2021 Husqvarna FE 501 Review

[Hugh Janus]

From model years 2017 to 2019, Husqvarna’s four-stroke enduro bikes were absent from its lineup. Consumers who wanted an off-road-only model designed for high-level trail riding could purchase a dual sport model, but they would either have to compromise by riding a slightly heavier and less powerful bike or stripping it of components added to make it street legal, remap the ECU, and add a less restrictive exhaust system to make it as light and powerful as the enduro models.

Riding the 2021 Husqvarna FE 501. (Mark Kariya/)

While that’s not an incredible amount of work, it’s more labor-intensive than just buying an enduro model. Luckily, that dilemma ended when Husqvarna brought its four-stroke enduro motorcycles back to its lineup for 2020. We swung a leg over the Austrian manufacturer’s 350cc four-stroke enduro and dual sport models last year, and got the opportunity to test this year’s big-bore FE 501, Husqvarna’s flagship four-stroke enduro motorcycle.

As Husqvarna’s flagship enduro model, the FE 501 shares lots of components with the FE 501s dual sport motorcycle but is aimed at high-level enduro riding. (Mark Kariya/)

2021 Husqvarna FE 501 Engine

Despite the FE 501′s model name, it’s actually 511cc in displacement. The foundation of the engine is the same as the FC 450 motocross model with the same bore but a longer stroke to give it the additional 61cc. The FE 501 is equipped with an exhaust system fitted with an O2 sensor connected to the header pipe for its closed-loop EFI system. The muffler has a United States Forest Service (USFS)-approved spark arrestor, but it’s not the same fully restricted silencer that comes on the FE 501s dual sport. The bike also has a reed valve in the airboot to help keep the noise within EPA regulations.

Being that it’s a 50-state-legal off-road motorcycle, the FE 501 sacrifices some engine power and weighs more than its FC and FX model counterparts. It churned out 44.5 hp and 31.6 pound-feet of torque on the Dirt Rider dyno, and hit our automotive scales at 253 pounds wet. (Mark Kariya/)

Even though the FE 501 meets the requirements to make it California green-sticker-eligible and 50-state legal, two things which can severely limit a bike’s overall power, it seems to have as much torque as a small tractor. With its 12.5:1 compression ratio and six-speed gearbox, the big-bore Husqvarna has ready power and the right gear for almost every situation. In comparison to the 450 motocrosser, the powerband signs off much lower in the rpm range, likely due to its longer stroke and engine modifications made for it to meet EPA requirements.

There is a reed valve in the airboot to help keep the engine noise level below EPA requirements. (Mark Kariya/)

The inertia of the bigger engine is noticeable, but the bike does not feel that heavy overall, especially in comparison to some other big-bore enduro models. Despite the somewhat restricted exhaust and the reed valve in the intake, the engine still produces an impressive 44.5 hp and 31.6 pound-feet of torque. It chugs along quietly, but is always ready to pull you up and over whatever hill or obstacle you may encounter. Overall, with its combination of a flexible powerband and six-speed gearbox, this engine package delivers exactly what a fun enduro riding experience needs.

RELATED: 2021 Husqvarna FE 501 Dyno Test

Because of the engine’s longer stroke than the FC 450 and the restrictions to make it a 50-state-legal bike, the FE 501 signs off a little early in the powerband compared to the motocross model. (Mark Kariya/)

2021 Husqvarna FE 501 Suspension

The FE 501 comes with a WP Xplor 48 fork which is adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload. It uses an open cartridge design with a coil spring in each leg. Compression damping is controlled in the left leg and rebound damping in the right, with a range of about 30 clicks each. The WP Xact shock uses a linkage design and has adjustable low- and high-speed compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload. Both the front and rear suspension have 11.8 inches (300mm) of travel.

The stock settings are definitely designed for comfort, offering a plush ride that will suit a wide range of riders. The external adjustability of this suspension is helpful in this regard, though if you are more than 185 pounds and an intermediate or better rider, you might benefit from going with stiffer springs as the bike rides a little low in the stroke, even for a 170-pound rider.

The FE 501 feels like it has more torque than a John Deere tractor. It offers big-bore power without the big-bore feel. (Mark Kariya/)

2021 Husqvarna FE 501 Chassis/Handling

The FE 501 chassis is the exact same as the motocross model’s, with a chromoly steel frame and a composite carbon fiber subframe, but is spec’d with a larger 2.2-gallon fuel tank. The greatest feature of the chassis is that while the fuel tank is bigger, it’s not noticeable while sitting or standing on the motorcycle. The Husky also has a seat 0.4 inch (10mm) lower than its KTM competitor, complete with a standard non-gripper cover.

With its remarkable amount of suspension comfort, Husqvarna’s largest-displacement enduro bike allows for long days of riding with less fatigue. (Mark Kariya/)

The stock skid plate and hand guards are well-designed and quite durable. Dunlop Geomax AT81s, a premium off-road tire, comes standard. Brakes are Magura with a 260mm front and 220mm rear rotor. The ProTaper handlebar can be placed in four mounting positions atop the 22mm-offset triple clamps. There is a very usable multifunction odometer with several trip, speed, and fuel consumption displays.

With its mellow-mannered engine and plush suspension, the FE 501 delivers a planted feeling along with much more traction than expected. Riding the bike with both feet on the pegs, standing as much as possible, you can use its torque to get through obstacles that would normally require much more effort. The same can be said for climbing hills; used correctly, the torque of this engine will carry you up most slopes like they’re not even there. Naturally, during braking, especially downhill, there is a little more mass to account for, requiring you to think about your braking zone a little earlier than on a smaller-bore machine.

The ability to adjust spring preload on the fork certainly aids in making this bike fit a wide range of riders and riding styles. Minimal adjustments are needed off the showroom floor to start enjoying it. (Mark Kariya/)

2021 Husqvarna FE 501 Overall Impression

This bike, in short, is a big-bore enduro motorcycle with tractor-like torque and Cadillac-like ride comfort. It easily fulfilled my expectations. Note that this is not an FE 501s dual sport model but more of a competition enduro bike; while the EPA requirements for off-road are similar to a street-legal bike, this model does not have the added catalytic converter, turn signals, and other components needed to adhere to DOT regulations.

The FE 501 is best suited for more open trail riding, casual riding, and long-distance rides in its stock trim, and riders from novice up to expert should equally enjoy riding this bike in standard form. If you’re looking for more out of the big-bore Husqvarna, it would be a great starting point for hare & hound, desert racing, and long-distance events.

With its big-bore engine, six-speed gearbox, and linkage-type suspension, the foundation of the FE 501 opens it up to a world of possibilities for a serious off-road racer. If you were to install a performance exhaust and ECU, you would immediately turn this machine into a closed-course-competition fire-breather. The personalization options for it are almost limitless. (Mark Kariya/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Fox Racing V3

Goggle: Fox Racing Vue

Jacket: Fox Racing Legion

Jersey: Fox Racing Legion

Gloves: Fox Racing Legion Thermo

Pants: Fox Racing Legion

Boots: Fox Racing Instinct

2021 Husqvarna FE 501 Specifications

MSRP:	$11,299
Engine:	SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
Displacement:	511cc
Bore x Stroke:	95.0 x 72.0mm
Compression Ratio:	12.75:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	44.5 hp @ 8,400 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	31.6 lb.-ft. @ 6,900 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 42mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate Damped Diaphragm Steel (DDS); hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Central double-cradle chromoly steel
Front Suspension:	WP Xplor 48mm fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Xact shock, spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	Magura 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Magura 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	21 x 1.60 in. / 18 x 2.15 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax AT81; 80/100-21 / 110/100-18
Rake/Trail:	26.5°/NA
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Ground Clearance:	14.2 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.4 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.2 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	253 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	husqvarna-motorcycles.com

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