Low down on '05 & '06 FE650's? Buy or wait for '08?

I have a 2006 Husqvarna TE510 that I am very happy with, but I am an old open class racer, and recently rode a pals XR650R. The Husky is a much better machine, but there was this...POWER right off the bottom that I suddenly realized I was missing with the 510. Now I am considering finding a 6xx sized bike to upgrade to, and that really leaves me considering only the '08 Husky TE610 (with it's fuel injection), or a FE650E.
I am very happy with the Husqvarna, but think the 610 may be a bit more sedate off-road than I want. However, there are some big hurdles for me to consider if I go with the berg (higher price, the fact that the only two dealers I know are discontinuing them...gulp!).
I plan on using it around town, so I will need to get the blinkers and crud to dual sport it. One dealer just down the road still has a brand new '05 FE650, and told me he'd sell it with the dual sport kit for $7499. The other dealer has an '06 and will let it go for $100 over their cost, which she reported to be about the same, at $7600 sans the street legal kit.
I am an agressive offroad rider, with 20 years experiance, and want to know if the FE650 can effectivly be used as a dual sport for 60 mile rides without making the rider yearn for suicide via butt pain and excessive vibes.
Also, is there anything about the '05's or '06's that I should avoid them for, and are those prices reasonable, or way off target?
Being a Husqvarna owner, and having seen the fervent loyalty that owners of those bikes display on online forums, I don't expect anyone here to tell me anything other than "Race out and buy a Husaberg, and don't ever look back".
My biggest fear of getting a 'berg, is that I have read they are maintenance intensive. How real is this? The TE510 has spoiled me, I think, as it is a breeze to work on, and doesn't really require a lot of wrenching time. Are the Husabergs really more labor intensive than any other modern high performance racing 4-stroke?
Thanks for letting me ask all these questions. I really do appreciate your oppinions and observations.
Zamo
Olympia, WA. USA

Zamo said:

Are the Husabergs really more labor intensive than any other modern high performance racing 4-stroke?

Click to expand...

I haven't found mine to be, it's actually easier to check the valve adjustment than the KTM 4 strokes I had. It's easy to change the oil & filter & check the screens. I'm at 130 hours & 2350 miles & still no problems, (except wears the back tire out for some reason).

RE: Re: Low down on

ask whether the 06 has the new counter balancer unit in it with the beefed up bearings..

Was that a mid-year change or something? I read a thread where you had a horrible prob with the low end bearings. Should I avoid the 2005 accordingly, and look for something newer? Did it effect all '05's and '06's prior to a certain date, and does anyone know what date/serial number range that may be?
Hmmm. Now I'm scared.

Don't be scared, Unfortunately faktor did have a problem as well as a few others, but many people on the board, and i would say the vast majority of owners in general who have the 550-650's have had nary and issue at least no more than any other manufacturer, 04-to current year. There are some updates that you can do, like the new counter-balancer and bearings but I think the majority of advise would be to check the end float and make sure the nut is tightened up and RIDE!

04 Husaberg models and newer are basically the same bikes with different plastic colors and gas tanks.

The only important mechanical updates to inquire about are the...

Counter Balancer - Updated in 06 I think. The new balancer uses one larger bearing instead of two smaller stacked bearings.

Starter Clutch (aka Gear Wheel Back Torque Limiter) - Covered under factory warranty.

For 60 mile dual-sport rides there's no getting around the firm and narrow seat. Your bum might lose some circulation after 30 miles in the seat. A more cushy seat option or gel bicycle shorts can help. There's some vibration but not a big deal.

Maintenance wise I change the oil every 300 miles or so and change the filter every other oil change. These bikes only hold 1qt of oil after all. Valve checks are easy and only rarely need adjustment. I try to check the valves every 900 miles or so. Yes there is some maintenance but I would not call it intensive maintenance.

The 650 (actually 628cc) is a brilliant motor. Probably more motor than most of us can handle. Have you had a chance to twist the throttle on one yet? Woohoo! Fortunately it looks like you have enough experience to handle it.

I've got over 7000 miles and 290 engine hours on my 05 FS650E. Aside from crunchy rocker arm roller bearings at 4000 miles (easy replacement fix) and a broken exhaust valve spring (no other engine damage) at 6000 miles the motor has been perfect. When fixing my broken valve spring I took that open motor opportunity to install the updated counter-balancer, new piston, new piston barrel and do some minor head polishing & porting.

owned an 05 Te510 The Wolf great bike very reliable, did 3000 miles on it.....but the tale of the tape is my 06 Fe450e was more reliable then the Husky was as the husky ran through two front wheel bearings and clutch slave cylinder in 16 months of ownership....but then my 06 husaberg 450 did have a bad water pump seal at 2400 miles. That was all, so yeah the Husaberg is very reliable great machine. I am on my second berg now.

you will like the power and linear power delivery short stroke revy feel lots like the TE510 that way. Just like the huskys, the big Husabergs have this fun factor limitless buttery power through all the gears

Hey Zamo I left you my # in a PM give me a call any time come ride my 06 FE650E I live close to you it is street legalish and I have some wood's you can play in as well I know the bikes you are talking of great bikes WORST DEALER you will ever find this applies to the lady with the 06 buy the bike there and never go back or call BOSS @253-255-8971 I wish I did. He can get you a great deal on a 650 and even better He forget's more about HUSABERG's every day than I will ever know he is in Portland