2024 Husqvarna FC 450 Dream Build: Taller and More Powerful!

 

Presented by Leatt

The 2024 Husqvarna FC 450 finished sixth in our annual 450 Shootout, but we knew that it would be easy to make it into one of our favorites. Based on the same platform as the KTM 450 SX-F and Gas Gas MC 450, the Husqvarna is set up differently to appeal to a different audience with shorter suspension travel, a lower seat height, and a mellower power delivery. While this is a great bike for a select group of riders, none of our testers fit into that category and thus, it scored sixth in our comparison. But what would it take to bring the Husky up to KTM standards? Not much!

We took the WP suspension components to Shock Therapy Racing for a stiffer shock spring and firmer settings front and rear, but a conversion that brought the suspension travel and seat height back to “full-sized.” To accommodate the greater suspension stroke out back we had to obtain a suspension linkage knuckle from KTM, but everything else was performed by STR.

STR Fork Revalve $210

SKF Fork Seals and Wipers $79.95

Fork Bushings  $39.95

WP Cartridge Kit  $500

STR Shock Revalve $220

Shock Spring $149.95

Shock Therapy Racing (714) 724-9005

One of the things the Husqvarna FC 450 lacks in comparison to the KTM is a snappy, quick-revving powerband. The slower-revving character of the Husky also has more engine braking, which in turn can give the bike a heavier feel on the track. Jamie Ellis at Twisted Development is a master of ECU programming and is a leading Vortex dealer, but he also has the software to get into the stock ECU and move things around. In a matter of minutes, Ellis reprogrammed our Husky’s stock ignition to have a freer-revving feel and a stronger pull throughout the RPM range. It should be noted that Twisted Development Racing is the only performance shop with this technology.

TDR Ignition Remap. $350

td-racing.com

We’ve been super impressed lately with Yoshimura R&D’s RS-12 exhaust systems for the Austrian brands. While the brand is associated most with Honda and Suzuki due to their race team sponsorships, they do produce excellent systems for all MX brands, and the Austrian bikes respond very, very well to them.

Yoshimura RS-12 Stainless Steel/Aluminum $1099

yoshimura-rd.com

Husqvarna has a massive Technical Accessories catalog with a ton of replacement parts for performance, durability, and aesthetic gains. We saw an amazing-looking bike in the media shop that was built for Husqvarna’s Andy Jefferson, and we drooled over it so profusely that he agreed to give our test bike the same treatment. From the grey plastic kit to the high-performance wheelset to the billet triple clamps, and more…there is no better resource for hop-up parts for your Husqvarna motorcycle.

https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-us/technical-accessories.html#browsecategories

Husqvarna Grey Plastic Kit. $209.99

Husqvarna Blue Step-Seat. $167.99

Husqvarna Blue Billet Triple Clamps. $556.99

Husqvarna Factory Racing Front Wheel. $472.99

Husqvarna Factory Racing Rear Wheel. $556.99

Husqvarna Oil Filler Cover. $47.99

Husqvarna Oil Pump Cover $31.99

Husqvarna Drain Plug $20.99

Husqvarna Carbon Fiber Front Disc Guard $220.99

Husqvarna Brake Caliper Support $142.99

Husqvarna Renthal 51T Rear Sprocket $102.99

Husqvarna Renthan 14T Front Sprocket 29.99

Husqvarna Factory Racing Chain $115.99

Husqvarna Chain Slider $26.99

Husqvarna Chain Guide $15.99

Husqvarna Factory Racing Carbon Covers $152.99

Husqvarna Intake Snorkel $31.99

Husqvarna Carbon Caliper Guard $120.00

Husqvarna Brake Reservoir Cover $26.99

Husqvarna Brake Reservoir Nut $24.99

Husqvarna Engine Brace $78.99

Lastly, we finished off the bike with a set of the new excellent Maxxis SI tires, front and rear. We are big fans of the new tire from Maxxis as they offer great grip and greater durability than the ST that they replace.

Maxxis SI 80/100-21 $79.99

Maxxis SI 120/80-19 $117

maxxis.com