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.
