Goodbye Norden. Hello FE501!
I set off on a few-day adventure with my husband and two of our mates – Nick and Noni. It was my 'Goodbye Norden Tour'. I’ve had the Norden for about 7 months and have absolutely loved it. I ran my Fancy Ladies Road Ride on her, did the Husqvarna Trek, enjoyed Maschines’ Great Divide Ride Stage 2, and squeezed in a good number of local rides on this incredible bike. But alas, it was time to return her to Husqvarna (whilst awaiting the arrival of the new Norden Expedition!), so I wanted one last adventure with her...
We set off on a Sunday, and our first stop was the iconic Dayboro Pub. I posted a pic on socials, and immediately got a call from Rosie (you all know and love her as the Marketing and Events Manager of the KTM Group). I know her as my boss and an epic problem solver. She asked, “Jemma! How long is this ‘Goodbye Norden Tour’? Hope it ends tomorrow as that’s when the rego runs out!” I was half an hour up the road, so I popped over to Rosie’s place to switch to a Norden with more rego. But then, the idea to switch to Gordy’s FE501 was born, and that’s when my new adventure started.
Women in Moto: Adventure Riding for Beginners
The switch to the Husqvarna FE501 felt like a new chapter. This bike is a true dirtbike that you can adventure on. With its smaller size, lighter weight, and easy maneuverability, it’s perfect for riders like me who are new to ADV riding or for those who prefer a more agile ride on off-road trails.
If you're newer to adventure riding or feel intimidated by bigger bikes, the FE501 is an amazing option, especially for women in moto or those starting out. It’s much easier to control, and its lightweight frame means I could pick it up without struggle if I fell. I’ve been running lower bikes for years and appreciated how Gordy’s modifications made this bike feel comfortable and suited for riders of all sizes.
Why the Husqvarna FE501 Is Great for Women in Moto
Here’s a rundown of the FE501 modifications that made it an ideal adventure companion for me:
- Sprockets: 15/48 ratio – Perfect for both tar and trail, allowing for a smooth ride on bitumen and keeping it functional on single tracks.
- Suspension Lowered & Softened – Professionally lowered by Motolab Coffs Harbour and softened for better handling. At 163 cm tall, I’ve been riding lowered bikes for years, and this setup made all the difference.
- Genuine Husqvarna Bags – Conveniently mounted, they didn’t get in the way during tricky sections and were perfect for storing everything I needed for the ride.
- Other Mods – Including KTM 890RR handlebars, balanced wheels, handlebar weights, and folding mirrors. These small touches made the bike even more user-friendly for off-road riding.
- Effective Theft Deterrent – A simple but smart GPS tracker that saved the day when the bike didn’t start. Sometimes, adventure biking comes with its little challenges, but it’s all part of the fun!
Empowering Women Riders: Find Your Adventure
The FE501 is the perfect example of how we can tailor motorcycles to fit our needs as women riders. If you’ve ever thought adventure bikes are too big or intimidating, the FE501 proves that doesn’t have to be the case. It’s a perfect choice for women in moto, or anyone looking for a manageable yet capable bike for off-road adventures.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your riding or an experienced rider trying to find your next adventure, my goal at Jemma Wilson Events is to empower women riders by offering motorcycle training for women, women’s motorcycle workshops, and dirtbike events that focus on building confidence and skills. The experience of switching bikes, navigating trails, and taking on new challenges is all part of the adventure—and it’s something I aim to share with all of you.
Join Me on the Next Adventure!
Whether you’re looking to conquer your first off-road enduro, improve your ADV skills, or learn the basics of dirtbike riding through motorcycle training for women, there’s an event for everyone. Women in moto are leading the way, and it’s my mission to support you in your journey to becoming a more confident rider.
Want to see all the fun we had on the Goodbye Norden Tour? Check out my recap over on YouTube and get a glimpse of how much fun we have when women come together to ride, learn, and share the adventure.
Take the Next Step: Empower Yourself Through Riding
If you’re new to riding or just want to develop your skills, Jemma Wilson Events offers a supportive, inclusive environment for women in moto. From motorcycle workshops for women to beginner-friendly riding events, I’m here to guide you at every step. Ready to take the plunge? Join us for a ride, and let’s start your next adventure today!
Call to Action:
Check out upcoming dirtbike events, MX events, and women’s motorcycle workshops near you. Empower yourself with the skills you need to succeed and join the Women in Moto community!
P.S Want to see all the fun we had? Check out my recap over on YouTube.