This bike is going to break me-(financially)

RedRockRider · Feb 13, 2009

As you may or may not know, I purchased an 02 FX 470 that needed some work. I have torn down the engine to find a bunch of problems/challenges. Also, these are not the cheapest bikes to repair either. I think we are all a little reluctant to drop a bunch of dough on buying new. Instead of buying new, I bought a project. I am looking at a few options here:

I have a friend that just happened to have a piston for an FX 470 (talk about a coincidence). I still need to rebuild the crank. The big end of the conrod has quite a bit of play. I see that mxcomposites has connecting rods a bit cheaper and better than oem. Is there any truth to this? Would you use an mxcomposite con-rod? What other options are there? I have heard that Honda has a conrod that is a perfect match??? Which one?

There doesnt' appear to be anything wrong with the counterbalance. Should I replace the bearing anyway? I am fortunate enough to have a bearing store localy that can probably find a replacement.

Since I have my sleeve out for recoating, the next step is rebuilding the crank. Any information on who makes aftermarket conrods for Hussies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all that have given me input thus far.

Regards,

Thomas

Gokai134 · Feb 14, 2009

Hi Thomas,

as far as I know the mxcomposite rod is a "pure racer" item, and the HBG-factory has used it;
youÃ‚Â´ve to re balance the crank as itÃ‚Â´s way lighter. Pricing is heavy and hurts (at least me for Ã¢â€šÂ¬ 600 & 300 for balancing)

jbsracing used them (in sidecar racing, weÃ‚Â´re engine stress is way bigger) - and hereÃ‚Â´s a quote from his his blog" We even tried a Metal-Matrix-Composite rod that the factory Husaberg enduro team were running. Everything seized, broke-up or wore faster than we could tolerate...)"
I think he offers now his custom-made rods, guess you should contact him for pricing.
Thomas from enginehardware could also give you info about the MMC-rod, I think he had one for sale here ?

Taffy offers on his hp a replacement-kit for half the price of OEM
Guess thatÃ‚Â´s the way to go

Peter

www.taffmeisters.co.uk
www.jbsracing.co.uk
www.enginehardware.se

Taffy · Feb 14, 2009

hi thomas

further to what peter is saying: $600 bucks for a pure race rod isn't in the ball-park i wouldn't have thought. my ebay shop is part of my signature so click on the shop and have a look.

you can buy the single row balancer bearing off the shelf for Ã‚Â£10 but only i do the pair of bespoke narrow bearings.

you're a big boy and can find out the rest yourself....

regards

Taffy

mito · Feb 20, 2009

Hi Thomas,

Join the club of financilally challenged Husaberg rebuilders. I purchased a 01 FX470e for a fair price but certainly no bargain. Ran great, lots of power but had the dreaded crankcase crack, was not selecting 4th gear and sounded a bit clattery in the primary side for comfort. Upon strip down I found just about every item was worn, not seriously, but enough to make you think about doing it while you had the engine apart. The cost of spares, to be honest is over the top in my opinion so being an engineer, I have set about finding viable repair options. I have had a new steel sleeve manufactured at half the cost of a new one. Original piston and rings are compatable. I have rebuilt the gearbox dogs with a work hardening rod and reprofiled at a cost of approx $20. Crankcase crack is just a few hours labour and some welding consumables. Good quality mains, seals and g/box bearings are all available from local bearring suppliers. I was going to be up for over $2k NZ to rebuild using original parts but have achieved this rebuild for under $500. Obviously no rebuild is good unless it lasts so I will report back how it's going when I get a few hours up. They wont be pampered hours either with motard and BEARS events coming up.

Cheers,

Stu

RedRockRider · Feb 20, 2009

mito said:
Hi Thomas,

Join the club of financilally challenged Husaberg rebuilders. I purchased a 01 FX470e for a fair price but certainly no bargain. Ran great, lots of power but had the dreaded crankcase crack, was not selecting 4th gear and sounded a bit clattery in the primary side for comfort. Upon strip down I found just about every item was worn, not seriously, but enough to make you think about doing it while you had the engine apart. The cost of spares, to be honest is over the top in my opinion so being an engineer, I have set about finding viable repair options. I have had a new steel sleeve manufactured at half the cost of a new one. Original piston and rings are compatable. I have rebuilt the gearbox dogs with a work hardening rod and reprofiled at a cost of approx $20. Crankcase crack is just a few hours labour and some welding consumables. Good quality mains, seals and g/box bearings are all available from local bearring suppliers. I was going to be up for over $2k NZ to rebuild using original parts but have achieved this rebuild for under $500. Obviously no rebuild is good unless it lasts so I will report back how it's going when I get a few hours up. They wont be pampered hours either with motard and BEARS events coming up.

Cheers,

Stu

These bikes are definately expesive to repair. The same Jap parts are 1/3 of the cost and will last equally if taken care of. I made an excellent score in parts recently. I will post more later. Basicly I found a guy that used to be a Husaberg dealer that was liquidating all his old parts. I bought the lot of FX 470 parts for a few hundred bucks. List includes a neew wiring harness and a whole bunch of other things that I need. Those deals are out there and are nice to find.

What did you do to rebuild the conecting rod?

Regards,

Thomas

mito · Feb 20, 2009

Crank looked OK but I will investigate alternatives . A rod kit was $466NZ. I brought a Husaberg because it interested me and eligible for BEARS racing in NZ but their are times when you question your loyalty. It represents a hole in my garage I pour my money in....ha ha....
It's a pity we are not seeing the range of pattern stuff coming available like there is for KTM's. I brought my boy a KTM 85 which needed the full work over. Again over $2K to do with original parts, did the whole lot for $1K with pattern stuff and it's never missed a beat.
Would you be interested in selling any of your bits???

Cheers,

Stu

Neil_E. · Feb 23, 2009

Mito,
Please give us some information on the new steel sleeve you had made. What material exactly? Who did the machining?

bushmechanic · Feb 23, 2009

just on price.....................how much is a 650 elko piston for a yz450 ?

don't think the jap stuff lasts as long if dealing with the same HP and tourque.

mito · Feb 24, 2009

Actually it wasn't the price of big ticket items that got me going, more the prices on the smaller bits like head gasket @ $70NZ, rocker rollers @ 68NZ ea, ring set @ $125NZ. Now I know our dollar is a bit of a joke these days but there is a limit. As for power to wallet ratio of the Husaberg, well it's up there but other makes are getting similar at better costs. Comes down to what you are prepared to live with to support your favourite marque. I have to confess I throw unreasonable amounts of money at my old Triumphs to keep them on the track.

bushmechanic · Feb 26, 2009

they are expensive dem bits

my point was there is no other 650 motor that comes in under 28kg ? so if you want big grunt lightweight engine then hberg is it. 450-470 well yes I have to admit I'd not buy one.

to tune a jap 450 to the same level as the 650 grunt costs big dollars and it won't last as long. I'm not sure its even possible to get the same tourque out of a "modern" 450 without a blower?

fedge · Feb 26, 2009

Just to throw in my 2 cents. In Ontario the parts for the Husaberg's are off the wall and make it impossible for just anyone to want to own one.
A Con Rod Kit for my 06 FE 450 retails for $805.00 CDN that just the Con Rod from there you also need so much more.
Makes a person think that the Jap stuff is not so bad when it comes time to fix one. You can get a whole crank shaft for a Honda CRF450 for under $400.00 CDA.
Maybe Husaberg should think about making it a little easier those of us who love the bikes and want to use them.You never know Husaberg you may just sell more bikes?

And trust me I have raced Go-Karts / Stock Cars so I have a feel for spending money on a hobby but these parts are a little off the scale.Well here in Canada anyway.You should not be punished for riding your bike by the manufactures because you need parts.It really turns people off.IMHO

nsman · Feb 26, 2009

Hi Fedge,
The price on that rod set is out of line esp as the retail (cdn) for the 550 and 650 is approx. $376 and $383.
The price of the complete crankshaft is for the 06 450 is almost the same as the rod set.Get your dealer to call Berg NA to confirm that this price is not as error.
Good luck

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This bike is going to break me-(financially)

RedRockRider

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