This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Considering crossing the line; 525exc to FE390?

M

Matti Ghofen

Joined Jul 2012
3 Posts | 0+
England
Folks,
Good evening.

I've been lurking on here & TT researching into whether or not to buy a NOS 2012 FE390.

I have had eight years of trail riding, rallys and H&H on board my 2004 525exc (12k miles and 460 hours). The 525 engine has never needed a repair... it has only ever had the valve clearances tweaked and very regular oil & filter services (24 actually!). It still sounds right and pulls like a train.

It's time for me to replace it and I really like the FE390. I also want an easier, more nimble ride; a bike that turns better! What I also want is reliability.

- From lurking, I can't determine if the 2012 model FE390 has the same problems with the fuel pump and engine over heating as the earlier bikes... can anyone please answer this?

- Are new Husabergs fully road legal for the UK? A new KTM Exc has full road legal lighting (indicators if you need them!) a horn and a speedo. are 2012 Husabergs equally well equipped?

Kind regards,
MG
 
Hi
I own a 2011 390, all fuel pump probs sorted for 2011.
A2012 has a yellow frame, thats it.
If it is registered it will be road legal.

Get one, you will not regret it.
 
as your in the uk the overheating and fuel pumps dying is pretty much a non-issue, there has been a couple i think, but nothing like the numbers they had in the US which, the general concenus is, down to their ****** fuel ingredients.

infact last time i was in the US the fuel pump died on the 390 i was riding.

having previously had a 525 the biggest difference you find apart from the handling is how you'll have to rev the smaller engine more but if i had the choice of a 525 or a 390 id be choosing the smaller bike.

reliability wise the current owner of my old '09 450 has just had the engine done at 400 odd hours and the mechanic told me that he was amazed how good it was inside. they put a piston and con-rod in it just because the owner wanted too but he would have been happy to just rebuild the engine.

The mech also works on my bike so i know that he is good and not some cowboy.

the 390 should be a good buy.

little tip if you want to risk it, the 2013 models are being revealed in august, maybe left over stock will be discounted further.

yes they all should come with the same road gear as a ktm plus the smaller off-road tail light unit
 
525 to 390? Seems strange to me, Im thinking you will miss the power from the get go! Have you ridden the bigger bergs? I think you would find that they will all feel nimble compared to your 525.
 
That is a very good point Akshun and one that I have been pondering over.

Although it pains me to admit it, competing with the 525 of late has become quite tiring for me, particularly the 2 day events (old age & infirmity has arrived!), so a move to an easier bike is overdue!

Best wishes,
MG
 
sory for my Engels

I have long think about a 390 fe
but ik buy the 450 fe :D and a mate of me a 390

the 390 in the setting performance is like the setting 450 in soft

in the Pyreneen i drive in soft, the bike is than realy easy to drive not to mutch wheel spinning
feul consumption 1 : 18 / 20
with a 70 degree tank ik can drive more than 200km

if i drive in heavy terrain or mud i drive in the setting standard the power than better
i have never use the stetting performance no need to

both bikes are very esy to drive
 
it's a good point, using the softer ignition setting to get the larger capacity bike to perform more like the 390. you could also look at the G2 throttle tamer to make the bike even easier to manage with small throttle openings but have the extra power in reserve when needed.
 
depending on your type of riding i dont think you will miss the power, the 390 has plenty and more than enough for most........i dont miss it from my TE 510 and ive always had big bores........the 390 is very refined and reliable......magic handling, feels a bit heavier if you have to pick it up but lighter than it is when moving.....tight technical terrain is its forte. A shorai battery and pipe take off maybe 7 lbs up high.....rekluse for it is a real asset.....
 
Matti,
Did you ever pick up an Fe390? I have a 2005 525 and was thinking about replacing it with the 390 as well.
I was hoping to get some feed back from you. Do you like the 390? did it make a big difference in low gear?
 
I have recently gone from a 04 525 to a FE 570. Best thing I`ve ever done (apart from marry my gorgeous trophy wife who loves her 450 EXC).
The FE has the power (and more) of the 525 with the handling of a 450.
Riding this bike is almost like cheating, love it. I can throw it around like a BMX bike and still scare the hell out of myself when I give it the berries. Having said that, this bike can be very mild mannered, it's all in the throttle application.
I haven`t ridden a 390 but I think that stepping off a 525 onto one would leave me wanting.
 
No, stayed with the 525.

I've had the bike from new in 04 and I can't bring myself to sell it... so I ride it slower!

Thanks for all the input & advice, it was much appreciated.

MG
 

Similar threads

cypher
Cyphers FR3
Replies
17
Views
5K
TodColvin
T
D
A tale of two different magazines
Replies
8
Views
2K
Hakan
H
D
Dale E O's 2009 Idaho City 100 ride report
Replies
13
Views
3K
kzoo
K

Register CTA

Register on Husaberg Forum! This sidebar will go away, and you will see fewer ads.

Recent Discussions

Recent Discussions