Need Advice: Thinking of buying '05 650 FE

Johannes · Dec 30, 2008

Hey everyone,

So first post, hopefully I don't sound like too much of a never-turned-a-wrench sort of fella.

I'm thinking of buying a 650 FE that's street legal here in the states. It'd be my first bike of this caliber, I started on a Yamaha TW200, got a big street bike, and now I'm missing the woods again. So, I have few basic questions.

1st - I love riding enduro bikes, but how is this bike on the street? Anyone ever ridden it?

2nd - I had to get rid of my street bike (it was an older Kawasaki) because I just didn't have the wherewithall to take it apart to fix some torque issues. How easy it is to fix common issues? I had the TW 200 and I loved working on it, everything was a lot easier than that bloody big bike.

3rd - I've already started looking for parts and wow, they're not easy to come by over here. Anyone have any suggestions about that?

ned37 · Dec 31, 2008

johannes, welcome to the site.

I'm thinking of buying a 650 FE that's street legal here in the states. It'd be my first bike of this caliber, I started on a Yamaha TW200, got a big street bike, and now I'm missing the woods again

are you nuts? or just suicidal? (just kidding... 8) ) this is a great bike, but it is not for the weak of heart. no comparison to the similar displacement japanese rides. there have been people on this site that have attempted the 650 after having experience on more docile machines and saw the folly of their ways.
it is an easy bike to work on compared to most others, but it has a learning curve.
it will work on the street, but IT IS A RACE BIKE. if you are in the u.s. as you indicate (put it in your member info), i don't know why parts would be a problem.

grasstrackpete · Dec 31, 2008

Buying a berg 650 after TW200 means certain death, how about a 470 or 501, they will still pull harder than that jap road bike, find more grip in enduro sticky situations, but are less likely to re-arrange your insides. I have an 'ol 600, and have a trick, on the start lines at new clubs i let the ktms and the crf 450's, owned by people with way too much money, get 10 meter head start and think they are good, then i set off and sail past them to the first corner.........on my back wheel. thats why i love me bergs

Satex · Dec 31, 2008

grasstrackpete said:
Buying a berg 650 after TW200 means certain death...

Certain death is a bit strong, but it is more risky than standing on the roof of a tall building, at the ledge, during a hurricane.

Come on... he MIGHT not die. 8O

Johnf3 · Dec 31, 2008

Johannes,
I have to say I admire your honesty. Coming on to the Husaberg forum and revealing that your former ride was a tw200 takes big ones, those of which you will also need for operating a 650 Husaberg. So, maybe you won't have issues.

The other guys have given you good advice. Just remember there is a bit of difference between a fat-tired 9 horsepower (on a good day) low-seat Japanese dual sport and a 56 hp racing motorcycle.

pollo · Dec 31, 2008

Have you sat on one yet Johan? The stock seat height is a little taller than most of the other brand dirt bikes. Maybe 1 inch or more taller than my CRF 450. If your 5'8'' or under you'll be balancing on your toes. A good reason for buying this bike would be intermediate to advanced rider experience. That way you can enjoy more of what it has to offer.
Pollo

plumbbob · Dec 31, 2008

the berg 650 is a great bike, you don't say what street bike you had but if was a little commuter you might struggle with the berg.
If the tall seat and power don't get you then the service intervals might......... but having said all that if you take it easy to start with and don't mind oil changes then you'll have a whale of a time.
Good luck and happy Berging

Johannes · Dec 31, 2008

Ok, well I tried posting earlier today...but to no avail...no one better mistake my computer sense with cycle skill...lol.

ANYWAYS, let me start out by saying that MY FIRST motorcycle was the TW200, I wasn't some ***** to jump on a XR600 and think I could handle it...besides, those little things are pretty sweet if you like going slow...I mean they're bombproof and can climb anything. Again, back on track, my road bike was a Kawasaki Ninja 750R, bored out to just over 800ccs, jetted, with full exhaust, and lots of other stuff, but yeah, she was race ready and I rode her hard.

I've sat on a lot of bikes and ridden my buddies 250 motocross bike, it's way beyond stock, and keeps up with most 450's on the market. I liked it a lot, good ride.

However, I live in any area where the bike would be used to commute to class, and work, and there's a lot of woods riding for in between. This doesn't look like your father's XR and from what I've read and seen, it's certainly not, it's a whole lot more bike.

grasstrackpete · Dec 31, 2008

pollo said:
Have you sat on one yet Johan? The stock seat height is a little taller than most of the other brand dirt bikes. Maybe 1 inch or more taller than my CRF 450. If your 5'8'' or under you'll be balancing on your toes. A good reason for buying this bike would be intermediate to advanced rider experience. That way you can enjoy more of what it has to offer.
Pollo

Pollo, you ride what most of my rivals do, the CRF 450, i have never had a go, which do you prefer, berg or the honda?? overall i mean, obviously both will have strengths and weakneses

pollo · Dec 31, 2008

Overall, I like the Berg more. I trail ride mostly and the Berg tracks very well in all kinds of terrain. It also makes me wish I had another gear on the Honda at high speed. I do like the Honda a lot though. When I want a quick flickable ride and a big power hit there is nothing better. I would sell it first also because it's a red sticker bike and the Berg has a plate.
Pollo

Johannes · Jan 13, 2009

Ok folks, finally narrowed it down to one.

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/mcy/991043019.html

Going to go and pick it up this weekend hopefully.

Before I do, I want to make sure I know how to get parts easily. I heard BikeBandit is pretty good, anyone with any suggestions?

Johnf3 · Jan 13, 2009

Johannes said:
Ok folks, finally narrowed it down to one.

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/mcy/991043019.html

Going to go and pick it up this weekend hopefully.

Before I do, I want to make sure I know how to get parts easily. I heard BikeBandit is pretty good, anyone with any suggestions?

Husaberg parts are easy to get from any dealer. I would use a dealer before I bought from a parts clearinghouse like Bike Bandit. Take a bit of time to establish a relationship, and you will be much better off. It looks like you are in the Pacific NW, where some of the strongest Husaberg dealers (and supporters of this site) are located.

Johannes · Jan 14, 2009

Yeah, I'm in Oregon, just south of Portland. I really hadn't heard of any Husaberg dealers up here, but then again, I haven't looked all that hard, I've mostly been thinking about the bike itself.

However, yeah, I'll have to look around. When I get it, any and all help would be appreciated, as it'll be my first Euro bike.

Johnf3 · Jan 14, 2009

Johannes said:
Yeah, I'm in Oregon, just south of Portland. I really hadn't heard of any Husaberg dealers up here, but then again, I haven't looked all that hard, I've mostly been thinking about the bike itself.

However, yeah, I'll have to look around. When I get it, any and all help would be appreciated, as it'll be my first Euro bike.

Ya ain't gonna have to look far.

Big hint: Look at the home page on the right. You will see "Top 5 Sponsors" and then a Commercial list of three names. Both the first and the third names (the ones in blue letters) are dealers in Oregon. One is in Portland. Aren't you lucky? Not only are they dealers but they are huge Husaberg supporters AND supporters of this site.

And of course we will help you out here as well...

Johannes · Jan 15, 2009

So not to bump this post too many times, but I'm picking it up this weekend if all goes well. I'm pretty excited. I'll post some pictures soon and I'm sure I'll have questions along the way. Thanks for everyone's help and I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Need Advice: Thinking of buying '05 650 FE

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