Husaberg 2010 FX 450 First Ride

Posted October 22, 2009 - 2:37pm by vsliker

 

Finally, Motorcycle USA has posted the Husaberg 2010 FX 450 First Ride Review.  I've been waiting for this moment a long time.  So I eagerly watched the video (maybe a few times) and read the article.  I posted the video to our front page, but I can't disable the auto sound, sorry.  I'll get some tech help on that.  So... for now... mute it yourself your second, third or fourth time around.

The bike.  Chilly White reports it is not quite all he was hoping for, but it's pretty darn close.  A little racier than the 09 FE model, not much for the MX scene, but very much an Enduro bike.   Highlights of White and Fahringer's ride impressions:

  • Firmer suspension; it tracks straight, rides smooth and resist bottoming.
  • New 22mm offset triple clamps give a settled feel at speed, but may have slowed steering down a fraction and taken some of the feel away from the front tire.  It may feel slightly less planted in the corner, but will now steer a little with the rear wheel.
  • New FX gearbox is great. (close-ratio six-speed transmission) Improved placement of the first gear and cog spacing allows more forgiveness on gear selection so you can keep the rpm range you want without looking like an idiot stabbing the clutch.
  • Three-position ignition mapping still requires the accessory switch to change settings and needs two hands to manipulate.  A simpler mapping switch that would allow an on-the-fly adjustable would be nice, but it still beats having to make jetting changes.
  • 19" real wheel instead of the more common enduro friendly 18".
  • Magura hydraulic clutch has the nice folding lever and great feel.
  • Chassis feels narrow and compact, the header tucks in tightly and everything down low is out of harm's way.

 

White's summary:  "For someone looking for a race bike, the FX provides some nice upgrades, particularly in the closed chamber fork that now shows a definite advantage over the conventional model.  Pencil in the additional power and close ratio transmission and this adds up to an intelligently designed performance package."

Check out the review here.  Snuggled next to it is a great interview with Nick Fahringer, giving his impression of the FX 450.  A great read.