Greatest Motocross Bike 4th Place—2023 Husqvarna FC 450


One in every of three all-new bikes within the 450 motocross section for 2023 is Husqvarna’s FC 450. We got a preview of this mannequin with the FC 450 Rockstar Version final 12 months, however in contrast to the special-edition mannequin, the normal model of Husky’s new platform retains its 10mm-lower suspension setup than the KTM 450 SX-F.

“Husqvarna and KTM came out with all-new bikes this year that have a potentially high ceiling once they get the chassis figured out. 2024 could be big for them.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“Husqvarna and KTM got here out with all-new bikes this 12 months which have a probably excessive ceiling as soon as they get the chassis discovered. 2024 may very well be massive for them.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

There’s no scarcity of options and new know-how in Husqvarna’s newest four-stroke motocross bikes, which we vastly admire and recognize. What hasn’t modified is who this bike is designed for. In inventory trim, the FC 450 is a main possibility for vet riders and people 5-foot-6 and shorter, nevertheless it doesn’t match people outdoors of these demographics in addition to another bikes. For that purpose, amongst others, the Husqvarna finishes in fourth place.

Associated: 2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Version First Look

Because Husqvarna specs its flagship motocrosser with a 10mm-lower suspension setup than the KTM 450 SX-F, it has the lowest seat height of all 450 motocross bikes at 36.8 inches.

As a result of Husqvarna specs its flagship motocrosser with a 10mm-lower suspension setup than the KTM 450 SX-F, it has the bottom seat top of all 450 motocross bikes at 36.8 inches. (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Engine

With a Dunlop D404 road tire on its rear wheel, the Husky spun 53.7 hp at 9,500 rpm and 33.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,800 rpm on our in-house dyno—figures that put it third in peak horsepower and fourth in most torque. Though it doesn’t pull fairly as exhausting up prime in comparison with the prior-generation mannequin, the FC 450 boasts extra midrange and has an excellent steadiness of throttle response, roll-on management, and all-out energy.

When it comes to peak horsepower and torque, the FC 450 is middle of the pack.

In relation to peak horsepower and torque, the FC 450 is center of the pack. (Robert Martin Jr./)

Low-end grunt is much less snappy than the KTM because of its plugged-up airbox, which contributes to the Husqvarna having the second-mellowest energy supply of the bikes gathered right here—even within the extra aggressive map 2. Shifting is improved over the 2022 mannequin and the brand new quickshifter works nicely however is a little bit notchy. There’s additionally a noticeable quantity of engine-braking.

Associated: WP Xact Professional 6500 Cartridge Suspension Equipment Evaluation

“The FC 450 engine provides smooth, rideable power. Throttle response is slow and power is mellow from bottom-end to midrange.” <i>—Tanner Basso</i>

“The FC 450 engine gives clean, rideable energy. Throttle response is sluggish and energy is mellow from bottom-end to midrange.” <i>—Tanner Basso</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Suspension

As a result of they’re a bit tender, the WP Xact 48mm air fork and WP Xact shock supply an opulent really feel when hitting small bumps, however trip in a agency a part of the stroke when hitting bigger, consecutive bumps. Fork bottoming resistance is healthier than ever due to new hydrostops, however as a result of stress spikes so quickly towards the tip of the stroke, it’s tough to make use of the entire fork journey, which is much more of an obstacle on a motorcycle that has much less suspension journey to start with.

“I love the suspension on the Austrian bikes. To this day, WP’s Xact 48mm fork remains the only air setup I’ve ever been able to feel at home with.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“I like the suspension on the Austrian bikes. To this present day, WP’s Xact 48mm fork stays the one air setup I’ve ever been in a position to really feel at dwelling with.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Shock motion feels restricted and it reaches a tough spot below gentle to medium hundreds, then can break by below heavy hundreds or when hitting G-outs. We like that the low- and high-speed compression adjusters on the brand new shock could be adjusted by hand, however the plastic piece that covers them is a hindrance to tuning and looks as if a design afterthought.

Associated: 2023 Husqvarna Cross-Nation Bikes First Look

Husqvarna’s full-size motocross bikes gained weight over the previous-generation (2019–2022) models. The FC 450 weighs 240 pounds wet on the <i>Dirt Rider</i> scales, which is 5 pounds more than last year.

Husqvarna’s full-size motocross bikes gained weight over the previous-generation (2019–2022) fashions. The FC 450 weighs 240 kilos moist on the <i>Filth Rider</i> scales, which is 5 kilos greater than final 12 months. (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Chassis/Dealing with

Weighing in at 240 kilos moist on the Filth Rider scales, Husqvarna’s flagship motocross bike gained 5 kilos over final 12 months’s mannequin. It does certainly really feel heavier than the previous-generation platform and isn’t fairly as agile—most notably when altering traces and coming into corners, however retains an excellent steadiness between turning and stability. A slim midsection facilitates rider motion and the ProTaper handlebar provides extra flex than the Neken items on the opposite Austrian machines.

“Faster riders may prefer the Husqvarna’s more rigid frame feeling, but it might not be as vet-friendly as in years past because of that.” <i>—Cody Johnston</i>

“Sooner riders might want the Husqvarna’s extra inflexible body feeling, nevertheless it won’t be as vet-friendly as in years previous due to that.” <i>—Cody Johnston</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Ought to Have Gained

It has a harder-hitting energy supply, extremely adjustable suspension, predictable dealing with, and makes use of high-quality elements resembling Brembo hydraulic clutch and brakes, and a ProTaper handlebar.

Why the 2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Didn’t Win

As an total package deal, the Husqvarna isn’t as well-rounded as the highest three finishers. It’s not probably the most appropriate for youthful, taller, and pro-level riders.

“With the correct refinements, I could easily see the Husqvarna and KTM being first and second (or vice versa) in 2024.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“With the right refinements, I might simply see the Husqvarna and KTM being first and second (or vice versa) in 2024.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai VX-Pro4

Goggle: Viral Model Works Collection

Jersey: Fly Racing Lite

Gloves: Fly Racing Lite

Pants: Fly Racing Lite

Boots: Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Specs

MSRP: $10,999
Engine: SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement: 450cc
Bore x Stroke: 95.0 x 63.4mm
Compression Ratio: 13.1:1
Transmission/Last Drive: 5-speed/chain
Filth Rider Measured Horsepower: 53.7 hp @ 9,500 rpm
Filth Rider Measured Torque: 33.2 lb.-ft. @ 7,800 rpm
Gas System: EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch: Moist, multiplate Damped Diaphragm Metal (DDS); hydraulic actuation
Body: Central double cradle chromoly metal
Entrance Suspension: WP Xact 48mm fork, air stress, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. journey
Rear Suspension: WP Xact shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.5 in. journey
Entrance Brake: Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear: Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 120/90-19
Rake/Path: 26.1°/NA
Wheelbase: 58.6 in.
Floor Clearance: 13.2 in.
Filth Rider Measured Seat Peak: 36.8 in.
Gas Capability: 1.9 gal.
Filth Rider Measured Moist Weight: 240 lb.
Availability: Now
Contact: husqvarna-motorcycles.com