FE/FC Looking for some FE501 Feedback

How was the wrist pin bushing and wrist pin? I've typically found this the be the weak spot in allot of high output single cylinder 4 strokes..

What does he have the TPS set at on his race bike?

No wear, we were able rebuild the engine as if it were new. Not sure on the TPS, that was adjusted by KTM. I can however see that it was readjusted since the factory.

I think its a combination of a few things. 0W40, SS filters & XF coolant. Also we break these engines in slowly which keeps them from heating excessively and hotspots are reduced.

This might be the info that could help (Found on the KTM XCW thread)


Stage 1 -
Part 1. Replace the thermo fan switch with an NAPA Echlin model that will close the circuit to engage the fan @ 198F, and opens the circuit @ 189F.

Part 2. Wire a second pull switch (identical switch as the headlight) to the factory dash console as a fan override, drawing from the battery. The thermo-switch will still work as designed, however this will give me discretion as to extra cooling.

can you be more specific on what this actually means? (hours?, rpm range? terrain?) slowly to one person may be too quick for another...

Are these motors the same as the 2014 KTM 500?

And I just drove through Reno the other day on my way to Mammoth. Temps were in the 70's and it POURED there yesterday. The race should be great. Good luck!

Just take it easy for the first 3-5 hours, no drag racing or excessive throttle pulls. Change the oil after the first hour and then 3, then every 5.

Yes, all 510cc KTM engines. Yes, the V2R will be interesting.

Is Zip Ty doing any development work on the FE 350 ?

Not currently, but if you need something, just let us know.

Its my daughters 12th birthday so I took a day off the rally to.spend the day with the family. Got cell.coverage so I thought I'd post a quick update on my 501s performance. We rode 2 easy trail days Saturday and Sunday both days were around 140 miles each and one 45 mile night ride. No mechanical issues at all. The next two days would be spent racking up 550 miles of snotty ATV trails so I did an oil service before hand. Monday and Tuesday was the run from eagle river to bay field to hop the ferry to Madeline island. 245 there and 265 back. 90% offroad. The bike is flat out spectacular! Rips up the 5 mile long sand whoops of valhalo to the rock garden trails of the flambeaux. I had one high speed get off on some cobble stone trails but was able to gather myself and finish the remaining 150 miles left. I gotta run my daughter wants to go horse back riding. Ouch my butt is sore...lol.
P.S. no heat issues to speak of. Keep it over 30mph and fan stays off. Lots of high speed stuff here so alls good. GPS recorded a high speed of 92.7 and that was in a whoop straight. I'd say I have the suspension sorted ya think?

That area up by Bayfield is a blast. Drummond on up is spectacular and that whooped out sandy atv trail is a good test for the suspension.

Was reading the manual last night and noticed commentary that the engine oil will run hotter when continuously slipping the clutch at slow speeds or just using the clutch allot...

Agreed! The trails are fun. A guy could get used to living up here

Oil Filter update..

I've used this oil filter for three oil cycles during the break in process and there is no deformation what so ever.
1st was one hour factory oil
2nd was 5 hours on 10w-50 semi syn
3rd was 6 hours on 20w-50 syn

Will now start using Castrol 10w-50 syn





It is becoming difficult to tell them apart

I need to figure out how to remove my pc racing stainless filter. I tried a fish hook and safety wire. No luck. When I get home I'll try a dental pick but its stuck in there but good. Snap ring plyers don't work either.

I was so frustrated attempting to remove the original during the initial 1 hour oil change. I was only able to get it out after wrapping emery cloth around the snap ring tips and it still was hardly budging.

This time I just stuck a ice pick through the end and pulled it out since I was replacing it.

I use snap ring pliers. It can be pretty slippery. It needs a nut epoxied into the end so that you could just place an eye bolt in the end.

Well the stupid stupid stupid stand has caused an issue. When the steering lock is on the bike almost falls over by itself. Well I woke up this morning and the bike had fallen over with the steering lock on and as you can see in the photo the front is now twisted Any ideas on what I should do?