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World Class
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Husaberg FE550e
Don Williams
09/01/2006
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Photography by Kevin Wing
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Husqvarna’s departure to Italy in 1986 was a blow to devotees
of Swedish motorcycles. The last major marque had departed the Scandinavian
country, leaving a painful void. Seizing an opportunity, many of the native
Husqvarna engineers who were left behind, aspired to preserve Sweden’s position
as an active player in the off-road motorcycle manufacturing game. Husaberg was
founded in 1987 and, a year later, the first of many competition-worthy
four-strokes was introduced to an eager off-road community.
The Husaberg
FE550e is the latest in the Swedish lineage. Powered by a four-valve SOHC motor
sending the power through a six-speed transmission, this 496cc version of the
FE550e is destined to compete in the FIM World Enduro Championships. Virtually a
works bike as it stands on the showroom floor, the WEC FE550e has carefully
selected performance-enhancing features, including an Akrapovic Racing exhaust
system, a handmade aluminum tank from BL Italia, and billet aluminum triple
clamps. Standard parts on the FE550e are all first-rate, particularly the Keihin
41mm FCR carburetor with Throttle Position Sensor technology (which links the
carb to the digital Kokusan ignition), hydraulic Magura controls, fully
adjustable WP suspension, Brembo brake systems and Excel aluminum rims.
TANK. Hand-fabricated by BL Italia in northern |Italy, the aluminum tank on the
Husaberg FE550e primary function is to improve the bike’s ergonomics by slimming
down the midsection. Its striking appearance is merely a welcome side effect. EXHAUST. Akrapovic Racing’s titanium exhaust system was tapped to improve the
breathing of the custom 496cc motor. Bozarth’s Offroad Service Specialites in
Portland, Oregon race-prepped the factory-modified machine for FIM World Enduro
Championship competition.
 HELMET. The Arai VX-Pro (DC) is a compact, lightweight, and extremely comfortable
off-road helmet. The liner is derived from the RX-7 Corsair. APPAREL. Thor MX’s top-of-the-line Core ants/jersey/gloves array is perfectly
suited for dirt riding. It is alternately pliable and protective, as
appropriate. BOOTS. Sidi may be known as a maker of premium road racing footwear, but the
Italian company also produces state-of-the-art off-road boots. These
limited-edition Crossfire Blue TA boots are excellence defined. (Click image to enlarge)
Resources
www.husaberg.com |
877.650.BERG
www.blitalia.com | +39
349.401.0080
www.akrapovic-exhaust.com |
949.498.9090
Bozarth’s Offroad Service Specialties | 503.255.8971
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