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Too Many Photos of the 2023 Husqvarna FS 450 Supermoto

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Supermotos have a special place in our Asphalt & Rubber loving hearts, so we celebrate every new model release we can, and today sees us looking at the 2023 Husqvarna FS 450 – the pointy end of production supermotos.

The Swedish brand claims that the 2023 is “all new” for the coming model year, though a careful look at the previous year’s machine shows that things are a close evolution of before.

That being said, the 2023 Husqvarna FS 450 does feature a new hydro-formed frame, as well as a new 450cc single-cylinder engine, and promises to be a class-leader on performance.

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Bikes

The KTM 450 SMR, In Case You Like Orange Supermotos

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It is a strange relationship between KTM and Husqvarna, with the prior owning the latter. Often times, this means that we see the orange bikes in blue and white clothing, with few changes separating the two offerings.

Such is the case with their pair of supermotos, with the 2022 KTM 450 SMR being almost identical to the 2022 Husqvarna FS 450 – save for a different color palette.

What are the real brass tacks differences? The Husqvarna has a composite subframe, while the KTM’s is made from aluminum. That’s it.

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Dirt

Honda XR650R Supermoto by VMX Restomod

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The “Big Red Pig” (as it is affectionately known) is a stalwart in Honda’s dirt bike lineup.

That is to say, the Honda XR650 has gone relatively unchanged over the past 20 years, and yet the big 644cc thumper has a loyal, loyal following.

In the US market, we have lost the “R” spec machine, but the XR650L continues on, as a plated dual-sport that comes in a mild, yet reliable tune.

So, when VMX Restomod cranked the bike up to 11 in order to make it into a proper street-legal supermoto, it got our attention.

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Bikes

Bold New Graphics Come to KTM’s 690 Supermoto/Enduro Lineup

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Loyal readers of Asphalt & Rubber will know that I have a soft spot for KTM’s 690cc LC4 engine. The most powerful production single-cylinder motor on the market right now, the 73hp (55 kW) power plant is at home on the street, track, and trail.

For 2021, KTM plans on using this opus in the 2021 KTM 690 SMC R supermoto, as well as the 2021 KTM 690 Enduro R dirt bike.

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Rumors

Report: KTM Is Readying Five 490cc Motorcycles

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A little over 10 months ago, we brought you the first news about KTM’s planned mid-sized lineup, with KTM CEO Stefan Pierer spilling the beans that his company was working on a new 500cc twin-cylinder platform.

Now it seems, the first of these “490” models is getting close to prime time, and we can expect five motorcycles in total to come from this new parallel-twin lineup.

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Bikes

Here is the 2020 Husqvarna FS 450 Supermoto

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If you are a loyal reader of Asphalt & Rubber, then you know that we love us some supermoto motorcycles. As such, we bring you today the only factory-built race-ready supermoto for the next model year. Say hello to the 2020 Husqvarna FS 450.

Before you put your 2019 model up for sale, we should note that the changes for the 2020 model year aren’t terribly large.

The Husqvarna FS 450 got a pretty good update last year, with more torque and less weight (thanks to the changes made to Husqvarna’s 450cc motocross bike), so the 2020 machine remains at a claimed 63hp and 220 lbs without fuel.

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