A
fter riding all five of the new
Husqvarnas, there was
without question a recurring
theme—they all felt just like the
KTM versions (450 SX-F, 350
SX-F, 250 SX-F, 250 SX and 125
SX) that they are all based on.
More so than last year.
Starting with the big bike,
the 2016 FC 450 is a fantastic
machine. But we knew it would
be, since we've already ridden
the 2016 KTM 450 SX-F. Husky
claims the FC 450, however,
puts out more power than the
KTM, which most likely has
everything to do with its differ-
ent airbox, but it doesn't really
feel more powerful on the track.
Don't get us wrong, though, the
bike is still ridiculously fast and,
like the KTM, is super easy to
manage. The motor is simply
fantastic.
The Husky also feels incred-
ibly agile. It's about 10 pounds
lighter than the old Husky,
making it one of the lightest
production 450s on the market
(along with the KTM 450 SX-F,
of course). Claimed dry weight is
225.7 pounds; our 2015 Husky
FC 450 weighed 254 pounds
full of fuel.
Suspension is plush yet the
WP shock and 4CS fork are still
very capable of soaking up the
big hits. The bike also handles
extremely well, and turns with
great ease. It certainly rivals the
Suzuki RM-Z450 in the turning
department.
Brakes are fantastic, clutch
works well and has a light pull,
and its gripper seat keeps you
planted.
Overall, we felt the FC 450,
even with its different bodywork,
felt more like a KTM than last
year's Husky did. For whatever
reason, the 2015 FC 450 had its
own, slightly distinctive feel, but
not anymore. It feels like a KTM.
Hey, if you're going to imitate
someone or some thing, it might
as well be one of the best.
VOL. 52 ISSUE 32 AUGUST 11, 2015 P57
The 2016 Husqvarna
FC 450 has tons of
useable power.
2016 FC 450
