2020 Husqvarna FE 501/S

[Hugh Janus]

2020 Husqvarna FE 501 right side (Husqvarna/)

The Husqvarna FE 501 platform serves as the Austrian marque’s flagship enduro and dual sport models. Powered by a 511cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, the 501 leads the displacement charge from the 350cc models, while packing modern electronics like traction  control and adjustable engine maps for tackling washes or rock-strewn trails. The S model differs from the base in that it is a street-legal dual sport version (license plate bracket, turn signals, etc.). The S’ rubber is also wrapped around Giant rims (instead of the D.I.Ds used on the base) and it weighs a claimed 247 pounds (239 pounds, base).

2020 Husqvarna FE 501 (Husqvarna/)

2020 Husqvarna FE 501/S Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition

When it won Cycle World’s Ten Best Dual Sport, the FE 501 S took the throne in 2015 since it “combine[d] the powerhouse engine with incredible handling and trail compliance, and you have the best dual-sport machine we’ve ridden.”

As with any model that crosses Cycle World’s garage threshold, we ran the FE 501 S on the dyno to measure the horsepower and torque figures: 40.3 hp at 8,100 rpm and 28.2 pound-feet of torque at 5,700 rpm.

When it comes to competition, the FE 501 S model faces the dual sport KTM 500 EXC-F and Beta 500 RR-S.

2020 Husqvarna FE 501 (Husqvarna/)

Husqvarna FE 501/S Updates For 2020

The FE 501 does have a few internal changes including a new, more compact cylinder head, new camshaft, and new Konig piston that helps reduce oscillating masses. The FE 501 S also features a shorter and lighter cylinder head, a new camshaft, an increased compression ratio, and a new exhaust system.

2020 Husqvarna FE 501/S Claimed Specifications

Price:	$11,099 (base)/$11,499 (S)
Engine:	Liquid-cooled SOHC single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement:	511cc
Bore x Stroke:	95.0 x 72.0mm
Horsepower:	N/A
Torque:	N/A
Transmission:	6-speed
Final Drive:	Chain
Seat Height:	37.4 in.
Rake:	26.5°
Trail:	N/A
Front Suspension:	48mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 11.8-in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Fully adjustable; 11.8-in. travel
Front Tire:	80/100-21 (base)/90/90-21 (S)
Rear Tire:	110/100-18 (base)/120/90-18 (S)
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.2 gal.
Wet Weight:	239 lb. (base)/247 lb. (S)

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Rear-Wheel Horsepower:	40.3 hp @ 8,100 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque:	28.2 lb.-ft. @ 5,700 rpm

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