Husqvarna releases its next-generation dirt/pavement racer, the FS 450.
Husqvarna Motorcycles has released informtion on its new 2016 FS 450 Supermoto, which will be in dealer showrooms by the end of September.
Naturally, the FS 450 draws from Husqvarna’s revamped FC four-stroke line of motocross machines to improve its performance, and thus it benefits from the redesign Husqvarna did to the FC 450 engine. The Supermoto machine gets its most powerful engine yet, developing a claimed 63 horsepower at the crank. The single-overhead-cam configuration is retained, and the entire engine has been shrunk to save weight and optimize mass-centralization; it’s 23mm shorter, 23mm narrower and 9 mm lower. Every internal component has been revised or repositioned to reduce weight by 3.9 lbs. for an overall weight of 61.1 lbs. The SOHC cylinder head features different porting and a redesigned combustion chamber. In the bottom end, its crankshaft now has 10 percent more inertia and has been repositioned 9mm rearward and 7mm higher in the FS 450’s crankcases.
Also new is a Keihin Engine Management System (EMS) that is smaller, lighter and boasts faster data processing than the previous EMS. A standard map switch on the handlebar activates launch control, a function that limits the amount of power to the rear wheel for approximately 2 seconds to improve traction during hard acceleration of the starting line.
Husqvarna repositioned the injector on the new 44mm throttle body for better fuel/air flow into the combustion chamber and also reduced the unit’s overall weight by 100 grams through eliminating the throttle linkage and directly mounting the throttle cables. Husqvarna says that the throttle body now provides more immediate throttle response and better feeling.
To reduce noise, the FS 450s’s redesigned exhaust system has been fitted with a resonance chamber that is integrated into the header pipe. Resembling a two-stroke expansion chamber, the resonance chamber clears the way for a shorter silencer than the one on the precious FZ 450, thus improving prove mass-centralization even further.
The FS 450’s five-speed transmission is also lighter and more compact than the previous model, shaving just over three quarters of a pound while also being 8mm narrower than the previous transmission. An Adler Power Torque Clutch (APTC) slipper clutch is utilized to minimize wheel hop under hard braking, which helps the rider maintain control during Supermoto-style drifting on the pavement. The clutch hydraulics are from Magura.
A new chrome-moly steel frame features new engine mounts and is claimed to sharpen handling. The new design results in a weight savings of about .8 pounds. compared to the 2015 model. There’s also a new three-piece carbon-fiber/composite subframe that is a whopping 2.2 pounds lighter than the previous subframe while also being shorter and more compact for improved rider ergonomics. The chassis also receives a new aluminum swingarm that has been redesigned for optimal stiffness to improve traction and feeling. It is a little over half a pound compared to the 2015 swingarm while maintaining the same rigidity. The airbox is also redesigned and comes with a new inlet duct that reduces deformation, ensuring maximum airflow and filter protection. The air filter can be accessed without tools by simply removing the left side panel.
Suspension for the 2016 FS 450 consists of a 48mm WP closed cartridge fork with 11 inches of suspension travel. The fork legs ride in CNC-machined black triple clamps with precisely engineered flex designed to deliver comprehensive feedback and evenly distribute the clamping force on the fork leg. Out back is a WP piggyback reservoir shock that has been specifically designed for Supermoto and features 10.47 inches of of rear travel. The shock is fully adjustable for rebound, high- and low-speed compression, and the spring is preload adjustable.
The FS 450 Supermoto is equipped with superior Brembo brakes, with a four-piston radially mounted caliper and pump combined with a 310 mm front disc up front, and a single piston caliper and a 220mm disc out back. Black, Alpina spoked wheels are fitted front and rear, shod with Bridgestone 125/80 R420 and 165/65 R420 slicks.
The new FS 450 Supermoto also boasts redesigned bodywork and sexy new graphics. For more information on this or other Husqvarnas, visit husqvarna-motorcycles.com.
2016 Husqvarna FS 450 Highlights
-Chromoly frame design, optimized for light weight and optimal torsional rigidity
-Innovative, lightweight carbon composite rear subframe for optimal stiffness and design
-Lightweight cast-aluminum swingarm
-Closed-cartridge 48mm WP fork and CNC machined triple clamps
-Brand new 63 hp SOHC engine, 3.96 lbs. lighter and 23mm shorter, 23mm narrower and 9mm lower than the previous generation
-New 5-speed gearbox 8 mm narrower and 350 g lighter
-High tech EFI system and reliable electric start
-Lightweight Li-Ion battery
-APTC slipper clutch
-Alpina Tubeless spoked wheels
-Bridgestone slick tires
-Radial Brembo brake calipers
-New bodywork and re-engineered ergonomics
-Standard map switch and launch control
-New colors and seat cover incorporating traditional Husqvarna style
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