Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband.

KPitta · Feb 21, 2006

After putting 4 hours on my 05 550FE, I've come to the conclusion that I have finally found my dream bike. The only negative I have with it is the powerband seems very explosive from the bottom to midrange, then flattens out on top. It's fun to ride but would probably be easier to rideb and faster if it were smoother off the bottom and had more top. Should I try a different cam or could this be a jetting issue? The only mod to the bike is a Lineaweaver jet kit. I know Dale has a couple of different cams available, but every test and ride review I've read talks about the top end power of these bikes. Maybe it's still tight and not fully broken in yet? Any advice is appreciated!

HUSABOMBER · Feb 21, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

I am pleased with the characteristics on my 450 which Dale built for me. He set it up for off road and the power is very linear throughout the rpm range. Traction is there, front end stays down, and I rarely short shift to acheive this end. (I beleive he used the X1, but to be honest I don't recall him mentioning an X2 at that time)

I have ridden a 550 and while it was a blast, it was a brute as well :twisted: So I know where you are coming from.

husabutt · Feb 22, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

Try unplugging the TPS and maybe increasing the main jet a bit. You might be hitting the rev limiter. Changing to the 450 ignition module could give you a few more RPM's but I am not positive about this. More research is in order.

LINEAWEAVER · Feb 22, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

A camshaft with increased duration and overlap will provide for a more linear delivery of power. Disabling the TPS can prove of some benefit as well.

Best Regards,
Dale

PS
Hope the Jet Kit has been of your liking.

Johnf3 · Feb 22, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

KPitta said:
After putting 4 hours on my 05 550FE, I've come to the conclusion that I have finally found my dream bike. The only negative I have with it is the powerband seems very explosive from the bottom to midrange, then flattens out on top. It's fun to ride but would probably be easier to rideb and faster if it were smoother off the bottom and had more top. Should I try a different cam or could this be a jetting issue? The only mod to the bike is a Lineaweaver jet kit. I know Dale has a couple of different cams available, but every test and ride review I've read talks about the top end power of these bikes. Maybe it's still tight and not fully broken in yet? Any advice is appreciated!

Wow, I have a completely different take on this. I have the exact bike, and I can't get over how smooth it is (relative to a big bore four stroke) off the bottom. Much smoother than a KTM 525, which hits harder off the very bottom. It does have a healthy midrange kick.

I hate to say it because you said it is your dream bike, but, reading what you are wanting as far as power characteristics, you are describing the FE 450 perfectly.

PowerFiend · Feb 22, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

The -08 grind 650 cam may give you what you are looking for, and is relatively cheap to try. Last I checked it was about $150.

LINEAWEAVER · Feb 22, 2006

Some Like It Hot!

For what it may be worth:
Power delivery perception and preference is subjective.

Regarding engine performance and as with chassis setup:
"one size fits all" does not exist.

Such enters the "tuners" job. A real tuner, one whom works with the particular needs of each individual.

Such a service is costly, however, you most often get what you pay for.

"Palatable free lunch" proves most often an oxymoron.

Dale

Johnf3 · Feb 22, 2006

Re: Some Like It Hot!

LINEAWEAVER said:
For what it may be worth:
Power delivery perception and preference is subjective.

Regarding engine performance and as with chassis setup:
"one size fits all" does not exist.

Such enters the "tuners" job. A real tuner, one whom works with the particular needs of each individual.

Such a service is costly, however, you most often get what you pay for.

"Palatable free lunch" proves most often an oxymoron.

Dale

Amen on the subjectivity part. However, it seems that the tuner would prefer that the starting platform was close to begin with.

For its intended purpose, turning a FE 550 into a top end motor sort of seems like an oxymoron too, to me anyway (subjective!)

KPitta · Feb 22, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm not really wanting to turn it into a "top end" motor, just smoother. I've let 2 of my friends ride it and neither one really like it, both saying "it's too much too soon", and "what a beast". Which I was surprised at, thinking they would fall in love with it like I did. I'm not saying I dislike the bike, or the engine for that matter, just really thinking out loud about how I would like to make it better. Dale, I'll send you an email about a different cam.

piggd · Feb 22, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

Not only is the power subjective, but what type of riding are you doing?, what kind of bike are you coming off of? I was on a KTM300 2smoke for 2 years before I got a Berg, and it took a few months before I started riding it like a 4 stroke. I eventually learned that when you reach that part of the power curve where the smile goes away.... shift. That will cause the grin to immediately reappear.

KPitta · Feb 22, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

Previous bikes: CR500, TT600, XR600. Trail riding, will be doing some hare scrambles and enduros.

whosahberg · Feb 23, 2006

Re: Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband

kpitta
i have the FE650 E -04 version , believe it or not i have what you want .
a docile pussycat down low [ tps disabled ] . a nice meaty midrange , and top end ??? . when this thing hooks up just hang on baby . :crazy:

Should I try a different cam?....Want smoother powerband.

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