2020 Husqvarna 501s Full Test

[@canonen100]

I am going to get the dirt version and put on some blinkers. I had the 2016 450-F and now have the 2020 TE-300 TPI. Great bikes. Still cheaper than a girlfriend. I live in Washington State, lots of great dual sport riding up here.

[@chaseacklam6174]

Guys are getting 70+ hp with a tuned vortex and fmf, I think they may be switching the throttle body out too. We've got a 2020 ktm 500 making 70hp and running a 14-52t. The throttle response is wicked, its loud, and they absolutely smoke the 450s off the line in the hare scrambles/enduro races we do. The 2020 huskies also shaved a ton of weight off this year and are now on par with the ktms. That fact that they come with the xplor 48s is a huge plus too, lots of improvements for 2020, many pro riders swap AER's for xplors for hardcore off-road riding, and its worth it - I've got cooper abbott's 450xc-f (Destry's son) and he had his swapped. Do the ECU, get a slip on pipe, do your reeds, get the suspension valved and remove the clunky mirrors and junk and they'll crush every other bike known to man when it comes to mid-high speed off-roading. seriously. If you're a bigger dude who can throw the bike around, you'll easily give the two strokes a run for their money in the low-speed technical sections. The best part - we know a lot of trail riders getting 300+ hrs on a top end with perfect maintenance. Now if you're racing or a pro rider then you can get 50-150hrs depending on how you ride and the type of racing you're doing, but long story short, the engines are very stout.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Chase, We're going to talk about you tonight on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday show #58... This is a warning but you could also call in and we could chat!

[@laserjeffcity]

Hi Chase, please reach out to me when you get a chance I have a Husky 401 Svart and want to know how I could get those small HP gains & performance too! Thanks

[@chaseacklam6174]

Jeffrey Ting You can simply google the kits that they sell.

[@Dirtbeaver]

Awesome video! can’t wait to see what you guys do to these bikes, I just bought a 2020 ktm 500 xcfw I’m really impressed with this bike it’s so light and the fit and finish on the 2020 is the best I have seen on a dirt bike. I added a jd tuner and a new end cap and the bike runs very smooth.

[@jackbauer9347]

Jimmy, your reviews like this are much appreciated. Sober Jimmy is much more collected and doesn't ramble.

[@pgirard26]

(bwahhahah 🔥)

[@dmcdevitt8]

100% agree, this bike stock with a couple adjustments for me was amazing. Love the FE-S line of huskys

[@tommyd1963ify]

Had a 17 and loved it. This review has me thinking it's time for another one...

[@mxmaniac05]

me too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6LLfYBqirOJeM0

[@JimBagley]

That was a really useful review. Solid on formation on the different components. I appreciate the content from your testing and knowledge compared the endless video footage. Well done. Thank you.

[@jeffromoto874]

Wow. Spot on review. I kept saying exactly! In my head with each point you made. I too am north of 200 lbs so relate to plush suspension. I’m only watching it AFTER I’ve had mine almost a year lol. Spot on 👍🏻

[@Vic64Y]

Very detailed info normally not said in bike reviews which really helped me to choose this as my favorite bike.

[@brianhamner1806]

Any thoughts on how the 501 non “s” compares? I can plate either in my state but the non “s” is a grand cheaper. I ride trials more than street but interested in both.

[@FaithandActiondotnet]

Yeah, I want one for sure! I'll use it as a snow bike in winter so I will be maxing out the power. Thanks for the useful info'.

[@paulking6620]

From someone picking apart this bible vs KTM 500 exc-f and Honda CRF450l, that was one of the most informative reviews I’ve seen yet. I’ve not had a dual sport and won’t buy until I know I’m headed in the right direction. A lot of videos I’m seeing are either biased to one machine or another or it’s all about upgrades and what to replace and spend more money on top of a 12k. Ike in the first place. I’ve been leaning towards the Honda but now not too sure anymore. Great info thx

[@paulking6620]

Bike not bible lmao

[@DirtBikeTest]

For some it is religious...Thanks, we try but it all comes down to a lot of experience and not being so stuck on "I'm such a good rider, I need 70 HP just to leave the house" mentality. Understanding the parameters these bikes are designed in and the use and skill levels of the customers is part of this whole dynamic of testing motorcycles.

[@pgirard26]

I would love to hear JL's thoughts in a comparison of the Honda 450L and this new 500s. Maybe a This or That write-up on DBT? Great vid with great info.

[@paul.vanhout57]

I think the tequila enlightens him!

[@nickandcaron]

any chance of getting hold of a 2020 AJP PR7 and really testing it off road??thanks.

[@paul.vanhout57]

Great real world and insightful review. Impressed how Husky/KTM keeps evolving these machines. Though they must still have a 10 inventory of those mirrors!

[@ljm8673]

How did the upgrades go? I don't see it in your videos. Do you know if the fe501 has the same stator output as the fe501s to plug and play any light? 195w I think. I'm thinking about the fe501 for my next desert riding/race bike. CRF450X, Yamaha WR or FX, also on the list. Unfortunately, we don't get to try different bikes, it's a HUGE basically blind investment. So we reach out to guys like you for info! Thanks.

[@travdirtbikejunkie]

Great review. I am curious if you have found more difference in the handling of the husky vs ktm. I own 20’ 501 and have ride buddies 20’ KTM 500 back to back. I find the KTM feels more nimble. Maybe the husky more stable. A difference I have noted that does not get mentioned much is the wheelbase has increased on the husky. I think this maybe a result of work they did to lower the rear suspension without reducing travel. I bought husky because it is lower and I am shorter, but now thing it actually feels a little bigger due to the longer wheelbase. I don’t really hear anyone talk about this aspect. Curious if you guys have noticed difference in “size” of the bikes.

[@DirtBikeTest]

We'll get into this on TTTT# 75 tonight.

[@snowgo5922]

With the total cost of the bike I’ll need to spend even more money to tighten up the rear shock and front forks because I weigh 225 and I love my mountain bike suspension stiff. Any direction to the best springs I can buy to tighten up the suspension so that I don’t bottom out. Much thanks!

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Nothing wrong with a 12k bike. Especially not when it's a dual sport and that well designed. You can commute on it, high seat allows for great visibility. It's just not the ideal hwy bike, but hey, on the dirt or in the city, it's a winner.

[@You-Toober]

Isn't this bike (501s) high maintenance though? Oil changes and valve checks every few hours....?

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

@@You-Toober yes, that's the downside, however, oil changes are easy, and if you are mostly in the street and not dirt you could just change it 3-4 times a year. Valve checks are also not hard on these bikes after you have done it once or twice. If the engine is running well and sounds good, you really don't need to check as often. It's the off road abuse that causes the recommendation for the frequency.

[@BuzzinVideography]

What's the maintainance intervals? Every 15 hours seems a little stupid. I can go 15 hours in ONE DAY on small trails up in the Okanogan. Anyone think these intervals (and valve servicing) could be lengthened when I'm not riding it hard?

[@Bfalco71]

Is it safe to pull the exhaust perf screen on the stock ecu? I have the 500exc and I'm completely happy with the performance and power but worried about the heat and want to cool it down for longevity sake.

[@drd3816]

i have not seen a comparison betwwen the Husky 350 and 501---which bike is for what and how are they different-? thanks

[@toddkurtz7635]

Just wondering if the extra point of compression is noticeable compared to the 17-19 models. I also agree with Jimmy on the reed valve in the intake. Removing it does nothing for the power until probably 3/4 throttle. And then it's only minimal. I have a 2017 500excf and would suggest that the only mods needed are removing the screen at the end of the muffler and adding a jd tuner. Even the gearing on the 2020 is good. I think if I counted right it's 14:48.

[@johninwv807]

I have a 2020 500 EXC Six Days and with a Pro Moto Billet end cap, Vortex ECU and reeds out the power increase is astonishing and everywhere. Don’t buy into the reeds myth, I’ve experienced the difference first hand, they need to come out!

[@johnfryman4428]

Truth = more power & wheelies

[@jmessana69]

Hi Guys, did you end up doing a follow up on this bike after making adjustments? Tx Jason

[@ardhorenaissance1580]

I’m in Las Vegas,who would you guys recommend for suspension.2020 XCF-W 500.5’ft 11” 205 plus gear TKS

[@mojo_n_sb5483]

Hey guys, thanks for the vid! You mentioned the engine getting hot is that a problem with these bikes? Thinking about getting the 350 S does this have the same issue or is it a non-issue?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Any bike gets hot when you ride it where we did. Non issue for most as long as you don't slip nthe clutch...

[@bimfred]

Can someone tell me how much longer service intervals are not worth even a full extra 10kg weight? They would sell loads more of these. Is it because it's basically and old KTM racebred motor that keeps getting minor updates rather than a full remake from the ground up for the dualsport market?

[@DirtBikeTest]

We'll dive into this question on this weeks Tech Talk Taco Tuesday #52 which is live on our Facebook page at 7 PM PST every Tuesday.

[@fireinthewhole]

Great vid! How much does the big guy weigh? Trying to get an idea how my weight (225) will relate to what he is saying about the suspension.

[@garthlundquist8316]

fireinthewhole The stock springs are for a max 187 lb rider weight. Rider weight includes the rider, all gear, backpack, and accessories added to the stock bike including heavier tires, UHD tubes, full wrap hand guards, etc. In my case I weigh 200 lbs but my rider weight is over 240. Fitting the proper springs for your rider weight is the first mod necessary to get the suspension to work properly. Always weigh yourself fully geared up. You will be surprised how heavy everything really is.

[@teach1644]

So I weigh 482 pounds with no gear… do I need new springs?

[@thumbsdownclub7514]

how does the engine compare to the ktm excf? Same?

[@You-Toober]

How often do you have to check the valve clearance on the 2020 Husqvarna fe 501s?

[@DirtBikeTest]

You could do it when the manual tells you. We would go well past that and if the bike starts right up and also does not make any increasing ticking noise, we would not be to concerned with checking it unless we were bored and wanted to see what it looks like under the cover.

[@You-Toober]

@@DirtBikeTest If the 501s had the maintenance schedule of say, the Yamaha wr250r, i would probably buy two! lol!

[@RallyNavigatorOnline]

Good review boys! Thanks for the info.

[@daryljohnson6333]

Great review gentlemen!

[@grudgetank3127]

but do they out perform the wr450?

[@RJvidmoto]

Thorough!

[@PeterOlexa_]

How is the power delivery compared to KTM 500 exc-f?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Nearly identical. It acts ever so slightly smoother on the bottom end. The feel of the clutch is the biggest difference.

[@PeterOlexa_]

@@DirtBikeTest thanks

[@robodavid1]

Wow, throw one across the bow of Bestdualsportbike.com.

[@RedC63AMG]

Considering either this or the KTM but 500’s are in very short supply How much performance if any would the average rider feel with a 350 instead?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Detailed answer on Tech Talk #107 tonight

[@AdvBrewery]

Love the channel!

[@DirtBikeTest]

Funny, we do too! But it is a lot of work.

[@johnfryman4428]

Uncork & vortex makes for much better power delivery. If you don't want the power of a 500 - buy 350.

[@stephenmitchum5864]

Lol I have been reading and now listening to Motorcycles media test since 1973 and the answer is still one tooth larger rear sprocket and stiffer springs. The OEM’s need to fire all their engineers and just hire a media guy.

[@laridfamilymx5789]

Very nice bike!

[@kimojon9665]

In AZ you can put a license plate on anything that goes down the road. So I don't need someone to tell me what bike I can put a license on. My full race bike with a license plate tucked under the rear fender does just perfect out here. Keep your Calf. laws out in Calf.

[@DirtBikeTest]

We agree with your views on the laws but that race bike on the street is about as purposeless as someone with common sense trying to make laws.

[@kaden1997]

really good video thanks for taking the time to thoroughly test this bike. thumbs up and subscribe for me 👍

[@Enonymouse_]

I wonder if this is more reliable than the ktm.

[@garthlundquist8316]

E-Nonymouse My 2016 501s has 320 hours/ 9300 miles and has been perfect. The valves have never needed adjustment. Just replace gas, oil , filters, tires, brakes, chain and sprocket as needed. These are high quality machines.

[@Enonymouse_]

@@garthlundquist8316 good to know, thanks!

[@fcalin21]

You two should be working for Husqvarna.

[@Smiling_mike]

👍🏽 Glad to see you on that other brand, a "white" bike!

[@christopherbassit2757]

Just got mine

[@Peter_the_millionaire]

Can you drive this bike with A2 license?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Not sure. In Nevada we don't have those.

[@Peter_the_millionaire]

@@DirtBikeTest do you know the Kw power of the bike?

[@johnfryman4428]

A44 in most areas

[@johnnyrebellion8672]

Interesting that the 501s weighs less than the 350s.

[@johnfryman4428]

501FE = 248 lb and 350FE = 237 lb Weights given without fuel.

[@danburby7936]

I DOUBT VERY MUCH HAT YOU CAN PULL SEVENTY HP FROM A 30.5 CUBIC INCH MOTTOR..THATS CRAZY GUYS

[@magnusjsvensson]

Here in sweden uncocked 63 hp

[@peterlindstrom2960]

Now we talking 35-38 häst dom pratar om är ju löjligt.

[@magnusjsvensson]

@@peterlindstrom2960 jo då behövs stödhjull

[@istra70]

If you have lots of money lying around and not knowing what to do with it - go for it. It should not be possible, that for that amount of money you can get 2 Suzuki's DRZ 400.....good old proven and reliable bikes......

[@johnfryman4428]

True - they are good antiques

[@blackcatvibing]

This or ktm

[@Aridrona]

A 2002 crf450 had 50hp lol

[@Ianrodger4046]

I was looking for a comment on this, I have a 450, that is over 55 HP, and is really powerfull, and I read a leaflet on this bike stating 63 HP, I guess they have it wrong on the video