Tell me should I buy it????

J

julian_brunt

Joined Aug 2005

4 Posts | 0+

Discussion Starter
• Aug 23, 2005

• #1

OK I have an opportunity to buy a 501e (2000) for reasonable money.

The guy has recently rebuilt the engine as a tooth 'fell off' the clutch and made a mess of the engine. He has also installed the more powerful starter motor and uprated the electrics so that it is now a starter not a warm start bike.

Question is should I buy it, would you recommend owning one of these yellow monsters.

I owned an RMX250 and loved it (when it ran) and found myself loving the off road and 2stroke action. I thin changed to a KLX300 and was bitterly disappointed with 4 strokes as this was not as snappy, yes lots of low down grunt but not exciting, and very low to the ground.

I generally only ride 'green lanes' here in the UK, nothing wildly fast but sometimes it is like riding through thick soup.

I want to be excited again by riding something off road, yet don't want to have to stop every 20 minutes to refuel (2 strokes). Is this the bike?

I would love to know your thoughts, good or bad. Thanks in advance.

 

husabutt

Joined Feb 2003

3K Posts | 384+

Escondido, Ca. USA

• Aug 23, 2005

• #2

2000 was the last year for the old style motor and is generally regarded as a very good motor. In 01 the new design came out.

2000 models had the first year of the new style frame. Old motor new frame = good combination.

If I could find a really good 2000 for a song I would pick one up too!

There is no starter upgrade for an old style motor that I know of. Pre 01 bikes always started hot or cold on the button. Makes me wonder if it is in fact a 2000 model. Does it have the new style tank except blue in color?
When the sprag (starter clutch feewheel) goes out on the old motor the cases will need to be split and the part is expensive.

Perhaps you can request a gallery and take a few photos

 

Parsko

Joined Mar 2003

582 Posts | 2+

Waterbury, Connecticut, USA

• Aug 23, 2005

• #3

It is also my understanding that that is the best bike Berg made. At least, it is kinda my dream bike. The best of the old motors, with the new frame (no linkage in the suspension, inverted forks, etc...).

Should you buy it? I have been told, when given an option in life, such as this one, take it. Otherwise, you will regret it forever. Plus, if you don't like it, sell it. Easy decision, if cash flow isn't a factor. Buy it, make me jealous.

-Parsko

 

J

julian_brunt

Joined Aug 2005

4 Posts | 0+

Discussion Starter
• Aug 23, 2005

• #4

:shock: I didn't realise it was that good.

I will indeed take a good look on Saturday when I go look.

Another if I may.. what bits should I pay particular attention to when inspecting? (Iknow that is an awful question)

 

husabutt

Joined Feb 2003

3K Posts | 384+

Escondido, Ca. USA

• Aug 23, 2005

• #5

If you buy it and don't like it please part it out .

I will take the subframe and attached underseat battery box.

FYI: as you may have guessed the pre 2001 battery box is no longer available from Husaberg

 

Parsko

Joined Mar 2003

582 Posts | 2+

Waterbury, Connecticut, USA

• Aug 23, 2005

• #6

Whoa husabutt, take it easy here. Please don't tell the man to part out one of the most rightous bergs made! Let's not jump to conclusions here

 

Taffy

Joined Nov 2001

17K Posts | 774+

Ely, England

• Aug 23, 2005

• #7

the 501 will be an excellent bike for you.

it will slog in mud
it'll slog up hills
you sit on it and not in it like the kwacker
you can still get the bits
they are good value

you may need to fettle it initially and you ARE taking a risk; after all it needed a rebuild. but if it's a good price and you feel he didn't cut corners?

go for it!

regards

Taffy

 

J

julian_brunt

Joined Aug 2005

4 Posts | 0+

Discussion Starter
• Aug 23, 2005

• #8

Thanks guys, will keep you all updated when I buy it :lol:

 

husabutt

Joined Feb 2003

3K Posts | 384+

Escondido, Ca. USA

• Aug 23, 2005

• #9

julian_brunt said:

:shock: I didn't realise it was that good.

I will indeed take a good look on Saturday when I go look.

Another if I may.. what bits should I pay particular attention to when inspecting? (Iknow that is an awful question)

Click to expand...

Regular oil changes are most important.

Has the maintenence schedule listed in the owners manual been adhered to?

Approx how many hours are on the motor?

A few members here own this exact bike, BKSAVS and Joe USA come to mind.

Joes 501

Check out his gallery!

 

husabutt

Joined Feb 2003

3K Posts | 384+

Escondido, Ca. USA

• Aug 23, 2005

• #10

Parsko said:

Whoa husabutt, take it easy here. Please don't tell the man to part out one of the most rightous bergs made! Let's not jump to conclusions here

Click to expand...

Sorry Parkso you are right.

I got a little excited at the prospect of putting a factory 2000 underseat battery box on my 01. I will try to contain myself in the future

 

Parsko

Joined Mar 2003

582 Posts | 2+

Waterbury, Connecticut, USA

• Aug 23, 2005

• #11

It's alright buddy. I do the same thing.

-Parsko

 

husabutt

Joined Feb 2003

3K Posts | 384+

Escondido, Ca. USA

• Aug 23, 2005

• #12

 

H

Haskell

Joined Nov 2001

140 Posts | 3+

idaho us

• Aug 23, 2005

• #13

I have been the owner of four Husaberg (96,98,2000,and a 2002) the 2000 FE501e was by far one of the best and most fun, dirt bikes, I have owned in forty years of riding. I have tried to buy the bike back from the guy I sold it to, but he won't sell. Make sure it's a 2000, and not the new style motor starting in 2001( the updating of the starter and a gear tooth breaking sounds like the late engine) the new motors are o-k now, but lack the mechanical simplicity, quietness, and appearance of the older engines. The 2000 had a few problems that were easy to resolve. The suspension on the 2000 was excellent for the desert or mountains.
good luck on the bike

 

Taffy

Joined Nov 2001

17K Posts | 774+

Ely, England

• Aug 23, 2005

• #14

haskell

presuming that this thread is about sorted i'm gonna ask you a juicy question;

WHAT MAKES YA THINK THAT THE PRE '01 ENGINE IS BETTER?

i think that they had a decent first year of production, then my year-'02-was shyte and ever since then they have got better! in general though i think that the bike has improved year on year since '01. indeed, '01 was good year, they just put what the cat puked up in the final production year before chucking everything on the train down to austria.

regards

Taffy

 

dsducati

Joined Apr 2004

518 Posts | 0+

Arizona

• Aug 23, 2005

• #15

I much prefer the refined and polished attitude of my 03 compared to my old 2000. But if anyone wants a 2000, the young fellow that bought my old one is selling it after hardly riding it.
dan

 

J

julian_brunt

Joined Aug 2005

4 Posts | 0+

Discussion Starter
• Aug 29, 2005

• #16

Well I am gutted.. it was a pile of poo!!! so I walked away

I was really looking forward to owning one too.

Do may have a 2stroke bottem end? Does thins make them more or less reliable?

 

H

hribman

Joined May 2004

304 Posts | 0+

Germany

• Aug 29, 2005

• #17

Taffy said:

in general though i think that the bike has improved year on year since '01. indeed, '01 was good year, they just put what the cat puked up in the final production year before chucking everything on the train down to austria.

Click to expand...

I totally agree with Taffy.
Even 2001 engines were good. If you check some known weakpoints. Indeed the 2000 models were also really reliable but from my current point of view
I wouldn´t change back my ´02 to a 2000.
I´m really pleased by her .