The Husqvarna FE 501 sets new standards in its segment with its superior ride and handling abilities and impressive built quality.

The motorcycle is built around a 510.4 cc, 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, water-cooled engine which has been developed to offer extreme, but accessible performance in typical Enduro riding conditions. The engine is brought to life by an electric starter and is mated on a 6-speed, claw shifted transmission.

The Husqvarna FE 501 rides on a front WP 4CS closed cartridge 48 mm front fork which features a 4 chamber system. At the rear there is a WP designed DCC (Dual Compression Control) rear shock which is completely adjustable for rebound and high/low speed compression damping.

Other features offered by the Husqvarna FE 501 include DID rims and CNC machined hubs, CNC machined triple clamps and new handguards.

Hit the jump for more information on the Husqvarna FE 501.

2015 Husqvarna FE 501

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Husqvarna FE 501
  • Engine/Motor: 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, water-cooled
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

Speed Through Superior Power

Everything about the FE 501 is about amazing power and torque delivered in a smooth and accessible manner from low-down all the way to the top of the rev range. Maximum performance is the main objective, and superior power is the way to get there.

2015 Husqvarna FE 501 Features and Benefits:

The Heart:

Engine

The FE 501 shares most of its engine components with the FE 450, the main difference being the 72mm stroke of the 510cc engine. The SOHC engine has been developed to offer extreme but accessible performance in typical Enduro riding conditions. The amazing torque enables riders to tackle the most extreme terrain and always rely on superb reliability. The cylinder head is characterised by a single overhead cam that actuates two lightweight titanium intake valves and two steel exhaust valves. The König bridge-box-type piston is closely related to the FC 450’s piston in order to lower oil consumption and optimise performance. Vibrations are kept to a minimum thanks to the multifunctional counter balance shaft which is situated on the right side of the engine, for a compact and efficient design, cancelling inertia forces and simultaneously driving the water pump and timing chain.

Crank Shaft

The performance demands of highly tuned engines require the most advanced crankshaft technology to maintain high performance characteristics throughout the life of the engines. The crankshaft and con rod on the 4-stroke Enduro engines are produced by industry leader Pankl to ensure durability and long service intervals (135 hours before changing con rod, con rod bearing and crank pin). The plain big end bearing and the force-fitted bearing shells ensure that high performance and durability can be combined in a single engine.

Engine Management System (EMS)

The 4-stroke engines feature a Keihin electronic fuel injection and 42mm throttle body for accurate throttle response and smooth engine performance that is ideal for Enduro-style riding. Optional Husky Power accessories allow riders to select maps via an optional switch and download engine data with a laptop via a Setting Tool.

Starter

The entire 4-stroke Enduro range features a reliable electric starter and offer the possibility to retro-fit a kick-starter. Easy starting in any situation.

The Soul:

Frame

Enduro riding requires maximum feedback from the bike in rough terrain, on rocks and in slippery conditions. Precisely engineered flex in the frame can greatly improve rider confidence, allowing for increased speed and improved times. To achieve these goals, the engineers designed the lightweight chromium molybdenum frame with precise longitudinal flex that helps absorb impacts from the rear wheel, working together with the suspension and giving the rider greater feedback. The torsional rigidity has been calibrated to maximise sharp handling, with lightning fast turn-in and exceptional stability even on the roughest special tests.

Subframe

The lightweight, three-piece polyamide rear subframe has been reinforced with an additional screw on the airbox side that improves the fitment between the left subframe arm and the airbox. The improved seal guarantees better performance and durability. The polyamide subframe is more flexible than a traditional aluminium rear subframe. Combined with the longitudinal flex of the frame and the rear linkage system, this gives riders a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring feeling on the bike, allowing them to push the limits in every condition and on any terrain. The inherent characteristics of the composite subframe allow the engineers to have unlimited opportunities of integrating features such as the airbox, electronics and rear grab handle.

Swingarm

The one-piece construction of the swingarm guarantees consistent performance by eliminating welding points. The engineers designed specific flex characteristics that optimise traction while feeding precise information to the rider, instilling confidence and improving overall performance. Strong but light, the beautifully styled aluminium cast swingarm provides perfect stability and safety.

Wheels and Brakes

Black DID rims and CNC machined hubs mated to silver anodised nipples add an aggressive and modern look to the newly designed Husqvarna Enduro range. World Championship level performance is guaranteed by Michelin Enduro Competition tyres. The wheels are kept firmly under control thanks to maximum feeling in extreme situations combined with amazing stopping power of the latest generation of Brembo brakes. Ergonomically perfect controls allow the rider to accurately gauge braking power to the 260mm and 220mm wave discs at the front and rear respectively.

Exceptional Handling:

Front Suspension

The WP 4CS closed cartridge 48mm front fork represents the pinnacle of suspension technology. The 4 chamber system unites the performance of a closed cartridge fork with the simplicity of an open cartridge fork and also has the benefit of additional weight reduction of the overall system. It provides a decisive advantage in terms of responsiveness constant damping precision and handling, while maintaining plushness and rider comfort. Matched with CNC machined black triple clamps, the 4CS forks ensure exceptional handling and feel of the front end. Riders of all performance levels can adapt the setup of the fork for different terrain and conditions by changing clicker settings with a simple twist of a dial, obtaining the best performance in terms of rebound and compression damping settings.

Rear Suspension

WP designed the high performance DCC (Dual Compression Control) rear shock with the aim of guaranteeing excellent damping characteristics to ensure maximum feedback as well as rider comfort. The shock is completely adjustable for rebound and high/low speed compression damping, allowing riders to tailor the behaviour according to conditions and preference.

Rear Link

A rear linkage system was specially developed for the Husqvarna Enduro line-up. It has excellent characteristics in fast and flowing sections, and excels on steep downhills thanks to the lower rear end feel. It offers great rider comfort in all situations and has great progressiveness in extremely rocky and bumpy sections. The linkage system also offers vast possibilities to tailor the behaviour of the rear end by changing the length of the linkage arms.

CNC Machined Triple Clamps

The black anodised CNC machined triple clamps have been revised for MY15. The bottom clamp has been redesigned in order to mount the same front fender as the Motocross models, providing improved stability and mounting of the front fender. The stylish triple clamps combine looks with function and deliver maximum feedback to the rider under braking, in rough terrain and on jumps, relaying accurate information on the behaviour of the front end in every situation, increasing rider confidence. The R&D department’s efforts were focused on ensuring uniform clamping of the fork legs in order to distribute the forces evenly, maintaining the leg shape, and thus proper damping along the entire stroke.

Man and Machine:

Equipment

The standard equipment levels on the FE 501 are astonishing. Only top-of-the-line products will do, such as the Neken handlebar, handguards and electric starter. For the die hard enthusiasts, riding pleasure is further enhanced by a complete range of Husky Power accessories.

Bodywork

A new front mask on the MY15 Enduro bikes evolves the Husqvarna look and houses a new front headlamp. The front fender is also new and is the same as the Motocross fender, for easier mounting. The slim and stylish lines of the side panels and radiator shrouds allow for optimal movement while riding, resulting in superior control, and faster and safer riding.

Seat

The harder and more durable seat cover improves grip and also gives the seat a firmer feel, improving comfort and feeling.

Handguards

The handguards now feature a new improved compound of the two-component mould for better impact resistance.

Specifications

Engine

1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, water-cooled

Displacement

510.4 cm³

Bore

95 mm

Stroke

72 mm

Starting aid

Electric starter

Transmission

6-speed, claw shifted

Engine lubrication

Forced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps

Primary ratio

32:76

Secondary gear ratio

14:50 (13:50)

Cooling system

Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump

Clutch

Wet multi-disc clutch DDS / Brembo hydraulics

Ignition system

Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment

Frame

Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing

Forks

WP Suspension Up Side Down 4CS

Shock absorber

WP Monoshock with linkage

Suspension travel Front

300 mm

Suspension travel Rear

330 mm

Brake system Front

Disc brake with two-pot brake caliper

Brake system Rear

Disc brake with one-pot brake caliper, floating brake discs

Brake discs - diameter Front

260 mm

Brake discs - diameter Rear

220 mm

Chain

520 X-Ring

Steering head angle

63.5°

Wheel base

1,482±10 mm

Ground clearance (unloaded)

345 mm

Seat height (unloaded)

970 mm

Total fuel tank capacity approx.

9 l Unleaded premium fuel (95 RON)

Weight without fuel approx.

113.5 kg


Quotes

"For 2015 the 501 has received the same small cosmetic treatments as the other Husky models – the new front mudguard/headlight combo, the new triple clamp that they require to fit said items, the theoretically less breakable handguards, a thicker, tougher seat cover and the obligatory brand new graphics. Otherwise the open classer is entirely identical to last year’s bike." -- enduro21

"Obviously the FE 501 hasn’t been put together with any outrageous technology that the rest of the MY15 range hasn’t received. It’s the fact that the 501cc engine, with all of its inertia and weight, needs to be housed within a well-designed motorcycle in order to work correctly – big-bore engines are great at revealing badly designed bikes. Luckily for Husqvarna, they’ve nailed it!" -- motoonline