KIWI RIDER 07 2018 VOL.2 | Page 66

ROAD NEWS HUSQVARNA UNVEILS 2019 FS450 SUPERMOTO usqvarna’s 2019 FS450 is a supermoto targeted at both professional and amateur competitors. Sharing the tech as featured in the 2019 FC450 motocross model, the all-new FS450 has been designed to ‘offer unmatched closed- circuit supermoto performance’. With a redesigned chassis and engine aimed at improving handling and usability of power, the MY19 FS450 looks like it’ll be a complete hoot to ride – Husky says it is the ‘most capable race winning supermoto available on the showroom floor’. Upgrades include a blue coated frame with increased rigidity said to improve 66 KIWI RIDER rider feedback and straight-line stability. The subframe is composite carbon fibre and gives a weight reduction of 250g. The FS450 is equipped with the WP 48mm AER air fork and WP DCC rear shock, which receive new settings to match the new frame’s characteristics. A re-designed cylinder head reduces the engine’s weight by a huge 500g, making the single-cylinder SOHC motor more compact. The engine weighs just 27.3kg and offers a peak power output of 63hp. The bike comes with black 16.5-in front and 17-in rear Alpina spoked wheels, which are fitted with Bridgestone 125/80 R420 and 165/65 R420 slicks. >