Husqvarna reveals 2023 FC 450 Rockstar Edition dirt bike

Husqvarna has launched its ‘factory edition’ 450 motocross bike, with the 2023 FC 450 Rockstar Edition being announced this week. 

Yesterday (6 December 2022), Husqvarna became the last of the three Pierer Mobility Group manufacturers to launch their ‘factory edition’ motocross range. Like KTM, and unlike GasGas, there is only one model, and unlike both of its fellow PMG factories its bike is not called the ‘factory edition’.

Husqvarna sticks with its sponsor name for the ‘factory edition’ 450 motocross bike for 2023, that being Rockstar Energy, for the FC 450 Rockstar Edition. From that it should be relatively straightforward to tell that this bike will not be arriving outside the US, since the World Championship Husqvarna team dropped the Rockstar sponsorship in 2022 when it switched from the Ice One team to the Standing Construct team. 

Graphically, the bike takes its design of course from the factory AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Husqvarna team, and specifically that of Malcolm Stewart, who is surely favourite among those riders who have not yet secured a 450SX win to get it done in 2023. The #27 was close on many occasions in 2022.

As for the 2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition itself, the bike shares the same single-cylinder SOHC engine as the recently revealed 2023 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition and 2023 GasGas MC 450 Factory Edition, which if the performance figures of the KTM is anything to go by should mean something in the range of 68 horsepower. 

There are also two selectable engine maps, traction control, launch control, and a quickshifter which can be disabled. 

Unsurprisingly, Husqvarna source the suspension from WP, who provide 48mm Xact AER forks, while the bike differs from the KTM in that the tailpipe comes from FMF, rather than Akrapovic, since the former is the supplier to the Swedish factory’s works AMA team. 

2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition Technical Highlights:

• New Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphic

• New Factory Racing wheel set with EXCEL Takasago rims and black anodised CNC machined hubs

• New FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer
• New 2K Carbon composite skid plate for extended engine and frame protection
• New 2K Carbon composite front brake disc guard for added protection
• Updated suspension settings for improved balance and comfort
• Bodywork designed to encourage easier rider movement on the motorcycle
• Hydro-formed chromium molybdenum frame for improved anti-squat behaviour
• Die-cast aluminium swingarm provides strength and flex at a low weight
• 450cc SOHC engine provides class-leading performance
• Quickshift functionality ensures seamless up-shifting
• High-performance Brembo hydraulic clutch system
• Aluminium-polyamide hybrid subframe construction provides specifically calculated rigidity and advanced durability
• WP XACT 48 mm front forks with AER technology offer more progressive end-of-stroke damping
• WP XACT rear shock designed with CFD optimised main piston and tool-free adjusters
• Multifunctional map switch which activates the Quickshifter, traction control, and launch control
• Factory Racing CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20 – 22 mm]
• Pre-installed Factory start device
• Soft, grey ODI lock-on grips for comfort
• GUTS Factory Racing high-grip seat cover
• Premium-quality ProTaper handlebar and bar pad
• Electric starter powered by a lightweight Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery

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