P162
2
nd
PLACE
HUSQVARNA
FC 450
The spectacular Husky
is pretty much a white
KTM, but there are subtle
differences.
E
ven though they come out of
the same factory, there are very
slight differences between the
Husqvarna FC 450 and the KTM
450 SX-F, more so than in our 250F
shootout where the Husky and KTM
tied for the same position because
they are just too close of being the
same bike. The addition to Dunlop
MX3S tires on the 2017 FC 450 helps
bring the feel of the bike on the track
closer to its virtual clone, the KTM
450 SX-F. Compared to the KTM, the
Husky has an FIM-compliant muffler
that is slightly more restrictive, a com-
posite (versus aluminum) subframe,
a Magura hydraulic clutch (KTM's is
Brembo), different GSK brake rotors,
and different D.I.D rims. Everything
else is identical, even ECU map-
ping and suspension settings. The
composite subframe and muffler are
slightly heavier than the KTM's. Add
it all up and the Husky weighs 2.5
pounds more than the KTM at 235.5
pounds (full tank of gas).
The Husqvarna's engine, ECU and
exhaust header are identical to the
KTM 450 SX-F. The Husky's muffler
looks similar to the KTM's but has a
screen cone inside to reduce noise.
