2022 Husqvarna FC450 Baseline Settings/Top Mods

The Husqvarna FC450 is unchanged for 2022 besides some Brembo pieces that replaced the Magura ones (clutch/slave cylinder). The FC450 is one of the friendliest bikes in this class to ride, but to me needs to wake up a little down low to make this white stallion feel lighter. Sometimes what is on paper is not what is felt on the track so try these mods below to get some added power and comfort out of your FC450! 

Suspension: The factory fork and shock settings are soft for the average sized 450 rider (180 pounds) on the 2022 FC450 so we did go a little bit stiffer on air pressure and softer on compression settings, but have found improved results in comfort, not just performance. All three test riders (155, 170, 195 pounds) that tried this setting agreed that the bike/chassis was calmer on acceleration and de-cel bumps. This setting will give the Husqvarna better hold up as well as help the overall balance of the bike from feeling stinkbug coming into corners. Our 195 pound rider preferred a 48N/m shock spring with the recommended shock settings below.

Fork:

Air Pressure: 10.9 bar

Compression: 14-15 out

Rebound: 11 out

Fork Height: 5mm

Shock:

L/S Compression: 11-12 clicks out

H/S Compression: 1-3/4 turns out

Rebound: 12 clicks out

Sag: 104-105mm

Shock: (195 pounds and over)

Spring Rate: 48N/m

L/S Compression: 14 clicks out

H/S Compression: 2 turns out

Rebound: 13 clicks out

Sag: 104-105mm

Rider Triangle: The standard Pro Taper handlebar that comes on the FC450 is low and flat, but fits the Husqvarna’s cockpit very well for most. I did want more height from my bar when I stood up, so I went with a Pro Taper Race Team bend and this helped me get over the front of the bike more when standing. The Race Team bar worked well for riders from 5’8 to 6’1. The Race Team bend comes in a crossbar or crossbar-less style and is (W)810 (H)91 (R)49 (S)52. If you’re looking for a better stand up feel from your Husqvarna look for handlebar close to this measurement. If you do like the stock bar try cutting the bar down to 805mm instead of the longer/standard 811mm. This will help you corner.  

ECU Settings: The 2022 FC450 has a locked ECU box so getting inside to remap is not going to happen like it did two years ago. The good news is that the ECU is much cleaner and should NOT need to be remapped unless you need more power. In that case, you will need to go to a Vortex ECU mapped by Jamie at Twisted or Chad at XPR. Those are my two go to gentlemen to make usable power. Sure there are others out there, but these two guys made the most out of every Autrian bike that I have tested. If you are on a stock ECU, map 2 is my preferred standard map in most conditions as it comes on a little sooner and pulls slightly harder than map 1.

Gearing: The 2022 FC450 comes with a 13/49 gearing ratio. This gearing should be just fine for most tracks, but if you want a little more mid range engine recovery and free-er feeling shock on acceleration, a 14/52 gearing ratio works well. The 14/52 gearing will require a new chain length and I usually go with this gearing when riding tracks similar to Glen Helen (aka faster choppy tracks) to settle the rear end under load. 

Chassis: Aftermarket engine mounts are all the rage right now and some of you may not have the money to spend on a pair of engine mounts for your Husqvarna. I will say that I don’t feel like the Husqvarna’s chassis is stiff, but I have heard from other lighter riders that it can be at times, so I decided to play around with torque specs and came up with a 28Nm setting on each bolt for both engine hangers. This band aid will give you a more planted sensation when on throttle while leaning the FC450 through sweepers and fast straights. You will have to make sure that all engine mount bolts have blue Loctite to ensure they do not back out. You can also try torquing your swingarm pivot bolt to 95 Nm (instead of 100Nm) to help rear end traction out of corners. The downside to doing these mods is that the chassis will flex a little more, so if you’re riding deep tilled tracks this modification may be too “flexy” for some (especially when chopping throttle).

Rear Axle Block Kit: Going to a Works Connection axle block kit or Ride Engineering axle block kit will get rid of the fixed left axle block on the stock Husqvarna’s axle. This will help the rear end to move more freely under throttle and improve the shock’s comfort on acceleration chop. Rear wheel placement isn’t as crucial on the Husqvarna as it is on some other 450’s we have tested so if your rear wheel placement is somewhere in the middle of the axle block marks, that will be sufficient for these recommended suspension settings.

TD Exhaust Flange: The Twisted Development exhaust flanges are shaped differently than the stock OEM flange, which can change the engine character of the KTM 450 SX-F. I went through several during testing and found out a size/shape that can actually enhance the low to mid range power character. Compared to the stock piece the TD Performance flange will give you better throttle response through area 2-3 (mid to exit) of corners. Another advantage to me is that the TD flange helps pulling power out of corners as well and helps third gear lugability. The TD flange just helps the RPM’s pick up quicker, which in turn makes the KTM feel lighter when the track gets bumpy. There is no need to remap your ECU and it takes minutes to install.  

FMF 4.1 Muffler System: To me, FMF makes one of the best muffler systems for the FC450. There are some other companies that have other bikes dialed in more, but on the Husqvarna/KTM side, FMF has got it down. You will get more low to mid RPM response as well as more mid range pulling power. Top end is increased plus the over-rev is as good as stock. It is one of the few times that I was impressed because it was actually better than stock in almost all areas. The downside is that you must keep up on muffler packing (every 10-12 engine hours) because the FMF will blow out and that could damage your expensive titanium can. Did I mention that you will lose almost two pounds with this system? If you slap on spring forks you will be gaining almost three pounds. You can get most of that back down with a 4.1 Titanium FMF Muffler system.

2020/2020.5 Husqvarna FC450/Rockstar Edition Baseline Settings/Set Up Tips

Rejoice, Husqvarna owners, we are here with some helpful setting tips for your 2020 Husqvarna FC450 or your 2020.5 Rockstar Edition. As always if you have any questions, our job is to help you try to get as comfortable as possible, in order for you to enjoy your dirt bike even more. You can always hit the contact button on keeferinctesting.com to get some answers.  

Engine/ECU: For 2020 Husqvarna fixed most of the FC 450 ECU rich feeling problems with the help of some of us media testers. Last year the 2019 ECU setting was rich off the bottom and slightly lean on top, which made for a lethargic/inconsistent throttle delivery. For 2020 the ECU is better, has a more lively feel coming out of corners and still has the super connected rear wheel feeling. I am usually a “map two” kind of rider due to its increased pick up/recovery feel, but sometimes I am looking for that extra puling power that is needed when the track is tilled deep or soft. I have been on the Vortex ignition bandwagon for a couple years with this machine and for the Rockstar Edition/FC450 it hasn't wavered. If you want the same great rear wheel connection as well as more pulling power everywhere, along with more rpm response look into a Vortex ignition from Chad at XPR Motorsports or Jamie at Twisted Development. I have turned a lot of Husqvarna riders onto this mod and have had a 100% approval ratio. What I like about this modification is that it doesn't hurt reliability and makes for a very usable yet powerful engine for almost every type of rider. Yes, it will set you back around $800.00, but to me is much better than slapping on a muffler system and will do more for your engine. Just in case you’re worried about pricing, the Vortex has a great resale value and you will not be losing much money if/when you sell it to another lucky Husqvarna owner. 

Suspension: If you haven't listened to my WP XACT Pro Components suspension podcast you may want to at least check that out, but if you're sticking with the stock suspension for a while, you can try this setting to see if this helps comfort when the track gets rough. This setting below should be in the ballpark for riders around 165-200 pounds, but if you’re heavier than 200 pounds going to a stiffer rear spring wild help the ride attitude of the Husqvarna. I have went to several tracks and tried many different settings, but this specific setting had the most “track toughness”. The Husqvarna’s stock WP suspension doesn't quite have the comfort like a Kawasaki or Yamaha does, but the Husqvarna/WP set also holds up more in the stroke. To get some added comfort back with the added hold up, try this setting. 

Fork: (160-195 pounds)

Height: 5mm

Air Pressure: 11.1 Bar

Compression: 14-15 clicks out

Rebound: 14-15 clicks out

Shock:

Sag: 103mm

Low Speed Compression: 12-13 clicks out

High Speed Compression: 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 turns out

Rebound:  10 clicks out

Chassis: Aftermarket engine mounts are all the rage right now and some of you may not have the money to spend on a pair of engine mounts for your Husqvarna. I will say that I don’t feel like the RE’s chassis is stiff, but I have heard from other vet riders that it can be at times, so I decided to play around with torque specs on the engine mounts and stumbled across this. If you’re experiencing a stiff feeling chassis sensation and want the Husqvarna to settle while leaning (under throttle), there is an inexpensive way to achieve some extra front end traction (as well as an overall more planted feel). You can remove the left side upper engine mount bolt (upper right bolt only, as shown) and torque all other top engine mount bolts to 30Nm. This band aid will give you a more planted sensation when on throttle while leaning the FC450 RE through sweepers and fast straights. You will have to make sure that all engine mount bolts have blue Loctite to ensure they do not back out (you should do this regardless if you keep all the bolts in or not). You can also try torquing your swingarm pivot bolt to 95 Nm (instead of 100Nm) to help rear end traction out of corners. The downside to doing these mods is that the chassis will flex a little more, so if you’re riding deep tilled tracks this modification may be too “flexy” for some (especially when chopping throttle).  

Handlebars: The stock Pro Taper handlebar is great! However it is too low for my 6’0 frame, so going with a Ride Engineering one piece bar mount with 5mm risers helps (if you like the stock bar bend). I also like the Pro Taper SX Race bar and that worked well for riders from 5’8 to 6’1. The SX Race bend comes in a crossbar or crossbar-less style and is 800mm width, 87mm height, 54.5 rise, and 54mm sweep. If you’re looking for a better “stand up feel” from your Husqvarna look for a handlebar close to this measurement.  

Rear Brake Pedal Spring: Purchase a Honda CRF450R rear brake pedal spring with the rubber around the spring. The Husqvarna rear brake pedal spring vibrates and will break every 4-5 engine hours.

Gearing: I like the stock 13/49 gearing, but for sand I prefer the 14/53 gearing for mid rpm recovery and chassis feel. Yes, going to a 14/53 will put your rear wheel back more than the 13/49 and get you some extra high speed stability with the 14/53. At tracks like Glen Helen I go with a 14/53 because I get that extra planted/stable feeling coming down hills. 

Rear Axle/Axle Blocks: Going to a Works Connection Elite axle block kit or Ride Engineering axle block kit will get rid of the fixed left axle block on the stock Husqvarna’s axle. This will help the rear end to move more freely under throttle and improve the shock’s comfort on acceleration chop. Both are great, but you will have to decide if you want a complete axle/axle block kit like Ride Engineering’s  or just the blocks themselves like WC’s. 

Muffler: To me FMF makes the best muffler system for the Husqvarna Rockstar Edition. Maybe that’s why the Husqvarna RE comes with a 4.1 slip on. However, installing a megabomb headpipe will help mid range rpm response as well as give you some added top end pulling power. There are some other companies that have other bikes dialed in more, but on the Husqvarna/KTM, FMF has got it dialed. You will get more low to mid RPM response as well as more mid range pulling power. The kicker is that you will not lose bottom end or low end recovery. It’s a win/win, which rarely ever happens in the world of aftermarket parts. 

2020.5 Husqvarna Rockstar Factory Edition FC450 Update

Written By: Kenny Day (Keefer Inc. Test Rider)

It’s that time of year where we are getting closer to the reveal of the 2021 models! Most of us are siting at home and wondering what changes will be made as well as how the manufacturers will take a bike that’s really good and somehow make it even better?  With the all new 2020.5 Rockstar Edition FC450, Husqvarna uses this model to display some of the new changes that will be introduced to the production version in 2021.

Before we get down to the facts, let me tell you a little about myself.  My name is Kenny Day, 32 years of age and I’ve been beaten into this industry like a fossil my entire life. I started off as racer throughout the early years of my life, held a professional license and once that became nothing more that personal dream, I jumped ship from racer to industry guy. Six years as a Team Manager for the Traders Racing Yamaha team and now currently the Alpinestars gear guy for the greats of the sport such as Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac and many others.  I’m sure you may be thinking “cool story, but what gives you the credentials to be a test rider”. Well a Loretta Lynn’s championship two years ago in the vet class as well as years of learning and testing with the great Skip Norfolk over the past few years has taught me a ton about the way top professional teams go about setting up motorcycles. Enough about me, let’s get to the machine!

 I had several months on the production 2020 FC 450 before getting my hands on the Rockstar edition. The production FC450 had some great qualities that I really enjoyed such as a light nimble feel, the ability to put the bike wherever I wanted and at 4pm on a dry choppy Glen Helen Raceway, I enjoyed how mellow I could make the engine using features like Traction Control. I also had some negatives with the FC450 such as a very loose front end feel due to the AER fork settings as well as a lack of overall pulling power. I felt the engine characteristic of the production FC450 was quite mellow even when in the aggressive map setting.  Personally, I have never really enjoyed riding 450’s because I am a small frame weighing in at 155 pounds and yes, I use starting blocks…big ones.  I always felt like the 2020 production FC450 had a lot of drag to it and quite frankly I was always wanting more.

Okay let’s jump ahead, Day 1 on the brand new 2020.5 FC450 at Glen Helen.  Lap 1 around the perfectly prepped Glen Helen course and I have a smile on my face. The bike has a ton more power, less drag and it has fully transformed how the bike reacts on the track (due to the ECU changes). The new bike feels like a light, snappy rocket ship and I am still on the standard map setting. I feel as if the there is less engine braking with the updated map settings that were introduced to this model. Second on my list of happy feels, Suspension! Husqvarna and WP went with a stiffer suspension setting on both ends of this machine and it was a positive change. WP also introduced new fork settings as well as a new design that does not come on the production 2020 FC450. So how does all this translate to the track? I immediately have more feel with the front end, a better connection between the tire and the track. I also felt I had more holdup in the stroke with the forks, which helps in corners. The rear shock also gives me much better feel of holdup in the stroke, the entire rear of the bike feels higher, but in a positive way because I felt that the production FC450 had a very low “chopper” feeling to it.

Along with updated suspension settings and new mapping settings, the 2020.5 Rockstar Edition FC450 comes with some great features like the slip on FMF 4.1 Exhaust system, CNC machined Triple clamps, DID Rims and lots of trick anodizing to give this machine a “factory” look.  Please see a detailed list below of all the features that come with the Rockstar edition.

Overview:

Is this bike worth the extra money? In My opinion YES. I now have about 30 hours on this bike thanks to Covid-19 and I’ve made some small inexpensive changes that would allow me to show up and go racing with it as is. I have put on the FMF header to match the exhaust which broadened the power and made me feel I had a better connection to the ground on acceleration. I also purchased some FLO footpegs to give a wider platform and grippier feel.  After riding several different types of tracks and desert trails I feel setting my fork pressure a little on the stiff side has been a great improvement, I still have the front end bite in the corners as well as the holdup that I like with doing so. I currently run my fork pressure at 160 psi and have been happy with that. Lastly, I like running the sag between 95-100mm, anything over 100 gives me a chopper feel in the rear of the bike and throws off the balance of the machine for me. If you’re feeling low in the rear try this setting. 

One thing to point out on the new FC450 is the versatility of the maps. Most riders just use the standard map 1 that comes as you start your new bike, I suggest using the different combinations that are presented. For example, Glen Helen at 9AM freshly tilled calls for map 2 or the aggressive map. At 3PM when the track is choppy and baked out, I suggest map 1 with Traction control. Having the adjustability right at your fingertips is an amazing feature especially when you can change it on the fly on the track.

New Features of the 2020.5 Rockstar Edition FC450:

• Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team graphics 

• Updated WP XACT split air fork with a redesign of the internals
  including a new mid-valve damping system and new oil bypass in
  the outer damping-leg tube to increase comfort and performance 

• Updated settings on the fully adjustable WP XACT rear shock for
  superior suspension performance and feeling 

• Vented airbox cover included that can be changed without the use
  of any tools for a sharper throttle response according to rider
  preference or track conditions 

• PANKL conrod with a bushing in the small end reduces friction for a
  faster revving engine 

• Billet aluminum REKLUSE clutch cover increases durability while
  enhancing the factory look 

• CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20 – 22 mm] and
  perfect fork clamping 

• Ultralight FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer with titanium body and
  carbon end cap 

• Anodized D.I.D DirtStar rims with machined, anodized hubs and
  three-cross pattern in the front for optimal handling 

• Hydro-formed frame with black premium powder coating 

• Magura hydraulic clutch for perfect modulation in all conditions 

• Floating front waved disc with disc guard 

• Lightweight and robust carbon fiber and polyamide composite
  subframe 

• Carbon fiber reinforced engine protector and mechanical holeshot
  device as standard 

• Handlebar-mounted map select switch also activates launch and
  traction control 

I hope my insight and experience with the 2020.5 Rockstar Edition FC450 has helped your purchasing decision in some fashion. If you ever have any questions feel free to email me at Racing23@alpinestars.com

2020.5 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition First Impression

Yesterday kicked off new bike season and it was Husqvarna that was first out of the gate. The 2020 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition launch was held at Glen Helen Raceway and it turned out to be great test day as a lot of the West Coast 250 Supercross riders came out to get their outdoor legs underneath them. What did that mean for me while testing? It meant that I had a rough track to evaluate the new Rockstar Edition and really get to know a couple of the updates that Husqvarna highlighted for the new half year model. The Rockstar Edition has an updated ECU setting that really helps wake this machine up on low rpm situations. The current year model has more of a lethargic roll on feel than the new RE, as well as a heavier chassis feel on the track. The updated Rockstar Edition feels lighter around the track (side to side movement) with less engine braking and to me that is directly felt when trying to dive into corners hard.

WP and Husqvarna went with a stiffer suspension setting with the new Rockstar Edition and focused their efforts on more plushness with the AER's initial fork stroke. The updated AER fork has a new mid-valve damping system, new air piston, new hand adjuster on the bottom of the fork for rebound adjustment, and a new elastomer endstop that replaces the hydrostop in order to reduce weight. There is also a new low friction rear linkage seal that provides freer movement of the swingarm in order to help with plushness on acceleration chop. What did all of these changes with the suspension mean on the track? The overall balance of the bike rides higher up in the stroke, but gives the rider more control unlike the standard 2020 FC450. The standard FC450 rides low in the stroke and that can upset the chassis when pushing hard into corners, but with the new Rockstar Edition, there is more control and less movement on de-cel. Less movement means less pitching and more front end traction on lean angle. I always had a problem with past AER fork's having minimal feel on throttle while leaning, but the updated fork has better traction when I am trying to roll my corners under throttle. 

I didn't really feel anything with the updated low friction seal inside the linkage, but I will try to ride the standard FC450 version against the RE, to really hone in on that part of the bike in the weeks to come. The shock does have a kick to it on de-cel so thinking that it was too low in the stroke, I went in on the high speed a quarter turn and this helped balance the Husqvarna out going into corners. Once that adjustment was made I was able to drive harder into corners without upsetting the rear of the bike as much. Sticking with a 105mm sag reading is something you should try to follow if at all possible. Going to a higher sag measurement only hurts the AER fork’s plushness and will give you less rear wheel traction out of corners.  

I like that the FMF 4.1 slip on comes with the insert installed as this helps with throttle response and gives the Rockstar Edition slightly more connection out of corners. The exhaust note is more pleasant to the ear with the insert installed, but if you want a little more mid range pull, mating the 4.1 muffler with the megabomb headpipe will do this. The Pro Taper handlebar remains the same on the new Husqvarna, but with the fork now staying up in the stroke more the overall bar height doesn't feel as low. It feels as if I have more room in the cockpit and my arms don’t hang so low when diving into ruts. 

If you feel like there is some harshness in your front end you can try going to a 9Nm torque setting on the bottom triple clamp and that can actually help relax the front end a little under load. I did this at Glen Helen and it really helped when hitting bumps coming down the hills without negatively affecting other areas of the track. 

Even though this is a first impression I feel the changes Husqvarna made to the 2020 FC450 Rockstar Edition do make a noticeable difference on the track. The updates Husqvarna made were very similar to the ones I made to my standard 2020 FC450 test bike, but instead of slapping on a pair of $3000.00 WP XACT spring forks, this updated AER fork is giving me the front end traction feel that's similar to my more expensive A-Kit style spring version. That's good news! WP should be commended for sticking this whole air fork thing out. To me it seems like they're working towards getting their air fork to feel more like a spring fork.  

OVERVIEW: 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team graphics

Updated WP XACT split air fork with a redesign of the internals
including a new mid-valve damping system and new oil bypass in
the outer damping-leg tube to increase comfort and performance

Updated settings on the fully adjustable WP XACT rear shock for
superior suspension performance and feeling

Vented airbox cover included that can be changed without the use
of any tools for a sharper throttle response according to rider
preference or track conditions

PANKL conrod with a bushing in the small end reduces friction for a
faster revving engine

Billet aluminum REKLUSE clutch cover increases durability while
enhancing the factory look

CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20 – 22 mm] and
perfect fork clamping

Ultralight FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer with titanium body and
carbon end cap

Anodized D.I.D DirtStar rims with machined, anodized hubs and
three-cross pattern in the front for optimal handling

Hydro-formed frame with black premium powder coating

Magura hydraulic clutch for perfect modulation in all conditions

Floating front waved disc with disc guard

Lightweight and robust carbon fiber and polyamide composite
subframe

Carbon fiber reinforced engine protector and mechanical holeshot
device as standard

Handlebar-mounted map select switch also activates launch and
traction control