The differences in these
machines, however, are
getting smaller and smaller.
For 2022, the GasGas
brand maintains the "cur-
rent" generation chassis/
engine combo, while the
KTM and the Husqvarna are
moving forward with a new-
generation combo, as seen
on the Factory/Rockstar
Edition bikes. In fact, the only
differences now between
the KTM and the Husqvarna
are the bodywork, the color
options, and the handlebars.
The bodywork on the KTM
is a new design that's much
sharper, while the Husky now
comes with a plastic shock
cover and more overall plastic
surface area for the rider to
hold onto. In that vein, the
airbox is sealed off on the
FC while it's totally open on
the SX-F. The Husqvarna is
obviously white and black with
Factory Rockstar graphics in-
stead of the orange Red Bull
combo. The last significant
difference is the Husqvarna's
ProTaper handlebars versus
the KTM's Neken setup.
The Rockstar Edition is
Husqvarna's enlistee in the
Factory Edition fight. It rolls
off the showroom floor with
black-on-black D.I.D Dirt Star
wheels, black-anodized split
triple clamps, Rockstar graph-
ics, a gripper seat cover, a
holeshot device, a skid plate
and a factory front disc cover.
Lots of goodies, that's for
sure. Along with that, you are
getting the latest and greatest
without having to wait for the
2023 production model.
Rolling out from the pits
is where most of these
changes become visible. The
cockpit is slim and notice-
ably more comfortable with
the new seat and footpeg
design.
The motor is all-new
and even sits in the
frame differently.
VOLUME 59 ISSUE 15 APRIL 12, 2022 P119
