Hello from New Zealand

Hello everyone, David here from Auckland, New Zealand. I've been lurking on the forum for a little while now and have come across plenty of really useful information along the way so first thing's first, thanks to all the contributors out there!

Earlier this year I picked up a very tidy FS550E with 10,400km on the clock. If I recall correctly the hour meter read 217 hours when I bought it. Unfortunately I don't know anything of its service history. All I know is that it's an ex Japan bike. On the outside it's very clean and tidy so I'm hoping the internals are in the same condition. I've put about 1500km on it and it's run very well, no complaints at all except maybe the jetting the slightly is slightly out so that's something I want to look into. It's a weekend toy used for the odd commute.

Here's a video the seller posted up of the bike running:



I have a few general questions which I hope is okay to put in this post.

1. Given that I have now idea of the bike's service history, what sort of significant work should I be considering doing and at what point? The engine feels good to me and pulls hard but I'd rather be pre-emptive rather than waiting for the engine to blow...

2. Hour-based service intervals come around crazy fast on a road-only machine. Does a full oil and filter change at ever 1500km sound like a reasonable interval to adopt? I'm using high-quality fully synthetic Bel Ray oil.

3. Valve adjustments, I figured I'd check them everything 3000km, so on every second oil change, does that sound right?

4. Taffy's dual valve springs and his needle kit look to be a couple of worthwhile modifications. Would you recommend these or am I best to spend the cash on something else instead? I want to make sure that any modifications I make have no adverse impact on reliability.

5. The FS550e is somewhat less common than other Husaberg variants. Of course some items are completely different (rims, front caliper etc) but when searching online for parts, what would be the closest other variant? I get the impression that all model Bergs between 2004 and 2008 use more or less 90% of the same parts, is that right?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi Neil, thanks for the reply. I'm in Auckland central, what about yourself?

My current life setup isn't all too conducive to riding much as we're in limbo waiting for our apartment to be completed so the bike unfortunately spends most of its time in storage at my folks' place over on the Shore.

Looking forward to a change of circumstances next year and getting more riding time in though!

Sounds like replacing the valve springs is the way to go. It actually wouldn't surprise me if I opened it up to discover dual valve springs have already been fitted. I note that whoever owned it before me has already upgraded the battery to one with 130 CCA. Bike has no problem starting so I do wonder if the starter motor has been replaced with a beefier unit, too.

What oil do you use?

Is there anything else worth doing at the same time while I'm at it with the valve springs? Replacing the chain and tensioner maybe?

Thanks buchmechanic. Just confirming, this is the correct Kibblewhite set for my bike, yeah?

Racing Spring Kit, Titanium, 0.435" Lift, Various KTM® Applications | Kibblewhite Precision Machining, Inc