The Husqvarna FS450 supermoto is getting a whole host of updates for 2019.
As you usually see in the dirt bike world, the FS450 gets a host of minor upgrades but no major game-breaking changes.
Engine changes included a revised cylinder head (half a kg lighter). updated cooling system and revised Magura hydraulic clutch with a Suter anti-hop system. The exhaust’s resonance chamber has been revised to promote better flow, and Husqvarna included a more compact silencer.
The suspension has been revised, with new settings on the WP AER forks’ the rear shock (also from WP) gets a new piston and updated settings as well.
The brakes are new high-performance Brembo units, and the traction and launch control are updated as well
The frame has a new blue coating, and the subframe has a new two-piece design that reduces a bit of weight too.
The previous FS450 model was brought in for offroad-only usage, and this model will also likely be the same, although enterprising owners could no doubt finagle their way to a street-legal plate.
See the official Husqvarna press release below.
HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES UNVEILS NEW FS 450 SUPERMOTO
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FOR UNMATCHED CLOSED-CIRCUIT SUPERMOTO PERFORMANCE
Husqvarna Motorcycles is pleased to introduce the 2019 Husqvarna FS 450 – a new supermoto offering both professional and amateur competitors a machine that features the highest levels of technology available in the supermoto segment today.
Sharing the innovative technological evolutions featured in the 2019 FC 450 motocross model, the all-new FS 450 is a motorcycle built from the ground up to offer unmatched closed-circuit supermoto performance.
With a redesigned chassis and engine platform aimed at improving handling and usability of power, the MY19 FS 450 is a lightweight and agile supermoto machine that is extremely enjoyable to ride and the most capable race winning supermoto available on the showroom floor.
A LEAP AHEAD
A leading developmental force within the supermoto segment, for model year 2019 Husqvarna Motorcycles introduces a wide series of considered upgrades to the FS 450. Standing out is the all-new, blue coated frame with increased rigidity for improved rider feedback and optimum straight-line stability. Unique to Husqvarna Motorcycles, the composite carbon fiber subframe design gets an additional weight reduction of 0.6 lb for 2019.
Featuring the latest in suspension technology, the new FS 450 is equipped with WP’s 48mm AER air fork that matches perfectly with the WP DCC rear shock. Receiving new settings to perfectly match the updated frame characteristics, the WP suspension further improves energy absorption and stability. The 16 mm offset CNC machined triple clamps are specifically designed to work in harmony with the front forks.
With a redesigned cylinder head reducing the engine’s weight by over 1 lb, the trademark single-cylinder SOHC powerplant is more compact than ever. At an overall weight of just 60.2 lb and offering a peak power output of 63 hp, the new FS 450 engine design brings notable improvements in handling and usability.
Using top-level supermoto competition as a base for development, the FS 450 is equipped with black 16.5” (front) and 17” (rear) Alpina spoked wheels. The high-quality wheels are matched with Bridgestone 125/80 R420 and 165/65 R420 slick tires for maximum grip, traction and agility.
Showcasing Husqvarna Motorcycles’ pioneering development direction, fresh and distinctive new bodywork matches advanced ergonomics with a pure yet effective Swedish-inspired design.
MY19 FS 450 HIGHLIGHTS
- Redesigned bodywork
- Redesigned SOHC cylinder head (1.1 lb lighter)
- Blue coated frame featuring increased rigidity
- New 2-piece subframe design (0.6 lb lighter)
- Chain adjustment slot length increased by 5 mm
- Updated setting on the WP AER 48 forks
- WP DCC shock featuring new piston & updated setting
- 1.85 gal polythene fuel tank with new fuel line routing
- Alpina spoked wheels with Bridgestone slick tires
- ProTaper handlebar with new bend
- Traction & launch control with updated settings
- New throttle cable routing for easier maintenance
- Flow-designed resonance chamber & more compact silencer
- Updated cooling system with new center tube
- Magura hydraulic clutch with SUTER anti-hoping system
- High performance Brembo brakes
Husqvarna Motorcycles also offers a revamped line-up of clothing and accessories, which meet the highest standards of quality and include functional garments and dedicated technical parts designed to further enhance the performance of the new supermoto machine.
The new Husqvarna MY19 FS 450 machine will be available at an authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer this coming September.
Could you please elaborate on – “enterprising owners could no doubt finagle their way to a street-legal plate.”
Is this actually possible? In BC, for example?
It comes down to province-by-province what the DMV will allow. And, in my experience, that even varies from DMV location to location. I personally got a street-legal plate for a motorcycle imported as offroad only (2006 Lifan GY-5), and here in New Brunswick, I know it’s still possible to do so, as long as you meet the requirements for a street bike (proper lighting, etc) and sometimes they also make an engineer sign off on it.