Comparison test: enduro class 500

In the previous issue of Avto magazine, we looked at the 450cc mid-range race cars. See, which are the perfect choice for the vast majority of enduro riders as they are strong enough and easy to handle. The 500cc 3T class is intended only for the most experienced and physically trained drivers. Three competitors competed in this comparative test: Husqvarna TE 4, Husaberg FE 510 and KTM EXC 550 Racing. All are uncompromising, with quality components, adjustable suspension and race-ready starting from the factory box.

Depending on the look, we can say that each has its own character, Husqvarna is a beautiful product of Italian design, KTM is the sleekest lines and overall a very beautiful design, Husaberg has been known in this look for several years, so it is not quite modern , its difference (the air filter is not under the seat, but in the frame under the fuel tank) impresses everyone to whom it means a lot. But in any case, Husaberg is designed concisely and, above all, useful. As in the case of the other two, here we did not find kitsch and unnecessary rubbish.

Ready to fight? When these three compete with each other, the ground just lashes in the air, and the surroundings are filled with the sound of powerful four-stroke engines.

When it comes to engines, KTM and Husqvarna are very equal. Otherwise, their personalities are different, with the KTM harvesting most of its power in the higher rev range and the Husqvarna pulling the tractor from below. On the fast tracks, the KTM had a slight edge, while the Husqvarna shone on the tough and technical terrain. The Husaberg has the same power engine but its potential will be best exploited by experienced enduro riders as it lacks a certain amount of determination at the bottom of the power climb curve, but when it takes a breath at higher rpm it is better for the rider to hold on to the steering wheel. because then his power would explode drastically. So it's a bit more adrenaline to ride with him, as mastering the insane Berg is a wild challenge.

If in design and engine Husaberg was slightly inferior to its competitors, then in terms of running characteristics it lagged behind even more. Husqvarna and KTM are very agile and easy to drive (most KTMs). Husqvarna knows a slightly higher center of gravity and therefore requires a little more effort to change direction quickly and aggressively (KTM rules here), while Husaberg is a little cumbersome and stiff in the hands. On an undemanding basis, this is not even that noticeable, but the real difference arises on tarmac terrain, where the motorcycle, including the suspension, needs to work harmoniously and just fine.

Speaking of suspension, KTM and Husaberg have a White Power rear shock mounted directly on the rear fork (PDS), which creates problems on the aforementioned terrain. Husqvarna through the holes in summer like a feather. The Sach damper installed in the crankset has the advantage here. Up front, at the telescopic forks, all three are more evenly spaced. Husqvarna's Marzocchi forks work a little better on rough terrain, while White Power forks (KTM and Husaberg) perform a bit better on flatter surfaces.

All three bikes are beautiful, even if you draw a line. The Husaberg has a spartan look and an unusual engine that, unfortunately, does not provide enough flexibility and power in the low-to-mid range. The bike is well made and if it wasn't so stiff and clunky when changing direction quickly, it might as well be in contention for the win. Thus, he takes third place, although the magazine "Auto" has a rating of four (as well as the other two). Its trump card is also a lower price (the service is cheap), since it is cheaper than its competitors by about 100 thousand.

This is already a huge pile of racing tires. Almost everyone liked KTM and therefore had to win. The fact is that the motorcycle itself needs an aggressive driver who requires a little more physical strength and tires the driver more than, for example, Husqvarna. In the case of the KTM, you need to grip the steering wheel more tightly in open areas and rely on an unexpected kick from the rear end into the air. If that doesn't bother you, you have a winner.

So who wins this time is no longer a secret: Husqvarna! It has everything a high-end enduro racing car needs. Its biggest advantage is the rear suspension, so it is quiet when driving over rough terrain. Thanks to the powerful and flexible engine, there are no obstacles or descents that could stop the once Swedish and now Italian queen of enduro sports. When the bike's center of gravity is slightly lowered in Varese, it will probably also get a five.

1nd place: Husqvarna TE 510

Test car price: 1.972.000 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 501cc, Keihin FCR carburetor, el. launch

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (diameter 45 mm), rear single hydraulic shock absorber

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 260mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.460 mm

Seat height from ground: 975 mm

Fuel tank: 9, 2 l

Dry weight: 116 kg

Represents and sells: Gil Motosport, kd Mengeš, Balantičeva ul. 1,

tel .: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ powerful and flexible motor

+ suspension

+ production

- weight

Score: 4, 435 points

2st city: KTM 525 EXC Racing

Test car price: 1.956.000 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 510, 4cc, Keihin MX FCR 3 carburetor, el. Get started

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (diameter 48mm), rear hydraulic single shock absorber (PDS)

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 260mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.481 mm

Seat height from ground: 925 mm

Fuel tank: 8 l

Dry weight: 113 kg

Represents and sells: Motor Jet, doo, Ptujska c, 2000 Maribor,

phone: [phone], Moto Panigaz, Kranj phone: 04/20 41, Axle, Koper, phone: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ sales and service network

+ powerful engine

+ precise and simple handling

- restless in hilly terrain

Score: 4, 415 points

3nd city: Husaberg FE 550

Test car price: 1.834.000 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 549, 7cc, Keihin MX FCR 3 carburetor, el. Get started

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: Front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (USD), rear hydraulic single shock absorber (PDS)

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 260mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.481 mm

Seat height from ground: 925 mm

Fuel tank: 9 l

Total weight: 109 kg

Representation and sale: Ski & sea, doo, Mariborska 200a, 3000 Celje,

tel .: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ difference

+ price in service

– stiffness

Score: 4, 375 points

Petr Kavčič, photo: Sašo Kapetanovič