2023 Husqvarna FE501 Adventure Bike Build Ep. 3

[@robertmills794]

Everyone seems to miss the facts that custom tuned suspension is required on nearly every bike. Once they've experienced it, there's no going back. God knows I've given tons of cash to Ohlins, Wilbers and Tractive over the years as well as RaceTech.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Robert for 35 years of riding I thought suspension mods were only for racers and then I saw the light :). It makes a HUGE difference.

[@maxflight777]

Robert… Unfortunately (since it’s expensive) … What you say is true.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Manufacturers always hype their new models suspensions but that was an eye opening revelation into the capability and quality difference with top notch aftermarket components. Impressive.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

The dyno certainly drives it home.

[@jaredandersen82]

So impressed Dave, always love the channel and as a newer KTM 500 EXC-F owner I’ve loved following this build on such a fantastic bike!! This is probably the most comprehensive and fun way to see/learn about suspension that I’ve found…..thank you!!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I've succeeded then. Thank you.

[@dw1168]

I'd call Clive the Dr, the Surgeon. That's awesome, great job

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yeah he did a brilliant job

[@maxflight777]

Dave Darcy … This bike is amazing ! I’m in Portugal where we are lucky enough to have amazing off road riding. The landowners/farmers/hunters and police all respect and support our rights to ride ! It’s bloody inspiring and refreshing when compared to other countries ! (You seem to have good access in Aus, long may it stay that way)

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Sounds great!

[@mandmmilling3716]

I did a lot of the same things on my 16 fe501s, but I added a vapor gauge pod and external heat gauge as well. I run the vapor because it's easy to reset the speedo when the circumference of my front tire changes. Instead of the tower, I run a Bajaworx front windshield (because it's adjustable) and all of my navigation is held in place by ram locks. I also run a Warp 9 supermoto kit with Shinko 705s front and rear on tubeless 17-inch wheels (120/70 front and 140/80 rear. That setup works well for most mild/medium conditions and really well on gravel/paved roads. If I am going to hit nasty stuff, I switch to the normal Dunlop dirt setup with bibs. I also reflashed with the hard-to-find Eurotune flash. The bike pulls like a freight train now. I put a shaved seat concepts seat on my bike, but I am going to change it out of a Fisher custom seat. I really like that rear rack you used. I am currently in Oregon so I am actually close to the manufacturer lol. I am retired and travel full-time on my 53-foot trawler. I use my boat as a base of operations, traveling in the boat from spot to spot...Then I unloaded my bike and explore inland. I chose the 501 because of the weight and the rear-linked suspension. I lift my bike on and off my trawler with the dinghy crane. Right now, I am traveling up the Columbia River. In the spring, I am heading to Alaska. I am going to moor up somewhere in SE AK, then ride to Deadhorse. So far, my 501 has been bulletproof. I service every 30 hours. I don't worry about the valve check. Singles self-diagnose. Too loose and you can hear it. Too tight and it won't start lol. I have checked them twice out of precaution, but they didn't need any shims. After AK, I am heading to Cabo to explore baja...Then Central and South America. Great build video series. It gave me some new ideas.

[@garyandthebat]

I'm impressed with Clive's work.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

You wait until the next episode where we review the bike.

[@danarussell4246]

I love the Heritage graphics, reminds me of my old 1984 Husqvarna WR500. What a great bike.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

It's my favourite.

[@morganjohnson2814]

I would love to see you-all do an extensive build on a Honda transalp to show how off road capable it can be.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

We'll have some detailed Transalp coming soon. It has been filmed.

[@barrymurphy3554]

Yes very nice this is perfect Thanks Dave Happy Christmas & all the best for 2024

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Same to you! Happy Holidays.

[@lukefish7562]

Well done sir. I have a te300 and Norden 901 expedition but if I could only own one I’d get a 501 I do believe. I hope to get one someday and I’d make it a Rally too. Thanks for great content. Congrats 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Best of luck!

[@DreamPit]

I want to go touring with my te300, is it good for touring?

[@samhill3496]

Good looking build. The rack and plate are good kit. Sturdy and guards the exhaust pipe as well. Clive worked his knowledge on the suspension. Having the air removed from new oil is big. I've seen it many times with looks like millions of tiny bubbles in it. New shake your oil or brake fluid. The graphics is good to know. The hinge method. I have to do that with my Tenere as I'm changing my tank to an Acerbis and the graphics on a black 2022 model is split between the tank and side fairing cover. So part of it has to be pulled and a new/old design put on. Thanks Dave great job. Interesting to say the least and fun to watch pros doing their work.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yep. Now we've got to ride it and show that suspension being used.

[@jonascarlsson4908]

Thanks for taking us along on your bike build journey, Dave! That sticker guy obviously doesn’t realize what he has in his finger tips that the rest of us are lacking:-) I might do a copy of your bike as a winter project. Rip it right off:-) Take care!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I'm thinking of using similar stickers for my 701

[@drewiliffe4855]

Thanks Clive and Dave. So interesting to see a pro in action.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

It was. Now let's ride the thing.

[@barmyarmy935]

I have an older 640 about to undergo a similar fitting. Looking forwards to the finished bike.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

They are a great bike. Get the carby looked at it is likely the rubbers parts have perished. I caution it will be costly.

[@barmyarmy935]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Got a spanker 41mm Mikuni flat slide already on and tuned.. lol

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@@barmyarmy935 great

[@osimnod]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Have you looked at Lectron carbs for any build as a potential modification?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@@osimnod Not interested osimond. I may do the ecu mod. still thinking about that.

[@paolophoenix]

In Italy when you Buy the 501 a part money you have to declare your weight. Bought yesterday a 2024 501 FE and starting the dual sport prep.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

That's a good idea.

[@4tech69]

Stellar build Dave.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yeah, I really love it.

[@double-oseven5725]

Appreciate the great vid brother. That is some serious variation from stock design, wish I was there to feel the difference!!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@zardportugal]

Amazing beautiful build. Congrats.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I love it

[@tombentley8440]

Excellent as usual 👍👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks Tom

[@prawns]

got my dr650 done at clives too (front and back replacement springs, revalving and dyno) made it alot better

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Suspension upgrades to dr650 makes a huge difference.

[@osimnod]

Considering what your channel has provided in quality content on long rides (London to Sydney, Simpson Desert, Tropical Adventure, etc), bike reviews and associated modifications to improve the riding experience and the family-friendly mode, you certainly deserve to pick your components and deliver the results of your efforts. No apologies needed, at least from this fan. Keep up the great work! The ADV segment is better because of what you do.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks Osimond.

[@maxflight777]

This guy at 4:52 Clive… speaks a lot of sense !!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

That's why we go there

[@goldyg6511]

wow awesome thanks much for such an insightful video, I have the same bike with the exception of the tower and I'm pretty much attempting to replicate yours cheers and happy trails

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I wouldn't rush to get any tower until you've decided what you are going to do with this bike.

[@aiden287]

Very nice build mate. A few years back I saw your WR450 desert sled build and loved it, but couldn't afford anything like it at the time. Fast forward a few years and I'm now doing a KTM 500 build very similar to this Husky one!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

It's a very rewarding build

[@tapevans87]

Awesome videos! I have followed this build the crf300 rally and since then build my own Honda rally which the doctor has helped with. While l am unsure l want to go down the path of another build I would love to know what a build like yours costs. I know many of the parts were given to you but do you have a run down or even a total build cost for those of us looking on? Thanks guys keep it up.

[@boudix5737]

Thanks for this inside on the reason why you actually should redo your shocks, it’s all about the branding (like WP or other brands) do but they still sheat you on the result if you buy a stock bike. And the good stuff is only used on the Dakar bikes … or the really expensive shocks.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

It makes a huge difference.

[@blusta24]

Sweet as a nut Dave, hopefully a long epic run coming for the maiden voyage.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

either desert or return to the Vic High Country

[@tonyt73oz]

$20K motorbike with $5 suspension. Thanks KTM. Amazing to see the value in the new suspension changes. It maybe expensive initially, but if you keep the bike for 100's off hours it would pay for itself. Thanks for the great video.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thank you. Although I think you are a bit harsh. The standard suspension is OK. When you buy more expensive suspension this is one option.

[@adamkirkwood9496]

Just wondering if you would recommend any suspension places in Sydney East area. Clive is a bit too far away as I would love to get my KTM upgraded like your 501. And a big cheers for all your content. Keep up the great work.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Teknik, another is Terry Hay

[@Teamteddygaming]

I'm like a few others deciding between a 500/501 or a 701. Are you able to do a video of the pros and cons based on your experience and the type of trails. I believe 500's and 701's both come with quick shifter and the only thing your missing out on is the ABS and the longer service intervals. The idea of the 500 to me means a go anywhere. bike. After watching some Erzberg it looks like you could make the 701 work for you as well if you have the skills. Thoughts?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yes, I will be. There will also be more content on the 501 in the coming months. However at the moment there are a number of bike releases coming up and we are fortunate to be prioritised for access to those bikes. So unfortunately that's the focus at the moment. But we will get back to them.

[@hackgolfer7352]

What a build. Out of curiosity as this is something I would like to do to mine, ball park price figure would be great please..

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Add $8k

[@hackgolfer7352]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thank you

[@hackgolfer7352]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Suspension is at the top of my list

[@BravoActual4756]

Great content. Like and sub.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thank you.

[@dandobbofekete2225]

How did you get your rack system to oz app they are not sending them to Australia ?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

They send them you just have to cover freight

[@MrHumpo75]

Hey Dave I’m looking at doing a build just like yours with a 2024 501. Have you been happy with the adventure man cave tower and true north rack?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yes very happy.

[@michaelhecken9259]

Great Build story BUT its missing the Final conclusion. Is the 501 much worse over the 701 on a 200km Tarmac road? Is the 501 with the large fuel tank a lot better on hard enduro single track then the 701? Is it Overall worth to switch from a 701 to a 501 to get the better Hard Adventure Bike or not? It would be great to get a clear answer.. 501 or 701 which one is the true Unicorn? All the best from Turkey.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

501 701 comprison still to come as is a Honda crf300 501 comparison.

[@michaelhecken9259]

Very good.. Its a missing Video on the complete KZbin Cosmos.. Strangely no clear 501/701 and 500/690 comparisons available so I look forward to your Opinion.. I am most likely swapping my 690 for a 501 soon to be able to reach more harder Enduro Terrain in Turkey that I did not risk with the weight of the 690. As solo rider in very remote areas weight is the crucial difference.

[@miro_s]

Thanks for this Dave! this was fun. The rack looks nice, did you have to cut the side panels to fit it? I’m totally convinced by the k-tech conversion, only issue is that when you sell the bike if goes with it. So I guess I’m waiting for the bike I know I want to keep… but I suppose I could find some used forks to do the conversion on and then keep…

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yeah, had to cut the plastic guards but nothing to it.

[@Brian-xplor278]

Any trips planned? Excited to see how it is working out :)

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

We will return to this bike in the coming months.

[@paulvanhout9695]

Impressive build, particularly the suspension updates. I have the 501’s little brother, the FE350 and see some decent mods I may consider. Curious as to your impressions of the 501 as a lightweight adventure bike compared to your 701.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Much lighter than the 701 on two fronts, physical weight and centripetal force of the engine. The suspension on my 501 is truly amazing, we will test it soon

[@powertrip1050]

Great series and channel, Dave. I am see-sawing between 500s and 701s, with a leaning to the 500s. As someone who learnt to ride in vic's high country, I always imagine the very worst scenarios and then ask myself "which bike do you want to be managing at that point?"...and then I tend to think 300s. 😂😂 Anyway, will probably grab an FE 500, but wince a bit at having to buy new to get some ABS brakes. It is great that you and clubbie provide balanced and experience-derived views of what is required. It doesn't make the decision for me (which I don't want, of course), but it provides really valuable information that I can organise my thoughts around. Thank you!! (looking forward to the next FE500 vid!!!)

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks ppp. We do try to be balanced. We've ridden so many bikes, we're pretty good at getting to the crux of what they're about.

[@stefanhansen5882]

How did the bike go from 108 dry to 128 dry (141 - 13 kg of fuel)? That's 20 kg more than stock. Is that really true or is Husqvarna lying about the stock weight of 108 kg? Thanks for the awesome series of bike builds! :)

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yes 108 KG untouched with no fuel. Look at we put on it and then filled it up with 17 litres of fuel.

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thanks. Did you put it on a scale before upgrading? The fuel is about 13 kg (17-18 liters). So, without fuel the bike is 128 kg. That is 20(!) kg more than the claimed stock weight of 108 kg. The tower was 3 kg. What is the remaining 17 kilos?

[@jamesblacker7961]

Hey guys, Loving the build and videos, Just curious as to what tyres/tubes your guys recommend? Im in the process of doing a similar build as well as similar riding style/touring. Few mates and I are doing Cape york this year, and just curious as to what you guys would recommend. Cheers

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I'm sponsored by Pirelli. For me Pirelli Rally Scorpion on the front and rear. A lot of people run the Pirelli on the front and choose another brand for the back.

[@luke2836]

Any issues with the bolt heads where the rack attaches to the frame, or the exposed lower end edge of the rack tubing? It looks like they’d gouge your boots or tear over the boot pants? There’s a lot of metal bits sticking out down there…. Other than this concern I’d really like that rack for my bike to carry 14 kg of camping gear, food and water.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I wondered that when I put it on, but no signs of damage at all to pants. It's really really solid.

[@williamcrisp6036]

Good stuff that, could you share what the new spring rate is for front springs on the 501 and the Nm of the rear shock on the 501 is please

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I'll have to ask Clive.

[@jayd3931]

Fantastic set up. Your choice to go for K-Tech instead of the WP Pro upgrade, was that based on cost or ride preference?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Based on Clive's advice. Having said that there are many routes to raise performance of suspension.

[@Pablo-ro4gh]

Great video! Any more thoughts on the Cush drive rear hub? I see they have similar fitted to the drive sprocket so wondering if it’s really needed? Lot of $ and extra weight

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

The mechanics that I have access to say that it is a worthwhile modification.

[@user-ur1ff3wv3w]

Donde se puede comprar un soporte para maletas

[@keithildinho]

I thought a standard 701 is 156kg wet and this 501 just weighed in the same weight after all the mods. So what is the advantage? Or am I missing something? I’m looking at buying one or the other.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

If you want to ride on longer adventures take the 701. If you want to do four and five dayers in the tough stuff, choose the 501.

[@dewimtbmoto]

My 701with rade tank full of fuel with small saddlebags with tools and adventure spares was 175kg wet. My 501 stock with barkbusters and xlink linkage guard was 117kg wet. Add a few kgs of tools in the bumbag and 4ltr fuel bladder. Still nearly 50kg the difference.

[@Throttle.Monkey]

Kinda wish you had done more of a build with the 701. Lightweight diet (exhaust, battery, canister removal etc) and some suspension work might get it somewhere closer to the 501 but with more relaxed maintenance? Obviously the 701 will never be an enduro but all the builds on KZbin are typically adding weight and nav towers which then pushes the husky into the realms of the T7.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I'm thinking of returning to the 701 and redoing the suspension with the same specs as the 501, which is possible and that would do that bike.

[@Throttle.Monkey]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV that’s sounds like a good idea, I think you’ve got some of the best content for 701’s on KZbin at the moment, looking forwards to watching more!

[@damienpickering-op1rz]

You didn’t give any info or review on the adventure men cave tower

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Damien that was episode 2, this is episode 3. I haven't done a review on the bike as yet. The last three episodes have been the build. Get with the program :)

[@maxflight777]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV😂

[@jctoth]

The 500 and 501 are great bikes for sure. However, I do hate the fact that you have to add that monstrosity of a rack to carry anything. And the motors are a but too buzzy. For me, the CRF450RL overcomes both of those issues. Keep up the good work.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I like the rack

[@toddranson3209]

Have you rode the sherco 500 yet. Would be good to compare

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

No. I'm not sure that will happen as my focus is on adventure rather than trail these days, but you never know.

[@jmsask]

👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Coming out to all on Sunday

[@kcfox3130]

what was the cost of the build

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

It’s costed in the videos. I can’t remember but you’ll find it in the series

[@franckbrunie4759]

Putting the tower is definitely THE error of the whole set-up.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Possibly. I'm an anti tower person. My 701 doesn't have one.

[@franckbrunie4759]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Otherwise great 👍🏻 The only struggle I have is reducing handlebar vibes on my FE 501, I don't like the foam grips, PHDS is said not to be so effective for vibes. My favourite grip setup for long mixed stretches is donut + tennis overgrip on normal grips. Fairings are may be legit for long stretches in cold/rainy climate, though many mount them as if they would have the same speed and navigation constraints as for winning stages of a long desert Rally, but the truth is it is done for the looks (yeah, those look good). Cheers

[@truthbomb1809]

How much does a suspension setup like this cost?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

$3k AU

[@dougiep8464]

No ecu tuning?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Stand by..........maybe

[@dougiep8464]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Let Rex @ fuel torque work his magic. Brings these 500 alive

[@shanecarrodus4335]

Out of curiosity what would the retail price for the suspension roughly cost

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

At a guess around $2000 fitted.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV That’s less than I would have guessed for quality components. 👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@@pinkiewerewolf AU dollars

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV I’ll have to look up the comparison to $US.

[@travishimself1973]

So around $27k build? I guess these days that's not crazy money for an adventure bike but I'd still be changing oil every other ride to keep it alive as long as possible.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

I think it's a little less than that, but I'll post the total cost in the next video where we slo mo the suspension and just go out for a ride.

[@timjrvine]

My '15 FE501 weighs the same with a 20 litre tank full.

[@MrEtnorb]

My 18 EXC in similar spec with 7l in the Acerbis tank weighed approx 130kg so right on par with this build. I had a Racetech fork kit fitted to do the same things but I had 40 mm travel removed for safer access. Still have 260 mm of travel.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yeah that's a good setup.

[@raptorthumper12]

Great build Dave. I really prefer the Husky over the KTM. The husky comes with the rear linkage suspension setup which I prefer over the PDS on the KTM. Also the husky comes std with traction control and mapping switch. Current pricing is competitive. Yamaha Australia have become too greedy and want $17,349 for a WR450, and 20K for a Tenere 700. Price gouging.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks for your thoughts.