FE390 vs KTM 450exc

I got a chance to ride one a few weeks ago back to back with my 04 450 exc and a freinds 09 200xc. Not only did it make my great handling 450 feel like a pig on the 5 mile cross country course it was even easier to ride than the 200, mainly due to its super smooth and tractable power delivery.

Its handling is the closest to a mountain bike I've ever experienced in a dirtbike, you just think about where you want to go and your there, very low input effort required.

I now wish I had never thrown a leg over it, I think about it constantly and have a full blown case of bergitis. Unfortunately I can only dream for now and maybe pick one up used a few years from now.

Pete.

I have had KTMs... 450 MXC , 525 EXC , 250XCF , 250 XCF W ( 280 kit) all dual sport bikes . ALL had EE soft seats ( my Berg has a EE soft tall ) . I wanted a 390 , but could not pay asking price ! so I found a smoking deal on a FE 450 loaded with goodies . I am running the mapping on begginner and have a G2 throttle cam ( 400 CAM ) , with butt plug in rear ( muffler ) . My friends say my bike is smooth and about the same as a KTM 400 . I think my 450 has LOTS of power , and if I want the massive power of the 450 again , I just tune it back up . ( stock throttle cam , mapping on race , and remove butt plug ) The 390 is always going to be a 390 . I say buy a left over 2009 FE 450 for a good deal , and detune it ( like I did ) and ride it with cash left over !! My local dealer has a 2009 FE 450 with free headlight /tailight kit on it ! I do love the 390 , but I went where the DEAL was . I think my FE450 rides like a 390 , its very nimble , all 3 Bergs ( 390,450, 570 ) all weigh the same . I think the Bergs all out handle ANY Ktm or DRZ . Its heavy picking it up , but riding it , WOW deels like I am on my 250s again with a MASSIVE motor ! I am very happy with my detuned 450 . Mine is MS street legal , so headlight/tailight/brakelight and 1 fold up mirrior .
All my KTMs did great on street and trail , its a dirtbike , so just remember that as you ride it on the street . But the Berg is CRAZY fast , I run 13/50 gearing to smooth out the power . The stock 13/52 felt " jerky " , snappy , and 1st gear was short . with 13/50 bike is easy to ride now . GOOD LUCK !! I think the Berg ( any Berg ) is the only way to go !!

I'm coming off a 2008 450 EXC and have a 2010 FE 450.

The Katoom was/is a great bike. To me the berg handles way better and feels much easier to move side to side. Much slimmer between my knees as well.

The fuel injection is great! Super smooth power. And its soooooooo hard to stall and more often than not I'm in the wrong gear. Where the Katoom would usually stall on me due to rider error being in the wrong gear the Berg seems to hang in there w/ the FI and I hit the throttle and it just lugs.

Overall very happy..... i would consider the 450....

Good luck.

willie said:

Considering buying an FE390 with the idea of dual sporting it. Will not have a chance to ride one before purchase. However I have ridden a KTM 450 EXC and own a Suzuki DRZ 400 and would like opinions from anyone who has ridden the Husaberg and either the EXC or DRZ and can compare the two or three. Looking for lightweight, all day ride comfort, wide ratio tranny bike and hoping the 390 will fit the bill. Not looking for a bike to blast around on for a couple of hours and then spend an hour or two on maintenance! Liked the EXC but the seat and suspension a bit stiff for my liking.How does the FE compare to this?

Any feedback appreciated.

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Your DRZ is very similar to the Husaberg in that they both have two wheels. That pretty much covers it. Your Drz is loaded with the best technology 1990 has to offer. I really don't know why Mike Lafferty isn't racing one instead of a FE 390 this year. Silly Mike.

All day ride comfort on the Husaberg?--you bet if you're railing some premium tight and technical single track close to 100% of the time. Need a plated race bike to connect trails or run into town for gas? Husaberg is a great choice. True dual sport riding? Stick to your DRZ--it is a much better choice--especially if you think an exc has stiff suspension.

RE: Re: FE390 vs KTM 450exc

I do Renfro Valley , LBL 200 , and a few local dual sports . More dirt than pavement . We are going to the Tail of the Dragon soon , going to dual sport to it , hit pavement , then back to dirt . Next 2 days all dirt/gravel with little pavement . I rode 185 miles in 1 day on my 2009 KTM 280 XCFW , it did great !! The 450 is more fun on the dual sport rides . Give us more info of a weekend of riding for you . ME , dual sport a few times a year , then tight single track most of the time !!! The FE 450 does great in ALL conditions !