VOL. 56 ISSUE 20 MAY 21, 2019 P85
custom mapping. To go along with that, the stock air boot,
which includes a sound reducing reed-valve, was replaced
with a stock KTM 450 SX-F unit and a Uni air filter. An
FMF Q4 S/A muffler was installed to finish off the engine
mods. These mods did wonders to improve overall engine
performance throughout the powerband. We could feel
improved throttle response and distinctively more outright
power across the board, as well. Despite that gain of
power, the Husky didn't lose an ounce of rideability; in
fact, it might've made it even easier to ride.
More power puts more strain on the clutch, so we
installed higher-quality Hinson clutch plates while sticking
with the standard clutch basket, hub and pressure plate.
A Hinson billet clutch cover was also installed to improve
heat dissipation and "bash-ability" from rocks and debris.
To go along with the engine mods, the stock 14/45T
sprockets were replaced with Superprox 14/48T stealth
models. The additional three teeth on the rear significantly
improve the trail performance with only a small trade-off
in highway performance. This setup will allow you to crawl
in first gear, use second more on the trails and still will
enable the bike to ride along at 60
mph on the highway comfortably.
Improved Suspension
Performance
The stock suspension performs
great for fire roads and even pretty
technical trail riding, but if you weigh
more than 170 pounds or just want to
really push the pace in the technical
terrain, you will want to make some
improvements. Clark had suspension
specialists Enzo Racing install heavier
customization to give the bike a unique
look (which we think we achieved.)
Improved Engine Performance
for the Husqvarna FE 501
To begin with, Twisted Development,
which is owned and operated by Jamie
Ellis, a former factory MX/SX engine
development manager, made the engine
breath more efficiently and did so by
installing a Vortex X-10 ECU with his
(Left) The FE 501 is
already a fantastic
off-road performer
but, for some, that
isn't good enough.
(Right) Gearing was
dropped three teeth
on the rear sprocket.
The much stronger
TM Designworks
chain guide can be a
major stress reliever
when riding in rocks.
