VOLUME 57 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 8, 2020 P71
T
ake all the good qualities
about the KTM, now drop the
bike down 10mm. Welcome
to riding a 2021 Husqvarna FC 450.
This white stallion was revered as
being the most "premium feeling"
bike in the class and boasts a hefty
price tag to match. At an MSRP of
$10,299 it is the most expensive
bike in the class, $100 more than
the KTM. This superior package
(and price tag) is credited to the
Magura clutch, Brembo brakes and
a carbon-fiber subframe. Husky's
FC 450 flip flops positions with the
KTM in '21 and rounds out this year's
shootout podium.
Like the pumpkin, the Husqvarna
has a lively powerplant that carries
gears with ease. The smooth de-
livery encourages riders to choose
any line on the track and leave it in
said gear for the entirety of the sec-
tion. Second and third gear are so
damn versatile on these bikes. As
stated before, the Husky received
the same mapping adjustment as
the KTM, cleaning up map two
with a little more oomph. All testers
chose the aggressive map two for
both days of testing as it provided
a true connected feeling from the
throttle to the rear wheel.
In prior years, the Husky has been
the more plush version of the KTM,
coming with softer "vet-friendly"
suspension settings. Not for '21. The
FC 450 acquired the new WP Xact
fork and WP shock and retained the
same settings as the KTM. The only
catch is the Husky sits lower than
the KTM. Yes, the stanchions and
cartridges are actually shorter than
those found on the KTM. But can 10
mills really be that noticeable out on
the track? Yes, it can.
When new-bike season rolls
around it seems like every manu-
HUSQVARNA
FC 450
3
rd
Place
The Husqvarna is no
KTM, it has its own
personality that our
test riders liked.
