MXA RACE TEST: 2025 HUSQVARNA FC450 FACTORY EDITION

Yesterday at 04:00 PM

THE GEAR:Jersey: Alpinestars Supertech, Pants: Alpinestars Supertech, Helmet: Alpinestars M10, Goggles: EKS Brand Lucid, Boots: Alpinestars Tech 10 LE..

Q: FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2025-1/2 HUSQVARNA FC450 FACTORY EDITION “NEXT YEAR’S BIKE NOW?”

A: Yes, but not because it is a ground-up redesign of the 2025 Husky FC450. Instead, it is a modestly updated 2025 FC450. Although it is called a “Factory Edition,” it is really more of a kissing cousin to the Honda CRF450 Works Edition or Kawasaki KX450 Special Racer. How so? The basic bone structure of the 2025-1/2 Husqvarna FC450 Factory Edition is a clone of the stock 2025 FC450 machine—only with bolt-on aftermarket parts.

There are very few technical changes to the 2025-1/2 Husky Factory Edition, but there are lots of aftermarket components installed to sweeten the deal. These include black-anodized, split Factory triple clamps (with adjustable 20mm/22mm offset); black-anodized Factory hubs with Takasago Excel rims; a WP holeshot device; Pro Taper handlebars; a Guts Racing seat; an FMF Factory 4.1 muffler; Rekluse clutch cover; gray ODI lock-on grips; an optional vented airbox cover; a semi-floating front brake rotor; a 2K carbon skid plate/front disc guard; a map switch that accesses two maps, QuickShift, Traction Control and Launch Control; a white powdercoated chromoly-steel frame; hybrid aluminum/polymide subframe; and Dunlop Geomax MX34 tires. The 2025-1/2 FC450 Factory Edition stands out visually with its white powdercoating and Rockstar graphics. Technically, it owns more to the 2027 bikes than to the 2024 models.

Q: WHY AREN’T THERE ANY NEW ENGINE, FRAME OR SUSPENSION COMPONENT UPDATES?

A: That’s simple! Back in 2023 and 2024, Husqvarna unveiled a totally new frame that was configured to provide increased stiffness with the goal of appealing to faster riders. Unfortunately, it was too stiff, too harsh and too unforgiving for the Vet, intermediate and local pro riders who make up the majority of Husqvarna owners. 

The groundswell of complaints about the stiff frame came as a shock to the powers that be in Mattighofen. They had been spoiled by loyal consumers and their high-paid factory riders praising everything they built. KTM’s executive officers and engineers were stung by the negative consumer complaints, critical media tests and angry internet chatter that all centered on how stiff the 2023–2024 chassis was. This blasphemy from consumers shocked the Pierer Group (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas) management. Amazingly, even though the all-new 2023–2024 models were only two years into their four-year life cycle, the Austrian firm made the radical decision to throw the 2023–2024 frames away and design a new, more forgiving, plusher, and more rider-friendly chassis for 2025. Here is how they went about making the rigid 2024 frame into a resilient 2025 frame. The 2025-1/2 Husqvarna FC450 Factory Edition is the only bike on the showroom floor that offers a different take on layout, power management and usability. It is a cutting-edge design because it focuses on stuff the other brands ignore.

Q: WHY DID THE AUSTRIAN ENGINEERS FAST-TRACK THE R&D TIMELINE?

A: The Austrians do not always adhere to the industry-wide, four-year production cycle like the Japanese brands do. But, the KTM, GasGas and Husqvarna bookkeepers prefer that they do, because the return-on investment (ROI) equation gets way out of whack when you spend a lot of money designing a new frame and suddenly want to replace it after only two model years.

The final decision on manufacturing an all-new brace of 2025 frames had to go all the way to the top brass because it was a budget buster. In a perfect world, that 2023 frame wasn’t supposed to be updated until 2027. Releasing the 2027 frame on the 2025 KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas models meant that the complete production time table was spun off of its axis. They didn’t know exactly what releasing the proposed 2027 chassis in 2025 would mean to the 2027 bikes that were now laying inert on the drafting tables. 

Factory Editions are early-release precursors of next year’s production bikes. They are “next year’s bike now!” The underlying justification for building them is to provide their American race teams with a homologated version of next year’s bike that is AMA legal this year. And, it doesn’t hurt that the limited-edition Factory Editions sell at a premium price. 

Q: HOW MUCH DOES THE 2025 HUSQVARNA FC450-1/2 FACTORY EDITION DIFFER FROM THE 2025 FC450?

A: Not very much. Why not? That’s an easy-peasy answer. When the Austrian engineers were asked to jump two model years into the future for the 2025 model, it was demanded that they use their full bag of future ideas on the 2025 production Husqvarnas. That meant a plusher frame; a forged shock tower (with large relief holes cut into both sides to help feed in a little flex); redesigned backbone plates to make the head tube area more resilient; thinner wall tubing on the central frame struts; new cast head stays with openings in them to improve front-end bite; a reshaped swingarm; and a companion chain buffer pad that maximized the anti-squat effect.

Q: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE PRODUCTION FACT ABOUT THE 2025 HUSQVARNA FC450 FACTORY EDITION?

A: The Austrians have done things their own way for the last 15 years. They managed to go from a little cottage industry in Austria to the powerhouse producer of the most advanced motocross bikes ever made. As a rule, they don’t make changes just to satisfy the whims of dealers, consumers or the press. They have always called all the shots—until the frame snafu of 2023 happened.

The executive officers and engineers were stung by the flood of negative consumer complaints, critical media tests, and angry internet chatter about how stiff the 2023–2024 chassis was. Worst of all, their beloved factory racers were leading the chorus of boos about the on-track feel of the 2023–2024 frames. As a result, the 2025 Husqvarna FC450 is actually in the showrooms two years earlier than originally planned. That is a very bold move! 

Q: WHY DOESN’T THE 2025-1/2 HUSQVARNA FC450 FACTORY EDITION HAVE SHORTENED SUSPENSION?

A: Husqvarna was the first manufacturer to come to the realization that with each passing year its bikes were getting taller and taller, but the riders weren’t. The increased seat height wreaked havoc on rider equilibrium. It took more energy to get the taller bikes to turn. Thanks to higher centers of gravity, the bikes felt tippy. So, Husqvarna decided to shorten its suspension travel and bring the chassis down approximately 1 inch. 

Paradoxically, it should be noted that the 2025-1/2 Husky Factory Edition does not have shortened suspension. Why not? Because in light of the accelerated production schedule of the Factory Editions, the factory had to start ramping up the special components for the assembly line back in November. In order to speed up assembly of a minimum of 400 sets of suspension for each brand’s 250 and 450 models, WP had to abandon the idea of building 800 sets of unique Husqvarna forks and shocks, and then doing the same thing for GasGas and KTM. To save time and energy, WP decided to choose one suspension spec and build 2400 sets for the Factory Edition assembly line. That means that whether it is a GasGas MC250/450 Factory Edition, Husqvarna FC250/FC450 Factory Edition or a KTM 250SXF/450SXF, they all get the production KTM-spec suspension components. 

Q: HOW DOES THE 2025-1/2 HUSQVARNA FC450 FACTORY EDITION RUN ON THE TRACK?

A: The Husqvarna FC450 engine delivers one long, churning, locomotive style of power. It builds at an unbelievably progressive rate from 5000 rpm to its peak at 9400 rpm. It’s strong on the bottom, stronger in the middle, and strongest on top. It makes an impressive 60.1 horsepower at peak. It was the only 2025 engine to crack the 60-horsepower barrier; however, unlike a lot of fast bikes, the 2025 Husqvarna FC450 remains supremely manageable whether you are tapped out in fifth or working your way through the tight twisties in third. Torquey, broad, powerful and fun are the watchwords of the 2025 Husqvarna FC450.

Q: HOW DOES THE 2025-1/2 HUSQVARNA FC450 FACTORY EDITION HANDLE?

A: Every MXA test rider raves about how the 2025 Husqvarna FC450 feels in motion. It is definitely an improvement over the stiff 2024 frame. Plus, it did not take 10 hours of break-in time to get the frame to feel comfortable. 

As far as the whole 2025 crop of motocross bikes goes, they are generally examples of the “give to get” philosophy of frame design. The 2024 Yamahas, Kawasakis, Hondas and Suzukis have all sacrificed stability at speed for the ability to turn tight. The result is that these bikes suffer head-shake at speed and a touch of oversteer in the corners. These manufacturers focused on cornering prowess at the expense of straight-line stability.

The 2025 Husqvarna FC450 made no such compromises and is the best all-around-handling bike on the track (aided in no small part by the lowered suspension). It is accurate in corners, laser-guided down straights, and doesn’t suffer from any chronic tendencies to over-steer in tight stuff or shake over rough ground. However, the Husqvarna Factory Editions don’t get the benefit of lowered suspension.

It is no secret that the Austrian upper-management team wants each of its brands to have a different power profile, but they don’t want to invest in making stand-alone Husqvarna or GasGas engines. To get around the dollar barrier, they simply cut down on the air intake of each brand.

Q: WHAT DID WE HATE?

A: The hate list:

(1) Start/stop buttons. If you don’t like having the kill button on the right side of the handlebars, Nihilo Concepts makes separate start and stop buttons that retrofit so you can put the kill button back on the left side.

(2) Chain slack. Be forewarned, you need close to 65mm of chain slack. That translates into four fingers under the chain at the back of the buffer pad. Yes, we know that you have always used three fingers to check your chain tension, but on the 2023–2025 KTM, Husky and GasGas models, you need to use four fingers. The chain is not right if it doesn’t look too loose. 

(3) Finding neutral. Getting the transmission into neutral on the starting line is very hard. It resists being snicked into gear. Our solution is to rev the engine with the clutch pulled in, and when the rpm peaks, we shift into neutral as the rpm drop.

(4) Radiator cap. The plastic radiator cap is a pain to remove. Nihilo Concepts makes a removal tool to make it easier.

(5) Spokes. Husky’s spokes come loose all the time. If you can’t check all the spokes, be sure to check the spokes closest to the rear rim lock; if those spokes are loose, you need to tighten all the spokes.

(6) Shock clicker access. It’s nice that you don’t need tools to adjust the high- and low-speed compression clickers, but you do need to be able to get to them. Kiska, who designs the Husqvarna, GasGas and KTM bodywork, has made a habit of flubbing the design of the right-side shroud. We recommend using a hole-saw drill bit to cut a circular opening in the side panel to give you access to the high- and low-speed clickers.

You could make the 2025-1/2 Husqvarna FC450 Factory Edition engine as responsive as its KTM brother with a vented airbox cover, remapped ignition and complete aftermarket exhaust pipe.

The shock linkage on the 2025-1/2 Husqvarna FC450 Factory Edition isn’t an OEM Husqvarna part. It is a KTM linkage which in shorter and keep the rear end higher instead of lower like with the Husky linkage.

Q: WHAT DID WE LIKE?

A: The like list:

(1) Brakes. The front brake on a Husky is not only powerful but has an incredible range of modulation. It allows for one-finger stopping.

(2) Shock collar. WP’s latest shock collar is much easier to use and more durable than it was in the past.

(3) Vented airbox cover. You get two airbox covers when you buy a Husqvarna: a stock cover and an optional vented cover. MXA test riders always prefer the vented cover, except on dusty or wet tracks.

(4) QuickShift. For 2025, there are two different QuickShift reaction speeds: one for upshifts through third gear and one for upshifts from fourth to fifth gear, log into the Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) with a smart phone to access them.

(5) Radiator shrouds. The new radiator shrouds aren’t as pointy as the 2023–’24 shrouds. They curve inward at the tips to keep them out of the way. The overall effect is that the bodywork feels narrower at your knees.

(6) Brake pedal. The brake-pedal tip on previous models could easily be crushed in a collision with another bike or by the ground. For 2025, the brake pedal is stronger and the brake-pedal tip has been reinforced.

(7) Maps. It’s nice to be able to adjust throttle respone and engine braking with the wifi-connectivity CUO unit.

The Husqvarna FC450 Factory Edition map switch houses two map switches and buttons for Traction Control (TC), Launch Control and QuickShift. It can be remapped and complemented by the GPS-controlled LitPro system.

Q: WHAT DO WE REALLY THINK?

A:MXA has always expressed a desire for the three Austrian brands to differentiate themselves from each other. Of course, the Pierer Mobility Group prefers to keep them nearly the same, because that is what makes platform sharing a money-saving concept. The 2025 Husqvarna FC450 is different enough from its KTM and GasGas brothers to deserve praise—not just for how well it performs, but because it is the only 450cc motocross bike that is low enough to suit short riders without frustrating tall riders. This is not so on the 2025-1/2 Husqvarna FC450 Factory Edition.

The post MXA RACE TEST: 2025 HUSQVARNA FC450 FACTORY EDITION appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.