This is not vintage but will probably be relevant or interesting to some anyway. I just got back from a 2 day ride for Husaberg dealers on the all new 2009 Husaberg FE450e enduro bikes. Well all the hype and reports are true. The bike handles impeccably and does not feel like a 450 four stroke to ride. The comparison to a two stroke is very close to the mark. The EFI provides instant throttle response and the bike pulls strongly with zero hiccups or flat spots and will pull you out of trouble at least one gear taller than you should be in. They turn and change direction effortlessly and at first it sought of catches you out with the ease of which it turns. There were a couple of 2009 KTM's on the ride and the initial feeling was that they were heavy and slow turning compared to the new 'Berg. This feeling dissapated once you rode the Kato's for a while, but back to back the Berg felt a much lighter, easier turning bike. The new engine design looks to be a definate winner. Our first fuel stop was at 115klm and the bikes took 4.5 litres, so 150klm plus will be a certainty from the 8.5 litre tank. The best thing I can say is that the bike is super easy to ride and does not wear the rider out, which means you can ride faster for longer! Of course I am biased being a Husaberg dealer, but for anyone with the slightest interest, get yourself a ride on one to feel the difference. This engine design looks to be the way of the future and is sure to be copied by other manufacturers. Look for a video of the ride and interviews with Rob Twyerould, Jeff leisk and some of the riders on Youtube soon. Most dealers have FE450e demo's now, with the first shipment of floor stock bikes due in November, the FE570e's are due in late January so get yourself to your nearest dealer for a look and to organise a ride. I have a big horsepower, highly modified FE550e which I absolutely love, but after riding the new one, it is now for sale. The 2009 'Berg is that good.
Cheers,
K