New '04 FE550e!

Gents,

Just finished filling out the paperwork for tne new steed. Even using Gary's PC to send this note out. I'll load her up, and give all ya'll a ride impression and report here in the next day or so. It sure looks good!

RE: yay to the new bike!

wow, you've been quiet for so long, that I thought you had moved on from the bikes. I'm so glad to hear that you've updated your ride. Please let us know how you like it!

thanks,
json

Barry:

Congratulations on your new bike! Not a whole lot has been written on this site (and anywhere else for that matter) about the 04 550e. I can't wait to read your observations.

It's nice to see you back in the fold Barry. Make sure to give us a ride report soon

Hey Fellas, I haven't gone anywhere! I'm right here every weekend, checking things out. I've even posted a few notes in the past few weeks.

Anyways, I was feeling my feminine side. I "saved" all that money by buying a new bike. And I needed to take advantage of the offer to our group here on the 10% discount; showing my appreciation by hauling home a new Berg. Thanks BMG !!!!!!

I got another fella hooked on Bergs a couple of weeks back. In fact, he is buying my '00 FC501; and already has his account to this site. He's been perusing the articles getting a feel for the marque.

The new bike is, well, awesome. I only rode it from the pickup, around the house, and into the shop. I checked out the tracks in the gravel and could count each piston power pulse in the rocks! Only changes to date are bumping up the pilot and main jets, as they were awful lean for local conditions. The thing is a sweet starter! It is the best starting motorcycle I have ever had! It came with Pirelli DOT tires, so I'll probably have to put a plate on it. It also came with a KTM style owner's manual, parts manual, and front and rear WP suspension manuals. A backpack, tool kit, and "finger guards" were also included. One thing it will get pronto is a good set of hand guards. And a nice bash plate to protect the waterpump will follow shortly thereafter.

My neighbor (also a coworker on the same shift) is playing with some map software plotting out a ride or two for next week. He's got an '04 450EXC, so it will be fun to smoke some orange! Looks like we'll be doing quite a bit of logging road cruising, as the fire danger is quite high right now. But we'll be riding! After that, we'll have to finish grooming my track and ride it out back.

After I get a few hours in the seat, I'll fill you all in on further "first" impressions. Till then, I'll be reading the directions trying figure out how to work that fan-dancy Trip-Meter gizmo...

Dual Sporting on the Fe550?

Do you have your FE550 street legal? I'm seriously thinking about buying one, but want to do some street riding with it too....I'm also looking at the KTM 625 SXC ANY ADVICE? :?:

It is insured and street "legal".

As far as choosing between a 625 and a 550, to me there isn't any debate. I bought a 550. And it looks better parked among the other 3 Bergs in the shop.

I also have, and had KTMs. I had a KTM Duke 620 for 6yrs, which is essentially a SXC in motard trim. It was a good bike, but it was a heavy pig: The SXC is claimed at 132kg/290lbs versus the FE's 109kg/240lbs. And power wise, the LC4 is very anemic compared to the Bergs. I think the claimed power output for the KTM is somewhere around 30hp and the Bergs are 40+ (see the posts about Berg HP output elsewhere in the site). To summarize, the LC4 is a great bike; but I love my Bergs!

I still haven't rode the new bike yet. I did start it today, before I got any coffee in me. I'll post reports on this week's riding soon (after I fix the fence to keep the little woman's horses in).

FE 550E

Barry,
Thanks for the reply...you're right about the power output, I rode a 550 at my dealer (who I used to race with and a good friend) and all I can say is WOW 8O What kind of tires are you using? Did you leave the rimlocks on? Let me know how its road manners are....My dealer ordered another 550 on Friday, I think he knows I'm going to buy it when I see it!

I picked up a 550fe from Dan at Motoxotica in late June – Dan gave me a great deal with a trade in on my 2002 fe50. I have 11 hours/ 175 miles on it now.

The starting is unbelievable for a berg - I have not used the kick-starter yet it fires hot or cold with no choke.

It was jetted way too lean, the pilot was a 38, it takes a 48 for it to run right and not over heat in the California temperatures. I also raised the needle one notch and backed the accelerator pump shot off to 1 second as recommended in the FCR threads and it runs like a clock now. When you change the jet also get rid of the nightmare plumbing to the carburetor, someone must have wanted to save a nickel on fuel line. I also added a Zip-Ty air-fuel adjustment thumbscrew; the stock FCR screw is impossible to adjust (location) once the bike is hot.

On the break-in ride I developed an exhaust leak between muffler and the head pipe, I had to elongate the holes in the bracket on the frame to get it to butt up tight. The extra length of pipe dictated by KTM muffler also seems to want to pickup stuff from the boots or riding gear that the older salami muffler did not. I put on a carbon fiber guard from Diirtbike depot to stop it from happening. It would be easy to rig a cheaper guard, but any excuse for carbon fiber will get me.

The stock seat cover will stretch over a 1â€Â