The handling and chassis of the Husaberg have a unique feel, too. First, a lot of riders get the feeling that the bike has a stinkbug stance-one of being high in the rear and wide in the thighs. You can see it in the seat, which has pretty good padding in the front portion. Larger riders tend to notice this more than smaller guys. Some liked it as it kept their knees less folded up while others didn't like being perched up higher than usual. But even smaller riders didn't mind the standard bar position on the multiadjustable triple clamp being in the third-most forward position. So overall, the chassis is a bit tighter than a roomy KTM. It also feels like the footpegs are placed a bit higher, giving the bike an unfamiliar handling feel as well. The Berg acts like the front wheel is actually more underneath you than on the KTM, but when turning the bike feels a little more raked out and stable. It definitely has good front grip and likes to be turned on the front tire as opposed to be sliding in the rear. The 550 is fairly light on its feet for such a beast and is actually pretty good at masking its weight when the engine gets spinning, something that a lot of big bikes suffer with in handling.
As to its suspension, this Berg has definitely kept the enduro touch in the setting. It's on the softer and plusher side of the scale, but it seems they've found some additional bottoming resistance compared to the Long Haul 650 we had. It's very similar to the way we had our suspension modified, so of course we liked it. It seems to be as plush as the KTMs are able to be without suffering that wallowy feel. And the bike is pretty sensitive to fork compression settings. We liked ours a bit softer than delivered, even when racing the bike on a rough GP course at SRA's Glen Helen monthly event.
Once you learn the routine of the Husaberg, all of its unique or irregular traits seem to fall into place. Air filter maintenance is a cinch. The one-liter oil capacity makes it important to change the fluid often but it's simple, as well. The bike breathes excess oil into the airbox and will actually "self-regulate" the level if you put in too much. It can be interesting when you pin the throttle for an extended period of time, too, as it will blow it into the airbox where the bike will puff some nice, blue clouds. In fact, when those unfamiliar with this flip the bike upside-down and oil runs into the airbox, it's funny to tell the rider they blew the bike up when the billows of blue spoke pour out! The reach to the brake pedal takes some getting used to, and trying to find the little bird that's trapped under the seat is useless. Yes, this bike makes some funny noises.
On the plus side the brakes are strong and progressive. There's some new blue bling scattered around the bike, as well as black rims if you like that style. And speaking of the looks, almost everyone who glanced at the Berg had something interesting to say about it.
Now the big question is, Do you really need a Husaberg over all the other choices out there? Only you can answer that one. If you like power, standing out from the crowd and are willing to go that extra yard in your motorcycle addiction, we can happily recommend the Husaberg. If you have to have a shop in or near your town, like to have a lot of aftermarket choices available to you and prefer to blend in, forget it and dream about what riding a Berg must be like.
Specifications
MSRP: $8198
Seat height: 37.4 in.
Footpeg height 16.5 in.
Seat-to-footpeg distance: 20.9 in.
Ground clearance: 13.5 in
Fuel capacity: 2.8 gal.
Weight (ready to ride, no gas): 249 lb
What's Hot
Motor is addictive, you'll crave the acceleration
The look is clean yet bold
Components are top-notch
Your neighbor doesn't have one
What's Not
More "Euro" feeling than a KTM
Riding position not as seamless as most new bikes
Not a lot of aftermarket support
No spark arrestor or green sticker compliance