Which FE501?

ian · Jun 9, 2005

I'm considering getting a Berg next year and so am starting my research. I have only ridden an old 2001 501 but found it the best handling thumper I've ridden. Suited me much better than the plague of orange. The front felt well planted, the back end very predictable and the power was smooth and predictable with no sudden steps. The ergos seem to suit me which is unusual as I'm taller than average. Anyway I was quite impressed. The owner recommended I get a 2004 if possible as the electric start is usable whereas the older models have lots of problems with it.

Anyway that brings me to the crux of my question. What are the differences between the years? Of course I hope to spend the minimum required to get a reasonable reliable one that hopefully allows use of the starter. If I went for a later one do they handle the same as the one I tried? I suspect I will go for 2003 or 2004 model but if older ones are just as good I could save some money.

Thanks,

sandskipper · Jun 9, 2005

Ian-

http://www.husaberg.org/modules.php?name=FAQ

The above link may help you with some of your questions, and I will attempt to break it down as simply and easily as I can.

Husabergs from the early years up until 2001 had reliability problems with bearings and valve train components. In 2002 Husaberg was upgrading valve rockers and bearings to try to correct the problems. In 2003 the valve problems had been addressed on the new bikes and have been proven effective for the most part. The OEM ignition has been another problem and has been recently ungraded from the SEM to the Kokusan in 2004 as well as from the Dellerto carb to the Kehein FCR. Other things have been done during this time but these are the major ones I thought I would touch on. If at all possible, try to buy something 2003 for piece of mind. 2004 and 2005 would be your best up to date buys. Hope this helps and Im sure you will find more information from others here on the site. One other thing to consider is that many of the members have found alternative fixes to address the earlier issues with their bikes. These can be found by searching the forums or asking about specific topics of interest whenever you need answers. There is a vast wealth of information from members here on the UHE site.

Regards,

dsducati · Jun 9, 2005

Brief History 01 - original new design. 02 - similar. 03 - double bearing counterbalancer (rather than single bearing) updated rockers, steel cam gear(rather than aluminum), roller mains, bit quicker turning. 04 - Japanese ignition, Keihin pumper carb, extra oil jet for balancer, elimination of pressure lube for rocker shafts, larger E Start motor (550 and 650) and more powerful battery 05 - extra oil jet for secondary shaft. These are only the major engine changes I remember off the top of my head. Some 01 and 02 models have been updated to 03 specs. 03 was the last year for the 501. If you choose an 04, replacement 550 is a bored 501 with resultant higher compression and more snap.
dan

mikst · Jun 11, 2005

sandskipper said:
The OEM ignition has been another problem and has been recently ungraded from the SEM to the Kokusan in 2004 as well as from the Dellerto carb to the Kehein FCR.

The SEM unit will fail, it's only a question of time and will cost you some money!
Hence, you should go for a 2004 and up.

Which FE501?

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