I've joined the crew

FirstEliminator · Jul 22, 2004

Hey guys,
I am a long time Husqvarna owner, but took 7 years off while I was into my other hobbies. Just started working at a Lincoln/Mercury dealership and a few of the guys here ride. So I decided to get back into it. I was looking for another Husqvarna, but found a great deal on a '98 Husaberg FE501E. I have always wondered about the 'Bergs, but thought they were out of my reach. I test drove the 'Berg last night and it felt very Husky like, I only rode it for about 5 minutes, but I was convinced. I left a deposit and will be back ASAP with the balance. I still have my old Husq-- a 90 WMX 125 (really a Cagiva in disguise) and plan to keep it since the two bikes are for different purposes and would make a good spare if the Berg goes down for a while.
The guys I work with tried to sway me into a Yamaha, but they had no luck. Since I am what they call the oddball because I went with something different the jokes were flying around. Ofcourse nobody here had heard of a Husaberg before and they were making fun of the name. So had replied with "I will speel out the name on the back fender, and if you can see far enough, you will learn how to say it". Now everyone is ready to get out and throw some dirt. Either way, I think they will be impressed with the Berg when I get it home.

Mark Piechowski

FC501EAST · Jul 22, 2004

Hi, Mark, and welcome aboard!!!! As you put time and miles on your new bike, you will probably have a few (many?) questions, and this UHE website has some of the nicest and most knowledgeable guys on board. Anything and everything Husaberg has probably been discussed, examined and bandied about, and a lot of great advice and info has been passed around.
Just remember, the Husaberg is basically a competition motorcycle and needs regular maintenance and upkeep, particularly oil changes and valve adjustments, plus all the normal maintenance that a lot of "dalily-driver, run-of-the-mill" bikes probably don't get. Take care of your ride and she won't let ya down!!
When ya have questions, post them up in the forum best covering the subject. Some one will invariably get back with a bit of info, or questions about the problem!
Hope all works out !!!!
Gary, in Maine

BundyBear · Jul 22, 2004

Mark - All the best. I too came from a well-loved Husky. It won't just be your mates that have to keep up with the 'berg, you will too! I've got a FE600E, same year as yours and it can be a handful at times, but as yet it's the best bike I've ever had.

The major rearragement of Husaberg engines was in 2001. There seems to be getting less people on the site with pre2001s (maybe just more with new ones), but many will say they are a more reliable engine. Also be aware of the FE vs FE'E difference. In pre2001s the FE does not have an engine balancer shaft and so feels more like the Husky. Comparing what people have said the FE & FE'E seem to be quite different animals. I find the FE'E really good on the road.

Don't be too thrown by the "competition bike" label put on them and the maintenance it will require. Like any machine they need to be maintained more according to how they are used rather than how they are perceived. If you intend to ride it hard, you will have to maintain it well.

dirtymartini · Jul 22, 2004

Congrats/Now give me a push!

I just test rode a FE550 today....all I can say is wow 8O
I just need to tell myself now that I can ride this on the street...I guess I'll have to change tires back and forth...I just need a little push now to go buy it!!!

FirstEliminator · Jul 22, 2004

Hey guys,
Thanks for the replys. To tell ya the truth, it was this site and the "exotics" section in ThumperTalk that had helped me decide to go forth with getting a Husaberg. Just about everything I read written by people that actually own and ride them seems to contradict what I have read in Jap-biased magazines on the newstand. Reading what you guys have to say gave me more confidence about the bergs and it sounds like I will be able to enjoy the bike versus as the what the magazines say, like I will be killing myself kick starting the bike after every jump and always fixing something with no parts availibility.
Either way, I am glad you guys are here, I am sure I will have a lot of questions, and maybe at some point beable to help others.
Anyone on this site live in Florida? Or, belonng to the Florida Trail Riders club? I live in Melbourne, FL which is half way between Miami and Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast.

Mark Piechowski

schwim · Jul 22, 2004

RE: in FLA?

Hi Mark,

Husabear(brian) and one other which I can't remember right now live in FL. Brian lives in Ft. Myers(across the state), and I thought the other lived in Tampa.

We used to ride hare scrambles(long ago) w/FTR. Gatorback was my fave, but all their setups were nice.

Welcome to the site, and I'm sure you'll love your ride.

thanks,
json

t-jet-tim · Jul 24, 2004

Welcome.We can use another lifetime
member.

Splat · Jul 25, 2004

Re: Congrats/Now give me a push!

dirtymartini said:
I just test rode a FE550 today....all I can say is wow 8O
I just need to tell myself now that I can ride this on the street...I guess I'll have to change tires back and forth...I just need a little push now to go buy it!!!

You just need the right choice of D.O.T. approved offroad tire. There are several good dual sport tires that give better offroad performance that most of the offroad only tires.

BTW, if you will enter your hometown in your profile, people will be able to give you more accurate suggestions for your riding area.

dirtymartini · Jul 25, 2004

Update on my riding area

OK, I think I've updated my riding area, so if anyone has dual sport tire suggestions I would appreciate all replies. I still haven't made up my mind what to buy.....now I'm thinking about the FE650 too! 8O

Splat · Jul 26, 2004

Best rear tire for dual sporting is a Michelin X-11 Trials tire. Yes they are D.O.T. approved. Offroad traction is great in just about every situation. A good front is the IRC VE 33 ( or 35; whichever is the front model, I forget ) Very good traction everywhere but deep sand. Last time I visited Pa, there weren't any sandwashes. I would get the FE650e if I was buying a new bike. Even though I have never had a problen due to not enough power. I like my 501, but as a friend of mine says, 'You can never have too much power.'

wildbill · Jul 29, 2004

Welcome,you will like the 501.My bike is a 96 FE 501 so they are similar.You have to pay attention to them maintance wise{there is a lot of good information and tips here}and they run very good :?: strong is more like it.We will be here if you have any questions or problems.Take care.

Search

Search

I've joined the crew

FirstEliminator

FC501EAST

BundyBear

dirtymartini

FirstEliminator

schwim

t-jet-tim

Splat

dirtymartini

Splat

wildbill

Similar threads

Register CTA

Recent Discussions