
HUSABERG FE450 (2003 - on) Review

At a glance
Power: | 45 bhp |
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Seat height: | Tall (36.6 in / 930 mm) |
Weight: | Low (240 lbs / 109 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Husaberg FE650 is a real beast off-road; and realistically it’s for experienced enduro riders only. It comes with an electric start as well as a kicker, which is a huge bonus. It’s light, quick-steering, rugged and flexible.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Husaberg FE650's forks and shock come courtesy of Dutch suspension specialists WP and offer a great range of adjustment and cope well with off-road punishment. It’s extremely light – 5kg lighter than Honda’s popular CRF450X – and very agile, thanks to a steep, 26-degree steering head angle. Though, unlike some of its KTM counterparts you never feel the need for a steering damper. The Brembo brakes are excellent, positive and packed with feel.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Husaberg FE650's liquid-cooled, short-stroke SOHC motor isn’t just a revvy lightweight, there’s excellent torque there, too. It punches hard when given its head, but its still flexible enough for threading through trees, though it lacks the wallop of KTM’s 450EXC. The six-speed gearbox seems like a gear or two too many for off-road use, but on tarmac it definitely counts in its favour.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueReliability at Husaberg has jumped since 2004, when Austrian off-road giant KTM bought into it. However, you will need to stay on top of basic maintenance – oil and air filters and valve clearances. This isn’t a bike to simply wash and put away.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe FS 400 is cheap. But buying one can be an expensive gamble – a broken motor can cost as much as £1000. There are better supermotos than this. Find a Husaberg FE450 for sale.
Equipment
With the Husaberg FE650 you get Brembo brakes, WP suspension that includes high and low speed compression damping at the rear and Magura bars and clutch master cylinder. The dash is a comprehensive digital item with hours of use, speed and trips information
Specs |
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Engine size | 449cc |
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Engine type | 4v single, 6 gears |
Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
Fuel capacity | 10.5 litres |
Seat height | 930mm |
Bike weight | 109kg |
Front suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
Rear suspension | Preload, high and low speed compression, rebound |
Front brake | Single 310mm discs |
Rear brake | 220mm disc |
Front tyre size | 90/90 x 21 |
Rear tyre size | 140/80 x 18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 28 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £73 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £5,300 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
11 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 45 bhp |
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Max torque | 33 ft-lb |
Top speed | 90 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 70 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1996: Husaberg 400 Enduro introduced.
2003: More reliable Husaberg FE450 released.
Other versions
Husaberg FE450C: Four-speed motocross version with stiffer suspension and no lights.
Owners' reviews for the HUSABERG FE450 (2003 - on)
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