2009 Husaberg FE 450 Bike Test Photo Gallery

2009 Husaberg FE 450

Husaberg has chosen to jump straight to the head of the class and with the impression it has left on me, I have every reason to expect it to be a full success.

The 2009 FE is a long way from the early fuel-injected machines.

Husaberg has done a phenomenal job of putting usability and innovation into a tightly wrapped package. This is the kind of development that the 450 enduro market has been waiting for.

Maintenance should be simple on the new 'Berg.

Overall the FE does seem to get good mileage, keeping in mind that with the EFI system there is no fuel loss via the traditional carb overflow hose.

The majority of the core components debuted on the ‘08 model KTM, so there is every reason to expect the reliability will be good.

Power is delivered in a very enduro-ish manner, but the adjustable fuel map gives riders the ability to play with the output to some degree. Traction is always at a premium.

It puts the power to the ground in a very smooth, purposeful manner. No fussing around with wheel spin or wheelies, just forward progress.

With new resources coming from the alliance with KTM, Husaberg has been able to create a unique motorcycle with a built-in support network.

Honestly I probably spent more time trying to figure out the odometer than I did thinking about the EFI. It just works.

Open, fast terrain makes the bike move around similar to a 2-stroke. Suspension modification can help with weight balance and settle things down.

The ‘Berg has a tip-over switch that will shut the bike off after two seconds on its side to keep it from starving for oil.

With relatively soft spring rates the FE is pure enduro, with comfort being high on the priority list.

The 48mm WP fork is the open-chamber design with external preload adjustment. Technically this is the older design, but the internals and valving have been modified again this year.

The WP PDS shock now mounts to a cross member between the frame rails. Unlike the KTM shock that bolts directly to the backbone, this configuration provides some engineered flex to soften the ride.

A multitude of sensors and three fuel maps make for a system that truly works in all conditions.

The ‘Berg is a mix of both strikingly new and vaguely familiar elements. The motor dominates the visual effect with its radical 70-degree tilted cylinder sitting atop the transmission.

The battery/electrical box is molded safely into the subframe.

The narrow engine gives lots of ground clearance requiring very little for protection. The standard plastic skid plate would hardly be considered suitable for most bikes, yet on the FE it provides all the coverage needed.

Overall the bike feels very normal, nothing strange at all. It is so smooth it almost feels Japanese.

The plastic subframe is one area that gives us a little concern. We never had any problems, but the design allows for a lot of flex at the muffler mounting brackets.

Perhaps the engineers have come around to what many have always believed; keep it simple and keep it clean.

The normally vulnerable U section of the exhaust header is routed securely behind the frame rails, but the long mid-pipe, while tucked in closely, will quickly burn up any over-the-boot pants.