The 2024 Husqvarna FE 501w is a premium enduro bike. It has a 50-state EPA-compliant powerplant, an all-new chassis, upgraded suspension, and much more in 2024. It differs from the FE 501s dual sport by not having turn signals, a horn, DOT tires, and a license plate. It’s less expensive to operate as annual registration and insurance is not required. In California, it qualifies for green-sticker registration. We recently tested the 2024 Husqvarna FE 501w, and have highlighted some of its many features in the photos below.
The 2024 Husqvarna FE 501w is a go-anywhere off-road machine.Jeff Allen
The FE 501w engine is based on the FC 450 motocrosser’s with the same 95mm bore but a longer 72mm stroke, giving it a displacement of 511cc. According to our in-house dyno, it makes 39.0 hp and 28.3 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheel.Jeff Allen
Exhaust system uses an O2 sensor to monitor and maintain the proper air-fuel ratio because it’s 50-state EPA compliant.Jeff Allen
In addition to the O2 sensor, it uses a very quiet muffler end-cap with United States Forest Service (USFS)-approved spark arrestor.Jeff Allen
A significant part of EPA compliance is noise levels at full throttle. The FE 501w airboot has a reed-valve system to reduce intake noise. The airbox also has an enduro-specific splash guard to prevent water and mud from entering.Jeff Allen
A new Twin Air air filter design is improved to make filter changes easier and guarantee a proper seal.Jeff Allen
The electronics package includes a new Offroad Control Unit (OCU) that monitors the bike’s electrical systems and can help diagnose problems with it.Jeff Allen
In this latest-generation frame and chassis, the engine is tilted two degrees back, and front sprocket location has been lowered by 3mm. The goal is to improve handling and reduce squatting under hard acceleration.Jeff Allen
New for the 2024 Husqvarna enduro and dual sport models is a WP Xact 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork, which is a significant improvement over the WP Xplor 48mm open-cartridge coil-spring unit used on previous headlight-equipped models. Fork settings are developed for enduro riding, but retain effective bottoming resistance because of an internal hydrostop that goes into effect in the last 68mm of travel.Jeff Allen
The FE 501w uses a new WP Xact shock with tool-free adjusters for low- and high-speed compression, and rebound damping. The latest shock is 100 grams (0.2 pound) lighter and 15mm (0.6 inch) shorter than its predecessor, retaining 11.8 inches of rear wheel travel.Jeff Allen
The new WP Xact 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork is secured to the bike via CNC-machined billet triple clamps with a 22mm offset, and one-piece rubber-mounted handlebar mounts for a precise feel.Jeff Allen
The hollow, die-cast swingarm is made from one piece of aluminum and is 190 grams (0.4 pound) lighter than the previous model’s. Chain slider and chain guide have been redesigned for durability.Jeff Allen
To match the flex characteristics of the new frame and swingarm, Husqvarna fitted the rear wheel with a smaller 22mm axle.Jeff Allen
For its enduros and dual sports, Husqvarna uses Braktec for brake and clutch duties. In the front, the dual-piston caliper is paired with a 260mm rotor, while in the rear there’s a single-piston caliper that bites onto a 220mm rotor.Jeff Allen
The new frame has relocated footpeg mounts with pivot points that are more inboard, allowing for a larger foot contact surface.Jeff Allen
Husqvarna has a well-designed transparent 2.1-gallon polyethylene (XPE) gas tank that allows you to easily ride over 80 miles on one fuel tank for everyday trail riding.Jeff Allen
The FE 501w has a compact enduro dashboard that shows mileage, time of day, and warning lamps.Jeff Allen
A 300 percent brighter LED headlight is ready to help get you home on those trail rides that run longer than expected.Jeff Allen
The 2024 Husqvarna FE 501w hits Dirt Rider’s automotive scales at 258 pounds wet.Jeff Allen
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