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The tractor or the 4x4 ute ( FE390 or 450)

H

husapye

Joined May 2009
108 Posts | 0+
South Island,New Zealand
Was wanting some advice,I have just sold 2007 FE 450,to move on up the food chain with Husaberg .I have test ridden 2010, FE 450, and 390. I like both for different reasons. I have read many reviews including the one on this site.
I like, and do, a lot of forestry steep hill riding.But some rides are open pasture lands and river beds.The 390 is a magical bike,it is like a sensory illusion, it is the same weight and size as the 450 but you would bet your breakfast that it was smaller in all dimensions.I like the tractability of the 390 and the ease of ride.I like the roll on power of the 450 and the way it goes from a torquey feel at the bottom end to a mid to top range that has real spit and punch.
The mid to top end on the 390 is much softer.Easier to ride for long periods but maybe lacking that real factor of cutting big horses loose in docile terrain that turns a lot of repetitive riding into a hoot.
Any advice about which model to go for would be much appreciated.
 
What about the FE570 with the Map Switch fitted? Same weight as the 390 and 450
Map Switch Soft Setting - For your forestry steep hill riding.
Map Switch Aggressive Setting - For your open pasture lands and river beds.

Makes the 390, 450, 570 choice even more confussing :?
 
Thanks guys, probably not the 570 for me, that bikes got muscle on its pooz, much respect to all that ride her though...
 
my 2009 FE 450 has the G2 throttle cam , and beginner mapping , very mild , compared to some 450s . Easy to change it from MILD to WILD !! Go with the 450 buy a 2009 left over and SAVE some CASH $$$$$$$$$ Then you can waste money on it like I did ................. here is a pic of my USED 450 with new plastics ............... I got a smoking deal used ( 30 hrs ) then I changed it up with new rims, seat , and plastic kit .

2010JanBlueChrome028-2.jpg


2009 Husaberg FE 450 with FACTORY plastic/graphic kit
 
I ride a 570 and I am not particularly skilled. I don't need to be. It is very tractable - especially with the Rekluse.

I haven't ridden the smaller bikes so I can't compare, but I am betting you would be fine with the 450 or maybe even the 570.
 
I think your right,like they are all saying,its nolonger a debate about what CC rating but what mapping is avialable on the bike.I thought the 450 was the best bike I have ridden in my life,I havn't ridden the 570 but I think I arrange a test ride.Thanks for the help.
 
Can't wait to ride a FE570 myself.
The G2 throttle cam Gooch mentioned looks like a cheap way to take a bit of the bark out of the FE570 at low throttle openings.
http://g2ergo.com

CAM 100X - Best choice for tracks with perfect traction - from wet sand to loam. When traction is optimal, try CAM100.
CAM 200X - Perfect for intermediate conditions. From mixed sand to hard terrain, this is the most versatile cam available. For intermediate traction, try CAM200.
CAM 400X - The best choice for slippery, technical and/or tight woods conditions. From hardpack to rocky, technical terrain to all types of mud. When traction is elusive, try
 
I rode several different bikes and then went with the FX450. The closed chamber forks are awesome. I also use the MAP switch but I keep it in the aggressive mode, even in the tight stuff and love it.
 
My local dealer has a few 2009s and 2010s in stock , I was there today ! LOOKING GOOD ! . I was at Team SOS last weekend ( 2 hr drive :cry: ) WOW ! it was a sea of BLUE !
 
I have 15hrs on my 390 now!!! It's a keeper. Came off a TE450 Husky and prior to that a Honda CRF250X with Athena 280 kit. The FE390 feels to have less HP/torque than the Husky, but more than the CRF280X. Or, the FE390 just feels more mild-mannered than the TE450. I can say that I completely "bonded" with the FE390 after trying and making a local hill climb. Making it over the hill climb twice surprisingly easily tells me it has the HP/torque. The hill is 300ft long with deep soft sand (torque sucker) with scattered rocks and rutts. So, sometimes you have to let off, then come on hard again. This FE390 is amazing - it grabs traction, absorbs the rocks, and does not indicate it's going to flip over. The CRF280X would have lost speed in 3rd in the deep sand and 2nd might be too slow to stay on top. In 2nd (stock gearing) the FE had enough HP/torque and speed to work its magic.
 
Hi Bendbiker,thanks for that post it is inspiring and confirms all reports on the 390's tractability and versatility.I have just purchased a 390 and am currently running in .The reason I finally went for it over the 450 is the riding conditions in NZ(South Island) are not like anywhere else in the world.You are constantly either hill climbing or desending through trees or tussock,rock country.It is extremely taxing riding.On the 450 after a couple of hours riding and tired,it is takes intense concentration,one wrong twist of the throttle on a knarley down hill over a root and your launched.Its all over.I have consulted with another rider here who's well versed with the 390 and who does extreme riding .He is raving about it. He has come off extremely good bikes like the Gas Gas 200 and 300 and the KTM 300.He siad you can ride bad country all day without the exhaustion factor and feel like your still in control and wanting more. :mrgreen:
 

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