Husqvarna FE501 Honest Review

[@madjack_757]

So, I am noticing comments about my lack of riding gear enough to where I feel I should address it. I have been riding for nearly 10 years now, much of which were years spent racing motocross. I broke my back, both wrists at the same time, had horrible tendon damage in my forearms, dislocated my right shoulder, broke some bones in my foot, had several concussions and more. Frankly, when it comes to wearing gear, under more intense riding circumstances, I strictly wear my chest plate, neck brace, and boots. However, I have always been willing to sacrifice a bit of safety in order to allow myself to feel more comfortable on the bike. I hate knee and elbow pads. I prefer the enhanced mobility that comes with making that decision. This set of clips shows what I consider to be very casual backcountry riding and I never felt unsafe during the filming of this video! My only intentions with this video are to give you all my first impressions with a nearly mechanically factory setup FE501S in Laymens terms. With that being said, I hope all of you enjoy.

[@JB-mo8rs]

Hi, So Cal motorcycle Deputy here: I’m watching your video post op from with a broken ankle, broken foot, four busted ribs and clavicle; all on the right side. And that was with my issued protective gear at only 30 mph. Make sure you get yourself some gear! 🙏

[@trevorjameson3213]

Don't worry about it man, I ride the same way you do in the summer. T-shirt, jeans, work boots, gloves, and a helmet of course. I've been riding since 1972 and I'm still here and still riding the mountain trails in Colorado. I know I could get injured pretty bad without all the proper gear, but that's my choice and I accept the risk.

[@madjack_757]

@@trevorjameson3213 Finally someone that gets it!

[@jeremys1496]

20+ years desert riding/racing some broken bones 🦴 and I agree

[@madjack_757]

@@jeremys1496 sometimes a t shirt and some blue jeans are all you need when the weather is good

[@mechcavandy986]

Makes me wish I was young and skinny again. I’m a 70 year old Norden 901 rider.

[@madjack_757]

Those Nordens are kickass bikes! All that matters is that you’re still staying active and keep goin riding!!

[@MADDOG100ful]

65 yr old Norden rider. 😀

[@DustinMay84]

I love that all your cons = all my pros. Stiff suspension, touchy brakes, low engine breaking. All great for a higher skilled fast paced rider. Nice feedback. Ride safe 👊🏼✊🏼

[@madjack_757]

Take a look at my updated 160 hour review video on this bike. My opinions have grown a bit since putting some series miles under my belt with it 🤙🏼

[@DustinMay84]

@madjack_757 I didn't notice it at the time but I've already watched that review lol. Your cinematography has really been elevated. Trying to decide between the fe450 and 501 atm. Already have a 24 xcw300 and Tenere 700.

[@madjack_757]

@DustinMay84 thanks man 🤟🏼 Honestly I think those are all good choices. I just tried the T7 for the first time and it’s a blast

[@madjack_757]

Not gonna lie, I gotta make an updated version of this video. When I made this, I was so biased on my initial thoughts since I was coming off of a bike that had a totally different feel to it. I'll have a long term review video coming out this summer ✌

[@Icantthinkofausername-q4i]

I'm actually looking to get a 23 fe501s in the next few weeks

[@madjack_757]

@@Icantthinkofausername-q4i that’s awesome! What kind of riding do you typically do?

[@Icantthinkofausername-q4i]

@@madjack_757 I'm gonna ride on the streets and do a super moto conversion

[@madjack_757]

It’s a perfect bike for that. Gears 1-5 are on the shorter end and are great for quick acceleration and the 6th gear is a killer cruising gear. The 501 will pull wheelies like crazy too so you gotta be careful since the throttle is super touchy.

[@pierrensn]

I guess you are running the stock, restricted mapping? Uncorked, with that exhaust, its close to 60hp + more power everywhere

[@Justvisiting498]

I hear you about the suspension... I interprete Ready to race meaning it demands to be ridden aggressively to benefit from the factory suspension tune, and sometimes I just want to chill and putt around.

[@thomaskindlund410]

Thanks very much, it was a very interesting video, looking forward to more.

[@franckbrunie4759]

The 501 stock is a perfect allrounder for riders around 80-85 kg. Plush enough or stiffer for jumping etc depending on clikers. This bike is not stock. A pitty. The original muffler is quiet but lets the engine breathe, perfect. The original seat is ok for offroad, softer than some other brands, still requiring an upgrade for very long rides.

[@lanwickum]

Have a 22 FE501. Stock is a dog. Suspension is way to soft stock. Blew out my front fork in the dunes. Bottoms way to easy. Suspension can be fixed. Can be modified to pull harder than any 450 I have seen. The seat concepts seat is a great addition. I have changed it plenty from stock. I now like it much better than my 23 CRF450R or 23 KX450, neither are stock. I had a '93 XR600 before it. Did not think I would ever sell it. I did after I got done getting the FE501 as I like it. I think you should try a 300 after hearing your likes and dislikes. .

[@madjack_757]

I honestly feel that my initial impressions on the bike were flawed after having had the bike for over a year now. I will be making a 5000 mile review video in the future. I agree with a lot of the things you are saying 🤙

[@Locotropic]

Is it better than a FE 450 engine wise? Because 450 is already punchy and strong

[@Red.Dots.]

Is that seatconcepts XL or Standard?

[@madjack_757]

XL

[@johnscribb6731]

I bought a brand new 2022 FE 501s and the stock suspension was super stiff. I read the manual and made sure all the clickers were on the softest settings, still FAR too stiff at 175 pound rider weight. I'm comparing this to a dirt bike that set the standard of "plush" for me...an E series KDX200 designed for slow woods and rocks, so maybe not a fair comparison to anyone who has not experienced the magic. I also agree with your assessment of the power band, however, the big 501cc motor more than compensates at low RPM's and just chugs through.

[@madjack_757]

Hey whats up john! Yeah Im right with ya on all that. I still wish the 501 had a heavier flywheel since I just cant seem to stop stalling it out on technical sections :/

[@madjack_757]

I've heard a whole lot about the KDX series too and I've wanted to try it out for a while now

[@oldtownscouts3712]

I've had mine about 10 days now and it's a super similar setup to yours! I need to get different tires though because the ones that come stock are terrible for off road

[@madjack_757]

I recommend the Motoz tractionator h/t tires! Also I’ll be doing a 5k mile review on the bike soon because my opinions have changed drastically since this video so keep an eye out!

[@oldtownscouts3712]

@@madjack_757 I'll check those out! How often do you do oil changes/air filter cleanings on it? I have basically the same bike but 2023 and the same FMF pipe on it, and I desperately want to take good care of it lol

[@madjack_757]

You definitely need to take good care of it! They're fantastic bikes but need regular maintenance. Here is a detailed video of mine for how to do an oil/oil filter servicing on the 501! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2SXfn1trMl-ipo For frame of reference: -Oil change every 15 hours -Change your oil filter with that oil change every 30 hours -Rebuild the top end every 135 hours (Though I am currently 160 hours about to do my top end rebuild) @@oldtownscouts3712

[@oldtownscouts3712]

@@madjack_757 hey I forgot to ask what size tires did you buy?

[@madjack_757]

@@oldtownscouts3712 rear- 140/80-18 & front- 90/90-21 🤟🏼

[@Evil_Morty2000]

Exhaust sounds nice !

[@jaywalk6628]

To each his own, don't sit down and ride, don't need a loud azz exhaust. went out 4 clicks on the front of my 2023 and the suspension is amazing. Is the lack of power due to the stock gearing? You can change that for $30. $584 for a 4.1 to ride roads?

[@madjack_757]

Hey Jay thanks for the comment. I did play around with the clicker setting and was able to get a more comfortable ride but I was trying to give a review of my impression with the bike being nearly stock (mechanically). The 4.1, albeit very expensive, does give me a touch better acceleration though it is mainly cosmetic in my mind and I have always been a huge fan of FMF products in general. What I would like to play around with would be tinkering with the header/muffler setup in order to get a bit more back pressure to increase my low end without losing the screaming power I get at the top end. I've considered changing the gearing too and I think you have a great point about fixing that bottom end flat spot with that. Though, once again, I wanted to give my impressions on the bike with minimal changes from stock. Plus i'm in the middle of a motor rebuild on another bike so I am not the most inclined to throw money at other bikes until this one is done.

[@rappidfire911]

Do you have a fuel controller with that pipe?

[@madjack_757]

As of rn, my money is tied up in the old 500 that I am rebuilding (Full vid will be going up once I get my cylinder head, cylinder, and piston back from my machinist). But I'm glad you asked because I am looking into one for the 501. You can get by without it, but I would rather get one because every now and then I'll notice the signs that it is a little on the lean side (popping while engine braking, motor running a touch hot, less responsive to blipping the throttle, etc..). If ya got a recommendation lmk because the ones I'm looking at are pricey. Thanks for the comment.

[@double-oseven5725]

Cheers mate. Interesting, the 22 Aussie version has very plush suspension and I am light.

[@madjack_757]

Honestly, this is one of my oldest videos and when I got on the 501 for the first time, I was coming off of a bike that had a completely different feel to it. I think my initial perception of the bike is far different than it is now since I have now had the bike for a year and put over 2000 miles on it. Will be coming out with a video on that soon!

[@nwredneckj]

Wear protective gear while you ride. Set an example for other riders.

[@kylemalt7027]

All you need for trails is a helmet, goggles, long pants and boots, literally everything else is optional, this is a good example :)

[@motocross6539]

Stop telling people what to do karen.

[@emtboldguy9585]

So did you pipe it without compensating for fuel?

[@madjack_757]

Currently yes, we were experimenting to see if it would really need it or not. As expected, it definitely needs a little adjustment since it now has a tendency to want to kill the motor when blipping the throttle. I'll change the mix once i'm back from Montana. I just didn't have time to do it before I left.

[@captainamerica9353]

This is not to nit-pick, but once you start it and are out riding, your vocals are drowned out. Granted, I'm old with bad hearing, but you may want to address that in future videos? Otherwise, it seems like a good, honest review.

[@madjack_757]

Hey thanks for the comment, my videography has gotten much better since the filming of that video but I agree the vocals definitely sucked during the riding portion.

[@curtisgrimes3020]

With that fmf pipe you’ll lose a lot of low end power. That pipe is designed for top end power.

[@madjack_757]

Yeah it removes a lot of the back pressure that the stock pipe gives the motor. After adjusting the fuel mix, it was a touch better. With the 4.1 the mid and top end of the power curve went nuts! I was still happy to sacrifice a little bit of the bottom end grunt to make it perform better on the street.

[@curtisgrimes3020]

@@madjack_757 yea you could have gone with a Graves and you would have gotten a better power curve throughout the rpm range.

[@madjack_757]

@@curtisgrimes3020 I have actually never used that brand, so the name is new to me. Tell me about them and maybe I can give them a try one of these days and maybe even do a review on their products! Thanks so much for the recommendation.

[@christobrits1152]

If you think the 501 packs a punch, take a 2023 701 Enduro out for a ride 👊

[@madjack_757]

I would love to try the 701. I borrowed this bike initially to film this video but it has finally made its way into my shop and I am loving it. I've heard a whole lot of good things about the 701 though. How does it feel on dirt?

[@christobrits1152]

I live in South Africa, on the Natal, Mpumalanga, Swaziland border . There aren't much blacktop left due to lack of maintenance, lots of forestry and mountain areas to ride offroad. The 701 handles all terrain even better than my drz 400. I can honestly say, I'd buy another 701 if necessary, I'm enjoying mine to the fullest 👌

[@swarbrickjesse]

Few questions… what bag is on your rear fender (I might have missed where you said that). Also, I have a 2021 FE501s and when I key on my ignition, nothing happens in regards to display/fuel pump priming. Is that normal? When I blip my start button, that’s when the priming happens and the display lights up. Hope I’m not over thinking it.

[@madjack_757]

It is a tusk trail pack. Thats normal! Mine is the same. If you are at all curious, I have an updated 160 hour review video for this bike on my channel as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o17NgX-ZpMmKr5Y

[@swarbrickjesse]

@ I’ll check it out now! Also subbed. Thanks for the reply.

[@ml5955]

You are making it sound like a good desert bike. Mid -top power, long legs with the 6 speed, stiff suspension, strong brakes etc. Not so compliant for rocky tech stuff at slower speeds.

[@SteelHorseman]

How many miles do you get out of that tank?

[@madjack_757]

Honestly, I have never gone far enough to see how long it can go. The furthest I have gone on a single tank is definitely over 100 miles though.

[@RayzGarage]

What kind of tires do you have on that 501

[@madjack_757]

Hey RayzGarage. So sorry for the late reply, I am currently runnin Motoz Tractionator desert tires! It’s a killer setup for lightweight adv riding. The tread is aggressive so it’s great for the dirt and the rubber compound is very sturdy so it does not shred up quickly on asphalt.

[@RayzGarage]

@@madjack_757 I wanted to know the SIZE rear tire you are using. TY, Ray

[@madjack_757]

@@RayzGarage Front: 90/90-21 Rear: 140/80-18

[@brapptv44]

its way too soft for me. i would like to it be more stiff.

[@csiautodetail]

I am in the market for a light enduro bike, I have a ktm 1190 and klr 650 right now, both heavyweight bikes. I have aome off road experience with the type of trail you are riding in this video but I want to get into more technological ones. I am 52 years old , ahort rider 5,9. with your experience what motorcycle would you recommend me, I was considering this bike for the versatility. Thanks in advance

[@madjack_757]

Right on dude. Well if height is a priority, I’ll tell ya the 501 is a pretty tall bike. Though there is more than likely a lowering link you can install on it. The 501 is an extremely versatile bike, but it is a handful. It’s by far one of the most powerful “dirtbike” motors I’ve ever felt. That being said, I ride the bike everywhere. Check out my 160 hour review on the bike on my channel! Other bikes I’d suggest looking into are the tw200, fe350s, or the CRF300l. All super super awesome dual sports without as much intense raw horsepower as the 501 has.

[@csiautodetail]

@madjack_757 thanks for the reply. I am considering the 350's the only thing is how they handle streets.

[@madjack_757]

@csiautodetail of course! I’m sure they’ll handle well but they will probably need to be re-geared to your personal riding style. I changed the sprockets on my 501 and they helped alot 🤙🏼

[@bryand2978]

Does this have a 6 speed transmission

[@madjack_757]

Yeah it has a great 6 speed gearbox!

[@bryand2978]

@@madjack_757 Sweet

[@jonmac380]

What bike would you suggest with a similar size motor ??

[@madjack_757]

Hey Johnny, check out my video on the Honda XR650L. That’s another really great big bore option for dual sport riders. Though there are lots of options and it all depends on what kind of riding you’d like to do. The husqvarna is an amazing bike don’t get me wrong. It is just tuned more for high speed endurocross riding and isn’t the most comfortable ride for long distances.

[@jonmac380]

@@madjack_757 Thank you for your quick response, I will!

[@trevorjameson3213]

@@madjack_757 I was considering getting an FE501 but just couldn't justify the price and the fact that the bike is tuned for more high speed stuff. So I ended up buying a DR650 instead. I know it's a heavy old dual sport, but I'm glad I got it instead of the FE501. It's very comfortable and still very capable on those Colorado mountain fire roads and trails. But man that FE501 is so cool though, sometimes I wish I would have gotten it. Lol..

[@madjack_757]

@@trevorjameson3213 Ive ridden an XR650L and the 501 and man they are totally different worlds.. Those 650s will never die on you , they will always take you where you wanna go, and the power is always playful and forgiving. Theres nothing wrong with those 650s. The 501 is just balls to the walls the whole time. It feels like the dirtbike equivalent of a sports car!

[@sund5]

45 hp? Domt they have 64? The ktm 500 has 64... and its almost the same bike..

[@madjack_757]

I'm not as well versed with the KTM platform tbh. Though, I just had my motor on the 501 built and it is way way more than enough power for me. When I hit over half throttle I start to back off because it has serious power. I'll be doing an updated review of the bike in the near future. I have half a dozen or so riding videos I am working on, and then some product videos.

[@Roger_Gustafsson]

40 hp? In Europe it should deliver ~60 hp

[@madjack_757]

Hmm maybe the European model is different but a stock 501 is lucky to push far above 50hp. An ecu tune can definitely bring it to 60hp though

[@Roger_Gustafsson]

@@madjack_757 It even says on their webpage - 64 from the store. But probably different emissions demands.

[@madjack_757]

Hey Roger, please watch the following video. It is a dyno mapping. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6PWZ4KLjdZ3aas@@Roger_Gustafsson

[@lt4753]

You’re a average size guy. For a larger dude 200lbs plus I bet that suspension would be just fine

[@madjack_757]

Definitely, I think I was also biased when I first rode that bike. I had spent a lot of time rebuilding an old Honda I bought that year and the suspension was super soft on it. I think transitioning to the newer setup just felt unfamiliar to what I had been on recently. I’ve had the 501 for a good while now and I actually love the suspension setup. Tho in slow speeds it can be a little rigid, the harder you ride it, the more playful and comfortable it feels.

[@lt4753]

@@madjack_757 I want one but I just can’t see coming off with 12,000 for a bike

[@madjack_757]

@@lt4753 its definitely a steep price and in all reality it needs to suit the riding you want to do. It is practically an FC450 under the facade of some added street requirements. Huge power, most of the juice is up in higher RPMs and it needs frequent maintenance.

[@lt4753]

@@madjack_757 what do you think of Beta? Just another 12-13,000 bike. Heard good things.

[@madjack_757]

@@lt4753 You know most of their lineup isn't up my alley except for one bike. The Beta 300RR seems like a revolutionary motor for the endurocross world and I would kill to get my hands on one of those. The same goes for the KTM and Husky two stroke 300s as well. They just seem so badass.

[@russellmarmon2847]

Your comments on the suspension are not correct, if you go online and read the owners manual you have FOUR suspension clicker set ups. 1 x comfort 2 x standard 3 x sport and 4 x race it adjusts compression and rebound and high speed damping and has a massive difference for the front and rear suspension comfort setting is very soft.

[@madjack_757]

This review was based upon initial factory suspension settings. After this video was shot, I played around with the clicker and set it more in line with the riding I was doing. Once I did that, it felt much more cushy and the rebound was less abrupt and more accommodating to an everyday woods rider. Like I had mentioned in the video though, it leaned towards the rigid feel that I would want on a track. I’ll eventually toy around with it and take it to skyline mx and see how the more competitive settings feel. The motor and braking systems are definitely competitive with current mx bikes so I’d like to see how the suspension holds up. Appreciate the comment man!!

[@scaife5668]

No protective gear ......... very silly

[@motocross6539]

Learn how to ride karen

[@wesleyhannam1027]

Kook