Husaberg FE: Tuning for the Cult Enduro

Husaberg has a special reputation among enduro riders. For decades the Swedish brand stood for uncompromising four-stroke enduros, and it belonged to KTM from the nineties. After model year 2014 it was merged into Husqvarna. The last FE models of 2013 and 2014 are technically closely based on the KTM enduros of that time. That has a practical advantage: they use the same Keihin control unit as many KTM and Husqvarna models, so the software can be calibrated the same way.

Which Husaberg models fit

The tune can be configured online for Husaberg FE models with Keihin ECU 812.41.031 (KTM part number 81241031100):

Model	Years	Displacement	Stock (approx.)
Husaberg FE 250	2013	248.6 cc	approx. 42 hp / approx. 27 Nm*
Husaberg FE 350	2013–2014	349.7 cc	over 45 hp / approx. 37 Nm
Husaberg FE 450	2013–2014	449.3 cc	approx. 51 hp / approx. 40–45 Nm
Husaberg FE 501	2013–2014	510.4 cc	approx. 58 hp / approx. 52 Nm

* Figures taken from the identical engine of the KTM 250 SX-F.

From 2014 the FE 350, 450 and 501 continued almost unchanged as Husqvarna models. Older Husaberg generations with a different engine layout and a different ECU are not part of the online configuration. Whether yours fits is shown by the sticker on the ECU: the second line carries a number starting with 812.41.031; the last three digits may differ.

Why older enduros in particular benefit

A Husaberg FE from 2013 or 2014 is more than ten years old today. Many are well kept and still ridden regularly, often with an aftermarket exhaust, a more open air filter or different gearing. The stock software knows nothing about these changes. It is also designed around noise and emission rules, which shows in a restrained throttle response at the bottom end.

The power increase revises the ignition and fuel maps for more power and a more direct response. The file is matched to the original software we read from your ECU first. When ordering, mention which parts are fitted that affect the mixture. For fuel you choose between Super 95 and Super Plus. The Super Plus version uses a little more ignition advance and then always needs 98 octane.

Pops & bangs and party mode

If you do not just want to ride your Husaberg but also hear it, you can add two sound functions:

• Pops & bangs: crackling and popping on the overrun as long as you keep the throttle slightly open. With the throttle closed it stays mostly quiet. You choose the character in five steps, from quick, light shots to slow, strong ones.
• Party mode (hard cut / flame limiter): at the rev limiter the ignition is cut and the timing retarded. Fuel keeps flowing and burns in the exhaust, with bangs and flames. Through the hysteresis you choose the sound, from a fast "brrrrr" to single, strong shots. The stock cut-off remains above it as a safety net.

On an older machine it is worth taking an honest look at the exhaust. A silencer with burnt-out packing or a cracked header copes worse with the extra thermal load.

Multi-map and map switch

With multi-map you spread the options freely over the four map banks of the ECU. A proven pattern: map 1 stays stock, map 2 gets the power increase, map 3 adds pops & bangs, map 4 party mode. Every map carries its own strengths.

For the Husaberg FE generation there is KTM's stock switch (part number 77239974200). It fits KTM and Husqvarna models 2011–2017 and works with our multi-map files. From the handlebar it reaches two maps: map 1 and the one selected on the rotary switch for the base setting. All four maps directly work with our switches Stealth (hidden rotary switch, not waterproof, +€40) and Clean (handlebar switch, aluminium, IP67, +€80). Both are still in development and can be pre-ordered.

Prices and process

• one option, always on: €150
• several options, always on: €200
• multi-map: €230, map switch optional on top

You put everything together in the motorcycle configurator. Then you bring the Husaberg to us in Stödtlen, choosing your date when ordering. Or you remove the ECU and send it in; by post that takes about 3–7 days including shipping both ways. How to remove and pack it is shown in the ECU shipping guide. The model data is also on the product page, for example for the Husaberg FE 501.

Before tuning: check the condition

On a machine of this age, condition matters more than any software. A few points to check first:

• Valve clearance and timing chain: a worn engine starts badly and runs rough, however good the maps are.
• Fuel pump and filter: a weak pump only shows itself at full load.
• Wiring loom and connectors: corroded contacts at the ECU connector are common on older enduros. Have a look while you remove it.
• Battery: a weak battery causes trouble when starting and programming.

Stress and legal position

Pops & bangs and party mode mean unburnt fuel in the exhaust. That puts more load on exhaust valves, header and silencer than the stock calibration. Changing the engine software voids the vehicle's type approval. All functions are intended exclusively for motorsport and are not permitted on public roads, even if your FE is registered. More in the motorsport notice.

Conclusion

The 2013 and 2014 Husaberg FE is the brand's last generation and technically closely related to KTM. That makes it a rewarding candidate for software tuning: with the Keihin 812.41.031, power, throttle response and sound can be adjusted, matched to the original software. Check the condition and the sticker first, and the cult enduro gets a calibration that suits it. More on the ECU in the glossary under Keihin.