The Husqvarna FE 450/FE 501 (EU models) and FE 501 (US model) are state-of-the-art sports motorcycles designed for off-road endurance competition. These models are built to withstand the stresses of racing and comply with international motorsports regulations. The EU models are homologated for public road use in a restricted version, while the derestricted version and the US model are intended for closed-off areas away from public highway traffic.
Function Description:
The motorcycle is powered by a 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, water-cooled engine. The FE 450 EU has a displacement of 449.9 cm³, while the All 501 models (EU and US) have a displacement of 510.9 cm³. Both share a bore of 95 mm, but the FE 450 EU has a stroke of 63.4 mm, and the All 501 models have a stroke of 72 mm. The engine features an OHC (Overhead Camshaft) control with 4 valves operated via rocker arms. Fuel injection is electronically controlled, and the motorcycle includes a starter motor for starting. The transmission is a multi-disc clutch in an oil bath, hydraulically activated, with six gears.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, water-cooled.
- Displacement: FE 450 EU: 449.9 cm³; All 501 models: 510.9 cm³.
- Bore/Stroke: 95 mm / 63.4 mm (FE 450 EU); 95 mm / 72 mm (All 501 models).
- Compression Ratio: 12.7:1.
- Idle Speed: 1,800 – 1,900 rpm.
- Valve Diameter: Intake: 40 mm; Exhaust: 33 mm.
- Valve Clearance (at 20 °C/68 °F): Intake: 0.10 – 0.15 mm; Exhaust: 0.12 – 0.17 mm.
- Engine Oil Capacity: 1.2 l (1.3 qt.) of SAE 10W/50 fully synthetic engine oil.
- Coolant Capacity: 1.2 l (1.3 qt.) of silicate-free coolant with corrosion inhibitor.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: All EU models: 9 l (2.4 US gal); FE 501 US: 8.2 l (2.17 US gal). Fuel type: Super unleaded (ROZ 95/RON 95/PON 91).
- Chassis: Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing.
- Suspension: WP XPLOR 5548 fork and WP XPLOR 5750 shock absorber, both with 300 mm (11.81 in) travel.
- Brake System: Disc brakes with floating brake calipers. Front disc diameter: 260 mm; Rear disc diameter: 220 mm.
- Tires: Front: 90/90 - 21 M/C 54M M+S TT (Metzeler MCE 6 DAYS EXTREME) or 80/100 - 21 51M TT (Dunlop Geomax AT81F). Rear: 140/80 - 18 M/C 70M M+S TT (Metzeler MCE 6 DAYS EXTREME) or 110/100 - 18 64M TT (Dunlop Geomax AT81).
- Tire Pressure (Offroad): Front: 1.0 bar (15 psi); Rear: 1.0 bar (15 psi).
- Tire Pressure (Street - All EU models): Front: 1.5 bar (22 psi); Rear: 1.8 bar (26 psi).
- 12-V Battery: HJTZ5S-FP-C Lithium-ion battery, 12 V, 2.0 Ah, maintenance-free.
- Weight (without fuel): FE 450 EU: 111 kg (245 lb.); FE 501 EU: 111 kg (245 lb.); FE 501 US: 109.4 kg (241.2 lb.).
- Maximum Permissible Overall Weight: 335 kg (739 lb.).
- Maximum Permissible Axle Load: Front: 145 kg (320 lb.); Rear: 190 kg (419 lb.).
Usage Features:
The motorcycle features a combination instrument with a display showing speed, time, trip distances (DST1, DST2), average speed (AVG), operating hours (ART), and total distance covered (ODO). The instrument also provides indicator lamps for high beam, malfunction, fuel level warning, and turn signals.
The combination switch on the handlebar allows activation of STANDARD or ADVANCED engine mappings, with or without traction control (TC). Traction control can be switched on or off during the ride.
The throttle grip's characteristic map can be adjusted by changing the guide plate, offering different throttle responses (gray for slower, black for quicker).
The suspension components (fork and shock absorber) are adjustable for compression and rebound damping, and spring preload, to match rider weight and riding conditions.
The steering lock (All EU models) provides security when parking.
Maintenance Features:
The manual outlines a comprehensive service schedule with required and recommended work at various operating hour intervals (1, 10, 15, 30, 45, 70, 135 hours) or every 12 months.
Key maintenance tasks include:
- Engine Oil and Filter Change: Required at regular intervals, including cleaning oil screens.
- 12-V Battery: Charging, removal, and installation procedures are detailed. The battery is maintenance-free, but voltage checks and proper disposal are emphasized.
- Cooling System: Checking antifreeze and coolant levels, draining, and refilling.
- Brake System: Checking brake fluid levels (front and rear), changing brake linings, and checking brake disc wear.
- Chassis: Checking frame and link fork for damage, adjusting chain tension, checking chain, sprockets, and chain guide for wear, lubricating steering head bearings, and cleaning fork dust boots.
- Wheels and Tires: Removing/installing front and rear wheels, checking tire condition (tread depth, age, damage), and adjusting tire pressure. Spoke tension checks are also included.
- Electrical System: Changing main and individual power consumer fuses, removing/installing headlight mask, and changing headlight and turn signal bulbs.
- Cleaning and Care: Instructions for cleaning the motorcycle, including precautions for pressure washers, and specific steps for winter operation to prevent corrosion.
- Storage: Guidelines for long-term storage, including fuel treatment, cleaning, fluid checks, battery removal/charging, and proper covering.
Special tools are often required for maintenance, and it is recommended that work be performed by authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles workshops for safety and warranty compliance. The manual also provides detailed technical data for various components and recommended auxiliary substances.