The Husaberg FE range received a major revamp for 2009, with a shift in production from the Swedish factory to sharing space on the KTM assembly line in Mattighofen, Austria. While still designed and developed in Sweden, they became another spoke in the KTM mega-factory’s wheel.

For many died-in-the-wool Husaberg fans this seemed like a loss of identity for the brand, but loyal ’Berg owners had lots to gain in this evolution of the brand.

It was a huge step forward in quality control and served to centralise the two brand’s spares and distribution networks. Plus, the 2009 models retained the innovations and competition-focus of the previous ’Bergs, and then some.

It was the ’09 model which took the off-road world by storm with its radical engine configuration, moving the fuel tank, crank location and shifting to a 70° cylinder-angle to centralise mass. Electronic fuel-injection, super-quick air filter access and plastic subframes were eye catching elements, too.

At the time, the theme of mass-centralisation was gaining momentum, with BMW releasing their slant-engine G450X as well. There was much to be gained handling-wise from the idea but, like the BMW, the FE 450 copped some negative feedback for a loss of front-end feel. The repositioning of the weight back and further up had a slightly negative affect on front-end traction, which was more pronounced on the BMW.

Husaberg addressed this in 2010 with revised front-end geometry and new triple clamps. The best part of the 2010-12 ’Bergs is definitely the handling, with each bike feeling totally sorted out of the box. The Swedes were even able to set up their bikes a little better than their KTM counterparts, thanks in part to the excellent twin-chamber fork.

Reliability has proven very good, with the engine mostly made up of reorganised KTM EXC components. Sadly Husaberg has given up on the canted motor design for 2013, but the ’09-’12 Husabergs will be a sought after collectable item in 20-30 years.

Look out for

Tough Nuts
Look out for stripped or seized nuts in the sub frames. Once they lock up and spin in the plastic you’re shopping for a new subframe!

Rip Cord
Look for the wire loop at the back of the side cover hand-hold and pull it to remove the seat, there’s no bolts or screws holding it on!

Triple Clamps
First year bikes had slightly lighter feel in the front-end, later bikes have new clamps and steer better.

Oil slick
Watch out if you over-fill the engine oil or flip the bike over, as oil can find its way into the intake through the breather hose.

Shock bearings
On older bikes look out for worn lower bearings on the PDS shock.

Suspension
The fork is a quality twin-chamber design, with both ends well set-up for 75-80kg riders.

Price Guide

$6200-$8600

New Price

2009 $13,299
2010 $13,695
2011 $13,295

Market Equivalents

’09-’11 KTM 450 EXC
$6900-$8400

’09-’11 Yamaha WR450F
$5800-$7900

’09-’11 Suzuki RMX450Z
$6200-$7800