The 2017 Husqvarna FS 450 is the most advanced factory-built supermoto on the market, full stop.
That’s not exactly saying much, considering there are few factory-built supermotos on the market these days, but that doesn’t make the Husqvarna FS 450 any less impressive…nor does it make our desire to have one, any less.
A refinement to the machine we saw debut last year, the 2017 Husqvarna FS 450 sees the Swedish supermoto upgraded with air forks, proper traction control, and a list of other enhancements that will help you demolish your local kart track.
While not officially listed on Husqvarna North America’s website, American riders looking for some supermoto in their garage should be able to make arrangements at their local Husqvarna dealership.
On the the details, the big news for 2017 on the Husqvarna FS 450 is the addition of WP Suspension’s AER 48 forks, which are 3.65 lbs lighter than their predecessors. Husqvarna is even throwing in the required air pump, for free on the deal.
The other big improvement is the traction control system, which like on the MX model, has a rider-controllable switch right on the handlebar for easy adjustment while racing. Two engine maps are selectable, as well as a launch control feature, from the same switch.
This appears to be a more sophisticated application of traction control than Husqvarna’s two-second “torque limiter” found on the 2016 model, but details are so thin right now on this model (at least in the US) that we can’t be 100% certain.
What we do know is that Husqvarna says that its new CNC-machined triple clamps allow the fork tubes to flex more while under load, and that the upper triple clamp has a new design that’s visually more appealing.
Also, the engine now uses aluminum mounts, which increases rigidity and decreases overall weight.
Tubeless Alpina wheels remain for the 2017 model year, with a 16.5″ wheel up front, and a 17″ in the rear. They are shod with Bridgestone 125/80 R420 and 165/65 slick tires. The fuel tank is race-sized 1.8 gallons (7 liters).
Built for track-use only, the Husqvarna remains the pinnacle of supermoto riding, straight from the factory. Hopefully some other brands will get in on the action, and we’ll see even more of a resurgence of the sport in the United States.
Americans can expect to see the 2017 Husqvarna FS 450 at their local Husqvarna dealerships in September 2016.
Source: Husqvarna
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