2021 Husqvarna FX 450

[Hugh Janus]

2021 Husqvarna FX 450. (Husqvarna/)

Ups

• Engine delivers smooth, linear power and and can carry a gear slightly longer than the competition
• Consistent clutch feel
• Impressive stability and good cornerin

Downs

• Engine vibration takes some time to get used to
• There’s a trade-off between the suspension’s performance and comfort
• Needs to have a more planted feeling in low-traction conditions

Verdict

The FX 450′s engine, stability, and cornering stand out as positives. Although suspension was revised this year, we still find there is room for improvement because the rider is left to choose between performance or comfort when making adjustments.

2021 Husqvarna FX 450. (Husqvarna/)

Overview

The Husqvarna FX 450 is the Austrian brand’s flagship cross-country motorcycle. As such it can be seen competing in races such as the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC), World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), AMA National Enduro Championship, and AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC). It uses the same 450cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine as its motocrosser cousin, the FC 450, but has a larger 2.3-gallon fuel tank, smaller 18-inch rear wheel, O-ring chain, and different suspension valving, EFI mapping, and tires.

Updates for 2021

Along with the entire fleet of TX, FC, and TC models, the FX utilizes a new mid-valve damping system in its WP Xact air fork for improved performance and consistency, as well as new low-friction linkage seals in the Xact rear shock for better response. It also has a new seat texture and redesigned graphics.

Pricing and Variants

The FX 450 has a starting price of $10,799.

Competition

The trio of Austrian brands could go head to head; KTM has its 450 XC-F and GasGas has its EX 450F. Competitors from Japan include the Yamaha YZ450FX, Honda CRF450RX, and Kawasaki KX450X. We even pitted this full-size cross-country bike against Yamaha’s YZ250FX and GasGas’ EX 350F in a head-to-head comparison here.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A 450cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine is at the heart of the versatile FX. It has linear power that allows the rider to stretch the gears of its five-speed transmission slightly longer than Yamaha’s YZ450X, for example. Its Magura clutch provides a consistent feel too. On our in-house dynamometer this engine produced 51.5 hp at 9,300 rpm and 32.9 pound-feet of torque at 7,300 rpm. During our testing, we found the engine produces smooth, “almost electric-type power…it’s deceptively fast, with the kind of controllable power that can be an advantage when used correctly.”

2021 Husqvarna FX 450. (Husqvarna/)

Handling

Suspension updates include a new mid-valve damping system in the fork and new low-friction linkage seals in the shock. The internal valving is set up to be soft which made the bike feel a little low in the rear and caused us to desire a more planted feeling in low-traction conditions. Making changes to the suspension was necessary to improve chassis comfort. Its handling was particularly impressive when it came to its cornering and stability on fast-paced trails.

Brakes

Magura two-piston and one-piston calipers grab hold of the 260mm front and 220mm rear discs. These are reported to work well and have a good progressive feel. The smaller rear disc can be used aggressively and does not cause constant rear-wheel lockup.

2021 Husqvarna FX 450. (Husqvarna/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel economy is not available, but in cross-country motorcycle fashion there is a larger 2.3-gallon fuel tank.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Thanks to a wide and flat ProTaper handlebar the cockpit is roomy and open. The chassis is narrow despite a larger 2.3-gallon fuel tank. Seat height is measured at 37.2 inches.

Electronics

Two map settings and traction control options are available for on-the-fly selection via the engine control module.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The full-size cross-country model comes with a 30-day warranty.

Quality

Its cornering, stability, and engine all lend to the FX’s well-rounded character. Suspension does have some give and take when it comes to performance versus comfort.

2021 Husqvarna FX 450. (Husqvarna/)

2021 Husqvarna FX 450 Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$10,799
Engine:	450cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Bore x Stroke:	95.0 x 63.4mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:	EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate Damped Diaphragm Steel (DDS); hydraulic actuation
Engine Management/Ignition:	Keihin EMS
Frame:	Central double cradle chromoly steel
Front Suspension:	48mm WP Xact fork, air pressure, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Xact shock, spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	Magura 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Magura 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	D.I.D spoked wheels; 21 in. / 18 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax AT81; 90/90-21 / 110/100-18
Rake/Trail:	26.1°/NA
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Ground Clearance:	14.6 in.
Seat Height:	37.4 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.3 gal.
Dry Weight:	223 lb.
Contact:	husqvarna-motorcycles.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height:	37.2 in.
Wet Weight:	240 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower:	51.5 hp @ 9,300 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque:	32.9 lb.-ft. @ 7,300 rpm

Source