Husaberg FE450. The Ferrari of dirtbikes

[FastDoc]

A patient of mine and I went riding today. I rode the LXT, he rode the Husaberg. OMG can that bike rock! WAY too fast for me, but it was fun. $7,000 would buy 1/2 dozen fun Chinabikes. One for each day of the week!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC06794.jpg

Here's Merle with his Honda minivan and nifty hydraulic bike carrier. He is actually WAY more OCD than I am. I won't go into how the HB was detailed, with Armorall on the tires, applied between the knobs with a Q-Tip... 8O

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC06795.jpg

The HB getting dirty.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC06798.jpg

The humble LXT getting the job done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC06796.jpg

Enjoying a Spring day. The green is going away already. Desert brown here we come.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC06799.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/DSC06802.jpg

FastDoc tearing it up on the HB.

[FastDoc]

I want your opinions, this may be an interesting discussion.

Merle bought the HB without speaking to me, indeed before he knew I rode dirtbikes.

He NEVER rode a bike in his life. Street, dirt, nothing. Never. :!:

His buddy talks him into a KTM/HB and he goes to the local dealership. He says he does not know how to ride a bike but wants the best. Merle has money and has good taste...

The HB guy is then happy to sell him a $7,000 competition level race bike, and $1,300 in gear to go with it.

He's in way over his head. He can hardly shift gears and balance, much less ride a 40 HP fuel injected 240 pound racebike on the dirt. Did I mention he's all of 5'8" and can't touch the ground? :?

I'd have sold him The Dirt Rat for crying out loud! Or one of Andy's Q's!

I'm not saying it should be illegal but I think it was immoral to sell this guy the HB.

What say you all?

[JTCAndrew]

Cool - Once again thanks for taking us all on your rides Doc - Definatley a enjoyment checking your pictures. That Bike is strickly a Trail Bike? I see no plates turn signals etc.....Wow Armour all between the Nubs? WOW....I bet he'll go home and take another qtip to it.....LMAO Jape was always telling me to go get some mud on my tires!.....I Have and haven't washed it yet. Kinda unuasual for me, becuase I do like to keep my bikes clean. Anyways thats cool that you got to ride it and she how it rode....Be safe out there!......and thanks for sharing your experiences.

[FastDoc]

So I had him park the HB and took him out for an hour on Roger's daughter's mid 1980's XR100's. He had a blast. The HB scared him and he did not enjoy riding it. At least on the XR's he had fun, learned, and was safe.

We looked pretty silly on a pink and a lavender XR though. :oops:

[FastDoc]

Only a pleasure, Andrew, I'm glad you like the pictures.

I 'scolded' him about the Armor All thing, that he won't be doing again...

The HB is dirt only, no plate. :cry:

[JTCAndrew]

I want your opinions, this may be an interesting discussion.

Merle bought the HB without speaking to me, indeed before he knew I rode dirtbikes.

He NEVER rode a bike in his life. Street, dirt, nothing. Never. :!:

His buddy talks him into a KTM/HB and he goes to the local dealership. He says he does not know how to ride a bike but wants the best. Merle has money and has good taste...

The HB guy is then happy to sell him a $7,000 competition level race bike, and $1,300 in gear to go with it.

He's in way over his head. He can hardly shift gears and balance, much less ride a 40 HP fuel injected 240 pound racebike on the dirt. Did I mention he's all of 5'8" and can't touch the ground? :?

I'd have sold him The Dirt Rat for crying out loud! Or one of Andy's Q's!

I'm not saying it should be illegal but I think it was immoral to sell this guy the HB.

What say you all?

All I can Say is WOW! Where ever this dealer is - I would never ever ever recommend anyone to them. Purely money hungry. WOW - I can understand about not touching the ground, but then again I NOT e beginner rider by no means. I overcame the "q"'s height with mods, but WOW - That inexperienced and Having all ithis is definately WAY Over his head. Maybe if he's got the money put the Husaberg aside get a CHEAP cb like a "Q" and start practicing everything......Evently he can feel more comfortable with this race bike. Maybe. Sell the CB Down the road and use the money for some MODS on the HB? I don't know about this, but shoot that dealership - They are really gold diggers.....Wow.....

[2LZ]

Unfortunately Doc....business is business. If your friend was sold that monster....which we both know it is....and he bit and decided as a grown adult.....that's his deal. As far as the saleman is concerned, he'll either be riding it or be parking it in his garage and pointing at it with his friends for months to come.

This doesn't bother me as much as the 19 year old guy who buys his first bike....a GSXR 1100. In my 'cruiser trips' all summer long, I see these guys getting scraped up with snow shovels all season long.

The PRK has the most stringent rules and regs on this type of thing but unfortunately, you can't save someone from themselves....nor do I want some government saving myself from me.

[FastDoc]

I'm with you 100% 2LZ. I don't want any laws against it, or govenment intervention. I just think it was uncool.

For what he spent on his riding gear he could have bought The Dirt Rat and had a fun and safe year or two, then moved up to a KLX then maybe a KTM/HB. :?

[Weldangrind]

The dealer's scruples aside, Merle's obviously diggin' his new bike.

I recommend that he park it for awhile and get a smaller bike for awhile to get his bike legs. He can graduate to his HB after that.

Have you chatted with him about lowering the bike? He should be able to get a lowering link and also drop the triples.

You're a good friend to him Doc. 8)

[SpudRider]

I agree; Merle needs to practice riding a smaller bike. ;) I also think the dealer was unethical. :evil: We all recognize the Latin aphorism, cavet emptor, "let the buy beware." Indeed, we need to be careful whenever we purchase anything. However, I still think its immoral, and greedy, for a dealer to sell that Husaberg to a complete beginner. :( Nevertheless, Merle now owns the bike, so the deed is done. Therefore, he should practice on a smaller bike, and gain the required skills so he can properly enjoy his new Husaberg. ;)

Spud :)

[MICRider]

Wow! I've never seen a riding outfit match the bike so perfectly before! I agree with everyone else, he should get himself a much smaller trail bike for starters until he is a proficient rider, then move up to the Husaberg. I don't know much about Husabergs (correction, I know nothing about them!) but if it actually is a race bike he might never be happy with it. Judging by the photo I'm guessing that he's in his early 50's? Not really an age I would be buying a race bike at unless I was a pro rider and intended to race it. He might be best off selling it or trading it on a "normal" bike? The long of the short of it is his dealer saw a blank check and took advantage of it, happens all the time I'm afraid. Gotta say though, sharp looking bike and cool outfit! :)

[katoranger]

Doc, I agree what the dealer did was wrong. I would be uncomfortable on that bike. Sounds like he needs a crf230l or a Q with some upgraded tires.

[Weldangrind]

A TTR230 would also be an excellent choice.

BTW, TurboT purchased a YZ250 as his first bike with no prior riding experience. He learned how to ride it and he has a great time on it. That said, he's a giant.

[FastDoc]

The dealer's scruples aside, Merle's obviously diggin' his new bike.

I recommend that he park it for awhile and get a smaller bike for awhile to get his bike legs. He can graduate to his HB after that.

Have you chatted with him about lowering the bike? He should be able to get a lowering link and also drop the triples.

You're a good friend to him Doc. 8)

That's what I'm thinking. Maybe an XR200 or better yet a Q. He can ride it on the street around town and get used to riding a bike! Also he can ride it to the area trails and not go through the 20 min plus process of installing the hitch and getting the bike on and off it.

[FastDoc]

Have you chatted with him about lowering the bike? He should be able to get a lowering link and also drop the triples.

Can't be done. Linkage-less rear suspension. Go figure. All the tech this bike has...

He has already had the seat cut down... :?

[FastDoc]

Wow! I've never seen a riding outfit match the bike so perfectly before! I agree with everyone else, he should get himself a much smaller trail bike for starters until he is a proficient rider, then move up to the Husaberg. I don't know much about Husabergs (correction, I know nothing about them!) but if it actually is a race bike he might never be happy with it. Judging by the photo I'm guessing that he's in his early 50's? Not really an age I would be buying a race bike at unless I was a pro rider and intended to race it. He might be best off selling it or trading it on a "normal" bike? The long of the short of it is his dealer saw a blank check and took advantage of it, happens all the time I'm afraid. Gotta say though, sharp looking bike and cool outfit! :)

Husaberg is KTM in a different colr bodystyle.

Merle is 60. He is a bicycle racer and in extraordinary condition.

[FastDoc]

A TTR230 would also be an excellent choice.

BTW, TurboT purchased a YZ250 as his first bike with no prior riding experience. He learned how to ride it and he has a great time on it. That said, he's a giant.

Betcha Turbo T is not 60! :P

[Weldangrind]

He can ride it on the street around town and get used to riding a bike! Also he can ride it to the area trails and not go through the 20 min plus process of installing the hitch and getting the bike on and off it.

If that's the case, I presume you've recommended a motorcycle safety course. As we all know, that would be a considerable benefit to him.

[FastDoc]

Correct. This guy needs a Motorcycle Reboot. The HB/KTM dealer needs a boot.

[FastDoc]

Here's the bike:

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2011-husaberg-fx450-review-90147.html

[JTCAndrew]

I bet you were ROCKIN' That Bike Weren't you Doc? LOL I know I could not resist to open her up and put some air Under the tires with a few Jumps either.....LOL I't unfortunate that this sistuation occured, But hopefully it all works itself out.......

[FastDoc]

Andy has a Q for $1,600 in stock. I'm sending Merle over to look at it. I passed on your recommendations and he'll ride the Q and park the HB until he's ready. He can afford the $1,600, and a broken arm would be more expensive. Plus I bet he'll get most of his money back when he goes to sell the Q down the road.

[FastDoc]

AND a riding class, MSF. 8)

[JTCAndrew]

VERY Nice Doc - Your a true friend in guiding Brother Merle in the proper direction. I know in the long run he will learn much riding skill on the Qlink and by taking the Saftey Course! Great Direction! Thats a Graet Price on the Qlink too, I Got mine for $1395 but been seeing them on-line $1900 and upwards of $2899 plus taxes plus dealer prep etc......Good Job!

[FastDoc]

Thanks. :D I try to do the right thing.

I have to see what I can do about the 'Brother' part though. :cry:

[Weldangrind]

I'm sure that Merle will enjoy the Q, and when the time comes, he'll likely sell it for what he paid for it.

[FastDoc]

I'm sure that Merle will enjoy the Q, and when the time comes, he'll likely sell it for what he paid for it.

You bet. :D

Andrew, I did have fun on the HB. 8)

I was scared though because I'd never ridden a dirtbike with nearly that much power before and it was $7,000 and not a scratch on it. :roll:

[SpudRider]

I wouldn't be surprised if Merle kept the QLink, and ended up selling the Husaberg. ;) Good work, Brother Bill! :D

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Perhaps Merle will keep both bikes and enjoy a small DS along with a hardcore MX. With Doc's influence, he might also become a Brother. There's always hope. :)

[FastDoc]

Perhaps Merle will keep both bikes and enjoy a small DS along with a hardcore MX. With Doc's influence, he might also become a Brother. There's always hope. :)

Amen Brother(s) on all counts!

There is a race between Merle and some other guy to buy the Q however. I hope Merle decides fast. This is Andy's last one and said he will never get them again at such a good price.

Spud, I for one would rather ride the Q 9 times out of 10. Especially since a guy could buy about 5 of them for the price of the HB. :roll:

[katoranger]

The HB would scare me.

[dmmcd]

Hussies are crazy bikes, competition level out of the box. My CRF250 is more than enough bike for off-road fun, and my brother has a CRF450R that is even more powerful. They are a lot of fun, though... :lol:

It goes to the American mentality, bigger/faster is better. Dealers will sell you whatever you pay for. They will sell 18 year old kids an R1 or ZX14 that will do 185 mph right off the showroom floor. Unfortunately, the general population is uneducated in the matter, and think that they need a 1000cc rocket to cruise around town on. Even back when I was looking to buy a bike, I had many people, dealers included, that would tell me a 650 is a learners bike and I would be tired of it soon. And here I am excited about my 15hp XF...

This raises the issue of tiered licensing. I personally think it is a great idea, but I don't think it would fly in this country.

[SpudRider]

Perhaps Merle will keep both bikes and enjoy a small DS along with a hardcore MX. With Doc's influence, he might also become a Brother. There's always hope. :)

Amen Brother(s) on all counts!

There is a race between Merle and some other guy to buy the Q however. I hope Merle decides fast. This is Andy's last one and said he will never get them again at such a good price.

Spud, I for one would rather ride the Q 9 times out of 10. Especially since a guy could buy about 5 of them for the price of the HB. :roll:
Amen! I love riding on the street as well as riding in the mountains! I much prefer dual sport motorcycles to dirt bikes. ;) I encourage you to help Merle buy the last QLink quickly, before it gets away from him! 8O

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

Just talked to him... :wink:

[SpudRider]

Hussies are crazy bikes, competition level out of the box. My CRF250 is more than enough bike for off-road fun, and my brother has a CRF450R that is even more powerful. They are a lot of fun, though... :lol:

It goes to the American mentality, bigger/faster is better. Dealers will sell you whatever you pay for. They will sell 18 year old kids an R1 or ZX14 that will do 185 mph right off the showroom floor. Unfortunately, the general population is uneducated in the matter, and think that they need a 1000cc rocket to cruise around town on. Even back when I was looking to buy a bike, I had many people, dealers included, that would tell me a 650 is a learners bike and I would be tired of it soon. And here I am excited about my 15hp XF...

This raises the issue of tiered licensing. I personally think it is a great idea, but I don't think it would fly in this country.
First, welcome to these forums; we are very glad you joined us! :D Second, I agree strongly with everything you said, except perhaps, for the tiered motorcycle licensing. ;) A 650cc motorcycle is definitely not a learner's bike! 8O

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

600's now have much more power/performance than the superbikes I grew up with. GS1100's, Z1's, CB1000F's XS11's and the like. 8O

[dmmcd]

First, welcome to these forums; we are very glad you joined us! :D Second, I agree strongly with everything you said, except perhaps, for the tiered motorcycle licensing. ;) A 650cc motorcycle is definitely not a learner's bike! 8O

Spud :)

My 650 makes about 70 hp, which is significantly less than the 600 supersports these days, which can put out around 120 hp.

I am torn on the tiered licensing. My brother just got his permit, so I am hoping he uses the XF to learn on. He already took my SV without asking one day and I was pissed, but I just don't think he's ready for it yet. Or maybe I'm not ready for him to ride it yet. :wink: That said, when I first started riding, I was probably way over my head and stupid. I still remember cruising down the highway to school with a T-shirt and sandals and a cheap beat up helmet. We learn through experience, and my learning experiences were mostly unrelated to speed or power, thankfully.

[katoranger]

I tiered myself up to a 750cc and now I have gone back down to a 150. No need for the bigger bikes.

[FastDoc]

I tiered myself up to a 750cc and now I have gone back down to a 150. No need for the bigger bikes.

I have an 1850cc Gold Wing and I ride the little bikes most of the time. Unless I have a guest with me or I'm going far (more than 100-1,000 miles) I'm having more fun on the little bikes.

[katoranger]

I found that I have no use for a larger bike. Most of my riding is at less than 55mph and in traffic. Smaller bikes are cheaper/easier to maintain and just fun to ride.

[FastDoc]

It's more fun to ride low performance bike fast than a high performance bike slow. It's also cheaper and safer.

The same apples to cars. Ever race around in a A/C VW? That's fun right there!

Ask a guy flying a Piper Cub. (One of the lowest performance airplanes).

More fun than a jet! :D

[Weldangrind]

dmmcd, I'm with you on the tiered licensing. If that was in place, perhaps dealers wouldn't be able to sell high powered bikes to new riders.

[SpudRider]

I found that I have no use for a larger bike. Most of my riding is at less than 55mph and in traffic. Smaller bikes are cheaper/easier to maintain and just fun to ride.
The smaller bikes are also much lighter, and easier to work on. ;)

Spud :)