HUSQVARNA 501 S VS. BETA 500 RS
COMPARISON
P92
plate from 2015 and to improve water drainage, the
air box underwent revisions as well. The air box cover
fasteners are now more secure and dependable.
In the Sachs suspension department the fork en-
joys internal revisions to improve overall action, with an
emphasis on increasing resistance to bottoming. The
Beta 500 RS doesn't use a basic speedometer/odom-
eter computer; it features a very
trick Trail Tech Voyager GPS unit.
Lights indicating low fuel level and
electronic fuel-injection system
diagnostics have also been added
to the 500 RS. Hand guards are
now standard equipment on the
RS. To make checking the fuel
level easier, the smallish 2.0-gal-
lon fuel tank is now translucent.
HUSQVARNA FE 501 S
273 lbs (full tank of fuel) $10,599
The 2016 Husqvarna FE 501 S (actual displacement
of 510cc) received minor revisions, starting at the front
of the bike. The front axle is now 22mm (down from
26mm) and the CNC triple clamps have a new 22mm
offset. The smaller axle repositions the fork feet,
resulting in less offset and increased trail while the
new offset triple clamps decrease trail, balancing out
the front of the bike. The clamps have been revised to
optimize flex. Boosting off-idle performance, the FE
501 S gets a slightly heavier crankshaft than the off-
road-only FE. The DDS clutch basket is now 80 grams
lighter with an updated pressure plate aimed at better
modulation and durability.
With the changes made to the front-end geometry,
the WP 4CS fork received new settings, designed to
accommodate the new offsets from the fork and triple
clamps. The WP shock also has revised damping
settings to compliment the new geometry and set-
tings of the front end. Non-wraparound fork protectors
have replaced the full-wrap guards, making it easier to
clean, remove, and replace. Both front and rear brake
rotors are new by GFK. The 2016 FE 501 S also has
an improved seat cover to improve grip.
Husky raised the
dual-sport bar a
long time ago and
continues to produce
one of the best
dual-sport bikes out
there with its FE 501
S. After all, it's a
Husqvarna.
