Husqvarna FE 501 [2017-2019]: The Swedish Enduro Powerhouse Reimagined

Introduction

The Husqvarna FE 501 isn’t just a dirt bike—it’s a declaration. Built for riders who demand power, precision, and reliability in the most unforgiving terrains, this 2017-2019 model generation represents a leap forward in enduro engineering. With its roots in Husqvarna’s legacy of off-road dominance, the FE 501 blends raw 510cc power with cutting-edge technology, all wrapped in a package that feels as agile as it is aggressive. After spending days wrestling it through rocky trails, muddy forests, and open desert stretches, one thing became clear: this bike isn’t just about surviving the wild—it’s about conquering it with Swedish finesse.

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Engine Performance: Controlled Fury

At the heart of the FE 501 lies a 510.4 cc single-cylinder engine that’s as refined as it is relentless. With 45 hp (32.8 kW) on tap, this isn’t just power—it’s usable power. The SOHC design and Keihin fuel injection work in harmony to deliver a torque curve that’s more like a tidal wave, surging predictably from idle to redline.

What sets this engine apart isn’t just its output, but how it manages it. The counter balancer shaft tames vibrations to near-nil, letting you grip the bars comfortably even during marathon rides. The inclusion of traction control (a rarity in the enduro segment at the time) feels like having a guardian angel—subtly cutting power when rear wheel spin threatens to highside you into a cactus, yet never robbing that visceral connection to the throttle.

Key highlights:
- Smooth power delivery: The 42mm Keihin throttle body and revised injector positioning eliminate hiccups in low-RPM technical sections.
- Gear-specific mapping: Thanks to the gear sensor, the bike automatically softens throttle response in first and second gears for slippery climbs, then unleashes full fury in higher gears.
- 135-hour service intervals: A testament to its overbuilt internals, including the plain big-end bearing and forged Konig piston.

Imperial/metric note: The 510.4 cc displacement translates to 31.1 cubic inches—a number that still turns heads among American desert racers.

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Chassis & Handling: Precision Meets Brutality

Husqvarna’s engineers didn’t just tweak the frame—they reinvented it. The chromoly steel central-tube frame strikes a Goldilocks balance: 20% higher torsional rigidity for cornering stability, yet 30% reduced longitudinal stiffness to let the WP suspension work undisturbed. Paired with the WP Xplor 48 forks (300mm/11.8in travel) and a linkage-driven rear shock (330mm/13in travel in 2017-18, revised to 300mm/11.8in in 2019), the FE 501 floats over braking bumps but remains planted when railing berms.

The devil’s in the details:
- Self-cleaning footpeg mounts: After plowing through mud bogs, a quick dab of the boots clears debris—no stopping required.
- Magura hydraulics: The clutch pull is feather-light (a blessing during 3-hour hare scrambles), while the Brembo brakes offer stoppie-on-demand power.
- Ground clearance: At 370mm (14.6in), it glides over logs that leave competitors scraping their skid plates.

Rider ergonomics hit a sweet spot with a 970mm (38.2in) seat height that’s accessible yet still lets you shift weight aggressively. The ODI lock-on grips and slim fuel tank (8.5-9.5L / 2.25-2.8 gal) make it feel like an extension of your body rather than a machine you’re fighting.

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Electronics & Rider Aids: Smarter Than the Average Bear

While the FE 501 lacks the flashy TFT displays of modern enduros, its electronics package is all business. The map switch on the handlebar lets you toggle between two engine modes:
1. Standard: Linear power for technical singletrack.
2. Aggressive: Sharp throttle response for open fire roads.

Combined with traction control, it’s like having two bikes in one. During a steep, rain-slicked climb, switching to Standard mode and enabling TC transformed the bike from a wheel-spinning beast to a tractor—all without touching a clutch lever.

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Competition: How the FE 501 Stacks Up

KTM 500 EXC-F

The FE 501’s Austrian cousin shares its engine DNA but diverges in philosophy. KTM prioritizes razor-sharp aggression, while Husqvarna smooths out the edges. The WP Xplor forks on the FE 501 outperform the KTM’s WP XPLOR forks in mid-stroke comfort, crucial for endurance events. However, KTM’s aftermarket support is slightly broader—a gap MOTOPARTS.store aims to close.

Beta 500 RR-S

Beta’s offering charms with Italian flair and a lower seat height (940mm/37in). Yet the FE 501’s traction control and hydraulic clutch give it the edge in technical terrain. Beta riders often upgrade to aftermarket oil filters; the Husqvarna’s dual Eaton pumps and cartridge-style filter are more durable stock.

Yamaha WR450F

Yamaha’s flagship enduro is bulletproof but heavy—123kg (271lbs) dry vs. the FE 501’s 111-113.5kg (244.7-250.2lbs). The WR’s 5-speed gearbox can’t match the Husqvarna’s wide-ratio 6-speed for versatility. However, Yamaha’s sub-8,000 RPM powerband is friendlier to beginners.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

The FE 501 rewards those who treat it right. Key considerations:
- Oil changes: Every 15 hours for harsh conditions. Use MOTOPARTS.store’s 10W-60 synthetic kit (includes strainer gaskets).
- Air filter: The fail-proof cage design simplifies swaps—pair with our pre-oiled twin-air filters for dusty environments.
- Suspension: Rebuild WP Xplor forks every 80 hours. Our SKF seal kit prevents stiction buildup.
- Chain & sprockets: The 520 X-ring chain lasts 1,500km (930mi) with proper adjustment. Upgrade to a Supersprox stealth rear sprocket for mixed-terrain longevity.

Pro tip: The Magura clutch slave cylinder benefits from MOTOPARTS.store’s bleeder valve upgrade to prevent overheating fade during long downhill descents.

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Conclusion: The Wolf of the Wilderness

The 2017-2019 Husqvarna FE 501 isn’t just a dirt bike—it’s a statement. It takes the unhinged spirit of a 510cc thumper and channels it into a package that’s as manageable on a technical enduro course as it is explosive on a Baja-style run. While rivals focus on specialization, this Husqvarna masters the art of duality: brutal yet refined, high-tech yet simple, Swedish elegance wrapped in Austrian muscle.

Whether you’re chasing checkered flags or just chasing horizons, the FE 501 doesn’t just meet the challenge—it redefines it. And when the time comes to replace those grips, sprockets, or brake pads, remember: MOTOPARTS.store has the premium upgrades to keep your Swedish stallion at the front of the pack.

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Specifications sheet

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