While the latest U.S. adventure bikes are being engineered with an ever-increasing bias toward street (Super Ténéré, GS, Tiger, KLR, etc.), the dual-sport segment is traveling in the opposite direction, as evidenced by Husky’s latest 50-state, street legal FE-S models. Some riders can do more than others with one bike. In balancing the tradeoffs of a decision like this, the 501 spares little compromise while gaining many versatility points.

The old world view of dual-sport gets tossed out the window in 2015 with the Husky’s zippy fuel injection, hydraulic clutch, Brembo brakes, CNC-machined triple clamps and six-speed tranny. This is not your old DRZ or KLR. Everything on this bike is engineered for off-road racing.

It’s electric start only, but buyers can order an optional kick-starter as an accessory. The stock foot pegs resemble the typical aftermarket type you’d see at the start line of any off-road race. The stock gearing leans tall and that’s great for dual-sport as the bike easily cruised the tarmac in the high 70s (MPH) with some meat still left on the bone. Some riders will carry a spare counter-shaft sprocket minus one tooth, for convertibility to technical riding.

If you utilize this machine to its capacity, you’re covering a lot of territory in your riding repertoire. This bike can do just about anything you need it to, short of carrying camping gear for two people. It’s not an adventure bike, but owners can do more with this machine than just about any other bike out there. It could race in the Baja 1000 or the Baja Rally and still be used for a daily commuter or trail bike. The 350 model is a great starter bike for those with the means.

Styling is top of class with a white/blue/gold motif that’s “neo retro modern” with a line of matching soft-goods, called “Husky,” that include licensed Moose Racing gear and in-house designed riding gear along with a very sharp collection of Swedish-styled casual gear called “Husky Style.”

The one and only Achilles heel for this bike is the race seat and it hurts the bike’s prospects for ADV uses. Thankfully the manufacturer assures us that a dual-sport seat will be available as an accessory. Just the same, we’d replace the seat with a custom unit from Renazco Racing before riding it again

Application #1: Dual-sport “Lite” camping:

One to two days camping off this bike is very doable with the latest soft luggage and replacement seat. Aftermarket tanks for the FE series are due early 2015 and will fit the FE-S. With added fuel capacity, a week of camping or hotel-hopping in Baja California is very doable.

Application #2: His and Hers ADV Lite

Let’s say you have to clear your new 501 FE-S purchase with your better half. Surprise her with a matching 350 decked out with ADV essentials. The 350 is a great choice for those wanting to ditch passenger life in favor of finally grabbing their own bars. Yet this machine is not “too much” for a new rider, except maybe the price tag.

Application #3: Triple Sport

The unrestricted FE models come ready to race and we’d argue the emissions and mapping on the S models are noticeable but not stifling for high performance trail riding. Not that you would need or want to race this bike, but the mere fact that it’s capable of dashing through the woods and over rocks speaks volumes, and simply means it can outperform any of its peers on the trail. One could easily purchase the bike on Friday, break it in on Saturday with a suspension check, and then go straight to the start line of an enduro or hare scramble on Sunday morn.

From all directions here you have a winner. And it’s tough to complain about anything on this beauty other than the torturous saddle. Husqvarna Motorcycles’ legacy is a long and storied drama spanning 100 years, yet this latest chapter is about the fabled brand “reclaiming” the name that pioneered the sport of motocross.

This, especially after the failed Italian initiative, sets the brand on a new path. The newly charged North America staff is in full effect making a huge push to be independent from their big brother (KTM) next door. And it appears Husky has recovered from its lost decade with a ROCK STARR  Energy Supercross Team, ISDE Medals and leveraging the legacy of the brand’s golden years. The absolute validation of a bike test is whether or not the tester would actually spend their own money to buy the subject bike. We haven’t pulled the trigger yet, but the Husky FE-S 501 is on our radar screen for 2015. Husqvarna.com

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