Fc450 or fe501

[madmini660]

Hi new to snowbikes and I own a 2014 husky fc450 and was told to sell it to get an FE501 because it is way better snowbike can anyone help me out before I sell my bike to go 501 would it be worth the money spent to upgrade thanks

 

[capulin overdrive]

As long as it's new enough to be blue, you'll be fine.




Most on here would rather have the 450 for more revs, and tighter gearbox.




Really is apples to apples with those bikes, just deferent variety of apple.

 

[SnoFro]

I have a 500, but there is no way that I would sell that 450 and buy a 500 without trying it first. If you like that bike off road or on the track there is a good chance you will be happy on it for your first season of snow biking. IMO I would ride that bike next season and try to test ride someone else's 500.

 

[madmini660]

I have a 500, but there is no way that I would sell that 450 and buy a 500 without trying it first. If you like that bike off road or on the track there is a good chance you will be happy on it for your first season of snow biking. IMO I would ride that bike next season and try to test ride someone else's 500.

Are are some of the big advantage to the 500 over 450 thanks

 

[Moto4Life]

I have ridden both and prefer the light weight and revablility of the 450 all day long, I would ride both before you change as was mentioned. One persons preference my not be your own when it comes to power delivery.

 

[IceAge Performance]

Our staff all prefers the higher reving 450's vs the 500 powerbands in snow. The 500 tends to be more relaxed and better suited for the LT and guys who want to just cruise.

 

[SnoFro]

On a weight comparison only my 2013 husaberg FE 501 weighs in at 247lbs dry as compared to the KTM SXF 450 comes in at 234lbs dry. IMO 13lbs is much ounce you consider that the Husaberg Has a 196 watt generator and a head and tail light. For me the decision comes down to engine performance and what it takes to set up a bike to my liking. I going to try some things to increase my rev limit, but that is a different topic. IMO the 450 race bike engine performance is better suited for snow biking, but there is always other factors. That is why we constantly talk about it.

 

[portgrinder]

501 is a tractor

i would go 450

 

[Rush44]

Both ride well and go to the same places. The 450 is more fun and really sings in the climb.... the 501 in a torque monster but taps out a little too quickly when those extra 1800 RPM would come in handy.

Can't go wrong with either, but the 450 is definitely my choice.

Oh and don't forget the trans.... the 450 close trans eats the 501 wide trans for lunch.

Whoever told you the 501 is a "way better snowbike" probably hasn't ridden many other options out there.

 

[madmax]

I have a 15' FC 450 right now with a LT. I really like it, but had to add the higher watt stator to run lights and grip heaters. Ive also had a 14' KTM 500 and really likes that too. I would keep what you have for now and see how you like it. The only thing better would be the new 63HP 450FC. Also maybe wait until husky/KTM release the 2017 bikes next month. There are some changes coming that could sway your decision if your are looking at buying new.

 

[medicman]

I would go with the 450 fc. I had the same delema and got a chance to ride both 450 and 501 and like everybody saying the 450 revs higher and the 5 speed I thing better, but 6 speed trans will be nice on the road, so I got a 2015 fc 450 and can't wait,