Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1119655
2018 HUSQVARNA FE 501 PROJECT P88 billet (in our case red) hubs, and they did indeed give our Husky that factory look. For improved stopping power, a Galfer oversized front rotor and adaptor were installed along with Galfer pads. The rear also got a fresh Galfer rotor and pads. Improved Dual-Sport Performance Items There is room for improvement with the stock lighting system if you plan to do night riding. Baja Designs offer several options that will dramatically improve your visibility in the dark. Clark went with an XL80 LED light, which is a relatively easy plug-and- play installation. The increased visibility is impressive. Speaking of lights, the stock rear tail section on most high-performance dual-sport bikes will not last long if you ride any serious trails. They flap around and eventually break off, usually taking the turn signals with them. One of the best options for the Husqvarna is to use the smaller, lighter rear light from Husqvarna's TE off-road models and then smaller aftermarket turn signals. That is precisely the path chosen with this build with Tusk signals mounted directly to the new tailpiece. A 3.2-gallon IMS gas tank was installed to extend the range. Because of its slim design, there is no bulky feeling between your legs at all, and it will add approximately another 50 miles of riding before you need to look for gas. Protection and Durability Items Since a popular point of dual-sport riding is long-distance exploring, improved durability is a must; you want to reduce the chances of getting stuck miles from home. This bike has some added essential items to help keep that from happening. For one, TM Designworks chain guides are a significant improvement from stock because they take a lot of abuse and never bend. To improve the durability even more, a Bullet Proof Designs guard is attached above the chain guide to add strength to the swingarm mounting tabs. On the opposite side, a TM Designworks disc guard was installed. This is a must-have item, since straightening a disc on the side of the trail is not easy. Bullet Proof Designs also makes an excellent guard for the bottom of the shock, which hangs dangerously low on the Husqvarna. A P3 Carbon skid plate was installed to protect the bottom of the frame and engine cases. Not only does it look good but it is seemingly indestructible. Enduro Engineering aluminum handguards were installed to help protect the levers, and clutch and brake master cylinders (and, not to mention, knuckles). For added protection, Works Connection rotating lever clamps were also installed to allow the master cylinders to twist rather than break. Controls and Customization Most of the remaining modifications to this FE were centered on customizing the riding compartment, personal preference and giving the bike a unique look. Renthal 603 Handlebars were chosen along with Tag Metals Rebound grips. On the throttle side, a Motion Pro Titan Throttle Tube was fitted for improved strength and the ability to change the throw with alternative cams. Oversized IMS footpegs were also installed to increase reliability and, perhaps more importantly, improve comfort on the wider platforms. (Right) Since we wanted to focus our attention on the trail on this build, we fitted our Husky with Dunlop AT81 tires, a good all- around knobby. (Left) We fitted our bike with a larger 3.2-gallon IMS tank. As you can see, it's very slim. The MotoSeat seat cover looks good and provides additional grip.