newb needs a 'lil help

RE: newb needs a

Some consider up to 00 the most reliable engine, and many agree that the problems showed up with the new engine in '01.

We can't tell you if you'll have to work on it all the time. If it wasn't taken care of, then you'll hate us forever if we tell you it will last you forever. The bike requires more maintenance than most, and if it was mishandled or neglected, then you probably will inherit all of the problems that are likely to arise.

If the bike was taken care of like is required, then I would consider it nice ride.

thanks,
json

It was intended to be a racing bike, and that how they've always advertised it ... well, before KTM took the slogan. It requires more looking after than a bike built with longetivity and durability being the paramount goals. If you're looking just to get out and about, I would purchase something different.

thanks,
json

We'd rather you have a short happy relationship with us than a very long and very angry one.

,
json

Json,
Way to go! You just cheated Sarge out of the total thereputic joy of working on a bike vs. riding it at about a 5 to 1 ratio. I treasured the hours spent in my garage communing with my berg.
The benefits of berg ownership are manifest:
I have missed countless hours of mind numbing evening television shows.
I learned to tear down and reassemble my entire motorcycle, including the engine, in one day's time. Practice makes perfect.
I developed a zen-like patience.
I can throw a stator the length of a football field.
I have lined the walls with old rear wheel splash shields that the tire ate.
I have developed selective hearing due to comments such as -- "I never seen a Husenberg before". "How comes your chain and kickers on the wrong side". "I hear that them thangs break fastern' a Maico, izat right?".
on and on and on and on.
That was all before I got my '06 650. Now I am one of the satisfied masses of week-end riders that checks tire pressure, gives the chain a little tug to be sure it hasn't tightened up, puts some gas in it, blasts around for 4 hours or so and then parks it 'till next week-end.
Sure I still change the oil after every ride, but I don't have a reason anymore to spend more time with my bike than I do with my family. I am now in blissful bergdom and lovin it.
Dez

DezDuster said:

...Way to go! You just cheated Sarge out of the total thereputic joy of working on a bike vs. riding it at about a 5 to 1 ratio.

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You sir, have taken preventative maintenance to a level previously unexplored. I used to check my teeth for bugs in the reflection from your swingarm

thanks,
json

Sarge1400,
As Json said, depending upon the condition of the bike it is a heck of a price and a heck of a bike. I still own a '98 FX600 as a spare bike and it is a great bike. The 2000 engine is the last of its line and was probably the most bullet proof berg engine, but it IS a race designed bike and will not tolerate a lack of attention and maintenance.
If you want a very reliable, but clunky bike, get an XR.
Dez

Sarge1400 said:

Well, I'm not exactly happy, but that's not your fault. It's not often you find a 2000 or newer, 450 or bigger 4-stroke for that kind of money. Plus it's a power-house. Just wish it wasn't maintenence intensive.

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It is maintenance intensive. If you have the money to try it out and it's not a lemon, you'll love riding it, but if you neglect the valve adjustments and oil changes, you'll end up with a very poor performing paper weight.

It's poor performing because it's too damned big to fit on your desk.

If you're willing to do the work, the greatest minds in the Husaberg community are here. Don't count me. I mean the other guys, like Dez, JoeUSA, Powercell, etc. You can pretty much get assistance any time you need it.

thanks,
json

Json,
I'm still waiting for that polished swing arm to show up on EBay so I can find out who "borrowed" my bike.
I took a fair amount of ribbing at the Phoenix Ride when I hand polished the links on my gold drive chain ... but it did look good!
Dez

That was my first thought when it was stolen. I figured they would just have to bury the swingarm....

I remember quite a few comments at the PHX ride. I believe it was the nicest specimen there.

thanks,
json

G'Day Sarge1400,
Mate if your not into mechanical maintenance in some way or form then you may struggle with the Berg, or any race bred bike for that matter. The old tried and tested Suzuki DRZ400 is probably about the best buy for just a general ride. You do have to do maintenance, but they are no where near as intensive as a Berg, KTM or WR450. They are a bit heavier and don't go quite as well but are still a great ride. Like schwim says, we don't want you to end up hating us by recommending the Berg, and then you buy a second hand heap of trouble. There are to many variables to make a call on this one only to wish you good luck with what ever decision you make.
Cheers
Garry.

DRZs require maintenance just like any other dirt bike. One day you break a spoke, the other you leak oil from a fork and need new seals and for oil. One day you spot oil dripping from underneath, no idea where it comes from, you decide to live with it, unless you don't mind tossing flour and lay in the middle of a dirt, flour and oil puddle, trying to find the leak. Or you're stuck with a carburettor that's decided to act out and not let your bike idle, or just chokes when you pull the throttle, and after 2 cleanups and a new plug you end up taking it to the shop and of course the mechanic fixes it in 10 minutes and invoices you $100 + "parts" (and miss a great ride).

It does not matter what you ride, dirt bikes all require maintenance and end up having all sorts of issues and cost time and money, but somehow you love it.

A friend of mine only rides new. After a year, he resells it, and with the money he saved in maintenance fees, he covers the difference to get a new ride. His plan worked flawlessly until he got a CRF 450X...

As for the price, I guess it is "OBO". Don't forget that people must not be lining up to buy it from him.

For sure, sarge. At least just go for a spin. Make sure it's tight. You can usually tell how a bike has been taken care of just by giving it the once over.

If you're comfortable with the condition of the bike, make an offer that:

1) will make it hurt less if something goes wrong
2) You'd be crazy not to buy the bike for

If he takes it, you've got a chance at owning a really cool bike. If you get it cheap enough, you can recoup your losses by parting it out on eBay, as a lot of sellers do.

Let us know what happens!
json

dont realy know what you blokes are on about high maintenace i own a 2ooofe 501 change oil 10hrs check tappets 20hrs doesnt take a mechanical genius to do this. only problems i have had with mine was my own fault when tappet locknut came loose and broke camchain,sprocketand scored the camshaft replaced all with genuine KTM parts.
its a bloody good bike and get a thrill every time i ride it so dont be put off sarge they are not that bad and not that expensive to fix same as a KTM 300plus hours on mine and will get another 300plus. BUY IT AND HAVE SOME FUN>
cheers flatchat

That was all before I got my '06 650. Now I am one of the satisfied masses of week-end riders that checks tire pressure, gives the chain a little tug to be sure it hasn't tightened up, puts some gas in it, blasts around for 4 hours or so and then parks it 'till next week-end.

Click to expand...

i guess that depends on whether or not you use use it for a submarine, huh dez :lol:

my advice would be ...do not have a test ride! why? you ask...the berg will pull the arms out of your sockets...you will love it!then you will have to buy it. i had hoped that all my mechanical experience would not be needed. but i was wrong. you would be buying an old bike, so expect more maint than a new one. but if you buy the fe501 you will love it. but at times it is a bit frustrating! i have rebiult my engine after thinking the poor starting was rings but it turned out to be a stator...when the berg is going it is great. but i have to listen to KTM owners telling me every Sunday to burn my berg and go orange!!!