2018 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition Released

Legendary international motocross stars such as Torsten Hallman, Mark Blackwell, Kent Howerton, Chuck Sun, Heikki Mikkola, Jacky Martens and Alessio Chiodi have all written successful chapters in Husqvarna’s sporting history. More recently Husqvarna Motorcycles’ confirmed its commitment to top-end motocross racing when they established the global Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team, in December, 2015.

Collaboration with Rockstar Energy has helped Husqvarna Motorcycles enjoy a wealth of success during the last two seasons. From Zach Osborne securing both the 2017 AMA 250SX East Championship and AMA 250MX Championship, to Jason Anderson claiming three 450SX class victories, added to European-based MXGP and MX2 riders consistently battling for victories in the FIM Motocross World Championship, success has been plentiful.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing have established itself as a dominant, global force competing at the pinnacle of motocross competition.

Husqvarna’s new FC 450 Rockstar Edition is a bike built to perform at the highest level, manufactured in limited number. Embracing the highly successful collaboration between Rockstar Energy and Husqvarna, this exciting new model will form the basis of the official Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machine that Jason Anderson and Dean Wilson will compete on during the 2018 AMA Supercross Championship.

2018 FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION
True to the brand’s commitment to continued development of its premium machines, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ engineers have combined feedback collected from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team riders and together with extensive testing introduced a long list of upgrades to the FC 450 Rockstar Edition. Featuring further engine and chassis advances and a redesigned bodywork, the all-new machine sets the benchmark in terms of handling, weight and aesthetics.

Amongst a series of vital engine upgrades, a more compact SOHC cylinder head brings a significant reduction in the external dimensions and the overall weight of the four-stroke power-plant. Continuing to set the standards in the 450cc class, the engine features an updated cooling system and a new exhaust system.

Designed to offer increased rigidity, the frame works in collaboration with a 0.5 lb. (250 g) lighter subframe and a stiffer upper triple clamp. With a series of special parts such as the carbon fiber skid plate, the billet clutch cover and the standard holeshot device strengthening the link to the team’s machines, the new FC 450 ockstar Edition offers race-winning performance and aesthetics straight out of the showroom.

FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION–UPGRADE HIGHLIGHTS
• Frame offering increased longitudinal rigidity
• Carbon fiber reinforced skid pate
• New 2-piece subframe design (0.5 lb lighter)
• Chain adjustment length increased by 5 mm
• Mechanical holeshot device offered as standard
• Stiffer upper triple clamp
• Triple clamp protector integrated into the front number plate
• WP DCC rear shock featuring new piston and updated setting
• 260 mm floating front disc with standard front disc protector
• ProTaper handlebar with new bend
• New flow-designed resonance chamber
• Shorter and more compact silencer
• New generation Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery
• Updated cooling system featuring new center tube
• External fuel line moved inward for added protection
• More compact SOHC cylinder head (15 mm lower & 1 lb lighter)
• Gearbox produced by Pankl Racing Systems
• Billet Rekluse clutch cover
• Redesigned bodywork

FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION–UPGRADES IN DETAIL
Combining cutting-edge technology with a series of specific, race-orientated engine and chassis upgrades, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ engineers have ensured that the FC 450 Rockstar Edition sets the benchmark in terms of handling, power, weight and aesthetics.

Frame: The hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded frame is expertly crafted by WP Performance Systems. Constructed with specifically calculated parameters of longitudinal and torsional flex, the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION frame features an increase in longitudinal rigidity resulting in improved rider feedback, energy absorption and stability. The frame is finished off in a premium black powder coating. A carbon fiber reinforced skid plate and frame protectors guarantee superior protection and durability.
• Increased longitudinal rigidity → improved feedback, energy absorption and stability
• Produced by WP Performance Systems → highest quality standards
• Durable finish with standard skid plate and frame protectors

Composite Carbon Fiber Subframe: Showcasing pioneering technologies and innovation the composite subframe is a design unique to Husqvarna Motorcycles. Using 70% polyamide and 30% carbon fiber, the new 2-piece subframe design saves 0.5 lb (250 g) for a total weight of just over 2.2 lbs (1 kg). Apart from being robust, specific care is taken to create the perfect rigidity for optimal handling and rider comfort.
• New 2-piece subframe → 0.5 lb / 250 g saving
• Carbon fiber composite construction → lightweight and robust
• Specific rigidity → improved handling and comfort

Swingarm: The hollow, cast aluminum swingarm is designed to offer optimal stiffness and reliability at the lowest possible weight. The chain adjustment length has increased by 5mm extending the total wheelbase range for improved straight line stability on rough tracks and whoops. The machining on the side by Husqvarna Motorcycles engineers is a mark of premium quality that perfectly demonstrates attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.
• Optimal stiffness and reliability in a lightweight construction
• Extended adjustment range → improved straight-line stability

WP AER 48 Fork: The 48 mm split air fork features a capsuled air spring and pressurized oil chamber for progressive and consistent damping. Damping is easily adjusted via the single air pressure valve for pre-load (on the left) as well as easy access clickers adjusting damping with 30 clicks (on the right). Additionally, the air pump needed to adjust the air pressure in the fork is provided as standard. Standard on the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION, the mechanical holeshot device compresses the front forks and decreases front wheel lift right off the start.
• Precision engineering by WP Performance Systems → highest performance levels
• Capsuled air spring and pressurized oil chamber → progressive and consistent damping
• Easy access clicker dials → simple and fast clicker settings
• Mechanical holeshot device standard on the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION

CNC-Machined Triple Clamps: The 22 mm offset CNC-machined triple clamps feature an integrated rubber damping system that reduces vibration and increases rider comfort. Due to the increased longitudinal rigidity of the main frame, the upper triple clamp is now stiffer. A 3-way handlebar adjustment is standard and allows for customizable ergonomics. Additionally, the front number plate integrates a triple clamp protector which covers the lower triple clamp and protects it from wear.
• Rubber damping on top clamp → reduced vibrations, increased comfort
• CNC aluminum → finest quality and reliability
• Stiffer upper triple clamp
• Adjustable handlebar position → adjustable ergonomics

WP Rear Shock: Featuring a new main piston and updated setting, the WP DCC is further perfected to provide advanced damping characteristics while keeping a compact and lightweight design. With a pressure balance inside the shock offering consistent damping the end result is superior rider comfort and handling. Fully adjustable and matched to a linkage system with a specific geometry the system delivers the greatest possible traction and absorption. The rear wheel travel is 300mm.
• Lightweight and compact
• Pressure balance → consistent damping
• Linkage system → specific geometry for superior damping and absorption.
• 300 mm wheel travel

Brakes: The highest level of quality is guaranteed with class-leading Brembo calipers and levers. The 260 mm floating front and 220 mm solid rear discs deliver superior stopping power instilling confidence in any condition. A standard front disc protector is fitted as standard.
• Brembo brake calipers and high-performance discs → superior stopping power with greater control and confidence

ProTaper Handlebar: The ProTaper handlebar is second to none for function and style. Manufactured to exacting standards, it features class-leading fatigue resistance while adding minimal weight. A new bend further increases comfort by improving the pressure point on the rider’s hands, while the standard handguards offer maximum roost protection.
• ProTaper handlebar → class-leading function and style
• New bend for improved comfort → pressure point on rider’s hands

44mm Throttle Body: The FC 450 Rockstar Edition features a 44mm Keihin throttle body. The injector is positioned accordingly to offer the most efficient flow into the combustion chamber. To ensure optimal throttle response the throttle cable is mounted directly and without a throttle linkage. This set-up provides more immediate throttle response and feeling. A new throttle cable routing eases maintenance allowing the cable to be removed more seamlessly.
• 44 mm throttle body → injector positioned for optimal flow
• Direct cable mounting → more immediate throttle response

Exhaust System: The exhaust system is expertly designed to deliver the best possible performance while adhering to competition noise limits. The header pipe features a new flow-designed resonance chamber that is integrated into the header pipe. The new header pipe also features a new joining position allowing it to be removed without removing the rear shock. The new silencer is shorter and more compact while delivering the same damping volume and noise level. The unit is crafted from lightweight aluminum and is stylishly finished off in a new coating that proudly carries the Husqvarna Motorcycles logo.
• Exhausts → light-weight, optimal performance
• New header joining position → easy removal without taking out the rear shock

Electric Start & New Li-Ion Battery: Along with the benefit of an easy electric starting system, a new generation Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery is fitted to the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION. The Li-Ion battery weighs approximately 2.2 lbs (1 kg) less than a conventional lead battery. Offering the convenience of electric starting, overall weight is being kept to a minimum.
• Electric starter → easy starting when time is critical
• Li-Ion battery → lightweight, 2.2 lbs / 1 kg lighter than a conventional battery

Integrated Cooling System & Radiators: The radiators are expertly crafted by WP Performance Systems using high-strength aluminum. CFD (computational fluid dynamics) technology is used to channel air through the radiators more efficiently and provide optimal cooling in any condition. The cooling system is integrated into the frame. Channeling coolant through the frame allows for improved cooling, with the application eliminating the need for additional hoses. New to the system is a larger center tube that runs through the frame. The new tube reduces the pressure at this point in the system allowing for a more consistent coolant flow.
• Integrated cooling → maximum efficiency in minimum space
• WP radiators → offering optimal cooling
• New central tube → more consistent coolant flow

Fuel Tank: The 1.85-gallon (7-liter) polythene fuel tank incorporates a threaded filler cap and an integrated fuel pump. The fuel pump is optimized with a new internal line that routes directly from the pump to the flange for improved fuel flow. Additionally, the external fuel line has moved inward making it less exposed and susceptible to damage.
• 7 liter polythene fuel tanks → large capacity for extended running times
• New fuel line routing → improved flow and reliability

Wheels: Black high-strength alloy rims by D.I.D are coupled to CNC-machined hubs using lightweight spokes and silver anodized aluminum nipples. The nipples have a new design reducing the frequency of checks or tightening.
• Lightweight but strong and reliable construction → minimum unsprung weight

Bodywork: The FC 450 Rockstar Edition features fresh bodywork. The new bodywork clearly showcases Husqvarna Motorcycles’ pioneering design direction in motocross motorcycles. Apart from the Swedish inspired design, the ergonomics are specifically tailored to deliver greater comfort and control, enabling riders to perform at the highest level for extended periods of time. After numerous tests, the contact points have been slimmed down making movement between riding positions seamless. Additionally, the new seat line and high grip seat cover deliver superior comfort and control in all conditions.
• New bodywork → distinctive looks, modern design and graphics
• Ergonomics → confidence-inspiring riding position in all riding situations
• Seat → improved comfort with superior control in all conditions

Cylinder Head: The new SOHC cylinder head is now even more compact while being 15mm lower and 1 lb. (500 g) lighter. As a result of the more compact design, the camshaft is now closer to the center of gravity significantly improving handling. Shorter valve timing improves bottom end performance and responsiveness. The new camshaft features an improved cam surface and actuates four lightweight titanium valves. The diameter of the intake valves is 40mm, with the exhaust valves featuring a diameter of 33mm. Low-friction DLC coating on the rocker arm and low-friction chain guides offer optimum efficiency and reliability.
• New SOHC → more compact design, camshaft closer to center of gravity (1 lb / 500 g lighter)
• New camshaft → improved cam surface
• DLC coating & optimized chain guides → reduced friction

Gearbox: The lightweight five-speed gearbox is now produced by Pankl Racing Systems, ensuring the highest level of durability and reliability. The gear lever features a design that prevents dirt build-up and keeps the lever tip in its original position even in the toughest conditions. An advanced gear sensor selects a specific engine map tailored for each gear.
• Five-speed gearbox → smooth and precise shifting
• Integrated gear sensor → specific engine maps for each gear