The new FE 501 is refined in the most impressive way and houses the strongest engine in the Husqvarna enduro range. Despite having large internal moving components, a counter Rolling into 2022 all Enduro bikes feature premium Michelin Enduro tyres. To cope with the added traction the suspension settings on the fork and shock have been revised improving rider feedback. New Braktec hydraulics offer superior braking power and perfect modulation of the clutch under all conditions. Underlining the update, our Enduros wear new rugged grey colour and electric yellow accents.
The most powerful engine in the Husqvarna Motorcycles FE line-up, the 510.4 cc power plant is more advanced than ever while only weighing 29.4 kg. Delivering colossal performance in all conditions, the FE 501 can be controlled using a number of advanced electronic rider aids such as traction control while a handlebar-mounted map select switch alters power delivery to suit terrain and skill levels.
A new compact design has resulted in the SOHC cylinder head being 15 mm lower and 500 g lighter. This has also moved the camshaft closer to the centre of gravity, improving handling, while shorter valve timing improves bottom end performance and responsiveness. An improved cam surface and with new rocker arms actuating four lightweight valves are shorter, with 40 mm titanium intake valves and 33 mm steel exhaust valves. Low-friction DLC coating on the rocker arm and shorter low-friction chain guides also provide optimised efficiency and reliability
Improvements to the cylinder and piston setup in the FE 501 has seen the compression ratio increase from 11.7:1 to 12.75:1. This is thanks to a lightweight aluminium cylinder featuring a 95 mm bore and a new lightweight Konig forged bridge-box-type piston. This is perfectly matched to the high compression combustion chamber. Further weight saving sees a 10% lighter piston pin. This combination produces very little oscillating mass significantly reducing vibration and increasing rider comfort.
The exhaust system is expertly designed to deliver class-leading performance at the lowest possible weight. The header pipe is designed and manufactured in two pieces, to be as compact as possible. It also features a new joining position, which allows it to be removed without having to take out the rear shock. Further innovation allows for a shorter, more compact silencer without increasing noise levels. The component is crafted from lightweight aluminium and is stylishly finished off in a new coating that highlights its premium quality.
The new chrome-moly steel frame is expertly crafted using laser-cut, robot-welded, hydro-formed tubes, ensuring the highest level of precision and quality. While retaining the advanced geometry of its predecessor, it features an increase in longitudinal and torsional rigidity, for improved rider feedback, better energy absorption and increased stability. The cylinder head mountings are made of forged aluminium, further improving handling and comfort. The premium blue powder coated frame features standard frame protectors, providing extra durability.
The carbon composite subframe is unique to Husqvarna Motorcycles and showcases pioneering technology and innovation. Using 70% polyamide and 30% carbon fibre, the new 2-piece subframe saves 250 g for a total weight of just over 1 kg. Light, robust and now 50 mm longer, the new subframe delivers improved rigidity, handling and rider comfort.
The WP Xplor 48 front fork is designed specifically for enduro riding. Its open cartridge layout has a spring in each leg with split damping functions. Compression damping in the left leg and rebound damping in the right. Adjustment is via easy-to-access clickers (30 clicks) on the top of each fork leg. For 2020, the standard preload adjusters allow for easier adjustment without the use of tools. The fork’s updated mid-valve piston delivers more consistent damping, while a new setting allows the fork to operate higher in the stroke for improved rider feedback and bottoming resistance.
Featuring a new main piston and updated base setting to match the new frame and front end, the WP XACT shock provides advanced damping characteristics to the new range. The compact and lightweight shock features a pressure balance inside, ensuring consistent damping and superior rider comfort. Using the same linkage progression found in the Husqvarna Motocross range, the rear end now sits lower, for improved control in extreme enduro conditions. The fully adjustable component delivers 300 mm rear wheel travel, as well as unrivalled traction, feeling and energy absorption.
The radiators are expertly crafted using high-strength aluminium with CFD (computational fluid dynamics) to channel air through the radiators more efficiently. The cooling system is intelligently integrated into the frame, eliminating the need for additional hoses. New for 2020 is a 4 mm larger centre tube running through the frame. This reduces pressure at this point, allowing for a more consistent coolant flow. Additionally, the new radiators are mounted 12 mm lower, closer to the centre of gravity for improved handling agility. An optional radiator fan can be fitted and is available in the Husqvarna accessories catalogue.
The FE 510 comes standard with an electric starter. The system uses a compact and lightweight Li-Ion battery which is 1 kg lighter than a conventional battery. With several years of experience of developing and perfecting electric starting, the proven reliability on the 2020 models is second to none, ensuring a quick and seamless start in any condition. Additionally, for 2020, an optimised wiring harness improves the packaging and concentrates all needed electrical components into a common area below the seat for easy accessibility.
Designed for easy operation, the standard map switch selects between 2 EFI maps and activates the traction control feature. The TC (Traction Control) feature has an updated setting for improved control on slick terrain. Traction Control can be switched on or off from the map switch. It functions by analysing throttle input from the rider and the rate at which the engine RPM increases. If the RPM increases too quickly, the EMS registers a loss of grip and reduces the amount of power to the rear wheel, ensuring maximum traction.
The FE 501 features a 42 mm Keihin throttle body optimised for throttle response. The injector is positioned to ensure the most efficient flow into the combustion chamber while the throttle cable is mounted directly without a throttle linkage. This provides an immediate throttle response and improved feel.