Hi, i was glad to ride a 500 SX from 1995. Started like yours. Here my Tipp: Bike off from the Stand. Left Leg on the Stand, bike is leaning to you. And from the higher place on your Stand, ist easyer to let your body weight get on the Kickstart. I take it from older Maico 500 crossers.
What a job! It's a pleasure to see that you don't give up. Husaberg 2t and 4t were marketed here in Spain until 2012/13, especially the 2 strokes, the 4 strokes failed a lot, starting problems and valves, like the first crf450 02. Here in Europe there were different "rare" brands such as Vor or Vertemati, perimeter chassis, chain on the right, starter on the left, engines larger than 500cc and with Frankenstein aesthetics, in the 90s/00s, even here in Spain it took a long time get spare parts for them, the price was not competitive with the Japanese ones, they broke a lot and were expensive to maintain.
Yeah it took em' a while to figure out that decompression thing, I remember when the 400 and 426 yamaha's first hit the tracks here in Japan, thankfully they got it figured out but, well, I still reckon 2 smokers are more fun.
Husaberg are ktm, ktms first every racing 4 stroke , ktm bought it originally because they needed a racing 4 stroke in time after 4/ ban in racing in US, ktm took company on
@@BoxingLegends2024 Be it 400 or 503 it is the same, but with a different race, at KTM it was the same, in the 2000s they had the sx400 and the sx520, both identical but with a larger piston and connecting rod, nothing more.
It sounds like timing is out. I agree with you Joe. I also think you need to swap out the battery. In my experience a low battery will cut the spark current.
Charge the battery and replace the plug and wire (with coil if needed). Intermittent spark is hard to diagnose. When you had spark it was consistent and steady. When you did not. You had nothing. Which tells me it's probably the wire. Wires could go bad and they'll look just fine. Wires are extremely hard to test and requires specialized equipment, so just replace it.
FYI.. the weakness of these things were wiring was thin and broke easily...the engine only holds 3/4 of a quart... if you want the engine to last more than a couple rides, it is a must to run Redline or maxima ester synthetic...My dealer at the time had the engineer from Sweden fly over because they were having so many problems ...the dealer also had a lot of stator issues... treating the stator cryogenically made them last twice as long...
What a terrible bike. NOT WANTED HERE. This better ride like a mad Ruzzian. I would NEVER add ethanol gas to this supposed bike. Poorly done. Maybe nitro-methane. Very bad wiring.
Tech tip for you. The wire extensions you added at the plug when testing stator resistance will add to the resistance level. Also best practice to test Ohms without your body/fingers touching the wire.
My addition is that I've had snowmobiles with heated grips. When could, with grip heaters on, would never start. Turn the heaters off... Fires right up, and then would fire warm with heaters on. Lesson here is to reduce all voltage draws possible, including factory dash/lights. Will narrow problems, and might find the draw.
Had a buddy that had a 620 one. Crazy fast! I did get to take a ride on it and test the speed in an open sandy creek. IF you can't find a filter for it I had a buddy that made a filter out a universal kit from uni and a specific kind of hot glue. Was pretty nice when it was done.
I know absolutely zero about Husabergs. But, i would be digging into the magneto side to make sure its rust free and check to see it is has a pulse generator. If it is also rusty or too far away from the magneto it can cause the same issue its having. With these bikes you just never know what kind of kooky setups they have.
But don’t forget, hussberg was just ahead of their time on designs. Some bikes were made poorly, but others were amazing. Graham Jarvis rode a husaberg for many years
55:00 the spark is weak and if the spark plug does not make good contact with the metal it will not work. Once you screw it into the head it will work again. When the electrical current is weak the spark plug needs a large and strong contact area to make a spark.
I just want to say I love your channel. I was a teenager in the seventies and we rode alot of the bikes you feature here. I never miss a video. I love how you never get worked up. Your demeaner is great along with how you explain and go about things. My first dirt bike was an Ossa. I had a friend that rode a Hodaka, I think it was called the Wombat? Keep up the great content, love it!
Had the Husaberg 650 Super Moto… Bad azz bike! FAST! LIGHT! Very minimal. Absolutely loved it! Required as much maintenance as a Japanese 4 stroke Mx bike,but the reason I sold it was parts availability.
I was actually lucky enough to ride two of them. By far the most fun bikes I've ridden. Weird thing was they were learner approved over here in New Zealand.
yep I had a 94 501 it was fast and super light bike was way ahead of its time. Mine broke a intake valve stem trashed head and piston. Have fun with Left Leg Days!!
@@kellyriffle4750The starter motors were known to not have enough beans on the FSE 650. My dad would kick his first time every time knowing what tdc is helps or you’ll kick until your sweating and swearing
They were a pain to start but once running they were great! There are a lot of Husaberg-experts here in Sweden and still some parts here and there, just tell us if there's anything you need... The Hi and Lo is for switching between ignition-curves (pointy or flat for enduro-riding) more than something for Hi-ways 😂
What a beautiful and rare machine, looks an absolute beast. Love it when you get rare and different dirt bikes. Looking forward to the outcome, best of luck bro 💯🤙🏻
The internal spring/piston/ roller mechanism in the flywheel can get sticky from sitting . Once the engine has been warmed up to allow lubricants to those little springs/pistons//rollers they will “miraculously” loosen up and allow the necessary contact with their hub . I had this same issue with my 81 gl650. In the future I may try filling the crankcase to where the springs/pistons/rollers are submersed in oil for a period of time to assure that they can slide freely. Maybe fill with atf or marvel mystery oil as these oils are lighter and high detergent.
I have the 600 model when it's set right all you need is one kick with choke and one without, and it will start... good luck look forward to your next video.
Some of those old bergs used to be very prone to backfiring and blowing the carb clean out of the intake boot. I've seen riders destroyed before they get to the start gate just with the effort trying to kickstart their bikes while others seem to have the knack and start them up easily in trainers
@@RIMHQ-YT my mates did the same he kicked it for ages and then we towed it with the car 1/4 mile of 30 to 40 mph towing to no avail then eventually we spotted it and put it back in and it started first kick , we spoke to the UK berg importer Dave Clarke racing who was local to us and he said it's a common thing that would be around 2002. he demonstrated started one from cold in trainers when my mate was having all his problems, another mate ended up with an ex factory Joel Smets 600 from DCR think it was a 1996 ex mxgp bike that only had 3 speeds and all 3 gears were down, awesome tractor like pulling power strange gear set up but Smets won the 500cc world championship in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2000 so i guess it worked
This brought back memories of trying to start my early 80s Husqvarna 500XC. What a beast (when it ran). Such a PITA most of the time though. So glad my 530 EXC has the magic button (in addition to a kicker).
on the husabergs you're supposed to check the oil with engine hot. you just overfilled it bro. the oil isn't supposed to show on the window with a cold engine. another thing you should get a keihin for for it, it makes very easy to start
I absolutely love this channel. When i was a kid we would race dirt bikes all summer in the back tamarack when dry. None of the dads were handy with wrenches so we had to figure it out for ourselves. Kind of a Lord of the Flies training. Now, almost retired airline mechanic I’m looking for a mechanical project to replace 43 years of fixing, in a sense, a huge pin ball machine. Watching this video was intriguing. I wonder if the spark breaks down under load of compression? I believe the stator circuit is poor as others mentioned. Thanks for the wonderful content. Joe. You have good skills and intuition. Comes with dedication.
Lost my lower right leg in a bike crash years ago. My coworker knew I loved to ride, he offered to let me try his new 68 Norton Commando, I got on the bike, and he said oh yeh, the shifter is on the right, I was so pissed off, I could not shift with my wooden leg...
I still have two Ducati RT450s from 71 (seldom seen Ducati dirt bikes) , bought in early 80s. Being a Canuk I was raised on Japanese bikes through the 60s and 70s shifting on the left. The Dukes were a blast to ride, until you find yourself hitting a somewhat unexpected steep downhill and go to hit the brake with your right only to find you've shifted up a gear. :D Good times.
the old husky 500 2 strokes were wild to kick on the left side. These things are electrical nightmares to work on...they work one moment and it dies and you can't get em fired back up..they are some cool bikes from the early 4 stroke days.
Husaburgs are notorious for not starting especially when warm, if it don't start in three kicks it never will, put it back in van and grab a beer instead
Don't give up! I had a very similar KTM. Once you get your technique down it will fire right up. I recommend using your right foot to kick standing beside it. Standing on a curb to get a little height makes it WAY easier. Being able to kick straight down is the angle you want. It should have a compression release (I can see the lever at 11:48) to help you get the piston just past TDC. Finally, my bike would start when cold or when hot. However if I rode for 5 minutes and then killed it... it was a bear to start. These bikes are tricky to start but once you know what it likes you are good to go.
That bike is worth tearing down the bd a repairing and cleaning. Sweet find man. Been trying to get my uncle to sell me his for long time, won't do it, loves it to much. Great little Enduro.
Even though the brand went under, Husaberg pretty much revolutionized 4Stroke technology as it was and paved the way for the modern thumpers of today. Ktm and Husky ripped so much R&D from this underdog before their early demise. The only other ones who were developing bikes like this were ATK and the Vertematti Brothers in Italy.
Okay seriously what did they invent prior to 1995, when they were bought by KTM? This bike isn't more advanced than my 1997 LC4. Although the airbox in the frame is pretty unique
@@dmitrijr7065 You answered your own question. Your 97 LC4 is neck and neck with that 95 Husey. Btw Husaberg was designed by former Husky engineers who got bought out before they had to file for bankruptcy. By WHOM you might ask... At the end of the day. KTM gonna KTM.
@@jeredalmeida1880 nope, the first Gen LC4 was launched in 1987, when husaberg wasn't even founded and you can clearly see the evolution of this bike from 1988 to 2006, but the overall design wasn't changed much. Later under KTM Husaberg had some really interesting design ideas but in the 90ies? Can't see much
CDI? If the CDI is bad it can come off and on. Even if it has spark a bad CDI can mess with the timing. No wonder this company went out of business. What a nightmare to work on.
@@RIMHQ-YTit’s still a piece of garbage. Who puts the battery where you can’t get it out without taking the carb out. Dumb. Technically they did go out of business as they were bought out.
looks like the kick start lever returning all the way on its own is what got it going and might be a factor. might effect the auto decompression feature or timing. nice bikes them 400-500 4 strokes, i had an xr400, thumper. thanks for the content!
I'm not going to lie. This video made me crack up with the left hand kick start debacle. All you were missing was the Benny Hill music. (in fast forward) and Vinny running circles around you. I hope you didn't pay to much for that contraption. "Oh yeah... my knee is really hurtin"
I'm not sure about the inconsistent spark, but there is a routine to starting them. I think you kick them through until just past TDC, then give a good kick. Also turn the idle screw up a little. I'll ask a friend who owned a Husaberg shop to watch the video
I've never heard of that manufacturer. This was a first for me. Once you said it was a 500cc. I knew your leg was in for one hell of a workout. I was stoked when you got it to pop over. Looking forward to next video. I'm definitely interested in finding out what's causing the inconsistent spark/no start. Hopefully you can keep that starter spinning the motor over to save the Leg
I have a fe550 husaberg. Runs perfect and are reliable. But not if they are stock, the problem with starting is carburator. If you lower the redline they are unbreakable
Also the elektric starter is a restarter. Only use it when the bike is hot. Chance the oil every 8 hours. Mine is not stock anymore en has now 71hp so they are perfect bikes. If you kick them on do it slowly until you feel 2 clicks. Then you start them
I have a 1976 HD hardtail Chopper, did some engine work, and now it's a 1430 with NO electric start! You have to kick like a Clydesdale on that thing just because of the compression, kinda like you were kicking,,, Electric start coming very soon, that's for sure! Don't hurt yourself by kicking that beast, it's not worth a bum knee... Love your channel, keep it up!
On those CDI boxes the ground wires can flip.,or have 2 of them to. The stator ground wire and the common ground through frame body to the common ground lead wires into the main wiring harness itself tied in together as one system.
Awe man! this is a blast from my past! I bought one of these from new decades ago! had an original 501...was a complete beast! turned it into a Supermoto and raced it! Flames used to lick out the pipe when I was warming it up! Cold start was total crapshoot!
Welcome to the world of SEM ignitions. I can pretty much guarantee that the stator has left the chat. If you pull the stator more than likely it will be rusty and blistering. The SEM stator was the achilles heal of the Husaberg (& KTM, Husqvarna) from the mid/late 80's through to 2003. There are no new units available and the replacement stuff available from various companies are Chinese junk that will last for 1/2 an hour. You'll need to find someone that is conversant in rewinding SEM stators and you'll be good to go. FYI, that stator is shared on all Husaberg FE/FS/FX models from 1999 to 2003. From 2004 Husaberg used the Japanese Kokusan system 1989 to 1998 models used a very similar looking SEM stator but is not interchangeable
Hi, am I right, the plug tips looked different in the vid, I would always start with good new pair of plugs. Dump the old ones that come with any bike, as that could have been why the previous owner gave up...IMO, lol. Great content as usual, thanks for sharing.😁
Good video as always Joe. I think you really need the air cleaner to provide sufficient vacuum to draw the fuel up through the carburettor to get it started. Once running I am sure the air flow will draw sufficient fuel as to not run too lean. In the mean time you could try covering the carburettor opening with some foam to help create more vacuum.
Sounded awesome when You got to ride it . I would check out the wiring from the stater . Without a good battery and charging system it will not run or start well.
When you try to roll-start it, have a friend pull you with another vehicle 1//2 a mile down the road, just be able to drop the tow strap quickly, with my nephews we did this a-lot, Great video, thanks
I bet it has a kickstand kill switch and thats why its not sparking. Time stamp 15:00. Some older ATVs need to have a battery hooked up for spark as well, because they put out AC and it needs to go through a rectifier.
You ever notice everybody’s telling you that they always run one way or another somebody’s told you it ran through somebody else or whatever lol when you were using the electric start, it did spark a little bit. I did see it.
Joe , I have watched your videos hundreds of times. When I watched this one I had an idea which may help you with future bikes with starting issues. The easiest way to explain this is using a motorcycle dyno table with the ability to park and strap down your bike on the platform. The platform is also a lift table. under the rear tire is a pair of adjustable motorized rollers that will spin the rear tire and hence the engine and effectively acts like a bump start. I think with your experience you could probable fabricate your own table. Just thought I would share this with you. Thanks for all your great content.
These were pretty awesome machines. I had an earlier FE600E that was absolute monster! There was some sort of service bulletin for the piston rings and their starters were too slow to fire the engine. There was a CBR600 starter that would swap in and worked well. The left kick was difficult with it being such a tall bike. They sound super cool and be sure you're hanging on when you sat throttle position to WFO because they'll wheelie as long as you want.
SO NICE!! When you kicked it and it went, I WISH the camera was on your face.. the look of shock must have been there, it kicked, spun up and just purred like a kitten straight to idle. What a machine!!!
Hey Joe, a good mate of mine has a strange Husaberg obsession and has owned a 501 since new. I have just sent him a link to your video. If he offers any pearls of wisdom I shall pass them on to you. Love your work ethic mate and if you happen to find an example of my strange obsession of a 1993 Kawasaki KLX650C (electric start model) which seem to have been much more popular around your neck of the woods than they were in Australia. They were years ahead of their time and I think you would really enjoy bringing one back to life.... not that I am biased or anything! By the way, glad you finally learned to ease slightly past tdc before kicking a big bore 4-stroke single.
I have the ‘08 FE450 and my biggest issue is that the case has to be split to remove the cylinder sleeve. Bought mine with cracked valve retainers… unknowingly. However, I’m glad to have a piece of Husaberg history.
Having owned a couple of the older Husabergs now they are generally always a pain to start! I’ve just had the same issue with an intermittent spark on my 650 and it was the stator. We know from your testing the value on one of the tests was incorrect, so I’d definitely start there. Proper kick technique as you demonstrated is a must but I’d call Dave Clarke Racing in England for further advice. He’s probably had more Husabergs in pieces than anyone else.
I had numerous Husabergs over the years but had the 1995 600 cc that was a bugger to start. tracked it down the Delortto carb and replaced with an FCR 41mm and it started on the button. To start first kick every time, start like an old British bike, three to four prime kicks with decompressor engaged, then find top dead centre then slightly past, then hard kick and it will start.
Not familiar with this bike, but i know KTMs from the 90ies used a SEM Ignition system, which was really hard to start (hence "Kick ten Minutes") and broke easily. Your spark on/off problem in combination with the inconsitent electric resistance measurement are pointing into the direction of the stator
Now I know why the company went out of business what type of engineers would design something that you can’t replace the battery without pulling the engine. Just saying they apparently didn’t build the bike to be worked on. Love the channel thanks for the post
Those bikes were an absolute weapon back in the day from early 90s very powerful and lightweight,suspension , brakes,etc..., ready to race they were smashing competition
Technically true, but your ohm meter send out a voltage and that how it senses resistance. Voltage takes the path of least resistance. If he was reading his body the reading would have been a lot more resistance. Since it takes the path of least resistance he was actually reading the resistance of the stator winding.
I've got A suggestion to on that issue. It is to check over all of the plug-in connectors and wires. where they click into those plastic connector plug-in block fittings. To each other separately as one wiring harness design set-up. And another thing I'd check that woodruff key it could be chipped.,or Bent.,or worn down from over the years of use to. And one more time Joe yes you can check CDI boxes by using The same multimeter.,or flukemeter that you checked the stator with it's kinda the same process. only your checking it in either ohms.,or continuity mode usually it's on continuity mode though.
Probably the ht cable, if the connection to the ignition coil is good then the ht cable may be broken at some point (in the inside) and depending of the position of the cable the spark gets to the boot and sometimes it won't.
Make a groundwire from the starter to your frame ,check all your ground connections and the wireing because the wirelume is direct by the cilinder and the use not the best wire's if it is stiff replac it or check it with your meter
I think it’s actually a FE501 Loved riding mine and loads of power. The electric start is a warm bump starter. Works great when warm. The spark is always weak
Sounds like a typical grounding issue. Go thrue all the grounding points, next up: rebuild stator. And get a fresh plug. There are also different types of hats for the plug, make sure you have one with the right resistance.
I had a FE600 with no elektric starter. Did 15000 km. km with just normal maintenance. East to start when cold but hard to start when really warm. A really fun bike.
I remember well when these first came out. I had sold my soul to Husqvarna at that point and really wanted a Husaberg. The plant moved around the globe quite a bit. One of the first of the light 4-strokes....todays bikes owe much to these....use race gas or best octane possible.
Cool bike. I had Husaberg FS650 and it was best supermoto i ever had. Reliable and 65hp 253lbs. Everyone who say Husaberg are unreliable never had one.
What make and modal are your little squirt bottles of gas please ? where you get them and make modal and link are they just plastic or the one for flammable fluids one also ????? Thanks
I had a 2001 husaberg 470 and after every wet ride there would be moisture in the stator...don't know how it got in there but it had weak spark until I cleaned the stator out with CRC 556
Hi, i was glad to ride a 500 SX from 1995. Started like yours. Here my Tipp: Bike off from the Stand. Left Leg on the Stand, bike is leaning to you. And from the higher place on your Stand, ist easyer to let your body weight get on the Kickstart. I take it from older Maico 500 crossers.
From what I remember the weakest link on these was the SEM ignition system. Since they were such an issue, I think a replacement is likely available.
What a job! It's a pleasure to see that you don't give up.
Husaberg 2t and 4t were marketed here in Spain until 2012/13, especially the 2 strokes, the 4 strokes failed a lot, starting problems and valves, like the first crf450 02.
Here in Europe there were different "rare" brands such as Vor or Vertemati, perimeter chassis, chain on the right, starter on the left, engines larger than 500cc and with Frankenstein aesthetics, in the 90s/00s, even here in Spain it took a long time get spare parts for them, the price was not competitive with the Japanese ones, they broke a lot and were expensive to maintain.
Yeah it took em' a while to figure out that decompression thing, I remember when the 400 and 426 yamaha's first hit the tracks here in Japan, thankfully they got it figured out but, well, I still reckon 2 smokers are more fun.
Thats either a FS400 or a FC550 but neither is 500cc how dont you know what it is if you know all this?
Husaberg are ktm, ktms first every racing 4 stroke , ktm bought it originally because they needed a racing 4 stroke in time after 4/ ban in racing in US, ktm took company on
@@BoxingLegends2024 Be it 400 or 503 it is the same, but with a different race, at KTM it was the same, in the 2000s they had the sx400 and the sx520, both identical but with a larger piston and connecting rod, nothing more.
It sounds like timing is out. I agree with you Joe. I also think you need to swap out the battery. In my experience a low battery will cut the spark current.
but he hooked a fully charged jump pack by passing the battery
Charge the battery and replace the plug and wire (with coil if needed). Intermittent spark is hard to diagnose. When you had spark it was consistent and steady. When you did not. You had nothing. Which tells me it's probably the wire. Wires could go bad and they'll look just fine. Wires are extremely hard to test and requires specialized equipment, so just replace it.
FYI.. the weakness of these things were wiring was thin and broke easily...the engine only holds 3/4 of a quart... if you want the engine to last more than a couple rides, it is a must to run Redline or maxima ester synthetic...My dealer at the time had the engineer from Sweden fly over because they were having so many problems ...the dealer also had a lot of stator issues... treating the stator cryogenically made them last twice as long...
What a terrible bike. NOT WANTED HERE. This better ride like a mad Ruzzian. I would NEVER add ethanol gas to this supposed bike. Poorly done. Maybe nitro-methane. Very bad wiring.
Dang it ,sounds nasty
No point explaining anything to him, he doesn’t read or respond to fucking comments
Nice inside info 👌
3/4 of a quart 😂😂
Tech tip for you. The wire extensions you added at the plug when testing stator resistance will add to the resistance level. Also best practice to test Ohms without your body/fingers touching the wire.
My addition is that I've had snowmobiles with heated grips.
When could, with grip heaters on, would never start.
Turn the heaters off... Fires right up, and then would fire warm with heaters on.
Lesson here is to reduce all voltage draws possible, including factory dash/lights. Will narrow problems, and might find the draw.
Those wires were really thick, it would've added milliohms at the most
It’s about time you break that left boot in! 😂
😆
Awesome!!!! Lol
Yup
I wish my yz was left kick, its got high compression with being a supersport & I'm left footed 😂
I think the stator is haunted. Maybe a Swedish ritual of some sort will take care of it.
Nicely done Joe reminds me of starting the old 426’s such a pain in the arse!
46:44 here's you kill switch the red button. This handlebar switch is called CEV switch and KTM still uses it on rally bikes and enduro 👍
I think that pulling out the starter motor would have been a lot less effort, What a PITA! Good job Joe.
Had a buddy that had a 620 one. Crazy fast! I did get to take a ride on it and test the speed in an open sandy creek. IF you can't find a filter for it I had a buddy that made a filter out a universal kit from uni and a specific kind of hot glue. Was pretty nice when it was done.
I just bought the Unifilter Twinkie for it.
I know absolutely zero about Husabergs. But, i would be digging into the magneto side to make sure its rust free and check to see it is has a pulse generator. If it is also rusty or too far away from the magneto it can cause the same issue its having. With these bikes you just never know what kind of kooky setups they have.
But don’t forget, hussberg was just ahead of their time on designs. Some bikes were made poorly, but others were amazing. Graham Jarvis rode a husaberg for many years
I had FS650 and it was super reliable and 65hp 253lbs. Usually people who say Husabergs are unreliable never had one.
55:00 the spark is weak and if the spark plug does not make good contact with the metal it will not work. Once you screw it into the head it will work again. When the electrical current is weak the spark plug needs a large and strong contact area to make a spark.
I just want to say I love your channel. I was a teenager in the seventies and we rode alot of the bikes you feature here. I never miss a video. I love how you never get worked up. Your demeaner is great along with how you explain and go about things. My first dirt bike was an Ossa. I had a friend that rode a Hodaka, I think it was called the Wombat? Keep up the great content, love it!
Patience is the number two necessary requirement for being a good mechanic. Number one is knowledge.
Combat wombat I reckon
Had the Husaberg 650 Super Moto… Bad azz bike! FAST! LIGHT! Very minimal. Absolutely loved it! Required as much maintenance as a Japanese 4 stroke Mx bike,but the reason I sold it was parts availability.
I was actually lucky enough to ride two of them. By far the most fun bikes I've ridden. Weird thing was they were learner approved over here in New Zealand.
yep I had a 94 501 it was fast and super light bike was way ahead of its time. Mine broke a intake valve stem trashed head and piston. Have fun with Left Leg Days!!
@@DadBeard-pi2oy Lol! I used the magic button!!! lol
@@kellyriffle4750The starter motors were known to not have enough beans on the FSE 650. My dad would kick his first time every time knowing what tdc is helps or you’ll kick until your sweating and swearing
@@joski9030 No starter issues with the one I owned.
They were a pain to start but once running they were great!
There are a lot of Husaberg-experts here in Sweden and still some parts here and there, just tell us if there's anything you need...
The Hi and Lo is for switching between ignition-curves (pointy or flat for enduro-riding) more than something for Hi-ways 😂
What a beautiful and rare machine, looks an absolute beast. Love it when you get rare and different dirt bikes. Looking forward to the outcome, best of luck bro 💯🤙🏻
Plus, up close, it looks to be in very good condition.
@@stkyfngrszmooththat’s because it was rarely ridden because it rarely started…😂
@bruceskousen5451 😂😂
The internal spring/piston/ roller mechanism in the flywheel can get sticky from sitting . Once the engine has been warmed up to allow lubricants to those little springs/pistons//rollers they will “miraculously” loosen up and allow the necessary contact with their hub . I had this same issue with my 81 gl650. In the future I may try filling the crankcase to where the springs/pistons/rollers are submersed in oil for a period of time to assure that they can slide freely. Maybe fill with atf or marvel mystery oil as these oils are lighter and high detergent.
I have the 600 model when it's set right all you need is one kick with choke
and one without, and it will start... good luck look forward to your next video.
Wow! You are the man, I would of gave up after 325 kicks. My knee started hurting and I took a couple of Advice in your honor.
Some of those old bergs used to be very prone to backfiring and blowing the carb clean out of the intake boot.
I've seen riders destroyed before they get to the start gate just with the effort trying to kickstart their bikes while others seem to have the knack and start them up easily in trainers
Lol yes. Had a Husaberg last year. Blew off the carb. I had no idea why it wouldn't restart for a while. I was like wtf!!
@@RIMHQ-YT my mates did the same he kicked it for ages and then we towed it with the car 1/4 mile of 30 to 40 mph towing to no avail then eventually we spotted it and put it back in and it started first kick , we spoke to the UK berg importer Dave Clarke racing who was local to us and he said it's a common thing that would be around 2002. he demonstrated started one from cold in trainers when my mate was having all his problems, another mate ended up with an ex factory Joel Smets 600 from DCR think it was a 1996 ex mxgp bike that only had 3 speeds and all 3 gears were down, awesome tractor like pulling power strange gear set up but Smets won the 500cc world championship in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2000 so i guess it worked
This brought back memories of trying to start my early 80s Husqvarna 500XC. What a beast (when it ran). Such a PITA most of the time though. So glad my 530 EXC has the magic button (in addition to a kicker).
on the husabergs you're supposed to check the oil with engine hot. you just overfilled it bro. the oil isn't supposed to show on the window with a cold engine. another thing you should get a keihin for for it, it makes very easy to start
Starter one way bearing thingy is needed and missing I had same issue 2008 450 ES.
I absolutely love this channel. When i was a kid we would race dirt bikes all summer in the back tamarack when dry. None of the dads were handy with wrenches so we had to figure it out for ourselves. Kind of a Lord of the Flies training. Now, almost retired airline mechanic I’m looking for a mechanical project to replace 43 years of fixing, in a sense, a huge pin ball machine. Watching this video was intriguing. I wonder if the spark breaks down under load of compression? I believe the stator circuit is poor as others mentioned.
Thanks for the wonderful content. Joe. You have good skills and intuition. Comes with dedication.
Lost my lower right leg in a bike crash years ago. My coworker knew I loved to ride, he offered to let me try his new 68 Norton Commando, I got on the bike, and he said oh yeh, the shifter is on the right, I was so pissed off, I could not shift with my wooden leg...
😢Hope you are better now.
I still have two Ducati RT450s from 71 (seldom seen Ducati dirt bikes) , bought in early 80s. Being a Canuk I was raised on Japanese bikes through the 60s and 70s shifting on the left. The Dukes were a blast to ride, until you find yourself hitting a somewhat unexpected steep downhill and go to hit the brake with your right only to find you've shifted up a gear. :D Good times.
Joe, save your knees, joints, gonads.., later down the line and get you a roller starter.
Amazon, Ebay Motors.., have them on the cheap.
Those are incredibly handy. Especially with giant bombs like this thing.
My uncle in Denver has that same bike but 400. Very quick, not to many gripes with it. I bet that one is a real beast with a 500 in it. Cool find..
we got a lot of these in the uk. A friend had one a while ago. left hand kickstart no electric start. have fun with that lol
i’ve seen a leg be tore to shreds lol.
the old husky 500 2 strokes were wild to kick on the left side. These things are electrical nightmares to work on...they work one moment and it dies and you can't get em fired back up..they are some cool bikes from the early 4 stroke days.
Smart riders learned to only shut these off on top of a hill.
Husaburgs are notorious for not starting especially when warm, if it don't start in three kicks it never will, put it back in van and grab a beer instead
Dang, love the bikes that give you a real challenge 😊 cant wait to see the next video on this thing.
Don't give up! I had a very similar KTM. Once you get your technique down it will fire right up. I recommend using your right foot to kick standing beside it. Standing on a curb to get a little height makes it WAY easier. Being able to kick straight down is the angle you want. It should have a compression release (I can see the lever at 11:48) to help you get the piston just past TDC. Finally, my bike would start when cold or when hot. However if I rode for 5 minutes and then killed it... it was a bear to start. These bikes are tricky to start but once you know what it likes you are good to go.
Taffmeisters in the UK specializes in Husabergs and carry tons of parts and go-even-faster parts. These are pure racing bikes.
I appreciate your tenacity. Those left side kickers build character. My first one was a Honda CR480 from the early 80’s.
That bike is worth tearing down the bd a repairing and cleaning. Sweet find man. Been trying to get my uncle to sell me his for long time, won't do it, loves it to much. Great little Enduro.
Even though the brand went under, Husaberg pretty much revolutionized 4Stroke technology as it was and paved the way for the modern thumpers of today. Ktm and Husky ripped so much R&D from this underdog before their early demise. The only other ones who were developing bikes like this were ATK and the Vertematti Brothers in Italy.
Okay seriously what did they invent prior to 1995, when they were bought by KTM? This bike isn't more advanced than my 1997 LC4. Although the airbox in the frame is pretty unique
@@dmitrijr7065 You answered your own question. Your 97 LC4 is neck and neck with that 95 Husey.
Btw Husaberg was designed by former Husky engineers who got bought out before they had to file for bankruptcy.
By WHOM you might ask...
At the end of the day.
KTM gonna KTM.
@@jeredalmeida1880 nope, the first Gen LC4 was launched in 1987, when husaberg wasn't even founded and you can clearly see the evolution of this bike from 1988 to 2006, but the overall design wasn't changed much.
Later under KTM Husaberg had some really interesting design ideas but in the 90ies? Can't see much
@@dmitrijr7065 Well you wrote 1997.
@@dmitrijr7065 Ya wrote 1997. I'd never heard of a 97 LC4 until today. That threw me off
The models with yellow pained frame, it’s the same paint as ESAB welders. Husaberg had their parts painted at their company back then.
CDI? If the CDI is bad it can come off and on.
Even if it has spark a bad CDI can mess with the timing. No wonder this company went out of business. What a nightmare to work on.
Those little boxes are a pain
For whom who don't know how to do it everything is a pain to do
This company is KTM today so they never went out of business.
@@RIMHQ-YT They make some awesome machines now ,the 125 gas gas with fuel ⛽️ injection makes 40 horses 🐎 awesome power to weight ratio.🤠💪💯
@@RIMHQ-YTit’s still a piece of garbage. Who puts the battery where you can’t get it out without taking the carb out. Dumb. Technically they did go out of business as they were bought out.
looks like the kick start lever returning all the way on its own is what got it going and might be a factor. might effect the auto decompression feature or timing. nice bikes them 400-500 4 strokes, i had an xr400, thumper. thanks for the content!
I'm not going to lie.
This video made me crack up with the left hand kick start debacle.
All you were missing was the Benny Hill music. (in fast forward) and Vinny running circles around you.
I hope you didn't pay to much for that contraption.
"Oh yeah... my knee is really hurtin"
Not your problem... let's see your 100's of uploads getting bikes running again?
I'm not sure about the inconsistent spark, but there is a routine to starting them. I think you kick them through until just past TDC, then give a good kick. Also turn the idle screw up a little. I'll ask a friend who owned a Husaberg shop to watch the video
I've never heard of that manufacturer. This was a first for me. Once you said it was a 500cc. I knew your leg was in for one hell of a workout. I was stoked when you got it to pop over. Looking forward to next video. I'm definitely interested in finding out what's causing the inconsistent spark/no start. Hopefully you can keep that starter spinning the motor over to save the Leg
I have a fe550 husaberg. Runs perfect and are reliable. But not if they are stock, the problem with starting is carburator. If you lower the redline they are unbreakable
Also the elektric starter is a restarter. Only use it when the bike is hot. Chance the oil every 8 hours. Mine is not stock anymore en has now 71hp so they are perfect bikes. If you kick them on do it slowly until you feel 2 clicks. Then you start them
Mine was sitting in a barn aswel. The ignition coil on top are not waterproof so they are unreliable
Also yours doesn't sound as snappy as they are
They backfire because you kick them wrong
I had a 2000 501 fe. My mechanic wouldn’t touch it. Ran strong but was very finicky. And yes hard to start. Weird left side kickstarter
I have a 1976 HD hardtail Chopper, did some engine work, and now it's a 1430 with NO electric start! You have to kick like a Clydesdale on that thing just because of the compression, kinda like you were kicking,,, Electric start coming very soon, that's for sure! Don't hurt yourself by kicking that beast, it's not worth a bum knee... Love your channel, keep it up!
On those CDI boxes the ground wires can flip.,or have 2 of them to. The stator ground wire and the common ground through frame body to the common ground lead wires into the main wiring harness itself tied in together as one system.
Awe man! this is a blast from my past! I bought one of these from new decades ago! had an original 501...was a complete beast! turned it into a Supermoto and raced it! Flames used to lick out the pipe when I was warming it up! Cold start was total crapshoot!
Welcome to the world of SEM ignitions. I can pretty much guarantee that the stator has left the chat. If you pull the stator more than likely it will be rusty and blistering.
The SEM stator was the achilles heal of the Husaberg (& KTM, Husqvarna) from the mid/late 80's through to 2003.
There are no new units available and the replacement stuff available from various companies are Chinese junk that will last for 1/2 an hour. You'll need to find someone that is conversant in rewinding SEM stators and you'll be good to go. FYI, that stator is shared on all Husaberg FE/FS/FX models from 1999 to 2003.
From 2004 Husaberg used the Japanese Kokusan system
1989 to 1998 models used a very similar looking SEM stator but is not interchangeable
thing is a big ol money pit
Hi, am I right, the plug tips looked different in the vid, I would always start with good new pair of plugs. Dump the old ones that come with any bike, as that could have been why the previous owner gave up...IMO, lol. Great content as usual, thanks for sharing.😁
Good video as always Joe. I think you really need the air cleaner to provide sufficient vacuum to draw the fuel up through the carburettor to get it started. Once running I am sure the air flow will draw sufficient fuel as to not run too lean. In the mean time you could try covering the carburettor opening with some foam to help create more vacuum.
Sounded awesome when You got to ride it . I would check out the wiring from the stater . Without a good battery and charging system it will not run or start well.
When you try to roll-start it, have a friend pull you with another vehicle 1//2 a mile down the road, just be able to drop the tow strap quickly, with my nephews we did this a-lot, Great video, thanks
Your videos are like ASMR lol. I love the part of your videos when you tear into the carb. Also learning a little bit while watching. Great channel!
I bet it has a kickstand kill switch and thats why its not sparking. Time stamp 15:00. Some older ATVs need to have a battery hooked up for spark as well, because they put out AC and it needs to go through a rectifier.
You ever notice everybody’s telling you that they always run one way or another somebody’s told you it ran through somebody else or whatever lol when you were using the electric start, it did spark a little bit. I did see it.
Stator or wire problem?
Joe , I have watched your videos hundreds of times. When I watched this one I had an idea which may help you with future bikes with starting issues. The easiest way to explain this is using a motorcycle dyno table with the ability to park and strap down your bike on the platform. The platform is also a lift table. under the rear tire is a pair of adjustable motorized rollers that will spin the rear tire and hence the engine and effectively acts like a bump start.
I think with your experience you could probable fabricate your own table. Just thought I would share this with you. Thanks for all your great content.
These were pretty awesome machines. I had an earlier FE600E that was absolute monster!
There was some sort of service bulletin for the piston rings and their starters were too slow to fire the engine.
There was a CBR600 starter that would swap in and worked well. The left kick was difficult with it being such a tall bike. They sound super cool and be sure you're hanging on when you sat throttle position to WFO because they'll wheelie as long as you want.
SO NICE!! When you kicked it and it went, I WISH the camera was on your face.. the look of shock must have been there, it kicked, spun up and just purred like a kitten straight to idle. What a machine!!!
Hey Joe, a good mate of mine has a strange Husaberg obsession and has owned a 501 since new. I have just sent him a link to your video. If he offers any pearls of wisdom I shall pass them on to you. Love your work ethic mate and if you happen to find an example of my strange obsession of a 1993 Kawasaki KLX650C (electric start model) which seem to have been much more popular around your neck of the woods than they were in Australia. They were years ahead of their time and I think you would really enjoy bringing one back to life.... not that I am biased or anything!
By the way, glad you finally learned to ease slightly past tdc before kicking a big bore 4-stroke single.
Cool bike, I’ve heard of them but never seen one before! I’m even Swedish! Kicking it over left footed would take awhile to get used to 🤣
Always use a new spark plug before you tear it apart
Yes Joe it is 12 volt charged by the battery power source which turns on and controls the CDI box unit from the stator.
New air filters and starter motors are a bit expensive but seem to be easily obtainable.
I have the ‘08 FE450 and my biggest issue is that the case has to be split to remove the cylinder sleeve. Bought mine with cracked valve retainers… unknowingly. However, I’m glad to have a piece of Husaberg history.
Once, in the early 2000's, I had a 350 and, once started, it was a violent monster ....!
Having owned a couple of the older Husabergs now they are generally always a pain to start! I’ve just had the same issue with an intermittent spark on my 650 and it was the stator. We know from your testing the value on one of the tests was incorrect, so I’d definitely start there.
Proper kick technique as you demonstrated is a must but I’d call Dave Clarke Racing in England for further advice. He’s probably had more Husabergs in pieces than anyone else.
Really got yourself a good workout that day. Cool bike!
I had numerous Husabergs over the years but had the 1995 600 cc that was a bugger to start. tracked it down the Delortto carb and replaced with an FCR 41mm and it started on the button. To start first kick every time, start like an old British bike, three to four prime kicks with decompressor engaged, then find top dead centre then slightly past, then hard kick and it will start.
Try pulling the stator and cleaning the contact area’s. I pulled mine and wiped it and it help tremendously in starting.
Love your videos. I plan on doing some work on my 05 bruin 350 once i heal up from having teeth pulled. I need to replace the cv axles and oil cooler
Not familiar with this bike, but i know KTMs from the 90ies used a SEM Ignition system, which was really hard to start (hence "Kick ten Minutes") and broke easily. Your spark on/off problem in combination with the inconsitent electric resistance measurement are pointing into the direction of the stator
Now I know why the company went out of business what type of engineers would design something that you can’t replace the battery without pulling the engine. Just saying they apparently didn’t build the bike to be worked on. Love the channel thanks for the post
Those bikes were an absolute weapon back in the day from early 90s very powerful and lightweight,suspension , brakes,etc..., ready to race they were smashing competition
when testing ohm's,dont have your fingers on the end of the probes..Your testing your body at the same tome
Yes, use alligator clamps for testing Ohms.
Technically true, but your ohm meter send out a voltage and that how it senses resistance. Voltage takes the path of least resistance. If he was reading his body the reading would have been a lot more resistance. Since it takes the path of least resistance he was actually reading the resistance of the stator winding.
I've got A suggestion to on that issue. It is to check over all of the plug-in connectors and wires. where they click into those plastic connector plug-in block fittings. To each other separately as one wiring harness design set-up. And another thing I'd check that woodruff key it could be chipped.,or Bent.,or worn down from over the years of use to. And one more time Joe yes you can check CDI boxes by using The same multimeter.,or flukemeter that you checked the stator with it's kinda the same process. only your checking it in either ohms.,or continuity mode usually it's on continuity mode though.
Man, you earned this one. Enjoyed it. Thanks.
I think we have intermittent Spark and a weak spark at that.I think you need to replace that stator
the Cold revs have gotta stop let it warm up man
😂 your one of those guys.
A 4 corner will happen one of these times, although this time he didn't really Rev the absolute piss out of it like usual
Rev the shit out of it. We love it
You know he's doing it now as it annoys so many people, or maybe that's just what I'd do.
He gets too excited and nervous because he doesn’t want it to die🤣
Probably the ht cable, if the connection to the ignition coil is good then the ht cable may be broken at some point (in the inside) and depending of the position of the cable the spark gets to the boot and sometimes it won't.
Make a groundwire from the starter to your frame ,check all your ground connections and the wireing because the wirelume is direct by the cilinder and the use not the best wire's if it is stiff replac it or check it with your meter
Didnt even know these existed in the US. They're quite popular where i live🇩🇪 Unfortunately the company went out of business in 2014😢
Wow, that 400 engine looked mint!
I think it’s actually a FE501
Loved riding mine and loads of power. The electric start is a warm bump starter. Works great when warm.
The spark is always weak
Spark plugs are consumables , I don’t understand why you don’t start with a new one on every engine !!!!
Sounds like a typical grounding issue. Go thrue all the grounding points, next up: rebuild stator. And get a fresh plug. There are also different types of hats for the plug, make sure you have one with the right resistance.
That’s not a supermoto it’s an enduro
"Joe don't know"
☝️🤓
You should invest in a foot control electric rolling starter,ideal for high compression classics& big singles..👍
He has a shop to build.
Bravo man, big respect at keeping on keeping, also she sounds nice especially for her age.
Once in Europe these bikes were the dogs balls.
Nice to see you working on a Swedish quality bike 😎, Percy from Sweden.
I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Good luck finding the gremlin.
I had a FE600 with no elektric starter. Did 15000 km. km with just normal maintenance. East to start when cold but hard to start when really warm. A really fun bike.
39:50 as someone who knows a lot about this bikes. I paused now and boy im looking forward to him try to kickstart it.
I remember well when these first came out. I had sold my soul to Husqvarna at that point and really wanted a Husaberg. The plant moved around the globe quite a bit. One of the first of the light 4-strokes....todays bikes owe much to these....use race gas or best octane possible.
Cool bike. I had Husaberg FS650 and it was best supermoto i ever had. Reliable and 65hp 253lbs. Everyone who say Husaberg are unreliable never had one.
To the squat rack Joe, no more skipping leg day when you got one of these!!!
Low on blinker fluid,and 40w ballbearings.for the muffler.
What make and modal are your little squirt bottles of gas please ? where you get them and make modal and link are they just plastic or the one for flammable fluids one also ????? Thanks
I love your expressions of surprise and disappointment. “Haa?” and “Humf”
I had a 2001 husaberg 470 and after every wet ride there would be moisture in the stator...don't know how it got in there but it had weak spark until I cleaned the stator out with CRC 556
Clean magneto, should sharpen spark up.