for the cool factor and didn't ride them much hence to super low hours on both.

I wish I could buy this one as well!

Spendy yes, but they pull premium prices with the low hours and motard stuff in the states.

2008 Husaberg 650FE Supermoto Plated

Thanks guys for keeping my enthusiasm up, especially Bruce who kept at me, even when I strayed for a moment and almost bought a very nice TE510 that came with both sets of wheels.

Okay, I have an appointment with an FE at 10am tomorrow in Sacramento. It has 280 hrs, but looks pretty clean, and the owner says it runs strong. He seems like a very nice guy who is trying to disclose every small item.

I'm pretty sure it's coming home with me tomorrow, so I'll get some pics up.

Steve

Just got back from spending a couple hours with Trevor in Sacto, going over his 05 fe650.

For now, I took a pass on the bike, but I want to be clear that I think it is a very solid runner, belying its 280 hours. It presents as a bike that has been used and cared for as intended, metal surfaces were rag-clean and showing not one bit of rust, and almost all screws had clearly known the screwdriver, as one would expect from a rider who has taken interest in learning and self-servicing the machine.

It is my opinion that Trevor has taken great care to observe maintenance intervals and all areas of proper care. No areas that I could find show any indication of fluid leaks, the chain and sprockets seem fine and the chain properly lubed. The tail pipe looked the right color, not black, and it was dry with not a trace of any oil. I had recently fallen and injured my wrist, so I didn't feel comfortable riding the bike, even though Trevor almost insisted. So, at his suggestion, I followed him in my truck on some winding streets around his home. Not once did I notice a puff of smoke, even after a downhill stretch followed by a short climb.

I would be proud to have owned and used a bike, and have it show that use as this one does - a testament to the pride of the owner/rider/maintainer.

I believe Trevor has priced the bike right, and he only needs to get someone, who may be on a budget and willing to overlook cosmetics, to take a test ride, and it will sell.

The only reason I have passed is that I want a bike with less use and a fresher look, one that I can nick and scar with a patina of use that will turn into memories for future enjoyment.

So, my search continues.

Thanks Trevor, for your time and attention; and, good luck with the sale.

Steve

I never had a problem with my '03. Loved it. Mine was a 400 which I found more than adequate for power. That 650 will be a beast, it may throw you off but, with proper maintenance, it won't break down.

Yes, a "beast" indeed!!

As I was following Trevor, I kept thinking "What a sleeper this bike is, man." I don't know how many of you have ever followed a 650, but I was struck by the slight footprint it occupies. From the rear, it looks as if it couldn't be more than a 250 or even a 150.

I want one.

Steve

That FE/S650 in grants pass is delicious..

Sure, it's expensive but it's all relative. A KTM 690 supermoto with 10,000 miles on sells for a few $$ more.

And it has no kicker, close ratio gearing and it's a little frumpy.

Keep looking Steve, you can find one but you have to be persistant and willing to travel at a moments notice.
About 6 per year show up on the entire west coast in various condition.

If you lack the patience or don't like roadtrips a husky TE or SM 610 is more likely to show up locally. The carbed and FI ones are both solid bikes with much longer service intervals. I've got a riding buddy that has 23K miles on his 09'. He only had a timing chain replaced once.

Thanks man, glad you came in.

Yeah, saw that one, and I have relatives in Ashland.......Mother in Law......so, it would errrrrr have to be a pretty good deal. :unsure:

Also, have been keeping an eye on this 2010 Husaberg fe 570

He originally had it posted in the title as "Street Legel", but that has now been removed. I was 5 mins away from getting in the car to go take a look, when I noticed it had no plate in the ad, and the reference had been removed.

I messaged him, and found out it is registered in AZ, and he doesn't know if it can be registered in CA. I've looked into this before, and found out that unless it is indicated on the label on the bike or in some paperwork that it is legal in CA, it becomes problematic to get it approved. And, as you know, almost impossible if it doesn't have the CA endorsement and has less than 7500 miles, at which point it is considered new.

Can anyone shed anymore light on this? I suggested he find out, and include it in the ad to head off any misunderstandings. He said he will look into it.

Steve