Husqvarna FS 450

Delivering pure short circuit performance, the FS 450 is undoubtedly the machine of choice for all serious Supermoto racers. With an incredibly versatile SOHC engine that produces a broad spread of controllable power, the internal shaft arrangements are placed at the ideal centre of gravity to vastly benefit manoeuvrability. Aiding this agile feel is the lightweight chassis. Manufactured using innovative engineering techniques, the frame design ensures exceptional handling. Retaining its customisable electronics and assembled with high-quality components throughout, the FS 450 is finished with new white, yellow, and grey graphics inspired by the brand's Swedish heritage.

Powerful engine
Benefitting from advanced engineering techniques, the FS 450 engine delivers maximum performance. The engine is light, weighing just 26.8 kilograms, and is positioned to further centralise mass for enhanced handling and significantly improved anti-squat behaviour from the chassis. Servicing of the FS 450 engine is made easier compared to previous generations thanks to the service markers on the engine cases. 

Cylinder head
The SOHC cylinder head is incredibly compact with the camshaft positioned as close to the centre of gravity as possible to aid handling and agility. A durable, fine-punched cam chain runs on low-friction chain guides for optimal efficiency and reliability with a single oil spray jet guaranteeing effective cooling. The lightweight valves are actuated via a rocker arm and feature timing specifically designed to deliver precise levels of torque and throttle response. 

Cylinder & piston
The lightweight aluminium cylinder is undoubtedly an engineering masterpiece and features a 95 mm bore with a 63.4 mm stroke. Inside, the CP bridged-box-type piston features anodised annular grooves, adding durability and longer service intervals at a weight of just 327 g. The compression ratio is 13.6:1 for incredible peak power, which ensures the FS 450 remains firmly at the front of the pack.

Crankshaft
The crankshaft is specifically positioned to harness the rotating mass in the ideal centre of gravity resulting in a lightweight and agile handling feel. As such, the inertia produced by the crankshaft is carefully calculated to deliver optimal traction and rideability from the powerful 450 cc engine. A plain big end bearing comprising two force-fitted bearing shells ensure maximum reliability and durability, for long service intervals of 90 hours. 

Crankcases
Designed for optimised mass centralisation, the FS 450 crankcases arrange the shafts and engine internals in the perfect position to achieve the best possible handling. Manufactured using a high-pressure die-cast production process, the result is a thin, exceptionally strong wall thickness at the lowest possible weight. 

Anti hopping clutch
The FS 450 features a Suter anti-hopping clutch to prevent rear wheel instability and hopping when braking hard into the apex of a turn for total control and perfect drifting. It reduces the physical efforts required by the rider and improves lap times.

Gearbox
Produced by Pankl Racing Systems, the 5-speed gearbox is designed to be extremely light and durable while featuring an optimised and proven gear ratio (29:72). Integrated into the shift drum, the Quickshifter sensor can be activated by pressing the QS marked button on the Map Select Switch to further aid seamless upshifting.

Lightweight frame
The proven chromium molybdenum steel frame is designed to significantly improve the anti-squat behaviour of the chassis. In addition, the wall thickness of the frame in high stress areas is optimised for enhanced reliability, together with advanced geometries and flex characteristics aimed at providing unparalleled rider feedback, energy absorption, and exceptional straight-line stability. The frame is finished off with a premium metallic blue powder coating with standard frame protectors offering superior protection, durability, and grip in any condition. Additionally, the inclusion of forged brackets on the lower frame rails allows for easy installation of the skid plate, which is available as a Technical Accessory. 

Polyamide-reinforced aluminium subframe
Made from 60% polyamide and 40% aluminium, the two-piece subframe ensures exceptional strength and durability at an overall weight of just 1.8 kg. The lower subframe spars and frame mounts are manufactured from cast aluminium for reliability while the upper section of the subframe is made from injection-molded polyamide. The materials used to construct the subframe are chosen as they enable specific flex characteristics at the lowest possible weight. 

CNC machined triple clamps
Working in perfect unison with the frame design and suspension set-up, the CNC-machined triple clamps provide precisely calculated geometry for increased stability. Customised handlebar flex can be achieved by the handlebar clamp, which offers two mounting options - rubber-damped for less vibration, or fixed for enhanced front-end feedback. The upper triple clamp ensures a smooth fork action and plays a vital role in the alignment of the front wheel for superior handling.

WP XACT front suspension
The 48 mm split air forks offer impressive bottoming resistance thanks to the hydrostop, which applies a progressive damping force in the last 40 mm of travel. The WP forks are designed with a capsulated, adjustable air spring and pressurized oil chamber for smooth action and consistent damping. Oil and air bypasses reduce pressure peaks and in combination with a mid-valve damping system, the forks provide precise feedback to the rider. The settings are easily adjusted via the single air pressure pre-load valve, as well as through easy access click adjusters for compression and rebound. Additionally, the air pump needed to adjust the fork's air pressure is provided as standard. 

WP XACT shock absorber
The WP XACT rear shock offers 266 mm of travel. Inside, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) optimised main piston enhances initial comfort and provides strong hold-up in all conditions. Different sized holes in the shims allow them to open more easily, which reduces the overall stress of the oil flow. Complete with low friction SKF seals, consistent damping, comfort, and traction are guaranteed with rebound and both high and low speed compression adjustable by hand. 

Swingarm
The hollow swingarm is manufactured from a single piece of aluminium using a die-cast production process for optimal stiffness. In order to optimise and match the flex characteristics from the frame, a 22 mm rear axle is fitted.

Functional bodywork
Clean, Swedish-inspired design and ergonomics are tailored to allow riders to perform at their best for extended periods of time. Refined after countless hours of testing, the contact points and surfaces in the rider triangle are positioned to improve comfort on the motorcycle. A flat seat profile offers unrestricted movement with a new, high-grip cover ensuring riders stay firmly in place under hard acceleration. 

Airbox
Designed with precisely positioned inlet ducts aimed at reducing drag and air flow deformation, the airbox ensures unrestricted airflow with maximum filter protection. The Twin Air filter is easily accessed without tools, by simply removing the left side panel for easy maintenance. Offering further performance customisation, the FS 450 is delivered with an additional airbox cover that can be changed without the use of any tools for a sharper throttle response according to rider preference or track conditions. 

Hydraulic clutch
The high-performance Brembo hydraulic clutch system guarantees even wear, near maintenance-free operation, and perfect action in every condition. This means that play is constantly compensated so that the pressure point and function of the clutch remain identical in cold or hot conditions, as well as over time. Countless hours of race-focused testing have proven the high-quality, and exceptional reliability of the Italian-made Brembo hydraulic system.

Hydraulic brakes
Exceptional stopping power is guaranteed with Brembo brakes, which feature a 4-piston, radially mounted monoblock calliper in combination with a 310 mm disc at the front. A single piston calliper and a 220 mm disc are fitted to the rear. The perfectly placed controls allow for optimal feel and balance in all conditions. 

ProTaper handlebar
Developed between Husqvarna Motorcycles and leading handlebar manufacturer ProTaper, the exclusive bend offers superior comfort, class-leading strength, and fatigue resistance at the lowest possible weight.

ODI grips
ODI lock-on grips feature an innovative, integrated throttle mechanism and a glue-free installation. The throttle assembly offers easy free-play adjustment with the option to fit alternative cams for a personalised throttle action.

Footrests
The CFD-designed footrests offer a large contact area to ensure better control of the machine and with a narrow mounting design, the footrests are less susceptible to catching on trackside barriers and obstacles.

Wheels and tyres
Black 16.5'' and 17'' Alpina spoked wheels on the front and rear respectively are lightweight and strong. Metzeler Racetec SM K1 125/75 R420 and 165/55 R420 slick tyres are fitted for maximum grip, traction, and agility.

Exhaust system
The exhaust system on the FS 450 features a flow-designed resonance chamber, which plays a vital role in delivering class-leading performance. Manufactured in two pieces and designed to be as compact as possible, the header pipe allows for the system to be removed without removing the rear shock. The silencer has a short and efficient design, moving weight closer to the centre of gravity and ensuring impressive power while keeping noise as low as possible. A black coating highlights its premium quality. 

Cooling system
Manufactured from high-strength aluminium, the radiators are designed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to channel air in the most effective way. A large centre tube channels coolant through the frame to reduce pressure at this point in the system for a more consistent flow while an internal thermostat further enhances reliability.

Fuel tank
The 7.2 litre fuel tank integrates neatly into the ergonomic bodywork and features a fuel pump design that allows the tank to be emptied further for increased running times. For improved safety, the external fuel line is specifically routed to make it less exposed and susceptible to damage.

Map select switch
The intuitive handlebar-mounted Map Select Switch allows riders to activate Launch and Traction Control, enable the Quickshifter, and allow riders to toggle between two engine maps. The easy-to-operate component allows for quick changes to the engine characteristics based on track conditions and rider preference. 

Quickshift
The Quickshifter can be activated or deactivated via the Map Select Switch. The function works only when upshifting, and interrupts the ignition for a fraction of a second. This allows for smooth gear changes while the throttle is fully open and without the use of the clutch. To prevent unintended shifts and false neutrals, the function is only active from second gear upwards. 

Traction Control
Traction Control on the FS 450 is engaged by a button marked 'TC' on the Map Select Switch and functions by analysing throttle input from the rider and the rate at which engine RPM increases. If the RPM increases too quickly, the engine management system (EMS) registers a loss of grip and reduces the amount of power to the rear wheel to ensure maximum traction. This is a distinct advantage in wet and slippery conditions.

Launch Control
With the engine at idle, Launch Control is engaged by pressing the Traction Control and Quickshifter buttons simultaneously. Both symbols will start flashing to indicate that launch control is active. This function limits the amount of power to the rear wheel, improving traction, and preventing loss of control under hard acceleration. Once a gear change is made, Launch Control will deactivate automatically. Additionally, the Quickshifter is deactivated when Launch Control mode is engaged. 

Mapping
For personalised power delivery, the FS 450 has two built-in engine maps as standard. Map 1 (white) offers linear, predictable power, while map 2 (green) is more aggressive for a sharper throttle response and more explosive power output.

EMS
The engine management system (EMS) is designed to be small, light, and fast at processing data. It incorporates a rollover sensor (ROS) which cuts the ignition and shuts off the engine in the event of a severe crash for an additional layer of safety.

Hour meter
The hour meter comes with an integrated fuel level indicator which is visible on the FI status LED, to clearly show when the fuel level is becoming low.

Start/stop switch
A combined start/stop switch is located on the right side of the handlebar for easy, thumb-operated use. Not only simplifying the starting and stopping of the engine, the removal of a designated stop only button from the handlebar reduces the risk of potential damage or activation in the event of a fall. 

Electric start
Along with the benefit of the electric starting system, a lightweight Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery is fitted to the FS 450. The Li-Ion battery weighs approx. 1 kg less than a conventional lead battery meaning the convenience of electric starting is delivered while keeping overall weight to a minimum.