Husqvarna FS 450 [2016-2017]: A Supermoto That Redefines Precision

Introduction

The Husqvarna FS 450 isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a declaration of intent. Built for riders who demand razor-sharp agility paired with explosive power, this 2016-2017 model generation remains a benchmark in the supermoto segment. Designed as a track-ready machine with street-legal DNA, it blends World Supermoto Championship pedigree with innovations that still feel cutting-edge today. After spending time throwing this Swedish beast through tight corners and testing its limits, one thing becomes clear: this is a motorcycle that rewards skill and punishes complacency.

Let’s dissect what makes this generation of the FS 450 a legend among supermoto enthusiasts.

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Engine: Controlled Fury

At the heart of the FS 450 lies a 449.3 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 63 HP – the most powerful 450-class supermoto powerplant Husqvarna had ever developed at the time. The bore (95 mm / 3.7") and stroke (63.4 mm / 2.5") dimensions prioritize high-revving performance, but it’s the engineering details that elevate this engine beyond raw numbers.

• Throttle Response: The Keihin EMS with direct throttle linkage serves up instantaneous reactions. Crack the throttle mid-corner, and the front wheel floats with surgical precision rather than launching unpredictably.
• Traction Control: The 2017 model introduced a groundbreaking traction control system (a rarity in supermotos at the time). Paired with selectable engine maps, it lets you toggle between a linear "rain mode" and a hair-trigger "attack" setting.
• APTC Slipper Clutch: Downshifting into a hairpin at 100 km/h (62 mph) reveals the genius of this hydraulic clutch – rear-wheel hop is virtually nonexistent, even with aggressive braking.
• Exhaust Tuning: The resonance chamber in the header pipe gives the engine a snarling, metallic bark while staying compliant with noise regulations.

This isn’t a motor that tolerates laziness. Power peaks at 9,000 RPM, demanding frequent gear changes, but the 6-speed transmission (corrected from initial 5-speed spec) slots into gear with rifle-bolt precision. Keep it above 6,000 RPM, and the FS 450 transforms into a corner-exit missile.

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Chassis & Handling: Surgical Precision

Husqvarna’s chromoly steel frame and composite carbon-fiber subframe (weighing just 1.4 kg / 3.1 lbs) create a chassis that’s both stiff and communicative. At 110 kg (242.5 lbs) dry, the FS 450 feels like an extension of your body – flickable yet stable at suicidal lean angles.

• WP AER 48 Forks: The 2017 model’s air forks save 1.66 kg (3.66 lbs) over traditional springs. Adjusting air pressure (tools included) lets you tailor front-end feel from plush to rock-hard. Bottoming out over curbs? Add 5 PSI.
• Alpina Wheels: The 16.5" front and 17" rear spoked wheels wrapped in Bridgestone slicks (120/70 front, 165/65 rear) offer a grip-to-weight ratio that still embarrasses modern rivals.
• Brembo Brakes: The radial 4-piston front caliper biting a 320 mm (12.6") rotor delivers stoppies on demand. Modulate carefully – this isn’t a system that forgives ham-fisted inputs.

Seat height (927 mm / 36.5") and narrow ergonomics cater to shorter riders, but the real magic happens when you stand up. The FS 450’s 290 mm (11.4") ground clearance lets you carve asphalt like a GP rider, knees scraping without a hint of instability.

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Design & Ergonomics: Function Over Fluff

Husqvarna’s minimalist Swedish design ethos shines here. The 2016-2017 refresh introduced bold blue/yellow/white graphics that pop against the black frame, but every element serves a purpose:

• Bodywork: Narrow radiator shrouds and a low-profile seat (with sandpaper-like grip) make transferring weight effortless.
• ProTaper Handlebars: The 28-inch wide bars offer leverage for parking-lot U-turns while remaining narrow enough to thread through traffic.
• Lithium-Ion Battery: Tucked under the seat, it shaves weight while maintaining cold-start reliability down to -10°C (14°F).

The 9.5L (2.5-gallon) fuel tank is a nod to supermoto’s racing roots – plan pit stops every 100 km (62 miles) when riding hard.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

1. KTM 450 SMR

The FS 450’s Austrian cousin shares its engine architecture but diverges in handling. KTM’s steel trellis frame feels slightly more forgiving on bumpy streets, but the Husqvarna’s chromoly chassis offers sharper turn-in response. Brembo components are identical, but Husqvarna’s traction control (2017+) gives it an edge in wet conditions.

2. Yamaha WR450F Supermoto Conversions

Aftermarket-converted WR450Fs undercut the FS 450’s price but lack its polish. Yamaha’s 5-speed gearbox and cable-actuated clutch feel agricultural compared to Husqvarna’s 6-speed box and hydraulic slipper clutch. However, Yamaha’s reliability in mud-and-grime conditions is legendary.

3. Aprilia SXV 5.5

Aprilia’s 550cc V-twin brute delivers more torque (75 Nm vs. Husqvarna’s ~50 Nm) but weighs 30 kg (66 lbs) more. The Aprilia excels in straight-line sprints but feels cumbersome in tight circuits. Maintenance intervals? The Husqvarna’s single-cylinder simplicity wins outright.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

The FS 450 is a race bike in street clothing – treat it as such. Key considerations:

1. Oil Changes: Every 15 engine hours (≈1,500 km / 930 miles). Use MOTOPARTS.store’s 10W-50 Synthetic – its shear stability protects the high-revving camshaft.
2. Air Filter Service: Clean the Twin Air filter every 10 hours. Pair with our Pre-Oiled Filter Kit for dust-heavy environments.
3. Suspension Rebuilds: WP AER forks need seal refreshes every 50 hours. Our WP Suspension Rebuild Kit includes OEM-grade bushings.
4. Brake Maintenance: Swap Brembo DOT 5.1 fluid annually. Upgrade to MOTOPARTS.store’s Sintered Pads for track-day abuse.
5. Chain Care: The 5/8 x 1/4" chain requires weekly tension checks. Our High-Pressure Chain Lube reduces “stiction” in the slipper clutch.
6. Cooling System: Replace coolant every 2 years with MOTOPARTS.store’s Ethylene Glycol Mix to prevent electrolytic corrosion.

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Conclusion: Timeless Adrenaline

A decade after its debut, the 2016-2017 Husqvarna FS 450 remains a masterclass in supermoto engineering. It’s a bike that demands respect – miss a gear, and it’ll remind you with a front-wheel slap. But master its quirks, and few machines offer this level of tactile connection between rider and road. From its race-derived electronics to the featherweight chassis, every component screams purpose.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we’re committed to keeping your FS 450 at peak performance. Whether you’re chasing podium finishes or dominating canyon roads, explore our curated selection of upgrades and maintenance kits tailored for this Swedish icon.

Ride sharp. Stay calculated.

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Specifications sheet

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