HUSABERG FE450 (2003 - on) Review

Item: HUSABERG FE450
Rating: 3
Author: MCN Staff

MCN rating 3 out of 5 (3/5)

Owners' ratingnot rated yet

Husaberg FE450 motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Power:	45 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (36.6 in / 930 mm)
Weight:	Low (240 lbs / 109 kg)

Prices

New £5,300

Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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: Value

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Reliability 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: Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

The 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

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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
Engine size	449cc
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
Average fuel consumption	28 mpg
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