2019 Husqvarna FS 450 Review | First Ride

Pound for pound, you'll be hard pressed to find a more exciting motorcycle to rip around the racetrack on than Husqvarna's fabulous FS 450. For 2019, Husqvarna remains committed to the supermoto segment, giving it the same batch of updates that its championship-winning Supercross bike gets. We get a little sideways during a quick first ride test at Adam's Go Kart track in Southern California.
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If you’re a hard-core sport rider and want to have some serious fun, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more cost-effective way of getting your kicks than sliding around a go-kart track. And that’s what Husqvarna’s FS 450 is all about.
The FS 450 is a closed-course production (non-street legal), supermoto racer. Plop down $10,799, load it into the bed of your pickup, show up at the local go-kart track, and commence ripping. Aside from topping off its 1.85-gallon tank and checking pressures on the Bridgestone supermoto-specific rubber, it’s literally that easy to get a huge smile on your face.
For 2019, Husqvarna's given it the "works" treatment with the full list of upgrades that the championship-winning Supercross platform saw. Everything from the headstock back has enjoyed a makeover, minus the knobby tires and puny front brake, of course…
The frame is more rigid and features an attractive navy blue powdercoating finish. It also includes mounting points for its accessory skid plate. It attaches to a two-piece composite subframe that’s 0.55-pound lighter.
The water-cooled 449cc engine gets an updated cylinder head design (1.1-pound lighter) that lowers the position of the camshaft. Valve timing has been tweaked to further boost the bottom-end performance-a great feature when you have Velcro traction on asphalt.
Inside the case, there’s a new Pankl-sourced five-speed transmission and a supermoto-specific Suter slipper clutch that’s actuated via a smooth-squeezing hydraulic clutch from Magura.
Husqvarna says the engine is good for 63 hp (at the crank), and it feels every bit that quick. For reference a good Supercross 450 engine puts out low 60s at the tire. Electric start means getting the engine lit is as easy as pushing a button. A lighter lithium-ion battery is also new for 2019.
Smooth off the bottom, the four-valve engine builds revs quickly with a healthy amount of midrange grunt for a 450cc single. A switch on the ProTaper handlebar allows the rider to choose from one of two engine maps. Mode 1 offers the hardest-hitting power, which we prefered, while Mode 2 is less aggressive. There’s also on/off-adjustable traction control and launch control to help you get moving from a start. We didn’t get to try the latter feature, but we hope to in a future installment.
The gear ratios complement the engine’s powerband to keep it moving forward in a hurry. There’s no speedometer, but we’d estimate a top speed of around 90 mph in top gear. Plus, its a slick shifter-an important feature when you’re constantly rowing through the gearbox at the track. On a side note, the chain adjustment slot has 5mm more adjustment range, say if you want to modify final drive gearing, or to account for chain stretch.
Aside from launches, the clutch lever doesn’t get much of a squeeze, as the slipper clutch allows you to downshift as many times as you’d like-always netting a smooth slide entering turns. The rear brake has just the right amount of feel to help engage entry slides, until you work up the speed to do it from sheer momentum.
Most air suspension typically gets a bad wrap on dirt, but on pavement it works well. The rebound circuit itself is sensitive. Adding a click or two translates into a noticeable difference in how the motorcycle responds when it hits a bump and how it goes back and rebounds through the stroke.
Physically, the motorcycle sits lower than the motocross version, after all, it trades the 21/19-inch wheel setup for a 16.5/17-inch rims from Alpina. It also has about an inch less suspension travel, front and rear. It uses slower (as compared to a dirt bike) valving that does a marvelous job of controlling suspension movement.
The air fork allows spring-rate modification (left leg) using the supplied pump and has tool-less adjusters atop the fork leg for compression and rebound damping. Both the fork and shock are sensitive to damping adjustment, with just a few clicks netting big differences in action.
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[@strengthbuild]

A single cylinder bike has nearly the same horsepower as a three cylinder H2 from 1972. That's absolutely insane how far we've come.

[@MakTheSank]

The new SMC 690 has 74hp exactly the same as the 72 H2

[@martijnjonkers2179]

Still youtube’s audio stops when you push the home button

[@GIGABACHI]

All while having 2 extra strokes & 2 less cylinders. Science!👍

[@JohnErikjohansson]

@@martijnjonkers2179 get pro then

[@martijnjonkers2179]

John-Erik johansson got it since monday👍🏻 quality of life improved

[@urimtb]

How about showing us the bike?

[@oso1165]

what you didnt like staring at this dudes sweaty forehead for 4 minutes?

[@DearMajesty]

haha true

[@FordSierraIS]

@@oso1165 but we got to know if we wanted a bike we can put gas in an just rip on

[@GixxerZilla]

ARI WE MISS YOU

[@Brakelateatmsn]

Love Adams! Plenty of footage on my Channel from about Six years ago when the SoCal Supermoto Scene was in full swing. What I REALLY would love to see, would be the 701 Street Legal Supermoto Husky along side this track only 450, dicing it out at the same place. Then get some honest, real reviews and amazing onboard footage of the two bikes ridden by Moto-Journalists dicing it out, and swapping bikes between sessions!

[@AdamWaheed]

That would be great for sure!

[@najjuzac]

Adam in charge 😊😊

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Good start. Those are big shoes to fill.

[@phantom916]

We want a street legal 550 supermoto with enduro gearing brapppppp

[@RhaviMarques]

This isn't a review, this is an ad. "buy this expensive thing its worth it trust me its gr8 m8 8/8 outta da box"

[@arjenbootsma6881]

I'd like to buy one if they come out with a street legal version, maybe slightly decontented, for around $7-8k

[@guidoencalada3336]

Adam!!!

[@matthewfitch2456]

not.......the......same

[@madbroindustries]

This motorcycle is trash! Fucking parts cost a arm and 3 legs!

[@jasonandmichellec.5051]

Trump should stop this...

[@AdamWaheed]

Lol.

[@dictatoribenevolo8394]

I think they should have started with a video introducing themselves and all.. I love my motorcycles, but to be honest, I watch these videos also because the hosts were so much fun

[@hfr8343]

If you don't know who Adam Waheed is then you don't love motorcycles

[@dictatoribenevolo8394]

@@hfr8343 well, true i have no idea who he is :D #introductionneeded

[@TheNortical]

What is this audio, the music is almost louder than speech and the mic picks up so much background even though you use a lavalier?

[@jasonjayalap]

I thought someone was calling me and I paused the audio in my headphones.

[@TheNortical]

no hate on the video content itself and presentation, its just a point of production which should also be considered for "motorcycle journalism"

[@Krystian_Wn]

Guys, title: Husqvarna not Huqvarna.

[@Masterbeef2009]

Krystian W Huckvarna

[@roadglide]

Title is correct.

[@Krystian_Wn]

@@roadglide Title now is correct, so nvm.

[@ceesklumper]

Pronounce huskvarna, not husk-a-varna

[@MrBarlien]

I don't really know what makes a good video, but this was not one. Now I know that the shoes to fill are quite large, and it's hard to loose the faces of the channel. I think it's important to realize that the audience of MCM on this channel, at least the regulars, come here becuse we know/knew the people, and what they liked. So when they talked about bikes whe knew where they were coming from, and if they weren't a fan of a perticulair bike, we knew why. I think the "by-line"(as in made by/written by) is important here. These quick and fast videos, with the generic guitar riff are a dime a dozen on youtube. Personality driven content is always better. Anyway, I know this is early days in the transition, but I hope that this was just a test, and not a sign of things to come. I wish you all the best, and I will be watching.

[@alejandrodg82]

Welcome and good luck new guys! The shoes to fill are quite a challenge. We all love bikes, so let´s give them a chance and make some constructive criticism ! I think that for being their first video on the channel It was ok!!!

[@deadlyair]

Alex why would we just accept a significant downgrade in the quality of the videos on this channel and be ok with it?

[@snakerb]

The Jockness Monster he said “constructive criticism” since a lot (not saying you) are being hard on him just for being a new host.

[@deadlyair]

snakerb but he’s not new, he’s been around forever on other channels; which I did not watch or subscribe to because of shitty reviews like this one.

[@philwomack6841]

So, did Husqvarna sponsor this content? Perhaps the bike is that good but it sounded more like a press junket than a review. I don't want come over as hating it and I'm certainly not in the "This channel is dead to me without Ari and Zack" mindset. Ignoring the above, the review was probably perfect for the niche the bike sits in; fast, adrenaline inducing and great for a generation with a short attention span. If that's what you were aiming to achieve Adam well done. My opinion is that Zack, together with Ryan Fnine, is the epitome of what good motorcycle journalism is about so you have big boots to fill. I just ask that you keep the content balanced with in depth reviews and fun features.

[@100mostlyauthentic]

The bike is actually that good! The unanimous consensus among our track supermoto club is the bike is better than what can be built by racers. We have two in our club and they outperform ALL of our other bikes. I have been fortunate enough to ride about 20 different supermotos on track the the two FS 450's I've ridden are night and day better than anything else.

[@Okipouros]

hmm I don't know, Husqvarna doesnt make much of a profit on this model, and they probably sell less than any other model, so it would make sense to plug something else

[@Okipouros]

@@100mostlyauthentic while you can mod an mx bike to have even better parts than this, what makes a big difference is the close ratio, long 1st gear transmission, that you cant really buy for a crf or yzf

[@redryder1146]

Everybody's a Critic

[@stephen1133]

@@100mostlyauthentic what do you think is the best used bike to convert? I'll probably have to buy something that's 4-5yrs old

[@nikolaystoykov9413]

Still haven't learned how to pronounce Husqvarna correctly.. what a shame.

[@OggyF]

Nice to see Adam here. Loved the reviews he shared previously on other channels and I think he'll fit in well with the channel. Best of luck Adam!

[@op3l]

Hmm.. maybe slow down the talking and cut back on some of the sponsor like talking. Also I’m here to see the motorcycle,which I didn’t see much of in this video. What this video does is bombard my ears with sales pitch while looking at a sweaty dude.

[@YocoWheelin]

If only it was street legal.

[@jasonjayalap]

I wonder if it's any harder than other conversions. But if you don't race, a 701 or new 690 Enduro would be better for road mileage.

[@wuzihuzi]

Problem is these are a race bike with racing service intervals. I have a road legal wr450sm and it's a pain having to change oil every 500km's

[@wuzihuzi]

@@jasonjayalap 690 or 701 would be far better for the road. Less revs at highway speeds and longer service intervals.

[@nickchilds3104]

@@wuzihuzi They also weigh 90-100lbs more. That's a TON

[@wuzihuzi]

@@nickchilds3104 yeah that was the reason I bought a wr450 for the road instead of a drz but im never riding it because it always needs to be serviced. It's definitely more fun when I ride it but what's more fun, riding or not riding?

[@LockieNZ]

Glad to see Adam on board. I remember when I was looking at getting the new R6 last year, his review was by far the most technically comprehensive and impressive (Sorry 650ib!). His 2 wheel skills and experience definitely come through.

[@ttiization]

We want charismatic people guys. Just do nice long videos like you used too. I love the content Ari and Zack made, but we need to move on. Keep up the good work

[@michaeldeano]

Just fucking show the bike already goddammit

[@MakTheSank]

This dude is cool, he can actually keep the level of entertainment and general tone of zach and ari's videos. Thumbs up from me.

[@mxgryan]

ITs cool...but i think if i was ONLY gonna ride SM i'd just grab the 701.

[@kikzamo1070]

A $10,000 non street legal supermoto!... 👎 I'll just stick to my street legal carbureted DRZ400sm

[@NutnFartsy]

He says it would probably cost more to convert a mx bike to sm and it wouldn't be as good lol. My showroom condition yz450f with 10 hours on the engine $3200. High quality conversion parts and plated $2200. Total price $5400. Very close performance but for half the price.

[@TomiLynch]

If only Husqvarna/KTM made a street legal Supermoto 390 with the engine from the Duke 390. It would be the prefect motorcycle for me and I'm sure for many other out there as well. No need to make it an extremely high performance, competition bike. Just super fun to ride, light weight bike to enjoy in the streets. They wouldn't even have to design new parts. It's all out there on their current bikes.

[@sameyeham]

I wish Adam would take some effort to improve his methods for reviewing bikes. I've been watching his reviews for years now and it's always the same formula: "This motorcycle has tons of grip, it's got big brakes up front, tons of grunt from the motor, handles good." Yea, Adam. We know. It's a motorcycle. We don't need you to read us the specs listed on the Manufacturers website. Your job is to give us an editorial on what you think of the bike. Like an actual opinion. That's what made Ari and Zack so great.

[@ClutchFirst]

I was super excited until I heard the price. Very little price difference between the 701 and the 401

[@GIGABACHI]

I would take the fatter girl, hands down. Street legal and way longer service intervals...unless you need a weapons grade SuMo.😁

[@itsvash679]

The soundtrack does not match the bike or track. Not street legal at that price? No thanks another California rich boy toy forgetting the rest of America is at cost of living way below California.

[@tophergrace132]

Slow... down.... you’re rambling Give the same info just over 6-7mins

[@afiffy]

Adam doing quite a good job, keep up bro!!! Ari n zack definitely gonna be missed😢

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Hey wait, can I just “rip it”. Ffs, this guy is a fail.., sorry guys but you’ve gone down a notch imo

[@RufusCapstick]

I was hoping it would be Adam doing the review. I'm still on board but there's a few things to refine in the format. People are always resistant to change.

[@joshuamorin2762]

Everyone complaining about how the name is pronounced......am I the only one who thinks 10 grand is insane?

[@Na2gumiBlogspot]

it is an amazing motorcycle. If you wanna go supermoto racing, just get one and do it

[@tcmcqueen2563]

First video after Ari and Zack, can't spell check. Unsubscribing now!!

[@benthedrummer100]

Adam is by far one of the most informative motorcycle journalists and he can ride his ass off! Glad to see him on this channel

[@motorvelo]

Sorry guys but I afraid you new presenter isn't a patch on those you have just lost.

[@jasonandmichellec.5051]

Soo....the new change is it's all ads for bikes. That's weak. Unsubscribing.

[@supertedogpriken]

yea i think that i would have a TM 450 smx over the Husqvarna fs 450.

[@goblue3090]

Argh, not the same. I hope this isn't the type of footage that's going to be released. Kinda sad.

[@aryansomrain5099]

I miss Ari

[@Lalremruatacln]

Ari, come back

[@TeqHDcasper]

CAN PEOPLE PLEASE STOP SAYING HUSAQVAYNA ITS HUSQVARNA. ONE WORD.

[@moneeb343]

This guy is a good presenter, he just needs more practice. He's natural in front of a camera and enthusiastic. The only criticism I can really say is to slow down, from the video to the editing to the sound to the script. This is a job, and a future, so take it easy, slow down, and really work on it. Settling in will take time, but be safe and keep shooting!

[@AdamWaheed]

Thanks for the note and constructive criticism.

[@zepcrazyfre]

I want an FC 450 SUMO Rockstar Edition so bad!!!

[@auomauom]

Eh.. rather just buy an Ohvale and track the shit out of it.

[@robr8806]

Wait, are you saying you can literally put gas in this thing and rip?

[@Akaye310]

If you don't know who Adam Waheed is you must've been living under a rock. He is great at bike reviews and has been doing it for many years.

[@AdamWaheed]

Hello sir, thanks for the note and thank you for telling them, lol.

[@Tariq.K]

good to see you here Adam

[@AdamWaheed]

What's up man? Thanks for the nice note and for watching.

[@DGETHIS01]

"Literally put gas in and rip."..... A hole in your wallet

[@navaks5335]

Please don’t say things like “this is their first video, don’t be that hard and so on” NO! Ari and Zack made tons of videos and if these peeps watched at least a couple of them they would get an idea of what people would like to watch and how to expose the content. *disappointed*

[@rronaldreagan]

Navaks its tough to take over a franchise. Look at top gear for example. If the new guys try to imitiate the old guys too much, they will forever be known as the sideshow actors. Of they try to change it and have their own personality, many followers will reject the different content... So its a difficult decision, mate

[@navaks5335]

don trump I’m not saying they should copy exactly what the guys did cause that obviously not gonna work but this video for example could be done much much better. Can’t say anything about the new TopGear as I stopped watching it as soon as Jeremy left.

[@illuforce]

Does husqvarna make any road legal supermoto's?

[@drummerboynano17]

No Ari? Whelp! Time to unsubscribe.

[@jsjywy007]

This review is so empty. The top gear of motorcycle is gone

[@GIGABACHI]

Too bad is not street legal👎. Great track weapon tho👍. Mr.Adam, take it easy, take your time going over the bike and it's intricacies. We came to have a chilled good time, not be speed fed some audio-visual media.

[@SpectacularRiders848]

looks strangers 🤔

[@VeeFour]

Well I came for Ari and Zac, but I'll give you a crack of the whip now they're gone

[@AIRJordan0225]

Hard to see Ari and Zack go, but excited to see what they do. Good video overall, but could use a little more character sprinkled in. Previous MM videos were typically 6-20+ mins depending on the nature of the video, and still had significant views and likes. I think the new channel hosts have definite potential and honestly don’t look far off from the very early videos with Zack and Ari.

[@Jdogger1979]

Awesome review! I had a 701 supermoto, but ended up using lemon law to procure a buyback.... electrical issues... i still love these bikes... when the 701 actually ran it was an amazing machine

[@colormesarge]

Heavy on the sales pitch.

[@AdamWaheed]

Buy one now, lol. P.S. I get a commission, so buy a couple of 'em, :P

[@pvflyer67]

knee dragging on a dirtbike FNN awesome!

[@Spast58]

Please make an introduction vid and also talk about the future plans for this channnel, this would help a lot

[@AdamWaheed]

Hi, please send these sort of requests via email to: [e-mail]

[@fernandocbr]

Man... I wish I could have a Husqvarna street bike (the 401), but here in Brazil it will be more expensive than a car

[@themorganator]

Enjoyed this video - no complaints from me, and the bike is seriously tempting! Anyone know where Zack and Ari have gone too?

[@Teletha]

aj det gör ont hur han uttalar det. huskuvarna

[@PeterOekvist]

Chain saw derivative..?

[@adrianbedolla7939]

Id so get one if there was somewhere i could ride it

[@justinr8526]

Is this supposed to be a review? Or an ad? He doesn't have a single negative thing to say.

[@AdamWaheed]

Lol, the bike is too white. There you go.

[@Harvieowen]

Like it but be more professional. Check the spelling of your title...yea.

[@samrit123in]

Harvie Woolley You do realize that the guy uploading the video is a different person, and not the presenter, right?

[@kaykay8686]

Zack and Ari are gone, but I'm glad to see you, my friend! Keep up the great work! I'll be watching. More videos, please!

[@TrackSol]

I like the short 5 minute first impression videos. Also, almost all the bikes today from major brands are damn good, so pointing out the small quirks and niggles (like the brake pad bite in this case) is really appreciated.

[@PhaedruS007]

If I had that FU money, I’d buy 2 and store one away. This thing looks truly special.

[@Balomis]

I'm seeing a ton of complaints here, but I just wanna add that Adam's a top-tier reviewer. Stoked to see him on this channel and can't wait to see what he brings to us!

[@guidoencalada3336]

Relieved that Adam Waheed is taking over

[@damansbedi]

Adam!! Amazing to see you here. Welcome & Rock it!!

[@AdamWaheed]

Hi, thanks for the note and for watching.

[@thomasdixon7152]

Phyched Adam is the spokesperson !

[@DB-so8zc]

Bike looks like a hoot to ride. Nice quick concise review. I always enjoy Adam's reviews. Smart man and a damn good rider.

[@Daniel-tj6mc]

Adams that kid you sit next to when you're bestfriends not on the school bus. Sup Adam good to see you here.

[@michaeljkasnter]

$800 less than the 701 , crazy

[@eddyquik]

Happy to see you’re the guy for the channel Adam. Looking forward to more vids and opinions.

[@thomasdixon7152]

Been watching Adam for many many years , this show is in fantastic hands. Keep up the good work Adam !

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

Different, but still great stuff. More of the harder core dirt bikes/SM maybe?

[@tuckerlofton6780]

Due a commute episode on the 701

[@thehero9177]

Its rlly hard to say that this channel wont be the same anymore..But welcome and good luck new guys

[@DearMajesty]

Hey Adam, I like it when you pay attention to the details. It's sexy. Hope you can do it in every review! Try to sell us the motorcycle a little bit less though please! And maybe some slightly better footage haha....other than, to put in other commenters' words, "sweaty forehead" lolol

[@AdamWaheed]

Hi MotoBoy, nice to hear from you - always a critic, lol.

[@DearMajesty]

@@AdamWaheed Haha hope you're doing well man! Big shoes to fill! Ari and Zack are the best of the best!

[@AdamWaheed]

@@DearMajesty yeah man, just cruising. Going up to The One Moto Show/hipster fest up in Portland, Oregon this weekend. Yeah man, they do good. Did you follow them over to Motortrend?

[@DearMajesty]

@@AdamWaheed my plan is to get a subscription later this summer and do some binge watching. Then cancel and repeat.

[@linuxier1986]

Thanks for bringing in this bike.

[@wtflip620]

Do a supermoto comparison video

[@johnburn9539]

Whats the name of the intro song?

[@droy333]

I could live with you doing review for sure. Screw those sell outs!

[@lazarnedeljkovic5615]

pretty good for a first video, just slow down there tiger, i cant catch all the stats

[@josephbts5594]

They should be street legal

[@adrianbedolla7939]

Can u make it street legal?

[@milkman2591]

Who the hell is this guy?

[@MarkosManiadakis]

Nice!!!

[@afletra]

ah...so it's Adam who take the position that Ari and Zack left behind. nice. hope you did great like back then in the motoUSA Adam, cheers! nice review!