Damned if we didn’t hope that the sport of Supermoto would take off big in the U.S., just so that there would be more motorcycles like the 2018 Husqvarna FS 450 available on dealer showroom floors.
Oh well. At least Husqvarna continues to produce state-of-the-art dirtbikes with slick tires on them, and the company unveiled today its latest version. According to Husqvarna, the 2018 FS 450 carries Husqvarna’s World Championship winning pedigree with a host of updates that include advances in the FS 450’s engine performance.
The FS 450’s single-cylinder, 449.9cc SOHC engine shares technology with the Husqvarna FC 450 motocross machine, but the FS benefits from Supermoto-specific components, such as an all-new slipper clutch developed by Swiss specialist Suter Industries. Like the FC 450, the FS 450 features a handlebar map switch that activates Husqvarna’s launch control and traction control features. Other engine specs include a Keihin 44mm hrottle body, an exhaust system with inbuilt resonance chamber and a five-speed transmission.
The Husqvarna Fs 450 chassis incorpororates a hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded steel frame that has been specifically designed by WP Performance Systems for optimum longitudinal and torsional flex. The FS also uses Husqvarna’s unique composite subframe, which is made of 30 percent carbon fiber for strength and light weight. The FS 450’s airbox is designed for tool-less air filter servicing through the left side panel. The filter cage design is cliamed to have a simple, fail-proof mounting system for accurate installation of the FS 450’s Twin Air air filter.
The FS 450 wears a set of black 16.5” and 17” Alpina spoked wheels matched with Bridgestone 125/80 R420 and 165/65 R420 slick tires. Braking is by Brembo brakes with a 310mm disc and four-piston radially mounted caliper up front and a 220mm disc out back. The FS 450 also gets a new graphic design an a gripper-style seat cover.
The 2018 Husqvarna FS 450 machine will be available in July 2017 at all authorized Husqvarna dealers. For details on pricing and availability, contact your local Husqvarna dealer.
2018 Husqvarna FS 450 Specifications
Engine type: Single-cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement: 449.9cc
Bore x stroke: 95 x 63.4mm
Compression ratio: 2.75:1
Starter/battery: Electric starter/Lithium Ion 12V 2.2Ah
Transmission: 5-speed
Fuel system: Keihin EFI, 44mm throttle body
Valve train: SOHC with rocker arms, four valves
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with two oil pumps
Gear ratios: 16:32 18:30 20:28 22:26 24:24 –
Primary ratio: 31/76
Final drive: 14/45
Cooling: Liquid cooling
Clutch: SUTER Anti-hopping clutch, Magura hydraulics
Ignition/Engine Management: Keihin EMS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Subframe: Carbon fiber reinforced polyamide
Handlebar: Pro Taper, Aluminum, 28/22mm
Front suspension: 48mm WP USD AER, 11 inches of travel
Rear suspension: WP Monoshock with linkage, 10.5 inches of travel
Front/rear brakes: Discs, 310mm/220mm
Front/rear rims: 3.50 x 16.5″ Alpina black, aluminium/5.00 x 17″Alpina black, aluminium
Front; rear tires: 125/80-16.5″; 165/65-17″
Chain: 5/8 x 1/4″
Silencer: Aluminum
Steering head angle: 63.9°
Triple clamp offset 16mm
Wheelbase: 58 inches
Ground clearance: 11.4 inches
Seat height: 35 inches
Tank capacity: 1.85 gallons
Weight, without fuel (approximate): 230.6 lbs.
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