2021 Husqvarna FX 450

The FX 450′s engine, stability, and cornering stand out as positives. Although suspension was revised this year, we still find there is room for improvement because the rider is left to choose between performance or comfort when making adjustments.

The Husqvarna FX 450 is the Austrian brand’s flagship cross-country motorcycle. As such it can be seen competing in races such as the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC), World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), AMA National Enduro Championship, and AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC). It uses the same 450cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine as its motocrosser cousin, the FC 450, but has a larger 2.3-gallon fuel tank, smaller 18-inch rear wheel, O-ring chain, and different suspension valving, EFI mapping, and tires.

Along with the entire fleet of TX, FC, and TC models, the FX utilizes a new mid-valve damping system in its WP Xact air fork for improved performance and consistency, as well as new low-friction linkage seals in the Xact rear shock for better response. It also has a new seat texture and redesigned graphics.

The FX 450 has a starting price of $10,799.

The trio of Austrian brands could go head to head; KTM has its 450 XC-F and GasGas has its EX 450F. Competitors from Japan include the Yamaha YZ450FX, Honda CRF450RX, and Kawasaki KX450X. We even pitted this full-size cross-country bike against Yamaha’s YZ250FX and GasGas’ EX 350F in a head-to-head comparison here.

A 450cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine is at the heart of the versatile FX. It has linear power that allows the rider to stretch the gears of its five-speed transmission slightly longer than Yamaha’s YZ450X, for example. Its Magura clutch provides a consistent feel too. On our in-house dynamometer this engine produced 51.5 hp at 9,300 rpm and 32.9 pound-feet of torque at 7,300 rpm. During our testing, we found the engine produces smooth, “almost electric-type power…it’s deceptively fast, with the kind of controllable power that can be an advantage when used correctly.”

Suspension updates include a new mid-valve damping system in the fork and new low-friction linkage seals in the shock. The internal valving is set up to be soft which made the bike feel a little low in the rear and caused us to desire a more planted feeling in low-traction conditions. Making changes to the suspension was necessary to improve chassis comfort. Its handling was particularly impressive when it came to its cornering and stability on fast-paced trails.

Magura two-piston and one-piston calipers grab hold of the 260mm front and 220mm rear discs. These are reported to work well and have a good progressive feel. The smaller rear disc can be used aggressively and does not cause constant rear-wheel lockup.

Fuel economy is not available, but in cross-country motorcycle fashion there is a larger 2.3-gallon fuel tank.

Thanks to a wide and flat ProTaper handlebar the cockpit is roomy and open. The chassis is narrow despite a larger 2.3-gallon fuel tank. Seat height is measured at 37.2 inches.

Two map settings and traction control options are available for on-the-fly selection via the engine control module.

The full-size cross-country model comes with a 30-day warranty.

Its cornering, stability, and engine all lend to the FX’s well-rounded character. Suspension does have some give and take when it comes to performance versus comfort.