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2021 Husqvarna FC 450


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2021 Husqvarna FC 450
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 (Husqvarna/)

Ups

  • Engine maps make power delivery easy to control<br/>
  • 236-pound wet weight makes it the second lightest in its class<br/>
  • Strong, responsive Brembo brakes<br/>
  • Corner carver with neutral handling<br/>
  • High-quality components like the ProTaper handlebar, Magura hydraulic clutch, and ODI grips

Downs

  • Lacks low-end grunt compared to its competitors<br/>
  • Not a very crisp throttle response<br/>
  • Feels a touch heavy despite its light weight, which could be attributed to the engine character

Verdict

Whether settling in corners with its light 236 pounds or accelerating away from the gate with its easy-to-control engine, the FC 450 has what it takes to be a vet-friendly full-size motocrosser.

2021 Husqvarna FC 450
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 (Jeff Allen/)

Overview

The Husqvarna FC 450 is a four-stroke full-size motocross bike from the Austrian manufacturer. The latest FC 450 participated in Dirt Rider’s 2021 450 Motocross Bike Comparison where test riders ranked the model against the Yamaha YZ450F, Kawasaki KX450, Honda CRF450R, and KTM 450 SX-F. Because of its competitive power figures, quality components, neutral handling, and fantastic brakes, this Austrian four-stroke is competitive within its class, but due to the lack of low-end power, uncrisp throttle response, heavier-feeling engine character, the motorcycle placed fourth overall.

Updates for 2021

As covered in Dirt Rider’s First Look of Husqvarna’s 2021 machines, the FC 450 has experienced the following changes: a new mid-valve damping system in the WP Xact air fork, new low-friction linkage seals on the WP Xact shock, 10mm-shorter fork cartridges and outer tubes, new seat texture, and new graphics.

Pricing and Variants

The FC 450 is priced at $10,299. The FC 450 is also available in the Rockstar Edition for an MSRP of $11,399. The Rockstar Edition, which will make its debut in the 2021 Supercross and Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship series, features add-ons not seen on the base FC 450 such as Husky’s new Connectivity Unit and a Brembo hydraulic clutch (instead of the Magura seen on the FC 450). It also flaunts several parts from the Husqvarna Technical Accessories catalog.

2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition (Husqvarna/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder 450cc engine resides within the steel central double-cradle frame. On our in-house dyno, this produced 55.0 hp at 9,200 rpm and 34.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,400 rpm placing it in second in terms of peak horsepower in Dirt Rider’s 450 shootout.

Analyzing the engine during our first ride, test riders stated that it “has the easiest to control engine of all the 450 motocross bikes.” Further, “With its smooth and linear power delivery, the FC 450 is easy to ride and decreases fatigue in longer motos, both of which make it friendly for and appealing to vet riders.”

2021 Husqvarna FC 450
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 (Jeff Allen/)

Handling

Thanks to the decreased suspension travel of its WP Xact fork and shock, the Husky corners well and is a mostly neutral-handling motorcycle. The improvements also served the rider well in our first ride. We noted that it turns better and is a little easier to hang on to, and for riders less than 165 pounds it is probably close to perfect in stock trim, yet the suspension’s significant amount of adjustability can make it ideal for many rider sizes.

Brakes

The Brembo brakes are reportedly the strongest in the class. A two-piston caliper at the front is paired with a 260mm disc, and a single-piston caliper and 220mm disc make up the rear unit.

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

Fuel economy figures are not currently available. The FC 450 has a 1.9-gallon fuel tank.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

In our first ride, Allan Brown stated that the rider triangle has not changed at all; “it’s the overall bike that is lower to the ground—not just a lower seat.” The ProTaper handlebar, levers, and ODI lock-on grips are all great, and the cockpit is large and roomy thanks to that wide ProTaper handlebar.

2021 Husqvarna FC 450
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 (Jeff Allen/)

Electronics

Traction control and two engine maps are equipped on the FC 450, which are accessed via switches located on the left handlebar.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Husqvarna FC 450 is covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Quality

Down to the details like premium Brembo brakes, high-quality Magura clutch, comfortable ProTaper handlebar, and ODI lock-on grips, the FC 450 features some high-quality components.

2021 Husqvarna FC 450
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 (Husqvarna/)

2021 Husqvarna FC 450 Claimed Specifications

MSRP: $10,299
Engine: 450cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x Stroke: 95.0 x 63.4mm
Transmission/Final Drive: 5-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery: Keihin electronic fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch: Wet, multiplate, hydraulically actuated
Engine Management/Ignition: Keihin EMS
Frame: Steel central double cradle
Front Suspension: 48mm WP Xact fork, air pressure, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Rear Suspension: WP Xact shock, spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Front Brake: Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear: Spoked D.I.D; 21 x 1.60 in. / 19 x 2.15 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: 80/100-21 / 120/90-19
Rake/Trail: 26.1°/N/A
Wheelbase: 58.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 14.6 in.
Seat Height: 37.0 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.9 gal.
Wet Weight: 223 lb. (w/o fuel)
Contact: husqvarna-motorcycles.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height: 37.4 in.
Wet Weight: 236 lb.
Rear-wheel Horsepower: 55.0 hp @ 9,200 rpm
Rear-wheel Torque: 34.6 lb.-ft. 7,400 rpm

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