For the first time since 2019, Husqvarna’s full-size motocross and cross-country lineup has been given a complete overhaul. Atop the Austrian brand’s off-road competition model heap is the FX 450, which is campaigned by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Austin Walton in the AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) and AMA West Hare Scramble (WHS) series, as well as his teammate Dalton Shirey in NGPC and AMA Hare & Hound. Let’s dive into what’s new on the 2023 Husqvarna FX 450.
Husqvarna’s FX 450 shares much in common with the FC 450 motocrosser, including being given a complete overhaul for 2023.Jeff Allen
One of the biggest differences between the Austrian brand’s off-road competition (TX and FX) and full-size motocross (TC and FC) lineup is suspension. Both feature WP’s Xact 48mm air fork and Xact shock, but the moto-focused models are spec’d with a 10mm lower suspension setup.Jeff Allen
Partially hidden behind the 2.25-gallon tank is a fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC 450cc four-stroke engine that, according to Husqvarna, weighs 59 pounds.Jeff Allen
On our in-house dyno, the FX 450 engine pumped out 53.3 hp at 10,400 rpm and 32.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm.Jeff Allen
At time of writing, Husqvarna’s quickshift (QS) function is reserved for its four-stroke engines with five-speed gearboxes, which means the FX 450 is the only cross-country model to have it.Jeff Allen
Because it’s designed for closed-course competition, the FX 450 muffler doesn’t come with a spark arrestor.Jeff Allen
WP’s Xact 48mm air fork is the same component found on prior generation (2019–2022) TX and FX models, but is equipped with updated internals to match the all-new chassis.Jeff Allen
Toolless damping adjustability is a convenient feature of the new WP Xact shock.Mark Kariya
A completely new double cradle chromoly steel frame is a contributor to the FX 450’s three-pound weight increase. It hits the Dirt Rider digital scales at 243 pounds wet.Jeff Allen
Previous iterations of the FX 450 featured a composite carbon-fiber subframe, but the 2023 model uses a hybrid 40 percent aluminum/60 percent polyamide component that was first seen on last year’s FC 450 Rockstar Edition.Mark Kariya
According to Husqvarna, the new hollow die-cast-aluminum swingarm weighs 0.4-pound less than the outgoing unit. Rear axle diameter has been decreased from 25mm to 22mm. Also, rear sprocket size is four teeth larger (up from 48 to 52).Jeff Allen
Footpegs with 27 percent more contact area are positioned further inward.Jeff Allen
Husqvarna now specs a skid plate on its TX and FX models, which is made of polyamide composite.Jeff Allen
DeCal Works supplies the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing off-road team with graphics, so it came as no surprise our number plate backgrounds lined up perfectly.Jeff Allen
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