Newbie....Looking at Older 501 FE

wannaberg · Nov 5, 2005

Just found this site and seems to be pretty active.....Most postings seem to be about newer 'bergs but I'm looking at a 97 501FE that seems to be in pretty nice condition including plastic and tires.....Is there anything in particular to this year and model I should be aware of?.....The closest dealer referred me to you guys and described Husabergs older than '02 as a "crapshoot". I realize ANY older dirtbike is probably a crapshoot but if anyone has any advice for me as to this year and model, it would help. I'm looking for any reason to buy the bike as I'm goofy for it.....John in Minnesota

Motoxotica · Nov 5, 2005

1997s seem to me to be a pretty solid bike.if it runs well and the price makes some sense,buy it!if you need some parts for it i will trade you for some of those cortland apples .dan.

wannaberg · Nov 5, 2005

Thanks for the quick reply....I live in the heart of apple country so I can get you as many as you want even if I don't need parts.....Bike seems to easily start and run and go up and down through the gears smoothly.

Mackberg · Nov 5, 2005

Hello Wanaberg,
Grab up that 97' FE501E. Truly one of the best model years made. The 501 is one of the best all-round dirt bikes ever produced. It revs like a 2-stroke but you can trail ride with it all day.
I have a 97' FE600E I bought new and have ridden it in dual sport rides, the desert in Arizona, Pikes Peak 6 times in one day, Ice races it in winter and last week raced it in a Super Motard (got 3rd in open class) race and it's still running strong. The only parts I've changed are tires, chain, oil, filters (air and oil), spark plugs and a battery. No special parts there. Seven yrs old and going strong. Go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Mackberg :wink:

Franz · Nov 5, 2005

Hi,

I have a 97 FE501E, and I love the bike. Although the mechanical noise scares me once in a while, I prefer this bike over a '03 DRZ400E that is sitting right next to it.
I was in the same spot as you are now: should I buy it, or should I better stay away from it? I got it as a basket case, with a broken cam chain, and it was reasonably priced. Parts were not a problem, and a year later, I am still very happy with it.

Franz

husabutt · Nov 5, 2005

I agree with Macberg!

The 1997fe models listed for $8911.00

1997's are considered to be reliable as Macberg stated.

1997 models got:

New valve guides
New camshafts
New rockerarms
New valve adjustment screws
New autodecompression system
New crankcases
New oil pump (first year for an oil pump)
New counterbalancer
New clutchsprings
New pressure plate
New shift drum
New shift mechanism
New exhaust
New carbs on 501 and 600

The stock 97 graphics are nice too.

I have a97 600fx also and will never sell it.

I would go for it!

DezDuster · Nov 5, 2005

Take it to the bank.. Mackberg, Dan, Franz, and Husabutt know what they're talking about. My '98 Fe501 is essentially the same bike. I bought it new and so far have not needed to trade up to a new one.
I suspect that '06 will be the year for a new one, but I'll hold onto the 501 just 'cause it is so good.
Dez

dsducati · Nov 6, 2005

Having owned a 98 and a 2000 I can attest as well that the 501 from that series (original design with oil pump added ie 97-00) were reliable if treated correctly.
Dan

wannaberg · Nov 6, 2005

Thanks to the guys who responded to my post....Based on what I read, I will try to make the deal this week! I'm running out of decent weather where I live and I'd like to get a few days in the woods with it before it snows....Thanks again and I'll keep you posted...You guys know how to make a newbie feel welcome!

littleyellowbat · Nov 7, 2005

Wannaberg,

For your consideration...

I live one state over (in SD) and have a '99 FE501 for sale. Check your Private Message.

Britt · Nov 7, 2005

How does a 95 FE501 compare to a 97 FE501? I saw a 95 for sale locally for $2250.

husabutt · Nov 7, 2005

Personally I wouldn't dip below a '97 mainly because pre-97 models did not have an oil pump.

LeFrog · Nov 7, 2005

Don't they say the 2000s are the best of both worlds?

BundyBear · Nov 7, 2005

Is it a FE501 or an FE501E? That one letter makes heaps of difference in the vibration! On the pre2001 bikes the E (for electric start) had a counterbalancer across the front of the engine & thye starter drove onto this. The non e-start ones did not have the shaft and can't be fitted with one. I have a '98 FE600E (pretty much same as '97 except 97 had better colour plastic). I rode a FE600 prior to buying it & it near shook my teeth loose!

If you intend to motard it (i'd recommend it!) the E model is MUCH smoother on the road.

If you do buy it, send a private message to Schwim (Jason), asking him nicely to change your username to Gottaberg!

wannaberg · Nov 8, 2005

Hey Bundybear.....Yeah I'll have to change to "gottaberg" or "want2bergs" or something along those lines...The '97 has the electric start....The UHE is a great find...Friendly,full of info,funny and willing to answer rookie questions...Still working on a purchase....Thanks Again....John in Minnesota

BundyBear · Nov 8, 2005

You can only use one in the bush!

Good luck!

Newbie....Looking at Older 501 FE

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