2022 Husqvarna FC450 First Ride!

First ride on a 2022 Husqvarna FC450 (thanks Kurt!). This is my first ride on the 10mm lower Husky chassis settings and it is noticeable. The seat height is lower and the overall feel of the bike going into corners is lower. I really like the 10mm lower feeling. The next thing I notice is the smoother throttle response compared to my 21 KTM 450 Factory Edition. This bike still had the stock longer throw throttle cam in place but did have the vented airbox cover. This provides for a very smooth (mellow) throttle response in Map 1 especially when Traction Control is engaged. Map 2 livens the engine response up a little but still very controllable power. If it were my bike I would add the myHusqvarna connectivity unit and dial up the throttle response and dial back the engine braking.
The suspension setting felt great for my slow Vet speed (I am 6' 2" tall and 195 lbs). This bike only had 1.4 hours of ride time so I was surprised by the overall plush feel and the smoothness of the new suspension components especially at the top of the stroke. Usually WP suspension takes about 5~8 hours to fully break in. The air fork is polarizing for many but the updates made in the '21 model year result in a noticeably better AER fork feel that is worth trying before getting a re-valve or converting to springs. The AER forks are very tunable for different rider weights and track conditions. The rear shock felt very good with good control and plush overall feel.
The 10mm lower chassis setting really surprised me. I have always liked the slightly lower seat height on the Husky models but this new 10mm lower setting really feels good on the track. The cornering (especially turn initiation) feels better and the bike effortlessly changes direction with the lower chassis. This is a 450 moto bike yet feels small and compact and does not fight you in the corners. Wish my KTM 450 had this lower setting.
Smooth power (too smooth for some), great cornering, plush tunable suspension, Brembo brakes, Pro Taper bars.....lots to like on the 22 Husky FC450!

[@keithpeterson6108]

Which bike do you prefer (& why) between the fc350 (or sx-f) & fc450 (or sx-f)? Which of those do you prefer between the ktm or Husky? Much difference in handling?

[@mxengineer1]

the Austrian 350's have been my favorite combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike. If you go 250F you gain in agility but loose the low to mid power while the 450F has any gear/any RPM power but "feels" much less agile. 350's are "Just Right". Between Husky/KTM on the 2022 models the 10mm lower suspension is noticeable in cornering - a little less effort entering and rolling through corners on the lower chassis....not 100% better but noticeable so perhaps a slight edge to Husky FC350? But I ride a KTM...I like orange;)

[@raw2768]

How does this bike compare to the 350? I hear the 450 is so mellow, it’s close to the 3500 but with less engine breaking..

[@mxengineer1]

The Husky FC450 is the smoothest and easiest 450 to ride - even with the aggressive throttle cam and vented airbox cover. The 350 revs to 13,000 RPM and is still pulling and with less crank inertia the "feels" more than 2 lbs lighter in motion and the engine is snappier. The 350 DOHC engine layout does have engine braking (more engine friction) and the myHusky connectivity unit can reduce the engine braking a little and free up the bike. The 450 SOHC engine layout seems to have a bit less engine braking. I own both a 350 and 450 and ride them often back to back. I used to always favor the 350 overall and they are still my favorite combination of power/weight/handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike. However the latest KTM/Husky 450's are so smooth and effortless to ride really hard to pick one over the other ( 450 or 350)

[@raw2768]

Seems like a back to back to back is in order…2022 FC250, 350, 450 lol… Another cool one, 2022 FC250 vs 2022 CRF250r. Everyone rants about the handling of both. Which is better? All the shootout guys have only back to backed the CRF250R and YZ250F Thanks for the vids tho! I’ve been watching them a lot. Also appreciate the responses.

[@mxengineer1]

@@raw2768 I like back to back rides on bikes! Really makes the unique characteristics of each bike stand out. I've not ridden a '22 FC250 yet though I did a Gas Gas '21 EX250F vs '22 CRF250R back to back which is very close....the GG won (Get on the Gas Gas!!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIaYhaqKZc2VbdE

[@raw2768]

Thank you for your videos! I decided to not go with a 250F/350F. I ended up buying a 2022 FC 450 and the connectivity unit

[@mxengineer1]

@@raw2768 Congratulations on your new FC450! I spun laps on my buddy's 22 FC450 and really like the 10mm lower suspension - really noticed it in the corners and makes the bike "feel" smaller. You are lucky to find a myHusky connectivity unit as dealers have told me they cannot even order one now.

[@Fourteeen20]

I just got a 2022 husky as well. I’m fairly sure if the traction control light is on that means the traction control is off. And when the light goes away that means it’s on.

[@mxengineer1]

Congratulations on your new Husky! Check your manual again. Traction Control is on when the TC light is on. Enjoy your new bike!

[@Fourteeen20]

@@mxengineer1 sorry I was misinformed by the dealer. Thank you!

[@mxengineer1]

@@Fourteeen20 No problem - enjoy your new bike and try out that Traction Control!

[@abdullaalmehairbi4692]

I liked husky graphics

[@PBmxer]

if u want a more "lively" bike get the ktm. husky is for us old guys who have been there and done that and now we know better. smooth is fast.

[@ShorterProblems]

Why are you talking about guy if you tune suspension to your body weight there you go smoother ride

[@PBmxer]

@@ShorterProblems i meant power delivery

[@ShorterProblems]

@@PBmxer change your sprocket then

[@PBmxer]

@@ShorterProblems or i just keep my husky stock. smoooooth...

[@mxengineer1]

Nice to have choices and the Husky is a great option. Removing the engine braking with the myHusqvarna connectivity unit helps free up the overall feel of the bike and allows for even more dialing in of the power character (smoother or more lively).

[@cuddleman]

350 is your bike 450 too much

[@mxengineer1]

My buddy has a 2022 Husky FC350 due later this month. 350's are still my favorite power/weight/handling combination in a 4-stroke....looking forward to trying out the lower chassis setting on a 350:)

[@ryansutton4292]

If prices are equal would you say that? Looking into getting first bike and don't want to have to upgrade after experience...

[@mxengineer1]

@@ryansutton4292 Yes the 350 is a great all around package and for me the best combination of power/weight/handling...yet I still usually keep a 450 around for fun:)

[@cuddleman]

@@ryansutton4292 you can't learn with a 450