Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2024 Husqvarna FE450: VASTLY IMPROVED.
Introducing the 2024 Husqvarna FE450…
Receiving multiple technical upgrades for 2024 to maintain its high performance, the FE 450 remains at the pinnacle of Husqvarna Motorcycles enduro line-up. Its new engine produces a broader spread of controllable power and by positioning the engine shaft arrangements at the ideal center of gravity, maneuverability is vastly improved. Aiding this agile feel is the new chassis, which has been developed and manufactured using advanced engineering techniques. Together with new WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring fork, enhanced comfort across rough terrain is assured. Complete with the latest technological advancements and high-quality components throughout, the FE 450 is finished with new functional bodywork adorned with white, yellow, and blue graphics that are inspired by the Swedish heritage of the brand.
2024 Husqvarna FE450 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Husqvarna Motorcycles – Enduro Model Year 2024
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ all-new 2024 TE, FE, FEs, and FEw machines set a new standard for riding offroad. Expertly crafted with new frames, subframes, bodywork, suspension, and brakes, the extended list of shared innovations across the new enduro platform further improves the overall rideability of all seven machines.
The change to WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks will be favored by many riders, and by incorporating a mid-valve piston and hydrostop, smooth action and predictable performance is guaranteed. A redesigned WP XACT shock features a new piston to improve comfort and is 100 g lighter and 15 mm shorter while retaining 300 mm of travel. Both the fork and shock settings can be adjusted by hand for a fast and easy personalized set-up.
Working in perfect harmony with the WP suspension is the new chromium molybdenum steel frame. Improving anti-squat behavior and offering revised flex characteristics, the chassis, which includes a new and much more durable polyamide/aluminum hybrid subframe, guarantees each machine is exceptionally agile without sacrificing straight line stability.
All models feature new bodywork adorned with modern, Swedish-inspired graphics and a new high-grip seat cover. The rider triangle has been refined to provide more knee contact and therefore, better control. The slim design of the bodywork offers complete freedom of movement when riding. The new LED headlight produces a brighter light output and is installed with a much more efficient and user-friendly mounting system.
The TE 150, TE 250 and TE 300 2-stroke models are now powered by new engines that are fueled using Throttle Body Injection (TBI) technology. Introduced to maintain their best-in-class performance, TBI guarantees a much more consistent and controllable spread of power throughout the rev range, even in the toughest of conditions.
The competition FE 450, dual-sport FE 350s and FE 501s, and new 50-state off-highway compliant FE 350w and FE 501w machines benefit from new and much more compact engines. Positioned in the frame two degrees backwards when compared to the previous generation, the engines are designed to centralize mass and contribute to the improved anti-squat behavior of the chassis. In addition, the engines position all major components as centrally as possible for improved handling as well as generating maximum torque and power.
The line-up is complete with premium components shared across the range including a new LED headlight, enhanced BRAKTEC brakes with high performance GSK discs, a combined start/stop button, ProTaper handlebars, and Michelin enduro tires.
2024 Technical Highlights
- New chromium molybdenum steel frame optimized for improved anti-squat behavior and enhanced flex characteristics
- New polyamide/aluminum hybrid subframe offers exceptional strength and durability
- New 48 mm WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks deliver consistent damping and predictable handling
- New WP XACT rear shock is lighter and developed specifically for enduro riding
- New ergonomic bodywork offers revised rider triangle for enhanced control
- New 2-stroke engines feature TBI technology for improved rideability and ease of use
- New 4-stroke engines provide class-leading power and torque
- New LED headlight provides a brighter light output and simplified fitment
- New BRAKTEC brake system and high-performance GSK discs provide superior stopping power
- New multifunctional Map Select Switch design controls the Quickshifter and Traction Control (FE 450 only)
- New Offroad Control Unit (OCU) for highest level of reliability and user-friendly serviceability of electronics
- Premium-quality ProTaper handlebar and ODI Grips
- Electric starter powered by a lightweight Li-ion 2.0 Ah battery
2024 Husqvarna FE450 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Engine
The SOHC engine is the perfect example of the advanced engineering techniques used by Husqvarna Motorcycles, offering higher peak power at an overall weight of just 63.9 lb (29 kg) (- 200g compared to previous generation).
Mass-centralization is key in the engine design. Chassis engineers positioned the engine closer to the center of gravity for greatly improved handling and maneuverability. This was achieved by tilting the engine 2° backwards and repositioning the sprocket 3 mm lower. Together with the benefits of mass centralization and reduced weight the anti-squat behavior of the chassis was significantly improved.
Another focus was put on the serviceability of the new FE 450. Service markers on the engine (▲) clearly show where to use washers, making maintenance and servicing easier than in the past.
- Light and compact engine design for optimized mass-centralization
- Weight of 2024 engine 63.9 lb (29 kg)
- Weight of 2023 engine 64.3 lb (29.2 kg)
- Including clutch slave master cylinder, oil, shift lever, sprocket, and vent hose
- Improved performance of engine with rev-limit at 10,500 rpm.
- Engine tilted 2° backwards with repositioned sprocket (3 mm lower) for improved mass centralization and better anti-squat behavior
- Improved serviceability of engine internals with added service markers and draining noses for liquids
Cylinder head
The redesigned SOHC cylinder head is incredibly compact and lightweight using a short profile with the camshaft located as close to the center of gravity as possible. The frame mounts significantly improve handling and agility (now unified among 4-stroke models, only 500cc needs different frame mounts due to the cylinder size).
The lightweight valves are actuated via a rocker arm and feature optimized timing, specifically designed to deliver precise levels of torque and throttle response. The diameter of the intake valves is 40 mm, while on the exhaust it is 33 mm. Redesigned intake ports allow higher flow coefficients, resulting in a more efficient and powerful engine.
A new valve cover reduces the number of mounting screws (only 2 needed), and a single oil spray jet guarantees efficient cooling while keeping weight low.
A new fine punched cam chain and the low-friction DLC coating on the rocker arm offers optimum efficiency, reliability, and durability.
Another focus was put on maintenance work. Added lock positions for the cam chain improve the serviceability of the valve train.
- Redesigned SOHC cylinder head with compact design, featuring a camshaft close to center of gravity
- Redesigned Intake ports for higher flow coefficients
- DLC coating on rocker arms for optimum efficiency reliability, and durability
- Optimized valve timings for improved torque and throttle response
- New lightweight valve cover with reduced number of mounting screws (only 2) and only one oil spray jet for cooling
- New, fine punched cam chain adding durability and reduced friction
- Improved serviceability of valve train through added lock positions for cam chain
Cylinder and piston
The lightweight aluminum cylinder features a 95 mm bore and a CP bridged-box-type piston optimized for low weight and a high-power character. The piston features anodized annular grooves, adding durability and longer service intervals. The compression ratio has stayed unchanged at 12.75:1 while gaining power.
The piston bolt is no longer DLC coated but comes with a cube bushing offering similar performance and reliability.
- Lightweight aluminum cylinder with 95 mm bore / 63.40 mm stroke
- Lightweight, high-performance CP forged bridged-box-type piston reducing oscillating masses
- Unchanged compression ratio (12.75:1) but significantly increased peak performance
- Anodized annular groove, adding durability, and guaranteeing longer service intervals
- Piston bolt with cube bushing
Crankshaft
The inertia produced by the crankshaft has been carefully calculated to deliver optimal traction and ride-ability from the powerful 450 4-stroke enduro engine. The crankshaft is specifically positioned to harness the rotating mass in the ideal center of gravity, resulting in a lightweight and agile handling feel. A plain big end bearing comprising of two force-fitted bearing shells, which ensure maximum reliability and durability. On top, the oil scrapper design has been significantly improved.
- Crankshaft position with ideal center of gravity, improving handling
- Plain big end bearing and force-fitted bearing shells for advanced durability and longer service intervals
- Significantly improved oil scraper design on the crankcase (crankshaft)
Crankcases
The crankcases are designed to house the shaft arrangements and internals of the engine in the position that offers the best possible handling. A new steel oil pump gear, repositioned oil jets and an increased overall oil pressure, result in increased resistance against clutch overheating and improved durability. The counter balancer shaft has been revised with a slight increase in weight reducing engine vibration.
High-pressure die cast production processes keep the overall weight to a minimum, resulting in thin wall thickness while retaining reliability. The Husqvarna crown logo gives the bronze powder coated enduro specific and noise reducing clutch cover a premium and durable look. Additional oil scrappers on the ignition cover round off the package.
- Design featuring optimized mass-centralization and increased efficiency
- High pressure die-cast production process with thin walls for reduced weight, while maintaining strength
- New, steel oil pump gear and repositioned oil jets improve durability
- Higher oil pressure for increased resistance against clutch overheating
- New oil scrappers on the ignition cover
- Increased side balancer shaft counter mass (higher vibration comfort)
- Enduro specific clutch cover (noise reduction compared to FC models)
Gearbox
The redesigned lightweight 6-speed gearbox is produced by Pankl Racing Systems ensuring the highest level of durability and reliability. The redesign focused on a weight optimized shift shaft, reducing the operating force of gear changes. The gearbox also features a revised transmission ratio, as well as a revised primary gear ratio (29:72).
The gear lever features a design that prevents dirt build-up and keeps the lever tip in its original position even in the toughest conditions. An advanced gear sensor selects a specific engine map tailored for each gear.
The above-mentioned gear sensor is positioned on the shift drum and is now also used for the new Quickshift function, allowing clutch less upshifts (from 2nd gear up). The function can be activated/deactivated via the new QS button on the Map Select Switch, located on the left side of the handlebar.
- Redesigned 6-speed gearbox with revised transmission ratio
- Weight optimized shift shaft, reducing operating force of gear changes for smooth and precise shifting
- Quickshift sensor positioned on the shift drum allows clutchless upshifts, the function can be activated/deactivated via the QS button on the map-select switch on the left side of the handlebar
- Integrated gear sensor for specific engine maps for each gear
DDS clutch
The FE 450 features a Dampened Diaphragm Steel (DDS) clutch. The exclusive characteristics of this system include a single diaphragm steel pressure plate instead of traditional coil springs. It integrates a damping system for better traction and durability. The clutch basket is a single-piece CNC machined steel component that allows the use of thin steel liners and contributes to the compact design of the engine.
The main improvement includes a better clutch cooling from the pressure lubrication, reducing clutch fade in high stress usage. The clutch basket has been redesigned and adapted for the new 6-speed transmission.
- Lightweight DDS clutch featuring consistent action and exceptional durability
- Improved clutch cooling from pressure lubrication, reducing clutch fade from high stress
- Redesigned clutch basket for adapted 6-speed transmission ratio
- Enduro specific clutch cover for reduced noise output
Exhaust
The diameter of the header pipe is now the same as on the FC 450 model. It’s a reduced diameter compared to the old model, allowing for more engine response in lower rpms but also increased peak power.
New header pipe diameter for increased engine response and peak power
2024 Husqvarna FE450 – Totalmotorcycle.com Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $12,099 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £11,149 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine | |
Engine type | Single cylinder, 4-stroke |
Displacement | 449.9cc |
Bore/stroke | 95/63.4 mm |
Compression ratio | 12,75:1 |
Starter/battery | Electric starter / Lithium Ion 12,8V 2Ah |
Transmission | 6 gears |
Fuel system | Keihin EFI, throttle body Ø 42 mm |
Control | 4 V / OHC with rocker levers |
Lubrication | Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps |
Gear ratios | 13:33 16:30 18:26 22:26 23:23 26:22 |
Primary ratio | 29:72 |
Final drive | 13:52 |
Cooling | Liquid cooling |
Clutch | DDS wet multi-disc clutch, BRAKTEC hydraulics |
Ignition / Engine Management | Keihin EMS |
Chassis | |
Frame | Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 |
Subframe | Aluminium reinforced Polyamide |
Handlebar | ProTaper, Aluminium Ø 28/22 mm |
Front suspension | WP XACT CC-USD, Ø 48 mm |
Rear suspension | WP XACT-Monoshock with linkage |
Suspension travel front/rear | 300/300 mm |
Front/rear brakes | BRAKTEC disc brake Ø 260/220 mm |
Front/rear rims | 1.60 x 21”; 2.15 x 18” DID |
Front/rear tyres | 80/100-21” DUNLOP MX33 F; 110/100-18” Dunlop AT81 |
Chain | 520 X-Ring |
Silencer | Aluminium |
Steering head angle | 63.9° |
Triple clamp offset | 22 mm |
Wheel base | 1,489±10 mm |
Ground clearance | 343 mm |
Seat height | 952 mm |
Tank capacity, approx. | 8.0l |
Competition weight: (without fuel) |
109.8 kg |
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).