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Opinions on 2005 & newer 450s

V

vntgmx

Joined May 2002
153 Posts | 0+
south jersey
Looking at possibly taking the plunge again on a 450 Berg & was wondering what the good & bad is with the 2005 & up year model Bergs?
I'll be riding an occasional hare scramble & play riding as well as doing some MX track practice days.
I'm on the east coast & the terrain here is not that wide open & with my height(5'7") & weight(160lbs)I'm sure the 450 is as big as I want to go.I've had 450s so I know what to expect in that regards & in fact my last Berg was a 2002 FC470.
I know the last year for an FC450 was 2005 but I'm open to an FE450 in spite of the fact that I don't need the lights or electric start.
I look forward to the feedback.
 
Well, the bad about the 450 is they cost money. The rest is good. I have an '06, and it is honestly the bike in my life that has required the least set-up, the least R&D, and fewest headaches. I never quit fiddling with things, but this bike ran well brand new, suspension was great, and everything worked as it ought. It is truly a fine motorcycle!
 
Well so far that's reassuring to hear about the improved reliability.I don't question how they perform when running I just have doubts on the longevity factor & I'm looking to keep this a good long while.
Hopefully some others can chime in on the good & the bad as I have one lined up & I'm looking to either make the move or not in the next few days.
 
I rode a 05 for a few months testing it, then bought a 06 450, and now a 07 that I have put the 380 kit in. No problems to date, like all new bikes you have to richen up the jetting, and set it up for you, but the problems from the past are gone. The 06 is for sale too!!
 
I LOVE my bike!

It is simply the BEST bike I have ever ridden.
I have 6000+ kms on mine with 150 hours or so.
I took it on a ride around Cape Breton, 700 kms with only one problem (a flat tire)
200 pavement and 500 dirt road/trail
I replaced the timing chain as it was showing signs of wear and the water pump seal was replaced.
That's it.

I will buy another.
 
I have a 05 550 .. I know its not a 450 but basically the same motor
1500 miles 58 hours. I had a starter idler gear break at 50 hours and lock up the motor. I think that the bike stalled while trying to jump a log ( didnt get the front high enough) and roll back in gear. maybe the spreague cought and thats what broke the tooth or maybe it was just a bad gear. Anyway all fixed by warranty and no problems since.
Side note. During the New Years Day race I was dicing in a sand wash with some guys that are far better riders than me but were having a bit of a problem following the corse( thats why I was with themhehehe) got tired of dicing and whacked the b*tch wide open and left them in a shower of rocks. at the next check the guy ( on a 525) ask WTF kind of DRZ is that?? Proud to say is JUST a 5fiddy BERG. :twisted:
 
60 some hours on my 05 450 and the only issue was the water pump seal. This is a common problem on 01-07 Bergs. Its a fairly easy replacement. Other than that absolutely no problems. Still have the original battery and have never kick started it. Only used the button.
Has only needed one valve adjustment so far. The best bike I have ever owned.
 
As for using it on an MX track the only complaint you may have is the width of the fuel tank as you slide forward on the seat during cornering. You will need to get used to it or pop for an expensive imported aluminum tank with questionable availability. For all other types of riding/racing it should not be a problem at all.

Taffy ( of this site ) was able to use a heat gun to slim it down a bit.
 
I'm weird, I guess. I actually LIKE the wider tank on the Husaberg. It is easy to get used to, especially if you have longer legs.

I've ridden the 450 as well as the 550 I own. The 450 is the better bike for tight singletrack. I almost wish I would have bought the 450, if I am honest with myself, since I seek out the tightest, most technical terrain when I ride. Reliability has been perfect after 75 hours or so. I do think the new Husabergs overheat too easily, even after you richen the stock jetting. I believe I have that sorted now, though. I adjusted the valves once after break in and they have not moved in two checks since then.

My only advice would be to get the FE instead of the FC. As far as motocross track days, if it's just for fun and limited, the Husaberg will be ok. If you spend a lot of time on a motocross track, get two bikes!
 
Hi there husabutt,
There may still be a slight chance of a leak but they looked at this.
there is a new o-ring & seal.
 
Hi there husabutt,
There may still be a slight chance of a leak but they looked at this.
there is a new o-ring & seal.
 
That's an interesting one on ebay an '05 FC450.Wonder what the reserve or fair price would be for something like that? what do you all think?
 
05's I don't know, call and ask a trusted dealer, like BOSS or Dan at Motoxotica, there is also a low hour 2004 fe450,street plated with a SM set up in the classified section of this site....
 
looked on the Husaberg website & couldn't find a listing for the specs of an '05 FC450.Does anyone know what the claimed weight would be & also the seat height?
 
should not be much off any other recent year 04'+ minus the weight of the electrics and starter motor...
 

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