2020 HUSQVARNA FE 501S PROJECT
R I D E R E V I E W
P74
go-juice, this bike can moto across trail whoops or
bash into rocks and drop-offs with aggressive stabil-
ity. Yes, comfort is sacrificed in this particular build.
These suspension settings are taken directly off
of Jefferson's 2019 Husqvarna FC 350 motocross
machine. And on a heavier bike, the behavior is
surprisingly compliant, but I'd still prefer more
comfort for all-day rides or any trail scenario. The
beauty of WP Pro Components is in their high per-
formance and their tunability. If you have the cash,
this is a modification to any bike you can get behind
with competent tuning. Find a WP Authorized
Center and order some if you're able and they can
make it the best suspension you can buy, for you.
I could take this bike to a practice day at Glen Hel-
en and be comfortable. That's a huge usable-range
upgrade from stock, for sure. But the fork/shock
combo does cost more than the totality of modifica-
tions many will make to motorcycles in their entire life.
The next componentry you're likely to notice on
this bike are the binders. The Brembo-built brakes
are bonkers and this bike features upgraded ro-
tors front and rear. Headlining the brake build are
factory front and rear calipers (over $1000 each).
These look amazing and are exactly what the top-
level competitors use. But they're probably only
relevant if you're a top-level competitor or you just
like having top-level competitor stuff. Yes, they
(Left) Save your
pennies. The WP
Pro Components
suspension can
take the tamer
FE 501S stock
handling to full
competitive levels.
And its tuning
range is massive.
But it will cost you.
(Left) The rear-wheel build
is serious, Factory hubs
plus spokes with Excel A60
rims are ready for factory
race-level battles. (Below)
Meeting 50-state street
legality requirements while
still improving performance
isn't easy, but this Akrapovic
beauty does the trick.
Surprisingly, its cost doesn't
stand out on this build.
