- Joined
- Apr 28, 2004
- Messages
- 518
- Location
- Arizona
Finally stepped into the new millenium and purchased a new leftover 03 FE501E. Having owned the previous series bikes (93 Fc501, 96 Fe400, 96 Fc501, 98 Fc501, 2000 Fc501) with very little problems over the past ten years, I was a bit reluctant to move to a 2001 up design. I love the 501 motor and it seemed like a last chance kind of thing, so I spent the money. Peter at HMS (505-870-4807) made it much easier. Haven't ever spoken to anyone so accomodating or as knowledgeable about Husabergs.
Anyway, my concerns were about the reliability of the motor. I know much of this has been talked about, but I thought it might help someone to summarize my findings here. After much research, I found that the problem areas were pretty much alleviated with the 03 motor. In particular, the 03 received the new rocker arm, roller, and bearings. It also has a steel camshaft sprocket. Late 02 models had these as well, and some early 02 bikes were updated at the dealers, but the key word here is some. A bigger problem is with the counter balancer. The 03 has 2 bearings and also an extra oil jet that sprays oil onto the bearings which helped a lot. Late 02 models had the double bearings, and some early 02 bikes were updated at the dealers, again some. The 02 models do not have the oil jet. Finally, the 03 has roller crank bearing rather than the older ball bearings. These never really bothered other than on the 650 motard models being raced though.
How can one minimize the problems? Rockers tend to fail from over revving or letting the valves get tight. When the valves get tight the rocker holds the load when the valve closes rather than the seat. One should adjust the valves regularly. Excessive revs also are hard on the balancer. The bigger the bikes, the heavier the balancer, and the higher the failure rate. One should also use good oil and change it often. I use Redline Synthetic Racing, not wanting to take chances here.
There are also problems with external engine items as well. 04 was the year Husaberg attacked these problems. The starters are a bit weak on the bigger motors and the fix is to install the starter, bracket, and battery from an 04 550/650. Guess I'm lucky because my 501 starts fine with the E Button. Stators fail from excessive heat and simply have to be replaced. I installed Redline water wetter in an attempt to make it run a bit cooler. I also changed the stock 35 pilot for a 45 (old 501's used a 45) so it didn't run so lean and hot, emmissions be damned. Starting and throttle response are much improved. For the price I paid for the 03, I decided I can chance the accessory problems.
After riding the bike did I find it an improvement over the 2000 501? Enough that I sold my 00 501. The bike has a much more refined feel compared to the older one, dare I say more KTM like. The vibration is nil compared to the old motor as well. My riding buddy has a 2001 KTM 520 and was never too impressed with my old 501 but came back from riding the 03 and raved the bike. He is now wondering how to get his bike to feel and turn like the Husaberg. That is compliment enough for me.
Dan
03 FE501E
96 FC 501
94 XR250L
82 Husky CR430
74 YZ 360
97 Guzzi 1100 Sport
77 Ducati 900SS
72 Norton Commando
72 Guzzi Eldorado
Anyway, my concerns were about the reliability of the motor. I know much of this has been talked about, but I thought it might help someone to summarize my findings here. After much research, I found that the problem areas were pretty much alleviated with the 03 motor. In particular, the 03 received the new rocker arm, roller, and bearings. It also has a steel camshaft sprocket. Late 02 models had these as well, and some early 02 bikes were updated at the dealers, but the key word here is some. A bigger problem is with the counter balancer. The 03 has 2 bearings and also an extra oil jet that sprays oil onto the bearings which helped a lot. Late 02 models had the double bearings, and some early 02 bikes were updated at the dealers, again some. The 02 models do not have the oil jet. Finally, the 03 has roller crank bearing rather than the older ball bearings. These never really bothered other than on the 650 motard models being raced though.
How can one minimize the problems? Rockers tend to fail from over revving or letting the valves get tight. When the valves get tight the rocker holds the load when the valve closes rather than the seat. One should adjust the valves regularly. Excessive revs also are hard on the balancer. The bigger the bikes, the heavier the balancer, and the higher the failure rate. One should also use good oil and change it often. I use Redline Synthetic Racing, not wanting to take chances here.
There are also problems with external engine items as well. 04 was the year Husaberg attacked these problems. The starters are a bit weak on the bigger motors and the fix is to install the starter, bracket, and battery from an 04 550/650. Guess I'm lucky because my 501 starts fine with the E Button. Stators fail from excessive heat and simply have to be replaced. I installed Redline water wetter in an attempt to make it run a bit cooler. I also changed the stock 35 pilot for a 45 (old 501's used a 45) so it didn't run so lean and hot, emmissions be damned. Starting and throttle response are much improved. For the price I paid for the 03, I decided I can chance the accessory problems.
After riding the bike did I find it an improvement over the 2000 501? Enough that I sold my 00 501. The bike has a much more refined feel compared to the older one, dare I say more KTM like. The vibration is nil compared to the old motor as well. My riding buddy has a 2001 KTM 520 and was never too impressed with my old 501 but came back from riding the 03 and raved the bike. He is now wondering how to get his bike to feel and turn like the Husaberg. That is compliment enough for me.
Dan
03 FE501E
96 FC 501
94 XR250L
82 Husky CR430
74 YZ 360
97 Guzzi 1100 Sport
77 Ducati 900SS
72 Norton Commando
72 Guzzi Eldorado
Bought this one from the original owner a few years back. Was near mint with 2000 miles. Has 2900 now and is still original down to the tires. Don't ride it as much now, what with the value of them and all. It is left hand shift. Used to race the 430 CR in 82. In those days I was usually the only one on a Euro bike. Rode Husky's til my first Berg in 94. Never raced any of the Bergs as having kids tended to curtail such activities. Plan to go with my riding buddy to Valle de Las Palmas Mexico and Payson AZ soon to break the new Berg in. Anyone close to AZ, your welcome aboard.
