It’s a shame that supermoto, in the UK, is about as loved as syphilis, but that hasn’t stopped Husqvarna releasing details of the heavily... 2018 Husqvarna FS 450

SUPERMOTO FS 450 MY18

It’s a shame that supermoto, in the UK, is about as loved as syphilis, but that hasn’t stopped Husqvarna releasing details of the heavily revised 2018 FS 450. This is a full-fat, thoroughbred supermoto intended for competition use (there’s no road version), brimming with gadgets and fancy components.     

It looks downright badass. The sort of bike we’d use for ram-raid getaways or general pillaging, if we were that way inclined. Husky’s engineers have focused on engine development and fresh aesthetics for 2018. There’s a new Suter slipper clutch (they ain’t cheap) for the ultimate corner entry and supermoto drifting, something that’s been lacking across the SM board recently – certainly among road-legal supermotos.

And then there’s traction control, launch control and a handlebar map switch to play with. The last big update was 2016, so the ’18 bike shares much of the previous upgrades. A WP-designed frame compliments WP suspension, and houses the 450cc DOHC single pot engine (making just shy of 65bhp) with its 5-speed ‘box. A composite subframe made from 30% carbon fibre is very trick.

The FS comes rolling from the factory with a cocktail of aftermarket bolt-ons as standard: ProTaper ‘bars, Brembo braking paraphernalia, Twin Air filter, Bridgestone slicks and Alpina rims. Don’t ask us why there’s a 16.6-inch front wheel and 17-icnh rear.

In many ways, it’s a good job the FS 450 ain’t road legal, as you won’t have a licence for long. It’ll be available in July and cost you around £10k, although we’ll get price confirmation very soon…

 

5 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments