Finally - I've chosen an FE 550 '07...............

Shonky13 · Mar 30, 2007

After months of deliberating, and a few weeks lurking around this website, I have settled on the FE 550. It's been 16 years since I've owned a dirt bike so I had to test ride these new-fangled 4 strokes for myself. I rode a Yamaha WR426, an FE550 '06 and a TE510 '06. All brilliant bikes compared to my previous bikes (esp brakes & suspension). So why choose the FE550?
Came down to cubic inches - i.e. easy HP. The WR was great but had to wring it's neck to get the best out of it. TE510 also excellent but why don't they make a 550/600/650? What is the point of a 501cc motor when they have a 450cc?
The FE550 sold me because it did everything every other bike did but also had extra usable power. It also left me grinning like a damn fool during the test ride.

So thanks to this helpful, honest website and a local dealer who rides and races them, I will soon be roosting off into the sunset on a FE550 '07. 8)

HeimirBardason · Mar 30, 2007

Well my "Companion".

You will be going a lot, lot farther on that bike than into the puny sunset.

How about past Saturnus ,Uranius and wayyyy beyond the final planet in our galaxie, Pluto.
On the rear wheel might I add..............

I have been doing that between lunch and dinner, since 2001
Welcome to the "Milky Planet" of Husabergs.

Heimir Bardaon

berger · Mar 30, 2007

I need to start making bumper stickers. FE550 "The only logical choice".

Good call and congratulation.

CelticDude · Mar 30, 2007

The cool thing about the FE550 is that it never lacks for power and it will always put a grin on your face. Remember the motors are set up pretty tight from the factory so break it in easy. After about 12 hours you will notice a lot bigger hit off the bottom. :bounncy: There isn't much flywheel action so you have to be quick with the clutch in tight woods but the positive thing is that the motor winds up fast like a two stroke.

sparks · Mar 30, 2007

Must be something in the weather I've just bought the same model but a 2004.
Nice to hear the positive comments from CelticDude. Not received it yet it's coming over from the UK should be here in a week or so.

Sparks.

Shonky13 · Mar 30, 2007

Thanks Heimir & Berger,

Any setup/maintenance/riding tips for the 550 would be appreciated. I am 6' 2" 97kg (213lb) 37 years of age and hope to ride grasstrack mx and open trail/enduro events. Berger, I'll take one of those stickers too.....

Shonky13 · Mar 30, 2007

Hey CelticDude - thanks for the info - half throttle be easy enough? Use normal oil for breakin?
Any other 550 tips you have would be appreciated - sparks may be interested too....

tds2277 · Mar 30, 2007

Shonky Congrats, Im sure you will get many hours and grins on your face from the 550, put up some pics would U.

CelticDude · Mar 30, 2007

Shonky13 said:
Hey CelticDude - thanks for the info - half throttle be easy enough? Use normal oil for breakin?
Any other 550 tips you have would be appreciated - sparks may be interested too....

Just follow normal break-in procedures. No full throttle runs, no high RPM and let it cool down frequently. No special oil for break in - just whatever you intend to run in it all the time. Change the oil and filter frequently. The biggest thing is keeping the motor clean. I was running Repsol but have recently switched to Chevron Delo and a stainless filter. Now it is so cheap that I can drain the oil after every ride. I check my valve clearance every 12 hours or so. Only takes about 30 minutes if I'm in a hurry.
The best thing I ever did was to mount an IRC-M5B tire in the back, the biggest 18" they make: 130-80-18. It really changed the way the whole bike feels. Much more confident in the corners and nobody wants to ride very close behind me for some reason!
Take some time to set the suspension up for your weight. Sag is really important. Once you get it right, you will know it when you come hauling butt into a corner waaaaaay faster than you normally do 8O and it just cruises through without a problem! :lol:

tm-enduro · Mar 30, 2007

Shonky13 said:
Thanks Heimir & Berger,

Any setup/maintenance/riding tips for the 550 would be appreciated. I am 6' 2" 97kg (213lb) 37 years of age and hope to ride grasstrack mx and open trail/enduro events. Berger, I'll take one of those stickers too.....

I think you have chosen the ultimate grass track bike. Great handling, precise steeering, fat powerband, and jsut the right amount of engine braking!

Taffy · Mar 31, 2007

well done shonky and sparks. i presume from DCR sparks? right?

talk soon.

regards

Taffy

sparks · Mar 31, 2007

Yep thats the one taffy gets picked up on Wednesday. Should be here within a week.
Thought I might have a last bash at it before my aging limes finally say enough is enough.
Like every body else nod ought I will have numerous questions when i get into it.

Sparks.

kzoo · Mar 31, 2007

Congrats Shonky13 and sparks... Looking forward to hearing all the wonderful ride reports after the bikes are delivered.

Shonky13 · Apr 1, 2007

Thanks for the well wishes people - will order bike this week and will post some fotos when i get a chance. I also need a full set of new riding gear and have been checking out prices. I'm amazed at the price range. For example - I could spend $100 AusD on an RXT helmet or $600+ for a troy lee, shoei or arai. The old saying goes " if you've got a cheap head buy a cheap helmet" but 5 hunge could buy me boots and pants! Is there really that much difference in quality? Same goes for boots, goggles, pants, jerseys etc. I'm sure some of the cheaper stuff lasts as long as the top shelf stuff........

whosahberg · Apr 1, 2007

Shonky13 said:
Thanks for the well wishes people - will order bike this week and will post some fotos when i get a chance. I also need a full set of new riding gear and have been checking out prices. I'm amazed at the price range. For example - I could spend $100 AusD on an RXT helmet or $600+ for a troy lee, shoei or arai. The old saying goes " if you've got a cheap head buy a cheap helmet" but 5 hunge could buy me boots and pants! Is there really that much difference in quality? Same goes for boots, goggles, pants, jerseys etc. I'm sure some of the cheaper stuff lasts as long as the top shelf stuff........

look....

for a mere 5 hundee i got helmet , pants , jersey , goggles .

superceeded 06 gear , axo helmet , fox pants , 'a' jersey , 'o' goggles .

have a look around , the bargains are there , it's just not the latest and greatest !

kelsow · Apr 1, 2007

Yes they do make nice helmets but do you need the "bling" factor?
A really good helmet should cost you 2-250 bux. Solid colours are cheaper.
Boots, 3-350.

Shonky13 · Apr 1, 2007

No bling for me thanks kelsow - plain colours will do - i'll do what whosahberg did and go for the runout stuff.
Looking at your avatar foto makes me glad I don't need to buy cold weather gear as well............. hell, I've never even seen snow - crazy dude...

Chas · Apr 1, 2007

CelticDude said:
The best thing I ever did was to mount an IRC-M5B tire in the back, the biggest 18" they make: 130-80-18. It really changed the way the whole bike feels.

IRC also makes a larger 140-80/18 which worked awesome on my '96 FE600e. Excellent, long lasting all terrain tire with huge knobs.

kelsow · Apr 1, 2007

Shonky13 said:
Looking at your avatar foto makes me glad I don't need to buy cold weather gear as well............. hell, I've never even seen snow - crazy dude...

You don't know what you're missing.

Simple THE most fun I have had on 2 wheels.

(I'd trade it all to live in Australia though)

jwilly · Apr 1, 2007

Spend the bulk on the Bucket, you will burn holes in your pants and tear holes in the jersey. Check out E-Bay for your gear. $hit tons of everything on there for gear.. IMHFO

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Finally - I've chosen an FE 550 '07...............

Shonky13

HeimirBardason

berger

CelticDude

sparks

Shonky13

Shonky13

tds2277

CelticDude

tm-enduro

Taffy

sparks

kzoo

Shonky13

whosahberg

kelsow

Shonky13

Chas

kelsow

jwilly

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