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The Husqvarna FE501S is more than a dirt bike. This Husqvarna FE501S review shows that it sits at the very top of the dual-sport world. It's a versatile machine, blending street-legal features with the heart of a high-performance race bike.
It's street-legal in all 50 states. This machine is closely related to high-performance racing bikes. Many might not know, this versatility often comes with a hefty price tag of $13,499, making it one of Husqvarna's most expensive off-road offerings, only behind the Norden adventure bike.
The FE501S isn't just about raw power. It is built with street-legal specs that keep in mind noise and emissions. It has features like a charcoal canister and EPA-approved mapping.
The bike comes with Continental TKC80 tires. These were likely selected to reduce noise, meeting those requirements. The 2024 model underwent significant changes, such as the new WP XACT 48mm closed cartridge fork, as reported in Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine.
This makes the bike very versatile.
The Husqvarna FE501S has a 511cc engine. This engine design provides around 40 horsepower at its peak. This is far less than the potential 60 horsepower a typical race bike has.
This power allows a smooth ride, so users experience the smooth experience of the engine's powerband without the issues. The engine runs efficiently without backfiring, even with the standard mapping to meet the requirements.
The Keihin EMS and a 42mm throttle body help manage the fuel metering. This system helps with consistent performance.
The FE501S features a WP Xact coil spring fork. This provides substantial suspension travel, as was shared on the transcribed content. This suspension design offers a more grounded feel of the bike's 2024 design changes.
The WP XACT shock and linkage rear suspension system further improve the ride. These parts help handle everything from small bumps to bigger hits. The rear suspension allows for a comfortable ride whether on pavement or off-road.
The design works great, even for more riders who might want to go fast and ride aggressively. The older model's performance paled in comparison.
The chassis of the FE501S had updates that align with more modern riding and race setups. Updates includes the angle of the motor and updates to how balanced and easy to control it handles, as reported by Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine.
The improved vertical stiffness helps keep it more stable overall. The frame, combined with the WP Xplor fork, ensures the bike handles well in technical sections and tight trails.
That means riders notice it.
The FE501S will naturally draw riders to upgrade their machine. But keep in mind, things like noise and exhaust must meet requirements.
Common updates involve new tires and installing rim locks. Changing engine output could mean modifying parts like the exhaust and altering mapping. Many riders change the rear tire for better off-road traction, replacing the stock Continental TKC with options like the Michelin Enduro.
For those planning extended rides, larger fuel tanks are also a common concern for those who have an off-road background. The tank capacity is a key part for any rider using the bike. The use cases might impact those choices as riders have to account for government requirements.
The Husqvarna FE501S sets itself apart from other bikes with its suspension and height. When you compare this to KTM and GasGas MX bikes, this gives brand identity that caters to various types of riders, per DirtBikeMagazine.
This helps define the identity of each brand. The different suspension systems influence the experience too. The FE501S, like other Husky off-road models, uses a linkage system for the rear shock.
KTM's setup uses a direct mount to the swingarm.
The Heritage Edition includes cosmetic enhancements. The model elevates the standard model, so expect to see a jump of a few hundred dollars.
Those changes will make your bike look a lot better. Ultimately though, there are no changes impacting functionality or capability. It is a great upgrade if you have the money.
But if performance remains the priority, sticking with the stock trim of the standard FE501S may suffice.
The FE501S offers exceptional rideability. Its fuel injection contributes to the reliability, so it operates much smoother. The trade-off lies in its restricted power.
Here’s a quick summary of its advantages and limitations:
| Pros/Cons | |
| Smooth power delivery across the rev range | Power output restricted by emission controls |
| Well-balanced, especially at moderate speeds | Needs tire changes and wheel locks to work great on the trails. |
| Upgraded parts to top-tier technology for best use | Expensive base price plus additional investments likely to use off-road capabilities |
| Easy air filter access | Seat height might be high for shorter riders |
The FE501S works well out of the box, with a few limitations. For a pure dirt biking setup, the tires may need improvements to get better performance.
You also have limitations on what you can do to get the most out of your performance with it being street legal. You might want to switch out the tires. The FE501S being a big-bore four-stroke, riders need more.
Also consider any new equipment will add more investment to an already expensive base price. If you plan ahead, you can budget more accordingly.
The Husqvarna FE501S might interest serious off-road enthusiasts. If you do not mind some limitations to get an off-road setup, you might enjoy this.
Keep in mind also it may work well for advanced riders too. It is versatile. The cost alone may mean many beginner riders may not use it.
The bike is great for everything from casual single track riding to more intense runs.
Many new buyers think about modifying the engine performance. Changes require technical expertise, but more seasoned riders are likely aware of this going in to their purchase. Understanding how the map switch can adjust engine settings will assist with this process.
It helps to set aside any upgrades you plan ahead of time. It makes the purchase experience more enjoyable if there are no suprises. Many resources online offer insights for this like on Dirt Bike Magazine's blog, where real riders try the bike and discuss them.
Riders often ask about traction control, a key element on the FE501s.
I rode the FE501S across several places in Nevada and SoCal. One memorable experience involved riding through a mix of desert, where the bike did really great.
Despite the bike running a little warm and the radiator fan needing to cool it more often than expected, it showed power through. The braking system, featuring a 260 mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear, helps a lot with control.
But it feels closer to a 350 than a typical 501, shared by experts at Dirt Bike Test.
The FE501S's updates help reduce some things users worry about like anti-squat characteristics and more. Husky's approach makes this model durable, minimizing failures with those new parts.
Maintenance involves regular checks on wear-and-tear of off-road bikes. The Magura clutch master cylinder and brake systems use high-quality components. Addressing the license plate hanger issue, a common vulnerability noted during reviews, shows some things owners may consider upgrading.
This review covered numerous points, to get you aware and well-prepared before any purchase or first ride. The dimensions wheelbase and mm ground clearance help determine the best terrain. The offroad control unit is responsible for various electronic functions.
This Husqvarna FE501S review shows why this bike has such high appeal. From its premium positioning as one of the pricier dual-sport options, the design caters more towards the experienced. If you have deeper pockets and have higher expectations on your performance without doing a ton of modifications, this will be the bike you go for.
It handles and provides power, but expect a heavier and expensive model with the limitations from legal regulations. The running gear, including the handlebar and brakes, meets all safety requirements. The bike’s engine type and cc bore remain unchanged in recent models, continuing to meet the expectations for a dual-sport bike.
The updates in recent years show its responsiveness to feedback from customers.