Bike Breakdown with the 2019.5 Husqvarna Rockstar Edition FC 450

Swapmoto Live took delivery of the brand-new 2019.5 Husqvarna Rockstar Edition FC 450 on Tuesday at Milestone MX Park, and the new machine is quite the package! This year’s machine enjoys five major changes in comparison to the standard FC 450 that was released months ago, and we cornered Husqvarna’s Andy Jefferson to run through them with us. We spent the day ripping around the track at Milestone, and have been logging more time aboard the bike before offering up our first opinions. For now, enjoy the Q&A session we had with the Bro Show!

Husky’s official press release about the bike follows…

Husqvarna Motorcycles are proud to launch the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION model year 2019, a thrilling new production model that forms the basis of the bikes to be used by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s AMA Supercross Champions Jason Anderson and Zach Osborne throughout the 2019 season.

Collecting feedback from the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team and their championship-winning riders, Husqvarna Motorcycles engineers have combined this competition data with extensive testing and development to introduce a list of vital upgrades. The new FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION features the latest in engine and chassis developments, ensuring this state-of-the-art machine offers unrivaled on-track performance.

This second edition of the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION continues to pay tribute to a highly successful collaboration between Husqvarna Motorcycles and their global partner Rockstar Energy Drink. Produced in limited numbers, the all-new FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION will be available worldwide from January onwards.

BUILT FOR COMPETITION 

At the leading edge of motocross development, Husqvarna Motorcycles introduce a series of considered upgrades to the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION. With the distinctive bodywork receiving new graphics, the end result clearly showcases the direction of Husqvarna Motorcycles’ pioneering development.Replicating the advanced engine technology used by the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team in their championship-winning machines, the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION model year 2019 features a new CP forged box-in-box piston and a new Pankl conrod. Providing reduced friction, the new piston and conrod ensure the SOHC engine continues to offer the highest level of performance and reliability available in the market today.

The all-new FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION machine features FMF Racing’s Factory 4.1 RCT silencer. The new exhaust system has a blue anodized titanium body and a carbon end cap. In addition, it offers a shorter overall length that makes it less susceptible to damage. Moving the silencer closer to the engine also aids mass centralisation.

Made from high-grade aluminum, the all-new CNC-machined triple clamps feature optimally tuned steering stem stiffness as well as perfect alignment of the fork tubes for highly responsive and smooth fork action. Maximum gains in handling are provided by easy offset adjustment between 20 or 22 mm.

The list of upgrades is completed with a new set of anodized D.I.D DirtStar rims and anodized machined hubs. Offering maximum weight savings, this premium-quality combination ensures maximum strength and reduced weight. Tailored to the needs of every aspiring motocross racer, the new FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION features a carbon fibre reinforced engine protector and a mechanical holeshot device as standard.

FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION – HIGHLIGHTS

Compact SOHC engine providing class-leading performance
New CP box-in-box piston & new Pankl conrod
Hydro-formed frame with black premium powder coating
CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20 – 22 mm]
Composite 2-piece subframe design
Carbon fibre reinforced engine protector
48 mm WP split air fork that is fully adjustable
Mechanical holeshot device as standard
High-quality Magura clutch system
New FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer
High-quality ProTaper handlebar
New anodised D.I.D DirtStar rims & hubs
Selectable map switch also activating launch & traction control
Electric starter powered by a lightweight Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery
Advanced bodywork with specifically-tailored ergonomics