Cycle News

Cycle News 2016 Issue 19 May 17

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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VOL. 53 ISSUE 19 MAY 17, 2016 P97 to handle a small throttle body with an easy-to-turn butterfly. The old two-ca- ble system from carbure- tors is overkill. Thanks for figuring that out, Beta. If we can quibble about anything on the Beta we'd like to see a little more plushness worked into the fork for harsh obstacles, and a larger stock gas tank would be awesome. We teased the 55-mile range mark on the stocker and could probably get 65 miles depending on terrain and riding style. So, it's not a low-mileage bike, but the competition has more range. There is nothing to complain about in the engine department on this Beta, it is flat out impressive! RIDING THE HUSQVARNA FE 501 S Manufactured in Austria, in the same factory as KTM, current Husqvarna motorcycles share a lot with the orange brand. Every year the two names separate themselves a bit more and the differ- ences between a dual-sport Husky and KTM are fairly substantial. Both bikes share the same powerplant and similar frames/chassis. The ma- jor difference is the WP suspension system. Cur- rently, KTM uses WP's PDS shock and swingarm system and WP 4CS forks while the Husky uses linkage with the WP shock and WP 4CS forks. Husqvarna also uses a polycarbonate subframe and different bodywork. The 2016 Husqvarna FE 501 S engine is easy to ride while provid- ing more power than most mortal riders need. Again, don't let the displacement numbers scare you, the delivery is smooth, controllable and only answers with the amount of power you ask for. If you want to ride a gear high and live right above idle, using the abundant torque, the 501 S is more than happy to oblige. Waiting patiently for just a twist of the right hand is a very strong mid and healthy top end pull. The important takeaway from modern 500cc dual-sport bikes is that they offer the rider a choice of aggressive or mellow riding style, depending on your mood. Once in a while under hard decel the 501 S gives out a soft popping. Not a backfire, really, but a muffled pop. This is related to the emissions system and depending on riding style, annoys some riders more than (Right) Beta was lagging behind in the fuel-injection department but not anymore. All of their big four-stokes now have EFI, which is a huge benefit. (Left) Beta used to borrow KTM engine's but have built their own motors for a while now. The 500 RS displaces 478cc but doesn't give away much to the Husky in terms of honest-to-goodness power.

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