2024 Husqvarna FE501s. My Modifications And Thoughts About The Bike.

[@dirtberger4533]

Thank you for the video. Completely understand I am 55 and finally got new bikes for my son and I . 2023 300 and 350s. Life is flying by. Have been working on getting the 350 sorted out.

[@DesertVetRider]

My best memories are riding with my dad when I was a kid and even riding with my son when he lived at home. Life is short, get out and ride!

[@jefframirez4820]

Loved your comment at 2:05! I'm in my early 50's and can appreciate that remark. Lol!

[@DesertVetRider]

It's kind of scary how fast things roll when you hit that milestone. Ride on, brother!

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Very complete review and tastefull set up 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@DesertVetRider]

I am having a lot of fun building this bike. You and your team at Taco Moto have been more than helpful with your informational videos and are always quick to answer my text with any installation questions. Thank you. You guys rock!

[@danburby7936]

I STARTED RIDING ON A TRIUMPH CUB,WHEN I WAS 12 ,IM 86 NOW AND STILL RIDING,A HUSKY 150 2T NOW..GUESS THATS 74 YEARS ,SO FAR

[@DesertVetRider]

That's OUTSTANDING! Love hearing this.

[@4tech69]

I told myself three years ago I can't take it with me. Now I own three! LOL

[@lukefish7562]

😆 Three years ago last month is when I got my first bike. I had not ridden in 35 years and now I own three Hondas and two Huskies! Trying to make up for lost time and we’re not getting any younger! Enjoy! 🏍️💨

[@4tech69]

@@lukefish7562 Exactly the same for me. :)

[@452LE]

Thank you for the great real-world approach with your review. "SILVER ALERT!!" Just hit 50, in December and I'am doing my best to rationalize purchasing this bike..... Currently in the stables: BMW r1200GSA, KTM 890, KTM 300TPI, and I sooooo want to pull the trigger on this 501s gem.

[@DesertVetRider]

The 501s would most definitely bridge the gap with what you currently own. Since I purchased the 501s, I actually find myself riding my KTM 300XC more than I used to. That's because my 501s is so fun that it has inspired me to ride more overall. Ride on, bro!

[@contractorpete]

Thanks for the great overview! Picking mine up tomorrow. Pretty stoked and look forward to comparing it to my 2014 KTM 500exc.

[@AdventuresofLokiandPaul-ju3jv]

I am nearly 20 years older than you and I keep saying the samething. Hell, at 72, I don't have that many more years so I bought a 2024 501s. LOL

[@DesertVetRider]

Outstanding!! 72 and still twisting that throttle! Love it!

[@achappstube1]

Great review! Enjoy the bike! I’m picking one up soon. Btw, thank you for your service! 👊🏻🇺🇸

[@DesertVetRider]

Right on! You're going to dig it.

[@BCMountainLife]

Cool man. Picking mine up in less then a week. Life is short. Buy the bike.

[@wonkylife]

I want one of these crazy bad. I'm up in Mariposa, CA, and that bike would be perfect for up here in the Sierras.

[@DesertVetRider]

@@wonkylife Yes, it would!

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

I couldn't agree more! I'm 63 now, grew up dirt bike and all around outside of Phoenix up into the Bradshaw mountains. Still own my 1984 XR350 I bought new at Apache Honda West. Moved to KTM 500 EXCF and 2022, and my wife now rides a 2020 FE350S husky. Absolutely love riding! Looks like you're in the Phoenix area somewhere? By the way, that map switch will really come in handy when you're up in the mountain passes of Colorado. My wife normally rides her husky in position two, which runs a little rich. Position one leans it out, which is what you need in the mountains.

[@DesertVetRider]

Right on! I plan on taking the bike up to Durango this summer. I am also going to do the Idaho trip next summer. Bucket list ride. Yes. in the Cave Creek/North Scottsdale area.

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

@@DesertVetRider We are going to Manco, between Durango and Cortez, for the month of June. We have an RV and flat tow our Gladiator with our bikes in the back. Let us know when you are up there. There are some good rides!

[@DesertVetRider]

@@MarkSpencerAZ 💯!

[@stephtraveler7378]

Great review. Vibration and buzzy was significant on the prior gens. So bad, i buddy of mine refuses to ride it on the roads... Good to hear its better on the new frame material used in the 2024s. Would be interested in the weight after all the mods, full upgrade tank, tools, and upgraded tires. Curious if it breaches 300 pounds. KTM and Husky are bad about using super light weight crappy stock tires...so they can publish super light weights in their specs.

[@DesertVetRider]

Like I said, I have no clue if 2024 has less vibration than previous models? The bike does have some vibration. There is no getting away from it because of the long stroke. However, it hasn't been an issue for me. I actually enjoy riding my around town. With that being said, I don't ride on the highway much. It's definitely not an adventure based platform as far as I see it. It is basically a street legal "dirt" bike. It is such a fun bike! I haven't weighed my bike, but it definitely feels lighter than any other dual-sport I have ridden in the past and a bit heavier than my previous CRF450.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Excellent walk through video. I have the 23' 501 that I've been grabbing modifications to ride it longer miles. The lightweight ADV thing, mainly because I ride solo 95% of the time. Picking up my 890 Adventure S can be a challenge. Taco Mike is a treasure mine of information. 👍 New subscriber,.I'm in my late 50's retired from firefighting and a few other jobs. Thank you for your service. Keep up the videos when you have time, you've got the knack for it.

[@DesertVetRider]

The bike is a perfect platform to do pretty much anything on it. I find myself riding solo a lot myself. That's one of the reasons I purchased the bike. It allows me to hit easy trails if I know I am going to be alone and I don't have to load my other bike in the truck. I will be driving in my truck and see a spot I think would be fun to ride and then later take my Husqvarna there. Love it!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@DesertVetRider The 501 is definitely a quality built performance machine. I split time between Humboldt County CA and now the Monterey area. I’m looking forward to exploring a bit more than I can on the 890.

[@thordchristoffersson4048]

Im getting mine in 2 weeks and it will be rebuilt as a supermoto by the shop. Realy looking farward to ride it. Since im from Sweden i think ill have to wait until mid-April until i can ride it. 😀

[@kennethcooley3445]

A really great review. Thank you I owned a 701 Hsqvarna Svartpilen which had the 694 KTM motor in it and that bike had netal pegs and vibbed a lot in the grips and feet I was beginning to be run off this new 2024 501s due to another bloggers comments until i heard you address the vibration. Thank you do addressing this. I really want to buy one and make an alaround dual sport ADV. Ive had plenty of other bikes which are dual sport and ADv to compare to I really like the Huskies and needed to get a view point from a rider like you. Keep making the vids.

[@DesertVetRider]

Thank you. I just want to make the point that the majority of my riding is either off-road or around town. I haven't spent any time doing long distance on the highway. The bike does have vibration, but for me, it hasn't been an issue. If you plan on doing long-distance riding on the regular, then I can't say I would recommend the 501s for that. This bike is outstanding in the dirt being a dual-sport, and I absolutely love it. Just know you can feel some vibration on the street. It all comes down to your tolerance level. Cheers!

[@bradsanders6954]

I bought an 890R the same way, no test ride, just get it before it got sold. In times of bike shortage.....2021. Im 66 and I feel like Ive got a good amount of years riding left. 200 miles a week on bicycle is still happening at times. The 890 buzzes the pegs some, my feet have become touchy to vibration which sucks. Im looking at a 2019 501S with 400 miles on it, stock tires look new. Been a 2 stroke guy for ever, but the newer 4 strokes are so nice.

[@vailmcc]

Nice review! I was just at a KTM/Husky dealer here in Denver looking at this bike, as well as the KTM 500. What I intend to do is convert the bike to a snow bike during the winter.. it’ll save me some money, which I’ll spend at Taco Moto! Thought I’d mention that the stock TKC-80s might be inducing some of the vibrations some riders are complaining about. I’m 67, and I firmly believe motorcycles keep you young! Young at heart, anyway..

[@DesertVetRider]

Snow bike! That should be a fun build!

[@RidingWithDom]

Bike looks badass 👌 Congrats on the new husky 🤙

[@DesertVetRider]

Appreciate it!!

[@OdysseyOffroad]

Nice bike man I'm in my late '40s and new to dirt biking also a ride in Arizona. I'm south of Tucson. I got myself into an x trainer beta 300 that was my first bike but the plan is to move into one of the expensive ones lol once my writing improves hopefully. My buddy just bought a fe 350w and that bike is awesome

[@DesertVetRider]

@OdysseyOffroad Just so you know, some of my most memorable riding came from riding older and much less expensive bikes. It wasn't the bike, but the experience. The fact that you're out on the trails and enjoying yourself is what matters! Thank you for watching!

[@OdysseyOffroad]

@DesertVetRider thanks bud. What part of az are you in? I should clarify my Beta is a 2024 model i just got it on blowout left over(killer deal)

[@DesertVetRider]

@OdysseyOffroad I was going to say that Betas are nice bikes. It's a lot better than what I started on! 😄 I am north of PHX.

[@OdysseyOffroad]

@@DesertVetRider haha right on man. 🤙🏻 Keep on ripping brother, maybe we will meet on the trail one day.

[@isaiahwillis5082]

Nice video man!

[@rcfreakamit]

Thanks for the review ! Have you also considered the fe450? I'm considering getting one or the other and can't really understand which is better for me (mostly dirt, some paved road and highway just to get to the dirt roads, pretty much as you describe). The one difference I noticed (on paper at least) is that the 450 comes stock with map switch and is a bit less pricy. The 501 isn't a whole lot more powerful (again only based on the spec sheet), which makes me wonder.

[@DesertVetRider]

@rcfreakamit Sounds like the 450 would be a great choice. Honestly, for me, I don't use all that power in the dirt. If anything, I turn down the power and turn up the traction control knob. However, on the street, I use everything it has to offer!

[@danharvey6383]

Thank you well explained👍

[@bradsanders6954]

Every video made about these bikes, vibration comes up front and center. Some do ride these things on the street, some. In the dirt it doesnt really matter much, but it is a dual sport. The fuel range................50 miles? That would in no way work for what I do, not even sorta close. But what a cool bike! kinda makes it a 15,000 toy.

[@quadsquadgarage]

I'm in the same scenario just a bit younger. Kids getting older and I'm looking for a bike to escape for a ride hear and there. Trying to decide between the 500 and 350.

[@DesertVetRider]

What did you decide to get?

[@quadsquadgarage]

@@DesertVetRider Still haven't decided. I'm in no rush.

[@SteelHorseman]

Awesomeness

[@AaronWhitt82]

Thanks for the video! I’m in East Mesa and just purchased a 2024 last week. Where do you ride?

[@DesertVetRider]

@@AaronWhitt82 Congratulations on the new bike! You love it. I mostly ride Wildcat, but it has been closed due to the fires this summer.

[@AaronWhitt82]

@@DesertVetRider Not familiar with Wildcat… Is that out in West Phoenix somewhere?

[@DesertVetRider]

@AaronWhitt82 It's north. Near Lake Bartlett.

[@charliepyle1626]

Thanks

[@searlearnold2867]

Hook up the trailer, load the food and camping gear, endure Friday night traffic to where you ride, rig up camp, put up with the party in the next camp site, get no sleep, ride for the weekend, break down camp, drive back in traffic, unload and clean up the camping gear, stow the trailer for next time and go to work exhausted on Monday. Or, buy a 501, ride out to the trail, have fun, come back and be rested for work Monday morning.

[@DesertVetRider]

Haha. Good stuff.

[@joseperez-cl8jk]

Hi good video I hope you’re riding is always fun a question any thoughts about the KTM 500 for some reason it reaching out I have been thinking about it for some time and have gone from getting a new 6 days exc f 500 to buying a older one and rebuilding it from the ground up there’s no price difference in a new 24 The changes are what keeps saying all new frames and engine all new as a older rider the road is endless but my ridding years are not so why did you pick the one you have. About the pull the trigger in the near future. And put up a pic of the new bike

[@DesertVetRider]

I went down to the dealership and sat on the KTM 500EXC-F, and it was too tall for me. The KTM uses a PDS rear system, and Husqvarna uses linkage. The KTM sits higher than Husqvarna does. Having a 32" inseam, I wouldn't be able to flat foot the KTM even with a low seat. Not to mention, every bike I have ever owned had linkage to include my current 300XC. I like linkage being an old moto head. I really dig the 6 Days, but it's would be more of an expense for me to lower the bike. With that being said, you can't go wrong with either bike.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@DesertVetRiderIve had a lot of KTM's....over 15 mostly dirtbikes. The PDS on my 14 300 XCW Really worked well, and sag is sag, once sag is set a PDS should be no taller than a linkage bike. Mine was set at 4" sag and I could flatfoot it @ 6' tall. But Im looking at a 501S currently.

[@MandM745]

I just got mine last week and it vibrates bad. Not sure what I'm going to do

[@DesertVetRider]

Sorry to hear that. Did you get the 2024? I don't do much highway riding on mine. I mostly just ride around town when on the street. Did you change out your tires? If so, did you balance them?

[@Drock-rq5rj]

After you installed the tidy tail did you get hyper flash?

[@DesertVetRider]

I didn't get it. If I am not mistaken, I think if you install the LED front turn signals, you will get that, but don't qoute me on it.

[@jeenyus720]

Vibration on the highway is not great. I have a 24 and vibration over 60 sucks.

[@DesertVetRider]

@jeenyus720 You're correct. I don't really don't spend any time on the highway on my 501. It's great around town, but I don't think it would be enjoyable at highway speeds for any length of time.

[@jeenyus720]

@@DesertVetRider currently replying to you right now after a highway ride using tingling fingers 😂

[@DesertVetRider]

@jeenyus720 🤦😄 Are you running the stock bar mounts? I am running the BRP rubber mounts and flexx anti-vibration inserts. When I made the video, I hadn't ridden it on the highway. Just around town and the desert. That's why I mentioned in a later video that the 501 wouldn't be the best bet for adventure riding.

[@jeenyus720]

@@DesertVetRider stock yea. Might have to look into that

[@ochoabtor9597]

Does it pop wheelies?!? 😂

[@DesertVetRider]

@@ochoabtor9597 Hard not too! Haha

[@RidingWithDom]

Idk if it’s me or your image stabilization is way off 🫨

[@DesertVetRider]

It probably is. This is my first video, and it's an older GoPro. I really don't know what the heck I am doing with it. Haha. I just wanted to share my thoughts on the bike, sideways and all. 😄

[@RidingWithDom]

@@DesertVetRider lol don’t get me wrong I enjoyed your video and watched the whole thing. Super stoked you got a new husky 🤙 lol just thought I was developing Parkinson’s as I was watching it 🤣🤣

[@DesertVetRider]

@@RidingWithDom Haha!

[@gzahnd]

One of the more odd ways I’ve heard someone pronounce Husqvarna. Haha

[@ryanhrenchir]

Brapppp🏁🫵🏼