I’ve had my FE600 for a month or two now and so far so good, but y’all are scaring me with all of the horror stories. I now feel like my Berg is going to blow at any second and I’ve never worried about this before with a bike. I’m afraid to take it on any long journeys and constantly thinking about the engine when it’s running. This forum seems negative about the longevity of Bergs, and it’s starting to worry me. I know Forums are bad this way, but this site tends to always talk about problems of the engines of theses beasts. Is it really this bad…is this why Husabergs are not as popular as other Euro bikes? Personally I love my bike, it handles well and so far it runs pretty good. So come on people help me here…did I get a bike that is a problem?
You guys are killing me!
- Thread starter skinnyberg
- Start date
Joined Sep 1998
3K Posts | 57+
NC, US
hehe. You bought a berg.... <snicker>
Keep in mind that:
1) This is a support forum. People come here when their bike blows up. The crew that hangs out and helps everyone has problems themselves given enough time, so you get to see a lot of bad press concerning the bikes.
2) An angry person can really talk up a bad deal.
A lot of people that have problems are buying Bergs are buying an unknown used bike, so they may inherit problems that normally wouldn't apply to a fresh bike(abuse and mishandling).
That being said, All bikes have the odd lemon, and everything on the face of this earth has a weak link. What you're seeing is the gathering of a couple thousand people getting together to talk about the weak links and lemons. Keep it in perspective and enjoy your bike. Make sure that you keep informed of any warranty upgrades, and don't let the tone of the forum get you down. Latch on to the happy posts like it's a life raft
thanks,
json
Keep in mind that:
1) This is a support forum. People come here when their bike blows up. The crew that hangs out and helps everyone has problems themselves given enough time, so you get to see a lot of bad press concerning the bikes.
2) An angry person can really talk up a bad deal.
A lot of people that have problems are buying Bergs are buying an unknown used bike, so they may inherit problems that normally wouldn't apply to a fresh bike(abuse and mishandling).
That being said, All bikes have the odd lemon, and everything on the face of this earth has a weak link. What you're seeing is the gathering of a couple thousand people getting together to talk about the weak links and lemons. Keep it in perspective and enjoy your bike. Make sure that you keep informed of any warranty upgrades, and don't let the tone of the forum get you down. Latch on to the happy posts like it's a life raft
thanks,
json
Joined Dec 2002
759 Posts | 0+
western NC
No, as long as you keep up with oil changes, valve adjustments and such these bikes are pretty good. Have to remember these are race bikes with high maintenance. A lot of it depends on how you ride one, if race and run at high rpms then you will have to keep a eye on more things and be willing for more up keep. If trail ride and don`t rev to high it should last longer. There are riders here who have over 10,000 miles on their bikes so up keep plays a big role.skinnyberg said:
Hope this clears the air, don`t worry just get in a habit of doing a pre ride check and don`t skip anything and you should be alright. Just remember that these are a race bike not a XR or something like that.
Good luck and have fun.
RE: Re: You guys are killing me!
Well that sounds a little better. I know these are high-stung bikes and I don't mind the upkeep, but It sure sounds like there is a lot of problems, but you're right, this place is like a Hospital and people come here to vent and get fixed…I’ll keep it in mind.
Question: when do you know these engines are out of whack? I read on here when they get hard to start or finickyâ€â€
Well that sounds a little better. I know these are high-stung bikes and I don't mind the upkeep, but It sure sounds like there is a lot of problems, but you're right, this place is like a Hospital and people come here to vent and get fixed…I’ll keep it in mind.
Question: when do you know these engines are out of whack? I read on here when they get hard to start or finickyâ€â€
RE: Re: You guys are killing me!
Skinnyberg.
hey what year FE600? I had a 98, My first Berg. I stared reading this forum and thought the same things you have/are. You have to understand that these bikes are NOT XR's or DR's or the like. They are as you put it, high strung, They will thank you for riding them hard as long as you don't put them away wet...
I have been reading hear for a while, not nearly as long as some, but there is more info and questions on this site about how to make the good...better, than ther is about how unreliablable they are. Granted there were some dark years, but USUALLY, if you do the upgrades and follow your maintenance procedures, you will have no more issues than any other high strung, race bike out there. and yes the motors make more mechanical noise than just about every other dirt bike. get to know the sound of it when it is running well, ask questions, we have excellent sources of information, and some VERY knowledgable people here who are also willing to help. (and don't let Taffy scare you off ) the vast majority of people here love these bikes and although some have had issues most would buy them again without a second thought. that speaks volumes about the brand and about what kind of bike they are. especially since, relativly speaking, there are not that many bergs out there.
These bikes are like a trophy wife , treat them right and they will take you for the ride of your life, you can't just roll over and go to sleep, you have to stay up and talk to them for a bit, so they know you love them for who they are and not just what they can do for you...
enjoy!
Skinnyberg.
hey what year FE600? I had a 98, My first Berg. I stared reading this forum and thought the same things you have/are. You have to understand that these bikes are NOT XR's or DR's or the like. They are as you put it, high strung, They will thank you for riding them hard as long as you don't put them away wet...
I have been reading hear for a while, not nearly as long as some, but there is more info and questions on this site about how to make the good...better, than ther is about how unreliablable they are. Granted there were some dark years, but USUALLY, if you do the upgrades and follow your maintenance procedures, you will have no more issues than any other high strung, race bike out there. and yes the motors make more mechanical noise than just about every other dirt bike. get to know the sound of it when it is running well, ask questions, we have excellent sources of information, and some VERY knowledgable people here who are also willing to help. (and don't let Taffy scare you off
) the vast majority of people here love these bikes and although some have had issues most would buy them again without a second thought. that speaks volumes about the brand and about what kind of bike they are. especially since, relativly speaking, there are not that many bergs out there. These bikes are like a trophy wife , treat them right and they will take you for the ride of your life, you can't just roll over and go to sleep, you have to stay up and talk to them for a bit, so they know you love them for who they are and not just what they can do for you...
enjoy!
Skinny:
Not all threads area about blown engines. Have you seen, e.g, this one http://www.husaberg.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=43858#43858
Personally I have now owned four 'Bergs, all 650s, from different years. FE650 -01, FS650 -03, FS650-04 and the current bike, a FS650 -05. The 04 was almost just in and out of the garage. I'm currently trying to improve my riding skills on MX-tracks and in Enduro trails with the FS650 (but with 18/21" of course). THe 650 is a bit to much I think so I'm looking for a 450 replacement as soon as I get rid of the XT660 I have.
What I'm trying to say is that I have always been so pleased with my bikes and look forward every year to see what improvements are being launched and seeing if my bank account agrees with me. I'll keep riding 'Bergs for as long as I will be able to. One of the guys I race and practice with is 56 and fast as hell so I have at least some 20 years of riding ahead of me
Not all threads area about blown engines. Have you seen, e.g, this one http://www.husaberg.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=43858#43858
Personally I have now owned four 'Bergs, all 650s, from different years. FE650 -01, FS650 -03, FS650-04 and the current bike, a FS650 -05. The 04 was almost just in and out of the garage. I'm currently trying to improve my riding skills on MX-tracks and in Enduro trails with the FS650 (but with 18/21" of course). THe 650 is a bit to much I think so I'm looking for a 450 replacement as soon as I get rid of the XT660 I have.
What I'm trying to say is that I have always been so pleased with my bikes and look forward every year to see what improvements are being launched and seeing if my bank account agrees with me. I'll keep riding 'Bergs for as long as I will be able to. One of the guys I race and practice with is 56 and fast as hell so I have at least some 20 years of riding ahead of me
Skinnyberg,
Ditto all the above. I recommend changing the oil at about every 100miles and keep the valves adjusted. Use the 1/8th turn method for fast easy valve adjustments. Blow the condensation out of the stator after each ride too.
Pick a good oil (read the past posts on oil). I change the oil after every ride and the filter every other ride and have never had an engine failure related to anything but rider error.
I rebuild my bike engines a bit more often than most do, but most of the time it isn't really necessary. I just like to tinker. My spare bike is a '98 600 and runs great.
Ride unafraid. Just be proactive with maintenance.
Dez
Ditto all the above. I recommend changing the oil at about every 100miles and keep the valves adjusted. Use the 1/8th turn method for fast easy valve adjustments. Blow the condensation out of the stator after each ride too.
Pick a good oil (read the past posts on oil). I change the oil after every ride and the filter every other ride and have never had an engine failure related to anything but rider error.
I rebuild my bike engines a bit more often than most do, but most of the time it isn't really necessary. I just like to tinker. My spare bike is a '98 600 and runs great.
Ride unafraid. Just be proactive with maintenance.
Dez
Joined Dec 2005
1K Posts | 0+
australia
as a person who has had his baby explode underneath him i sorta feel guilty about this .
but let me say this ,,after owning 40 plus bikes there is nothing like the HUSABERG when it is on song .
yes they have issues , but i plan to get another one :twisted:
but let me say this ,,after owning 40 plus bikes there is nothing like the HUSABERG when it is on song .
yes they have issues , but i plan to get another one :twisted:
Thanks guys, I’m feeling better. Risky I have a 98 FE600e. I know the owner and I know that it has low miles and was well taken care of…darn thing looks like it’s a year old! It sat from 2001 to 2006 when I got it. Before I even started it, I took it to the shop and had it gone through and the shop owner gave it his blessings as a good bike. I now have 200 miles on it and she still runs well, but I have noticed some things.
1. Small amount of oil leaking from V-covers (is this normal) and what needs to be done. Is this harmful if I keep on the oil?
2. I have also noticed (just recently) the weep hole for the H2o pump has slight coolant starting to show. Is this normal and does it need to be fixed? Or how long can it go before it needs to be worked on?
3. The bike seems to not recharge the battery fully and will only start a few times on one charge. I suspect there is a ground somewhere. There are some wires that probably need some attention judging by their looks. Question is; do these bikes drain quickly anyway or is it what I think.
Overall I love the bike, I can’t believe how well it rides even compared to newer bikes, and the power is killer. The bike is in good shape, but I’m sure it sitting as long as it has, probably caused some drying out of seals and such, so I’m aware of that, but I do worry about the valves and the stuff inside. From the sounds of it, you all say these things have issues there, but I have heard that the 98 was a good year for the engine and not to worry about it…is this true?
Thanks for all of the help guys and I sure hope to ride with y’all one day. Would love to do the Force ride, but not riding for 12 years have shrunk the kids up a little
1. Small amount of oil leaking from V-covers (is this normal) and what needs to be done. Is this harmful if I keep on the oil?
2. I have also noticed (just recently) the weep hole for the H2o pump has slight coolant starting to show. Is this normal and does it need to be fixed? Or how long can it go before it needs to be worked on?
3. The bike seems to not recharge the battery fully and will only start a few times on one charge. I suspect there is a ground somewhere. There are some wires that probably need some attention judging by their looks. Question is; do these bikes drain quickly anyway or is it what I think.
Overall I love the bike, I can’t believe how well it rides even compared to newer bikes, and the power is killer. The bike is in good shape, but I’m sure it sitting as long as it has, probably caused some drying out of seals and such, so I’m aware of that, but I do worry about the valves and the stuff inside. From the sounds of it, you all say these things have issues there, but I have heard that the 98 was a good year for the engine and not to worry about it…is this true?
Thanks for all of the help guys and I sure hope to ride with y’all one day. Would love to do the Force ride, but not riding for 12 years have shrunk the kids up a little
Hey Skinnyberg, welcome to the world of berg, you will probably never look at a Jap bike the same again, the husaberg is a special animal, special requirements yes, but special performance also, par for the course so to speak.
I am lead to believe that the extra noise is a result of primarily straight sut gears within the motor, which add to the 'mill' like sound of the engine - excluding the actual combustion / exhaust / intake noise.
Whosaberg, its nice to see that despite the hurt that a blown 4 stroke can impart, you are still in the game for another Berg, by previous bike, a 2000 KX 125, cost me $3500 to rebuild after a cold sieze on the track, and another on the bench! all broken bikes hurt, no exceptions, so when all goes awry, think about wether itd be better if it was a Kawasaki or a Honda, and the answer will likely be 'not really'.
Keep the oil up to it regularly - 10 hours per change, and a filter every second, regardless of use - oil is cheap... (darn.. ive got to get a feeler guage to do my valve clearances) and maintain it like that trophywife, she'll love ya for it (the bike... the bike....sheesh!)
Azza
I am lead to believe that the extra noise is a result of primarily straight sut gears within the motor, which add to the 'mill' like sound of the engine - excluding the actual combustion / exhaust / intake noise.
Whosaberg, its nice to see that despite the hurt that a blown 4 stroke can impart, you are still in the game for another Berg, by previous bike, a 2000 KX 125, cost me $3500 to rebuild after a cold sieze on the track, and another on the bench! all broken bikes hurt, no exceptions, so when all goes awry, think about wether itd be better if it was a Kawasaki or a Honda, and the answer will likely be 'not really'.
Keep the oil up to it regularly - 10 hours per change, and a filter every second, regardless of use - oil is cheap... (darn.. ive got to get a feeler guage to do my valve clearances) and maintain it like that trophywife, she'll love ya for it (the bike... the bike....sheesh!)
Azza
Like Risky1 said... and if youve ever heard it (Swedish punk band - No Fun at All's 'Cellestial Q & A') , "I can promise you the time(Ride) of your life".
skinnyberg,
mine had the exact same issues, there are some remedies here for the valve cover leak, it is common as it is a metal to metal seal and unless you get the sealant just right you will have a leak. the fluid leak from the weep hole is common as well, it is an indication that the seals MIGHT BE BAD , change that asap as it might end up leaking coolant into the engine oil. if you are going to fix that valve cover, pull it off and have a real good look at the rockers and tappets, cam wheel and chain etc. read up on what is acceptable and what is not.
enjoy.
mine had the exact same issues, there are some remedies here for the valve cover leak, it is common as it is a metal to metal seal and unless you get the sealant just right you will have a leak. the fluid leak from the weep hole is common as well, it is an indication that the seals MIGHT BE BAD , change that asap as it might end up leaking coolant into the engine oil. if you are going to fix that valve cover, pull it off and have a real good look at the rockers and tappets, cam wheel and chain etc. read up on what is acceptable and what is not.
enjoy.
Joined Jun 2001
1K Posts | 0+
Pasadena Ca.
risky1 said:
Hi Risly1 & Skinnyberg,
If skinnyberg is talking about the valve inspection covers then they have gaskets. The OEM 98 gaskets were made of gasket paper, which do seep oil, he can get the new glass fiber reinforced silicone gaskets from our on line store.
http://www.husabergstore.com/
The official name of the cover that does not have a gasket is the 'Rocker Arm Cover'.
By the way skinny, you can download the parts manual, shop manual and owners manual from this web site (see the Yellow to your left) or from the official Husaberg web site at www.husaberg.se
Check on downloads, previous.
Regards,
Joe
hey joe, Thanks for setting me staright. after re-reading the post he does refer to "valve cover's" Plural.
and those newer gaskets should fix the problem.
Thanks,
Jared
and those newer gaskets should fix the problem.
Thanks,
Jared
Thanks guys, this is all great news and I feel better every time I read this now. BTW; it was just the front V-cover and I think I'll give you a call soon.
I just got done with my sweet new Big Gun exhaust system I got off ebay for $200 bucks...great deal! New in the box and the headers were Aluminum coated. Had to go to Big Gun today and pick up a forest thingy to make it legal--that was a job--turns out the can is a 1999 and they did not make one for it But the guys set me up with the newer end and two hours later It looks better than new
Anyway thanks for all of the help Tomorrow MXA & DB has a special ride and I feel like sneaking out to try out my new system....Hmmmm.
I just got done with my sweet new Big Gun exhaust system I got off ebay for $200 bucks...great deal! New in the box and the headers were Aluminum coated. Had to go to Big Gun today and pick up a forest thingy to make it legal--that was a job--turns out the can is a 1999 and they did not make one for it
But the guys set me up with the newer end and two hours later It looks better than new Anyway thanks for all of the help Tomorrow MXA & DB has a special ride and I feel like sneaking out to try out my new system....Hmmmm.
The seals for the weep hole have been changed,Dan at motoxotica told me they were upgraded.So what you pull out and what you get will be 2 differnt things.The new ones look a little more durable.Be careful installing them it is a little tricky.They should be pressed in.
sorry I should mention the upgrade is for older bergs,it took 2 sets to figure out how to put them in my 98 600
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