A PERFECT HUSKY 501 DUAL-SPORT: THE WRAP
This week we got to ride a very special Husqvarna FE501S. It started off as our 2021 test bike, but was purchased by Justin Myerson at Motowhips. Justin has built bikes for Ken Roczen, Ryan Villopoto and a long list of celebrity clients. In this case, he built the bike for himself. How much attention does a build get when the boss man owns it? See for yourself.
The Husqvarna 501 was almost brand new when it rolled into the shop, but it was completely torn down just like a full restoration project. Husqvarna changed up the color scheme on the 501 a few times in recent years, but Motowhips decided it was in need of an all-new combination. The engine got a black ceramic-coating. This not only gives the build a unique look, but also helps with heat dissipation. The motor was remapped, got Hinson Racing clutch internals, a complete Yoshimura exhaust system and a few other Motowhips internal modifications.
The next step was the powdercoat applications to the main frame and swingarm. White was chosen for the frame, just like the factory SX race machines, and the aluminum swingarm got an all-black finish. Instead of leaving the radiators the raw aluminum color, they matched it to the black ceramic coating of the engine, making everything flow together rather than standing out like a sore thumb. The bulky OEM license plate holder and lighting kit in the rear was removed entirely and replaced with a minimalistic configuration. Motowhips also extended the specialty coating treatment to the Magura braking components and WP suspension. More color changes came with the addition of an all-white Acerbis plastics kit, white gripper seat cover and a custom graphics kit from SKDA.The OEM wheelset was replaced with a set using Kite billet-aluminum hubs anodized black, stainless steel oversized spokes and a set of Excel A60 black rims wrapped in Dunlop’s 606 dual-sport tires. The OEM headlight was replaced with a unit from Baja Designs that puts out huge amounts of light while using all the stock plug-in connections and doesn’t require any additional charging equipment. Husqvarna equips the FE501 with XPLOR suspension components, so the crew at Motowhips didn’t just coat the OEM components, they revalved it and then went crazy with performance coatings on both ends.
We only got a short time on the bike–basically we did a photoshoot while Justin waited nervously. Frankly, we didn’t want to ride it much more than that. The bike is too beautiful. And we already are familiar with those performance modifications. A pipe and remapping will take the stock FE501 from its slightly anemic state to the level of a healthy off-road bike, and the Yosh pipe was actually fairly quiet. That wasn’t what was so special about this bike. It was more about the look and craftsmanship. Justin is a true artist. The full story will appear in the June, 2022 print edition of Dirt Bike.
URAL UPDATE
We get occasional updates from Ural, which gives us a little insight on what it’s like to be a Russian business trying to deal with an impossible situation. Here’s the latest:
Dear Friends,
We have been working on adjusting our operations to the new reality and we’d like to give you an update on the latest.
- As we informed you earlier, the assembly of new motorcycles at our factory in Irbit has been suspended. Since our last update the situation with logistics in and out of Russia hasn’t improved. We are still not able to import components to the factory.
- Majority of our suppliers are holding our orders patiently until we figure out when and how we can restart the assembly. Some suppliers, however, are pulling back from shipment of components to the factory which, among other things, amplifies the need for moving the final assembly outside of Russia.
- We estimate approximately 6 months gap in supply of new motorcycles. As far as supply of parts made at the factory, we are cautiously optimistic about our ability to organize export logistics within a month. Our parts managers have been building up stock levels for a while in response to supply chain issues, it is now coming in handy.
- We are having some success with moving the two stuck containers that have been sitting in port in Europe for over a month, and if all goes well, they will arrive to NY end of April/early May.
- Our dealers have been extremely supportive of us and of each other as we all navigate the limited supply of bikes. Please contact your local dealer – they will help you find the Ural you want so you can enjoy this riding season to the fullest.
We will start adjusting and correcting production plan for the remainder of this year and 2023 in the first week of April. If you are planning to place a custom order for future production, please contact your dealer as quickly as possible. When we receive information on actual orders, we can allocate production accordingly.
We pray for peace and we thank you for your support.
Be safe and stand by!
The Team at Ural
ARGUBRIGHT AT DAKAR
Jacob Argubright has set his sites on Dakar. For a privateer, the costs are astronomical, so he has started his fund-raising efforts already. The entry alone is approximately $20,000 USD, not including travel and preparation. Fundraising will include Mini Rally rides on Argubright’s personal rally bike, personally designed T-Shirts, a family-friendly fundraising event, Roadbook Rally Campout, a Husqvarna FE 501 “911 Rally Bike” raffle and more. If you’re interested in general sponsorship, please email here.
Visit ARGUBRIGHT DESIGN CO for all costs and fundraising details, and stay tuned on Instagram for all up-to-date details (@jacobargubright911).
LEARN TO SLIDE
Royal Enfield is proud to team up with Johnny Lewis and Moto Anatomy to offer Slide School once again for 2022. Now in its third year, the school, led by American Flat Track racer Johnny Lewis, provides a unique opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of flat track racing. From Carson City, Nevada, to Weedsport, New York, the Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy will span the country, with several stops aligned with the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track Championship, as well as major events such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
See the 2022 Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy schedule below. Specific dates and locations are subject to change. Visit the Moto Anatomy Slide School website for the most up-to-date information on the 2022 schedule, and for information on how to book your spot.
2022 Royal Enfield Slide School by Moto Anatomy
Apr 29 S&S CYCLE / Speed Ranch Viola, WI
Apr 30 S&S CYCLE / Speed Ranch Viola, WI
July 1 Weedsport Speedway Weedsport, NY
July 2 Weedsport Speedway Weedsport, NY
Aug 5 Black Hills Speedway Rapid City, SD
Aug 24 Carson City Outlaw Flat Track Carson City, NV
Aug 25 Carson City Outlaw Flat Track Carson City, NV
Aug 28* Carson City Outlaw Flat Track Carson City, NV
Oct 14* (Location TBD) Central Florida
Nov 25 Flat Track Futures Fall Classic Harrisburg, PA
*To be confirmed
HONDA MODELS RELEASED
Honda has finally gotten around to releasing the last of its last 2022 models. Here are the latest bikes and prices as well as Honda’s ad copy:
2022 TRAIL 125
When it comes to fun, approachable, popular miniMOTO models, no manufacturer even comes close to Honda, and the Trail 125 is a prime example of one such machine that also pays tribute to the past. The model harkens back to a golden era of motorcycling when there was seemingly a CT model on the bumper rack of every motor home but, like Honda’s nostalgic Monkey and Super Cub, it also incorporates the modern joys of practical design and hassle-free technology. Compared to the urban-focused Super Cub on which it is based, the Trail 125 has a number of rugged upgrades, making it ideal for casual trekking on- and off-road.
Color: Glowing Red
MSRP: $3,999
Availability: April
2022 CRF300L
The motorcycle industry’s top-selling dual-sport model, the CRF300L boasts strong power, low weight and excellent on- and off-road performance, while also delivering unparalleled value, reliability and styling. The model has a broad powerband, predictable handling and aesthetic cues that are carried over from Honda’s CRF Performance line, and it’s available in standard and ABS versions, both of which are ready to provide low-cost transportation and true dual-sport adventure.
Color: Red
MSRP
CRF300L: $5,349
CRF300L ABS: $5,649
Availability: April
2022 CRF300L RALLY
Based on the standard CRF300L, but with comfort-focused upgrades including hand guards, more fuel capacity and a frame-mounted wind screen, the CRF300L Rally evokes images of the Dakar Rally while delivering practicality and value. More suitable for long-distance adventuring than its standard sibling, the Rally version is also a stellar commuter.
Color: Red
MSRP
CRF300L Rally: $6,099
CRF300L Rally ABS: $6,399
Availability: April
2022 XR650L
Yes, the XR650L has been a familiar part of Honda’s lineup for many years, but there’s a reason the tried-and-true dual-sport model continues to be popular with customers. It’s highly adaptable, opening the door to adventure on single-track trails, dirt roads and backroads, while also delivering capable transportation in the city. The natural result of those characteristics – plus a proud Baja heritage – is a diehard following of riders, who will be pleased to know that the model has received a styling facelift for 2022.
Color: White
MSRP: $6,999
Availability: April
2022 MONTESA COTA 4RT260R
The latest evolution of Montesa’s versatile 259 cc platform, this model acquires the “R” suffix for 2022, indicating its more competition-ready specifications. Upgrades include a switch to Showa suspension components, as well as a larger aluminum muffler that delivers increased horsepower across the rev range. The 4RT260R also gets new graphics and a striking black color.
Color: Black
MSRP: $9,199
Availability: May
See you next week!
–Ron Lawson
Comments are closed.