FE 501 (MY2020)

The FE 501 is the biggest gun in Husqvarna's enduro lineup, and it earns that spot with 511 cc of liquid-cooled single that solves problems with grunt instead of revs. The power comes in a deliberate cadence that finds grip on loose climbs and in deep sand, where a peakier motor would just dig a hole. Around it sits a long-travel WP Xplor fork with 11.8 in (300 mm) of travel, a fully adjustable shock, traction control and ride modes. The whole package is tuned for real enduro work, not dressed-up motocross. This is also where the Husqvarna idea holds up: it looks sharp, and there is serious substance under the bodywork.

This bike rewards a calm rider. You short-shift, carry a taller gear and let the displacement drag you up the hill. The six-speed box has enough spread to crawl a technical creek bed and still run fast dirt roads. It's built tough, it's easy to wrench on, and the aftermarket support is deep, so it holds up well for owners who maintain it. It fits experienced off-road riders who want momentum and traction more than a screaming top end. The honest caveat: it's the largest machine in the range and asks for respect and real fitness to ride all day. Newer riders will run out of energy before the bike runs out of ability.