I have a 2023 KLX 300D which is competetive with the CRF300L. I love that bike. But I felt like I needed more power in many circumstances. I should point out that I am a 73 year old rider. Anyhow, I wound up also getting a 2024 Husky FE501s. Mine is a little over built for what I need it for. Beefed up suspension, ECU, GPR stablizer, etc.. I kept the stock exhaust with the insert taken out and replaced with a spark arrested billet end cap. Anyhow, the bike rips. BUT, if you ride it at a slow to moderate pace which I do, it is a sweet heart and the power is very manageable. Plus, it is lighter than either the Honda or the Kawi 300's. The only thing will be that the seat height might be an issue for some older riders. I put a seat concepts seat on the husky but I put them on any bike that I get. So there is a place for the smaller so called entry level dual sports for us older riders. I love my KLX for just putting around exploring. But if I want to add some weight for longer dual sport rides and stil lhave plenty of power on demand, the Husky FE501s is a superb choice. I am like Wow! I have two awesome bikes which perform very different tasks and both are great. I am not a brand bigot here. With proper set up I think the Honda 300L would be awesome also. These are all excellent bikes.
I usually end up buy a bunch of different height windshields until I get it as comfortable as possible. Never seem to find that perfect one. Glad you got a one and done. I am never that lucky
Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪 I’m living a SFV4 up in December. Undecided between base and S. I noticed no difference in the test ride 🤷♂️ I’ll never track the thing so no need for quick press button suspension change really. I do prefer the grey Nero though and of course it’s only available in the S 🙄 I had half thought about the Pani v4 I found it comfortable but I’ve heard even with cylinder deactivation it gets stupidly hot. Re the exhaust…. Microphones NEVER pick up the sounds of v4 engines. In person they are insanely loud and grunty. Don’t bother changing the exhaust!
glad you were not more seriously hurt. the sudden dumps really hurt sometimes. take it easy on the thunb and do ride to soon. your thumb does more for you than you think it does. if its out of action, most of your hand is out of action too.
I live day by day if you worry about what could happen down the road it stops you from doing all the things you like. I’m gonna enjoy the bike until it blows up if that’s what’s gonna happen and then I’ll fix it and drive it some more.
Nice bike! I agree 👍. I have a FE450 off-road bike with the same service intervals. Very easy, follow the manual, watch a youtube video on the valve checks, also easy. I do mine on a rain day if im bored.
Good on you for sharing that humbling experience. Put your local Rock Crawler club on speed dial. Those people live for rescues. Ditch the tank bag, stand up more, and use the throttle to get some weight off that front tire in those washouts. You flamed out. Get on that throttle and get the front wheel up. Good luck w/ your riding. Yes, Im typiing this on my computer in the basement. "mom, make me a sandwich!!!!".
Why this model over the 701? Did you plan on more off road riding? How is the vibrstion in the handlebars? I had a Svartpilen 701 and the vibration was insane.
As somebody who's been looking at the crf300L (first bike), this video was very helpful. Oil changes aren't a concern for me, it's the valve checks that have me on the fence. If it wasn't for that, I'd almost come to the conclusion that dual sports are a gimmick? I know they have their place but it seems the only reason people are buying them is because of the service intervals and always end up compromising off road
I didnt adjust my 2021 fe501 (eu full power) until this year, around 10 000miles. Been stunted and abused with "long" oil change intervals. Valves barely needed adjustment and everything works perfect still. Bike is as strong as ever and only fixed stuff I broke from stunting. These bikes are solid. Cant talk for the new engines though 23-> i would wait a bit and see if there are problems with the new ones. They claim more power though which sounds tempting
Yeah I think you helped me because this is what I want. More dirt bike oriented than the 300l same thing I was looking at I work a lot of hours and just didn’t want to be working on the bike the little time I had to go ride and enjoy it. I’m a mechanic at a GM dealership. So I guess you could say I’m mechanically inclined. 😂 appreciate your 2 cents.
Congrats on the new KTM bro. Those things look beastly. I almost got the 790 Duke when it came out a while back. Haven’t owned a KTM yet. I’m with you as far as not wanting to thrash on a brand new bike like that. Would absolutely suck to eat dirt on that. At least for a while. I was kinda thinking you might go ADV bike when you mentioned that you sold that Duc. 🤘🤘😎
Congratulations on getting a new bike, that is always a good day. Glad you kept the Husky. they are my favorite. Looking forward to your Husky mod vid. thanks for posting
You need to buy a more aggressive throttle cam. I see you twisting your wrist all the way down 180 degrees. The aggressive cam gives you all the throttle you need in the first 1/3 turn. You also need to speed shift by pulling in the clutch and not letting off the gas that will increase your roll-on drag speed.
Hey bro. Glad you are doing well. I get that not wanting to deal with the cold weather. I decided will ride if I have a plan but I don’t find myself joy riding as much when it is colder. It’s awesome that you are gonna take care of your folks. Mine lives all the way across the country and I feel like I should be closer. Best of luck with the transition and looking forward to seeing more videos outta ya👊😎🤘🤘
I've been trying to decide between this street & trail enduro bike or the ktm-500 exc-f and as much as I love the ktm and it's pds no linkage rear suspension I think I'll have to go with the Husqvarna fe-510s because it's a great looking enduro bike plus I've read that it sits about a half inch lower than the KTM which that in and of itself makes me a buyer also the after market low seat would help me greatly! I'm 6'1" or I used to be but with my 2011 KTM-300xc with a low seat & me being 53 yrs.old I'm gonna have to get a lower sitting bike for sure! Great introduction of the Husqvarna fe-501s as I'll be making it my 2nd bike under the KTM umbrella..🇩🇪
I started this in 09 with a KLR650, carried it to my 1090r and now on my FE450 and it is a game changer for anti-vibration background annoyance. Racquetball Grip Tape on the handlebar grips. I'm 6'5" with big hands so that was the first reason I went with this. Two strips of replacement tape per side and it just works. It is padding between the bike vibrations and your hands. It's cheap, comfy, absorbs sweat, doesn't get hot in direct sunlight, never gets slippery and easy to replace when it starts to show wear.
I went on the highway with it, one exit. 😆 You got an engine that’s bolted right to the frame…..OMG why would they do that instead of having the new style of free floating engine. That must be annoying af 🤷♀️😵💫🥴🤦♂️ Oh I get it rubber mounted you meant, ok just sounded funny. Did you get the package where you could convert it into a chainsaw? Kidding dude, handlebars look rather narrow for trail riding although for trees but yow that’s some tight riding. Have you noticed any difference in handling off road with them? Basically all I’ve ever had is dirt bikes then I bought a Harley and I hate the street now I’m thinking about getting an Enduro But have been away from dirt for so long I can’t even taste it anymore. Straight, corners, stop signs, speed, limits and cops. Even though here in Iowa we don’t have a helmet law, which is nice, the street is boring af. Zero excitement, zero fun With a dirtbike you got a haul it everywhere so I decided with an Enduro bike you choose your path
Thanks for posting. I feel your pain. I sunk a DR 650 in a creek crossing that was normally 18 inches deep but thanks to some beavers was 4 feet in the center. You will carefully check out mud holes in the future. I walk and analyze every creek crossing I do. Heck that’s what adventure riding is all about. You won’t ever forget this one! 😊
Nice video! Just got an 23 FE350S and I'm enjoying it. Been an atv rider/ racer most of my life and its fun to just learn 2 wheels again in the dirt and on the street.
Thanks man. This video really helped me. Have the Tenere but it is awful heavy and I am looking at real light bikes now. I think I will appreciate lesser weight more than street comfort.
Funny, but- I think I'd really enjoy the 'useable' power of the SF V2. It's mostly midrange & they both weigh in w/in a couple of Lbs. But, I could be VERY happy with a SuperSport 950 (as long as I could get the Marzocchi's (F & R) to play nicely. The almost $3,000.00 could be spread around for upgrades...
Glad to see ya posting again man. I needed those throttle spacers for a Triumph I had a while back. Made a definite improvement. That V4 sounds great. Such an aggressive tone without being super loud. Ride safe my friend
I rode the Pyrenees TET with 2 mates. All of us were on Michelin Trackers. My mate Nathan was thrashing his 701 and he destroyed his Trackers in about 3 days. My mate Dave on his exc 500 was equally thrashing his bike but his tyres were fine after 2000 km. I was rather more gentle on my 701. My Trackers still have a bit of life in them. Trackers are the go to tyres for all of us. I've just ordered a 24 MY 501.